Our Letter to the Department of Education Re: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
December 5, 2024 Herman Bounds, Director, Accreditation Group U.S. Department of Education Via email: [email protected] RE: Written Comments - Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges Dear Director Bounds, We write in response to the [...]
Veterans & Military Service Organizations’ Letter to Congress Regarding the College Cost Reduction Act and 90/10 Loophole
December 5, 2024 The Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C., 20515 The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C., 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker and Mr. Minority Leader, [...]
Our letter to California Institute of Applied Technology’s Accreditor
November 15, 2024 Res Helfer, Executive Director Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training 1722 N St NW Washington, DC 20036 Via email RE: California Institute of Arts & Technology (1643), Albuquerque, NM (vocational/non-title IV) [...]
Our Letter to MyComputerCareer’s Accreditor
November 15, 2024 Res Helfer, Executive Director Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training 1722 N St NW Washington, DC 20036 Via email RE: MyComputerCareer.edu and MyComputerCareer (1193), Columbus, OH (vocational/title IV); MyComputerCareer.edu and MyComputerCareer [...]
Coalition letter on OPMs
November 13, 2024 The Honorable James Kvaal Under Secretary United States Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, D.C. 20202 Dear Under Secretary Kvaal, We write as a coalition of organizations representing students, consumers, [...]
Our Letter to DeVry’s Accreditor
November 4, 2024 Third-Party Comment on DeVry University Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 RE: Third-Party Comment on DeVry University Dear Sir or Madam, We are writing to provide [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Education Regarding EDMC Schools
October 30, 2024 The Honorable Miguel Cardona Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Secretary Cardona, We write to urge you to use your authority to help student veterans [...]
Veterans face hidden dangers in online learning By Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2024-10-15/veterans-face-dangers-online-learning-15516752.html Source – Stars and Stripes
"As veterans transition from military service to civilian life, higher education is the most common steppingstone to new career opportunities. The GI Bill and other educational benefits are designed to support this transition, offering veterans [...]
A new bill aims to make defrauded GI Bill vets whole again. Will it?
"Of the 17,918 GI Bill-approved schools, 809 have such warnings, according to VA data. A dozen have reached settlements with the FTC. Hubbard said that if the VA stopped approving schools with these warnings, a significant [...]
Our Letter to the OMB Regarding VA’s GI Bill School Feedback Tool
September 20, 2024 Via electronic submission Re: GI Bill® School Feedback Tool, No Form, OMB Control No. 2900-0797, Document Number 2024-18723 Dear Sir/Madam: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the collection of information [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Education Regarding Perdoceo (formerly CEC) Schools
September 19, 2024 The Honorable Miguel Cardona Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Secretary Cardona, I write to urge you to use your authority to protect student veterans, [...]
Our Letter to VA, With Recommendations for Helping Student Veterans, Following June 2024 Meeting
August 13, 2024 Mr. John Boerstler Chief Veterans Experience Officer Veterans Experience Office U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20420 Mr. Joseph Garcia Director, Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration U.S. [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding the GI Bill® School Feedback Tool
August 15, 2024 Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington, DC 20420 Via electronic submission Re: GI Bill® School Feedback Tool, No Form, OMB Control No. 2900-0797, Document Number 2024-13219 [...]
In-Depth Study of Post-9/11 GI Bill Finds Better Completion Rates and Higher Earnings for Veterans at Nonprofit and Public (especially Flagship) Postsecondary Institutions than at For-Profit Schools and Lower Earnings for Those Who Skip Their GI Bill
Embargoed until July 10, 2024, at Noon (ET) For more information, contact: Dana Tofig, American Institutes for Research, [email protected] Julie Iriondo, U.S. Census Bureau, [email protected] Washington, DC – (July 10, 2024) Two reports released today provide new evidence [...]
‘Duped’: Students of UA’s new online college can’t get jobs, say school misled them on value of degrees
"“The unbelievable thing is that a public institution is willing to risk its reputation and engage in this kind of practice just for the sake of generating revenue,” Barmak Nassirian said about UA’s decision to [...]
