The for-profit college chain ITT Educational Services is shutting down its campuses days after the U.S. Department of Education banned it from enrolling new students who use federal financial aid.
[READ: Letter to ITT students]
The company, which operates vocational schools, announced "with profound regret" in a statement Tuesday that it is ending academic operations at all of its more than 130 campuses across 38 states.
In Lake Mary, several students searching for answers showed up to the now closed campus.
"I'm devastated, absolutely devastated. Two years just down the drain," said nursing student Sherri Montanez.
The company, based in Carmel, Indiana, says its move will have an impact on hundreds of thousands of students and alumni as well as more than 8,000 employees.
"My concern is, where do I go from here? What are our options at this point?" said Montanez.
ITT Educational Services says it was forced to take the action after the U.S. Department of Education issued sanctions Aug. 25, including a ban on enrolling new students who rely on federal financial aid.
In a statement, the company said it will focus remaining staff to help displaced students with their records and future educational options.