March 12, 2020
VA to Suspend GI Bill Eligibility at Five Institutions of Higher Education
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to suspend the disbursement of GI Bill benefits to five colleges and universities due to erroneous, deceptive, or misleading practices related to advertising, sales, or student enrollment practices.
The five institutions – the University of Phoenix, Colorado Technical University, American InterContinental University, Bellevue University, and Temple University – will have 60 days to take corrective action before the VA suspends GI Bill eligibility. However, in its announcement, the VA noted that a State Approving Agency may also take independent action to enforce additional sanctions or penalties on the affected institutions.
The VA’s finding will not impact the GI Bill benefits of students who are currently enrolled and remain continuously enrolled in an academic program of study at one of the five institutions.
The decision has largely been cheered by veterans’ higher education advocates, many of whom have pushed the VA to hold institutions who mislead veterans accountable for such unfair and deceptive practices. It is unclear at this time whether the VA, Federal Trade Commission, or State Attorneys General are investigating additional cases.
The five institutions – the University of Phoenix, Colorado Technical University, American InterContinental University, Bellevue University, and Temple University – will have 60 days to take corrective action before the VA suspends GI Bill eligibility. However, in its announcement, the VA noted that a State Approving Agency may also take independent action to enforce additional sanctions or penalties on the affected institutions.
The VA’s finding will not impact the GI Bill benefits of students who are currently enrolled and remain continuously enrolled in an academic program of study at one of the five institutions.
The decision has largely been cheered by veterans’ higher education advocates, many of whom have pushed the VA to hold institutions who mislead veterans accountable for such unfair and deceptive practices. It is unclear at this time whether the VA, Federal Trade Commission, or State Attorneys General are investigating additional cases.