Letter to ED Supporting the Implementation of Financial Value Transparency Requirements:
June 17, 2024 Stephanie Valentine PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW [...]
Coalition Letter to the Department of Education on Automatic Textbook Billing
June 12, 2024 The Honorable Miguel Cardona Secretary U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202 Dear Secretary Cardona: The undersigned organizations representing a broad coalition of student, taxpayer, anti-monopoly, and civil [...]
Nextgov/FCW: IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel details his hefty tech to-do list
"Low employment rates for participants William Hubbard, the vice president for veterans and military policy at the advocacy group Veterans Education Success, played an important role in the creation of the VET-TEC program. While still [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Education on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
May 20, 2024 Dr. Herman Bounds Director, Accreditation Group Office of Postsecondary Education U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Re: Written comments: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 89 FR [...]
Our Letter to Congress on the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
Representative Mike Bost, Chairman House Committee on Veterans' Affairs 364 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20003 Representative Juan Ciscomani 1429 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Bost and Representative Ciscomani, We [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Proposed New Application for Education Benefit Restoration Due to School Closure, Program Suspension or Withdrawal
May 3, 2024 Nancy J. Kessinger VA Forms Manager Veterans Benefits Administration Department of Veterans Affairs Via email Re: OMB Control No. 2900-0859 (VA Form 22-0989)--Open for Public Comments Dear Ms. Kessinger, Thank you for [...]
Military.com: Veterans Scammed Out of GI Bill Benefits Could Get Benefits Restored Under House-Passed Bill
""We are pleased that the House of Representatives took an important first step today in providing the secretary of Veterans Affairs with the authority to restore the GI Bill for student veterans who have been [...]
Our Statement on House Passage of HR 1767 to Restore GI Bill Benefits to Defrauded Veterans
For Immediate Release April 30, 2024 Statement on HR 1767 “We are pleased that the House of Representatives took an important first step today in providing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with the authority to restore [...]
Our Press Release: Legal Expert and Student Veterans Available for Interviews: Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] LEGAL EXPERT AND STUDENT VETERANS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake [...]
Our Press Release: Progress in the Fight Against GI Bill Fraud & Scam Schools
Contact; Ana Cobian (323)360-1827 [email protected] INDEPENDENCE DAY— GOOD NEWS HOOK PROGRESS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GI BILL FRAUD & SCAM SCHOOLS Fourth of July Good News: As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, there is some [...]
Our Press Release: Supreme Court Affirms Veterans’ Right to Use Earned GI Bill Benefits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – STATEMENT Contact: Will Hubbard (703) 379-3822 [email protected] Veterans Earned the Right to Use Their Hard-Earned Educational Benefits Supreme Court Announces Opinion Declaring Right of Veterans To Access Education Benefits Already Earned, [...]
Inside Higher Ed: ‘Catastrophic Success’ Threatens Army Education Benefits
"Will Hubbard, vice president for veterans and military policy at Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group that works to protect federal military and veteran education benefits, said his organization recognizes the Army’s “very real” budgetary [...]
Our Letter to American InterContinental University System’s Accreditor
April 12, 2024 Third-Party Comment on American InterContinental University System Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411 RE: Third Party Comment on American InterContinental University System Dear Sir or Madam, [...]
Veterans Earned the Right to Use Their Hard-Earned Educational Benefits: Supreme Court Announces Opinion Declaring Right of Veterans To Access Education Benefits Already Earned, which VA Deemed As Double-Dipping
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – STATEMENT Contact: Will Hubbard (703) 379-3822 [email protected] Veterans Earned the Right to Use Their Hard-Earned Educational Benefits Supreme Court Announces Opinion Declaring Right of Veterans To Access Education Benefits Already Earned, [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Matthew C. Testimony to the Department of Education, March 2024
Good afternoon, my name is Matthew. I feel duty-bound to share my experience at Sonoran Desert Institute to help other veterans. After I got out of the Army, I first attended a Community College near [...]
VBA Acknowledgement Letter for FOIA regarding independent study rule
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Benefits Administration Washington, D.C. 20420 In Reply Refer To: FOIA Request 24-08178-F March 28, 2024 Della M Justice Vice President for Legal Affairs Veteran Education Success (VES) [email protected] Dear Della [...]
