School Profile

Blue Cliff College is committed to using its human and physical resources to provide services facilitating personal growth, professional development and a sense of responsibility to our students.

The primary purpose of Blue Cliff College is developing a high level of competency, which is accomplished through the pursuit, assimilation, and dissemination of knowledge in academic programs.

The most compelling purpose of the college is to prepare the students to function proficiently in a competitive society in the career of their choice and to create within them an awareness of professional and social responsibilities along with an appreciation of principles of ethical conduct

Institutional Philosophy

"Our Philosophy is to inspire students to strive for excellence and to achieve maximum personal potential."

Blue Cliff encourages each student to aspire to the best he or she can be in academic, business, social, professional, and personal endeavors. Whatever the academic interest, we strive to provide the best education possible. Our emphasis on curriculum, low student- teacher ratio and practical experience will ensure that the Blue Cliff graduate has been meticulously prepared.

The College: Past and Present

Blue Cliff College was founded in 1987 with the goal of becoming one of the most respected and innovative Massage Therapy training centers in the nation.  In June of 1989, the College received its Proprietary School License.  In 1998, the College was proud to receive accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).  The first Blue Cliff campus location was in New Orleans and campuses were soon established in Lafayette and Shreveport, Louisiana, Gulfport, Mississippi and in 2007 a new campus in Alexandria Louisiana. In 2000, Blue Cliff College - Gulfport became an ACCSCT-accredited Massage Therapy school in Mississippi. 

In August of 1999, Education Management, Inc. (EMI) purchased the Blue Cliff College system. In 2005 a campus was opened in Houma, Louisiana as a branch of Blue Cliff College-Metairie.  Also in 2005, EMI added the White River School of Massage (later renamed Blue Cliff College) in Fayetteville, Arkansas to its family of career schools as a branch of Blue Cliff College-Shreveport. 

In 2005 Blue Cliff College began the process of program diversification, to include such programs as Medical Assisting, and Criminal Justice.

In 2008 EMI was acquired by Quad Partners.

Blue Cliff College has a history of offering community service to cities in our communities.  Some events the College has participated in include:  the Crescent City Classic 10K race and the Cajunman Triathlon, Tulane and Nicholls State Universities athletic programs and the Mardi Gras Marathon.  The College also participates in various hospital health fairs such as Oschner’s Medical Foundation.

The institution reflects a commitment to academic and hands-on excellence in all training programs offered at Blue Cliff College. 

Campus Locations

Admissions

In keeping with the Blue Cliff College philosophy, Blue Cliff College has a personalized admission and enrollment policy. Blue Cliff College encourages prospective students to tour the College and explore the employment options available to our graduates. Previous academic experience is a large, but not the only, factor in evaluating applicants. Blue Cliff College seeks applicants who have demonstrated the desire to learn and succeed. All students exhibiting these characteristics will be considered for admission. Admission to a particular program may be governed by different standards. If requirements do differ, they are listed in the section of the catalog where that program is described.

Admissions Requirements

1. To enroll at any Blue Cliff College, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Undergo an interview with an Admissions Representative to asses the applicant’s understanding of, and interest in, the program and his or her ability to complete.
4. Demonstrate the availability of financial resources (including financial aid) for meeting tuition obligations.

Programs / Majors

Financial Aid

Our Financial Aid staff is committed to helping every student find a financial plan that works for them. Whether you are paying in cash or applying for student loans or grants, we’ve helped many students just like you. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

Blue Cliff College can also finance a portion of the program tuition for qualified students. A variety of financial plans are available, depending on the length of the chosen program and the amount of the student’s initial payment. Blue Cliff College participates in the following Federal Financial Aid Programs:

Federal Pell Grant

Federally funded grants are awarded to those who qualify. Students use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply and should submit the application to the Financial Aid Office at the College.

Federal Stafford Student Loan (subsidized)

This is a loan for students enrolled at least half time. No principal or interest payments are required until six months after the student graduates or withdraws from the College. The loan carries a variable interest rate capped at 8.25 percent. Students must complete a needs analysis that shows demonstrated need, and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students use the FAFSA to apply and should submit the application to the Financial Aid Office at the College.

Federal Stafford Student Loan (unsubsidized)

These loans enable students who do not qualify for interest subsidies to obtain a student loan. A FAFSA must be filed to establish eligibility. The interest rate is variable up to a maximum of 8.25%. The interest is paid by the student or deferred while the student is in college.

Federal Parent Plus Loan

This long-term variable interest rate loan is capped at a maximum of 9 percent, and is available to parents of dependent students. Repayment begins within 60 days after final disbursement of the loan. Students use the Federal Plus Loan Application form to apply and should submit the application to the Financial Aid Office at the College.

Federal Consolidation Loans

Students who have educational loans may apply for a consolidation loan upon graduation or withdrawal from the College. Information regarding Consolidation Loans will be provided during your exit interview. If you have questions prior to the exit interview, contact the College’s Financial Aid Office at 1-800-975-5405.

The College also is eligible to participate in other financial aid assistance programs. These are the Workforce Investment Act, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the State Vocational Rehabilitation services. Students who are interested in these programs should contact these agencies directly to see if they qualify. Contact information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Accreditation

Blue Cliff is an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. In Louisiana, The Louisiana Board of Regents licenses the college. In Mississippi, our Gulfport campus maintains a license with The State of Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration. Blue Cliff Campuses in Mississippi and Louisiana are approved by the Department of Education to provide Title IV Federal Aid to qualified applicants in various programs. Each location may have a different combination of accreditations and approvals.

Approvals and Organizations of Affiliation:

• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
• Louisiana Department of Education Proprietary School Commission
• US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
• Workforce Investment Action
• Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration.
• U.S. Department of Education to participate in Title IV Federal Financial Aid Programs
• Louisiana State Board of Massage: approved as a Continuing Education Provider.
• American Massage Therapy Association, Council Schools
• American Oriental Bodywork Therapy and Association

Documents relating to accreditation and memberships can be reviewed by contacting school directors.

We strive to improve and add to our approvals and accreditations.