Everest University is an American private university based in Florida. Since 2015, it has been operated by nonprofit Zenith Education Group, since former for-profit owner Corinthian Colleges had to shut down its operations. It was founded in 1940 as Fort Lauderdale College of Business and Finance and later known as the Florida Metropolitan University, a name it held until 2007.Part of the Everest College group with dozens of campuses throughout the United States, the Florida-based university also offers online courses for students throughout the country. Programs focus on career orientation, offering day, night, weekend and online programs for working adults, with programs and schedules varying by campus.HistoryFounded as Fort Lauderdale College of Business and Finance in 1940, the College was renamed Fort Lauderdale College in 1976. Another name change created the Florida Metropolitan University, with the final name change to Everest University.Operation by Corinthian CollegesIn 2006, an arbitration process ruled in favor of FMU/Everest and a lawsuit regarding transfer of credits dating to 2004 was dismissed.In August 2007, an investigation of company practices was closed by the State of Florida with no fines, penalties, or finding of wrongdoing. The investigation inquired into FMU's "advertising, marketing and business practices related to the sale of educational services to Florida Residents." The resulting assurance of voluntary compliance between FMU and the Florida Office of the Attorney General indicated that FMU would pay $99,900 to the Office of the Attorney General for its investigation and in contributions to various consumer education purposes. It indicated that FMU would "modify" its pre-enrollment documents to include "Clear and Conspicuous" language regarding credit transfer, its refund policy, and its tuition costs, among other stipulations that, in part, serve to "better train" its teaching personnel to meet certain student needs. The Assurance of Voluntary Compliance found that FMU/Everest participates in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System to facilitate the transfer of eligible credits to other institutions. Everest University's previous parent company, Corinthian Colleges, is currently being sued by the state of California for "false and predatory advertising, intentional misrepresentations to students, securities fraud and unlawful use of military seals in advertisements."