VA OGC Response (3) to FOIA regarding independent study rule
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel Information and Administrative Law Group 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington DC 20420 www.va.gov/ogc March 22, 2024 In Reply Refer to: 024 FOIA Request: 24-08247-F Veterans Education [...]
Our FOIA Request to VA re: rule change for online programs and independent study (March 2024)
March 21, 2024 Department of Veterans Affairs Freedom of Information Act Services (005R1C) 811 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Sir/Madam, This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I request that [...]
Our Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD SUBMITTED TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 118TH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION MARCH 20, 2023 Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Levin, and Members of the Subcommittee: We [...]
Statement for the Record: Legislative Priorities Submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs 2024
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE COMMITTEES ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS 118TH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION March 13, 2024 Chairmen Tester and Bost, Ranking Members Moran and Takano, and Members of [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Caitlin Kadell Testimony to the Department of Education, March 2024
Good afternoon. My name is Caitlin Kadell, and I’m a Marine Corps veteran. I would like to take a few minutes today to talk about my time at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In 2014, [...]
Student Veteran Submission: David Thibodeau Testimony to the Department of Education, March 2024
Good afternoon. My name is David Thibodeau. In 2008, a few years after my service in the Army National Guard, I enrolled in DeVry University in the Game & Simulation online program. I saw advertisements [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Amanda Sacoto-Dunbar Testimony to the Department of Education, March 2024
Hi, my name is Amanda Sacoto-Dunbar. Following my time in the Army, I decided to go to school. I completed a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in criminal justice, without any issues. I knew [...]
Veterans & Military Service Organizations’ Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding a Proposal to in the College Cost Reduction Act to Re-Open 90/10 Loophole
March 11, 2024 The Honorable Mike Johnson Speaker United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries Minority Leader United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr. Speaker and Mr. [...]
Our Press Release: Local Veterans Sound Alarm on National Stage on Tuesday 3/5 – Exposing How Unfair Practices, Poor-quality School Programs & “Sham Education Factories” Saddle Veterans with Debt & Fuel Student Debt Crisis
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] Local Veterans Sound Alarm on National Stage on Tuesday 3/5 Exposing How Unfair Practices, Poor-quality School Programs & “Sham Education Factories” Saddle Veterans with Debt & Fuel [...]
Our Press Release: Our Press Release: Local Veterans Sound Alarm On National Stage On Monday 3/4: Exposing How Unfair Practices, Poor-quality School Programs & “Sham Education Factories” Saddle Veterans With Debt & Fuel Student Debt Crisis
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] Local Veterans Sound Alarm on National Stage on Monday 3/4 Exposing How Unfair Practices, Poor-quality School Programs & “Sham Education Factories” Saddle Veterans with Debt & Fuel [...]
New York Times: University of Idaho Needs More Students. Should It Buy an Online School?
Alphi Black, an Army veteran from Los Angeles, is trying to have her student loans forgiven after having enrolled at the University of Phoenix following what she said were misleading sales pitches. After earning her [...]
MilitaryTimes: GI Bill rule change could upend requirements for online-only classes
“The impact of the proposed changes will lead to veterans being charged their GI Bill for what amounts to simple access to the internet,” said William Hubbard, vice president for Veterans and Military Policy at [...]
Our Oral Comment to NACIQI Regarding the Council on Occupational Education- February 2024 Meeting
Veterans Education Success Oral Testimony Regarding the Council on Occupational Education (COE)’s Oversight of Florida Career College National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity U.S. Department of Education Wednesday, February 28, 2024 The history [...]
Veterans & Military Service Organizations’ Letter to VA Regarding Proposed Regulatory Changes Opening Up GI Bill To Unaccredited Online Programs
February 21, 2024 The Honorable Josh Jacobs, Under Secretary for Benefits Veteran Benefits Administration U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington, DC 20420 via email Re: Proposed Regulatory Change on the Definition [...]
