By Council of Better Business Bureaus and Better Business Bureau Serving Metro New York

February 28, 2016



BBB ratings are dynamic and are based on an algorithm that takes into consideration a wide range of marketplace issues. All 5.3 million BBB Business Reviews include a link to an overview that explains how ratings are developed.

BBB Serving Metro New York maintains the BBB Business Review on the Trump Entrepreneur Initiative (formerly Trump University). Over the years, the company’s BBB rating has fluctuated between an A+ and a D-. At this time, the status is “No Rating” because the company is believed to be out of business. Current information is reflected in the BBB Business Review, which is available online.

UPDATE March 4, 2016

A video released by Independent Journal implies that BBB sent a fax in the middle of last night’s Republican debate, which we did not. The BBB Business Review of Trump Entrepreneur Initiative (formerly Trump University) has shown “No Rating” continually since September 2015. The photo tweeted out after the debate last night did not show the current BBB Business Review or the current rating. Consumers should always check bbb.org to get the latest rating and other important information about any business.

UPDATE March 8, 2016

Over the past week, Better Business Bureau has provided several statements in response to public inquiries about the BBB Business Review for Trump Entrepreneur Initiative (formerly Trump University). These statements remain available on our website. We are issuing a further statement today, in response to a number of inaccurate reports that continue to be repeated.

For purposes of this statement, we will refer to Trump University, which is how it is most often referred to in news stories. There is only one BBB Business Review for Trump University, and we noted the name change to Trump Entrepreneur Initiative when it was brought to our attention by the company.

1. BBB did not send a document of any kind to the Republican debate site last Thursday evening. The document presented to debate moderators did not come from BBB that night.

2. Trump University does not currently have an A rating with BBB. The BBB Business Review for this company has continually been “No Rating” since September 2015. Prior to that, it fluctuated between D- and A+.

3. The document posted on social media on Thursday night was not a current BBB Business Review of Trump University. It appeared to be part of a Business Review from 2014.

4. BBB ratings are based on information we obtain about a business, including complaints received from the public. The reporting period is three years. Detailed information about BBB ratings is available on all 5.3 million Business Reviews on our website, bbb.org.

5. At no point did BBB change the rating of Trump University based upon a demand from anyone. BBB followed its standard evaluation process applicable to all businesses.

6. During the period when Trump University appeared to be active in the marketplace, BBB received multiple customer complaints about this business. These complaints affected the Trump University BBB rating, which was as low as D- in 2010. As the company appeared to be winding down, after 2013, no new complaints were reported. Complaints over three years old automatically rolled off of the Business Review, according to BBB policy. As a result, over time, Trump University’s BBB rating went to an A in July 2014 and then to an A+ in January 2015.

7. Trump University has never been a BBB Accredited Business. The document handed to the debate moderators on Thursday night could not have been an actual “Better Business Bureau accreditation notice” for this business.

To be accredited, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB Accreditation Standards which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.

BBB publishes ratings for both Accredited and non-Accredited businesses when we have sufficient information and the business continues to operate. While a business may earn an A rating from BBB by improving its customer record over time, BBB Accredited Businesses must meet higher requirements. Businesses must first earn a high rating and confirm compliance with other BBB Accreditation Standards before being eligible for Accreditation. Once Accredited, they are vetted annually and must maintain compliance with the Standards to continue as a BBB Accredited Business.