PBS NewsHour showcases Reveal reporter Aaron Glantz’s investigation into how the University of Phoenix – the school that receives the largest share of GI Bill money – has sidestepped an executive order banning deceptive and aggressive recruiting practices by for-profit colleges.
Category: Education
The GI Bill was intended to give veterans a leg up, but billions of dollars have been hijacked by for-profit colleges.
Posted inBenefits, Education, Returning Home to Battle
Senators seek investigation of GI Bill funds at unaccredited schools
Eight U.S. senators are demanding that the Department of Veterans Affairs launch an inquiry into revelations that GI Bill tuition subsidies have flowed to questionable unaccredited schools.
Posted inEducation, Returning Home to Battle
GI Bill pays for unaccredited sex, Bible and massage schools
The GI Bill does not require schools to be accredited. The loophole is meant to allow veterans to attend trade schools, but Reveal has found 2,000 schools cashing in, including ones that teach scuba diving, dog grooming and yoga.
Posted inEducation, Returning Home to Battle
University of Phoenix sidesteps Obama order on recruiting veterans
In 2012, President Barack Obama banned deceptive and aggressive recruiting tactics by for-profit colleges, so the University of Phoenix instead sponsors events at military bases to woo veterans – and their GI Bill money – to its educational programs.
VA lags in addressing complaints against colleges using GI Bill funds
Since January, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has received thousands of complaints against various schools but has completed a review of only 324 of them, according to an internal agency document.
Taxpayer funds are lifeline for more than 100 for-profit schools
A never-released federal audit finds dozens of colleges are so dependent on taxpayer money that they would be violating a law designed to prevent profiteering, if not for a loophole.
California lawmakers approve stripped-down reform for GI Bill funding
California lawmakers unanimously approved legislation designed to prevent for-profit schools from preying on veterans at taxpayer expense – but not before the bill’s author removed most of its significant provisions.
VA overturns veteran enrollment ban on University of Phoenix programs
Citing new information, the federal agency lifted restrictions put in place after California regulators audited the for-profit school’s San Diego campus.
GI Bill loophole keeps 4 major for-profit educators from violating law
The parent companies of the University of Phoenix and Art Institutes chains, as well as ITT Tech and Strayer University would be at risk of losing all federal funding if not for the exemption, according to a Senate report.
University of Phoenix barred from enrolling veterans in 7 programs
California auditors find popular academic programs at the for-profit school’s San Diego campus violate restrictions for GI Bill funding.