First In-Depth Assessment of the Post-9/11 GI Bill Provides Insight on Veterans’ Post-Secondary Enrollment, Degree Completion, and Earnings
Unique sharing of individual-level data among federal agencies finds veterans complete college at double the rate of comparable independent students. February 15, 2024, at 4 p.m. (ET) For more information, contact: For more information, contact: [...]
A First Look at Post-9/11 GI Bill-Eligible Enlisted Veterans’ Outcomes
This first look at the Post-9/11 GI Bill and its outcomes for veterans is possible thanks to unprecedented interagency cooperation, combining and analyzing, for the first time ever, previously siloed federal data. There has never [...]
Student Submission: Natashia Monk Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
My name is Natashia Monk, and I am here to tell you how I have never been able to use the degree I received from the University of Phoenix. I was a single mother, and [...]
Military Spouse Submission: Sharon Edwards Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to share a bit about my not-so-great experience at Fisk University. My name is Sharon Kaye Edwards, and for the longest time, I put off going to [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Henry Hawley Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Good afternoon. After serving in the Navy for four years, I decided to use my GI Bill benefits to attend college. I chose Stratford University and attended from 2010 until 2013. I completed an associate’s [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Nico Castillo Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Thank you for the time to explain my experience at Living Arts College. In September 2021, after a six-year stint in the U.S. Army, I decided to enroll because I was interested in film school [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Michael Caraway Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about the challenges I’ve faced since my time as a student at Brown Mackie College. My name is Michael Caraway and I have [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Kolin Wilkins Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Kolin Wilkins. In February 2020, I enrolled at Vista College to pursue an associate’s degree in medical insurance coding and billing. [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Cheri Carter Testimony to the Department of Education, February 2024
Good afternoon, my name is Cheri Carter. In 2007, I decided to use my GI Bill to pursue a career in medical billing and coding because I had worked in the medical field as a [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Proposed Regulatory Changes Opening up GI Bill to Unaccredited Online Programs
MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Joshua Jacobs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CC: The Honorable James Kvaal, U.S. Department of Education The Honorable Terri Tanielian, White House Domestic Policy Council Mr. Joe Garcia, Education Service, Veterans [...]
Our Press Release: Veterans To Testify Monday, February 5 About How Unfair Practices & Failed Oversight Saddle Gis With Debt & Fuel The Student Debt Crisis
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] VETERANS TO TESTIFY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5 ABOUT HOW UNFAIR PRACTICES & FAILED OVERSIGHT SADDLE GIs WITH DEBT & FUEL THE STUDENT DEBT CRISIS AS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF [...]
Coalition letter regarding Rep. Foxx’s College Cost Reduction Act
January 30, 2024 The Honorable Virginia Foxx Chairwoman House Committee on Education & the Workforce The Honorable Robert C. Scott Ranking Member House Committee on Education & the Workforce Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking [...]
WBAP Impact Texas: “Veteran GI Bill For-Profit College Scams”
Listen to the full audio at WBAP NEws Talk 820 AM 93.3 FM
CBS Audio: Eye on Veterans: Scam U: Student vets testify in DC re: college degree scams, GI Bill abuse
Today we’re talking with former student veterans who testified before the US Dept. of Education in Washington DC, regarding for-profit colleges that failed to provide the useful degrees they promised, all while burning through the [...]
Our Letter to Remington College’s Accreditor
January 18, 2024 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Remington College Dear Holly Eichhorst, Remington College’s Dallas, Texas; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Nashville, Tennessee, campuses are [...]
Our Letter to Lincoln Technical Institute’s Accreditor (January 2024)
January 18, 2024 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Lincoln Technical Institute Dear Holly Eichhorst, The Lincoln Technical Institute in East Windsor, Connecticut, is on [...]
Our Letter to IntelliTec’s Accreditor
January 18, 2024 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: IntelliTec Dear Holly Eichhorst, IntelliTec in Grand Junction, Colorado, is on the list of schools that [...]
Our Letter to Concorde Career College’s Accreditor
January 18, 2024 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Concorde Career College Dear Holly Eichhorst, The Concorde Career College’s campuses in Aurora, Colorado, and Miramar, [...]
Our Letter to Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s Accreditor (January 2024)
January 18, 2024 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Aviation Institute of Maintenance Dear Holly Eichhorst, The Aviation Institute of Maintenance campus in Manassas, Virginia, [...]
Fort Cavazos Herald: Area veteran fighting for restoral of GI Bill benefits
Glenn’s experience is not unique, according to Will Hubbard, vice president of veteran and military policy for Veterans Education Success. According to Hubbard, there are three entities involved in providing accountability and oversight. They are: [...]
820 News Talk-WBAP: Interview with Will Hubbard and Vet Michael Nelson
Just short of graduating, he received a gut wrenching email from the institute Do not return back to the school because we're now closed. No options, no nothing. Unfortunately, Nelson story is all too common. [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Riley Street Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Good afternoon, I am Riley Street. I served in the Army from 2015 until 2020. After my time in the military, I decided to go to school to pursue art and design. I attended Living [...]
Military Spouse Submission: Dr. Cynthia Lawrence Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Good afternoon, I would first like to say thank you for having me here to speak to you today on this matter of utmost importance. Hi, I am Dr. Cynthia Lawrence, and I am a [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Edgar Sort de Sanz Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
My name is Edgar Sort de Sanz, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience as a student at the University of Phoenix. After serving in the Navy, I enrolled in a Bachelor ‘s [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Jeri Glenn Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
My name is Jeri Glenn. I served in the US Navy from 1987-2002. When I looked for jobs after getting out, I found the lack of a degree put me at a disadvantage despite my [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Josiah Shaw Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hi, my name is Josiah Shaw. I served in the Air Force from 2002 until 2006 and again from 2012 until 2019. When I most recently returned to civilian life, I decided it was time [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Stephanie Pollay Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Good afternoon, my name is Stephanie Pollay. I served in the United States Air Force from 2001-2003. After the service, I decided to go back to school. I was from a blue-collar family that was [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Sally Olsen Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hello, my name is Sally Olsen. I am speaking today to tell you about how I made the biggest mistake ever going back to school. I am a Marine Corps veteran. In 2004, at age [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Shawn Bonita Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hi, my name is Shawn Bonita. I served in the Navy from 2003 until 2009. After leaving the Navy, I decided to use my GI Bill benefits to attend college. I started off at a [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Luke Downs Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hi, my name is Luke Downs. I was a combat medic from 2015 until 2019. Since then, I have pursued a career in nursing because I believe the skills I already had would easily translate. [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Adam Young Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hi, my name is Adam Young. I served in the Navy from 2003 until 2007. I was enrolled in Full Sail University from 2020 to 2023, a for-profit school. Because my time is limited, I’ll [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Michael Nelson Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
My name is Mike Nelson, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to share my personal experience. I attended an accredited school that abruptly closed just a few months ago, during my final [...]
Military Spouse Submission: Jasmine Thomas Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
Hi, my name is Jasmine Thomas. I spoke at the public hearing in April and shared my awful experience at Fortis Institute. I wanted to speak again today because it is important that you keep [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Angela McMillen Testimony to the Department of Education, January 2024
My name is Angela McMillen, and I am a Navy veteran. I enrolled at the University of the Rockies, which became Ashford University during my attendance. I want to share that my concerns about Ashford [...]
820 News Talk- WBAP-Dallas: Interview with Will Hubbard by Nicole Osei
The power grid failed, knocking out power to millions of Texans for days. Eric Bushman, WB AP News veterans testified on Capitol Hill this week about getting scammed out of their GI Bill benefits. Nkomo said he [...]
KLIF 570 Radio News: Will Hubbard interviewed by Nicole Osei
Our law veterans are testifying in Washington, D.C. this week about their experiences with for profit colleges that scam them out of their GI Bill benefits. The Obama administration implemented tighter regulations for these types [...]
Our Press Release: Veterans To Testify January 8 About How Unfair Practices & Failed Oversight Saddle GIs With Debt & Fuel the Student Debt Crisis
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] VETERANS TO TESTIFY JANUARY 8 ABOUT HOW UNFAIR PRACTICES & FAILED OVERSIGHT SADDLE GIs WITH DEBT & FUEL THE STUDENT DEBT CRISIS AS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [...]
Inside Higher Ed: Veterans’ Studies Gains Traction as Emerging Field
"While a disproportionate number of veterans (many with access to GI Bill money) have attended—and sometimes been swindled by—for-profit colleges, William Hubbard, vice president for veterans and military policy at Veterans Education Success, said it’s encouraging [...]
Idaho Education News: EXCLUSIVE: ‘The dollar store of higher education:’ Skeptics say the Phoenix purchase would cheapen the U of I brand
David Halperin and Della Justice have spent years scrutinizing for-profit universities. And nothing they have seen in recent months has changed their minds about Phoenix. For years, they say, Phoenix has used aggressive marketing and [...]
Our letter to the Indiana Supreme Court regarding proposed rule for unaccredited law schools
December 15, 2023 Proposed Rule Changes Indiana Office of Court Services 251 N. Illinois Street, Suite 800 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Submitted electronically Re: Proposed Amendment to Admission and Discipline Rule 13 To the Indiana Supreme [...]
2023 Annual Report & Decade Report: Decade in Review
To Our Valued Partners, As 2023 comes to a close, we celebrate a decade of our impact and victories for veterans. Sparked by a U.S. Senate investigation in 2012 into predatory colleges, our leadership has [...]
Veterans and Military Students Nomination Letter for Program Integrity and Institutional Quality NegReg
December 13, 2023 Aaron Washington U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202 via email Docket ID ED-2023-OPE-0039 Dear Mr. Washington, The undersigned veterans and military service organizations write to submit the [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Education on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
December 8, 2023 Herman Bounds Director of Accreditation Group Office of Postsecondary Education U.S. Department of Education Via email: [email protected] RE: Written Comments - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Dear [...]
Black Enterprise: Howard University Addresses GI Bill Suspension with Dedicated Veterans Office
Another expert, Carrie Wofford, the president of Veterans Education Success, a group responsible for often lobbying Congress on issues related to the GI Bill, told Military.com that the move against Howard also concerned her, because there were [...]
New York Times: How Millions of Borrowers Got $127 Billion in Student Loans Canceled
Seeking help, Ms. Olsen — a former Marine — contacted Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group. Their representatives helped her file a borrower defense claim in 2021. Read the full column at The New York [...]
Inside Higher Ed: Veterans ‘Check the Boxes’ Colleges Now Seek
"William Hubbard, vice president for veterans and military policy at Veterans Education Success, which advocates for and works to protect federal military and veteran education benefits, said four-year institutions that have larger budgets to invest [...]
Our Letter to Lincoln Technical Institute’s Accreditor
October 31, 2023 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Lincoln technical Institute Dear Holly Eichhorst, The Lincoln Technical Institute in New Britain, Connecticut is on [...]
Our Letter to Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s Accreditor
October 31, 2023 Holly Eichhorst Manager of Commission Actions and Governance Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges RE: Aviation Institute of Maintenance Dear Holly Eichhorst, The Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago and Norfolk [...]
Our Letter to VA regarding Florida Career College, UEI College, and United Education Institute
We are writing to urge VA and the appropriate State Approving Agencies (SAAs) (copied on this letter) to exercise your oversight authority with respect to three affiliated schools – Florida Career College (FCC), UEI College, and United Education Institution. Specifically, we urge you to reassess the approval status for FCC, in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 3675(b)(4) and 38 U.S.C. § 3696, and to conduct risk-based surveys for UEI College and United Education Institute. (According to the Department of Education, these three institutions are all owned by IEC Corporation (IEC)).
Coalition Letter to Middle States Commission on Higher Education regarding Third-Party Providers
Middle States Commission on Higher Education 1007 North Orange Street 4th Floor, MB #166 Wilmington, DE 19801 October 20, 2023 Re: Public Comments on Third-Party Providers Policy and Procedures Thank you for the opportunity to [...]
Our Statement for the Record on the October, 2023, Legislative Hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD SUBMITTED TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 118TH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION October 18, 2023 Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Levin, and Members of the Subcommittee: We [...]
Military and Veterans Organizations’ Press Release Regarding Support for CFPB In Supreme Court Case
PRESS STATEMENT Military and Veterans’ Organizatons Express Support for CFPB On October 3, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the case of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association [...]
Nationally Known Policy Expert and Student Veterans available for comment/context on U.S. Department of Education’s Gainful Employment Rule
Media Availability September 27, 2023 Nationally Known Policy Expert and Student Veterans available for comment/context on U.S. Department of Education’s Gainful Employment Rule Today, the Department of Education published the long-awaited gainful employment and financial [...]
School Administrators Poll
Greetings! At Elevate Vets and Veterans Education Success, we understand the increasingly complex and time consuming role of the School Certifying Official. Serving our military connected students brings layers of compliance and often complex regulations that [...]
Oral Testimony to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on the Topic of “Red Tape at VA”
ORAL TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM HUBBARD, VICE PRESIDENT FOR VETERANS & MILITARY POLICY PRESENTED TO THE U.S. HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ON THE TOPIC OF “LESS IS MORE: THE IMPACT OF BUREAUCRATIC [...]
Our Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Oversight Hearing
TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM HUBBARD, VICE PRESIDENT FOR VETERANS & MILITARY POLICY SUBMITTED TO THE U.S. HOUSE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ON THE TOPIC OF “LESS IS MORE: THE IMPACT OF BUREAUCRATIC RED [...]
Statement on Fake Letter
RE: Fake Letter with Subject Line “5 Star CDL Training” To Whom It May Concern: It has come to our attention that you may have received a letter purporting to be from Veterans Education Success [...]
Coalition letter to the Education Department regarding quality and accountability rulemaking
The Honorable James Kvaal Under Secretary of Education U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, D.C. 20202 August 31, 2023 Dear Under Secretary Kvaal: As the Department of Education proceeds with establishing a [...]
Our Amicus Brief to the U.S. Supreme Court On the Merits of GI Bill Benefits for Multiple Periods of Service
Veterans Education Success filed an amicus brief supporting that where a veteran has multiple periods of service, the veteran may qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The brief [...]
Coalition Letter to the House Education Committee re: lowering college costs and increasing value
July 26, 2023 The Honorable Burgess Owens Chairman, House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development The Honorable Frederica S. Wilson Ranking Member, House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Dear Chairman Owens and [...]
Veterans and Military Organizations’ Letter on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Amendment
July 20, 2023 Senator Tom Carper 513 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 SUBJ: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Amendment Dear Senator Carper, The undersigned organizations serving service members, veterans, and [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Hussian College
July 19, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Re: Hussian College Closing Dear Director Garcia, We write to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the appropriate [...]
Our Follow-Up to VA re: Risk-Based Survey SOPs
July 10, 2023 James Ruhlman, Deputy Director Program Management Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Dear Mr. Ruhlman, In response to concerns we raised about the standard operating procedures for the risk-based surveys as [...]
First News: Battling GI Fraud and Scam schools
Hear the full podcast at First News on demand with WRGA's Tony McIntosh here.
Cheyenne Post: Veterans Should Have the Right to Use Their Hard-Earned Educational Benefits
"We are pleased the Supreme Court granted cert as this case raises important questions regarding veterans’ rights when they have qualified for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. When veterans serve their country [...]
Our Press Release: Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action Contains Puzzling Logic That Will Fail To Ensure Racial Diversity in the Armed Forces Officer Ranks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Will Hubbard (703) 379-3822 SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION CONTAINS PUZZLING LOGIC THAT WILL FAIL TO ENSURE RACIAL DIVERSITY IN THE ARMED FORCES OFFICER RANKS Jun 29, 2023– In the [...]
Our Press Release: Largest Post 9/11 GI Bill Fraud Case Yields Guilty Pleas
Contact: Ana Cobian: (323) 360.1827 [email protected] LARGEST POST 9/11 GI BILL FRAUD CASE YIELDS GUILTY PLEAS SERVES AS TRAGIC WAKE UP CALL: VA NEEDS STRONGER AUTHORITY & OVERSIGHT US Taxpayers & Student Veterans Scammed Out [...]
Our Press Release: Veterans Should Have the Right to Use Their Hard-Earned Educational Benefits
Assignment Desk Team, You may have heard about the potential purchase of the University of Phoenix by the University of Idaho System. I wanted to share this opportunity to interview a legal expert leading a [...]
Idaho Statesman: University of Phoenix has a checkered past. Did U of I make an ‘enormously risky’ move?
Blaming students for poor results is a tactic for-profit schools use, said Barmak Nassirian, a longtime higher education policy analyst who works for Veterans Education Success. When predatory institutions have a pattern of low graduation [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs on the Marine Corps Excess Leave Program
June 21, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Re: Marine Corps Excess Leave Program Policy Dear Director Garcia, We write to advise the Department of Veterans Affairs that [...]
Veterans and Military Organizations’ Letter to the Department of Education on Rulemaking (Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment, Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, Ability to Benefit)
June 20, 2023 Secretary Miguel Cardona U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202 RE: Docket ID ED-2023-OPE-0089 Dear Mr. Secretary, The undersigned organizations representing servicemembers, veterans, military families, and survivors are [...]
Our Letter to the Education Dept. on the Gainful Employment and Related Regulations
June 20, 2023 The Honorable Nasser H. Paydar, Ph.D. Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education U.S. Department of Education Re: Docket ID ED–2023–OPE–0089 Dear Assistant Secretary Paydar, I write to submit comments on behalf of Veterans [...]
Our Letter to VA regarding the VETS Credit Act
June 14, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Re: School closings and GI Bill Restoration information Dear Director Garcia, As you requested in our meeting on May 24, [...]
Letter Reply from VA re: Risk-Based Survey SOPs (June 15, 2023)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans Benefits Administration Washington, D.C. 20420 June 15, 2023 Carrie Wofford, President Veterans Education Success 1501 K St., Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms. Wofford: Thank you for your letter, [...]
Our Statement for the Record on the June 14, 2023, Legislative Hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD SUBMITTED TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 118TH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION June 14, 2023 Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Levin, and Members of the Subcommittee: We [...]
Our Review of a Report on Housing Allowances for Fully Online Post-9/11 GI Bill Beneficiaries
Hypothesis in Search of Evidence: Housing Allowances for Fully Online Post-9/11 GI Bill Beneficiaries A March 2023 Urban Institute paper on Post-9/11 housing allowances is a hypothesis in search of evidence, and much of the [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Zack Fenton Testimony to the Department of Education
Good morning. I’m Zack Fenton, I’m an Army veteran, and I would like to share some details about my experience at IntelliTec College. I enrolled in an automotive program in early 2020. I specifically shared [...]
Our Statement for the Record on the June 2024 Legislative Hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD SUBMITTED TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 118TH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION June 12, 2024 Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Levin, and Members of the Subcommittee: We [...]
Our Follow-Up Letter to the Department of Education regarding proposed new Borrower Defense to Repayment Application
June 16, 2023 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW, LBJ, Room 6W203 Washington, DC 20202-8240 Submitted via electronic portal Re: Borrower Defense to Loan Repayment Universal Forms (Docket No. ED-2023-SCC-0024) Comment Request 5/17/2023 [...]
Our Follow-Up to VA re: Risk-Based Survey SOPs
June 1, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Re: Risk-Based Surveys Dear Director Garcia: Thank you for your response to our previous letter concerning the implementation of risk-based [...]
The Guardian: US veterans defrauded by for-profit universities fight to restore benefits
"When the Department of Ed finds out there was wrongdoing, that actually has no bearing on whether the students who are veterans are going to get their money back, because they’re using GI Bill dollars,” [...]
U of I’s purchase of University of Phoenix fraught with red flags. Here are ones we know
A day after the public learned of the proposed deal, the Idaho State Board of Education authorized the creation of a not-for-profit to purchase the for-profit University of Phoenix on behalf of the University of Idaho.
Our Press Release: Local Detroit, MI, Student Veteran & National Advocate Applaud Changes to Weed Out Failing Programs & Help Protect Student Veterans Using Their GI Bill Benefits
MEDIA ADVISORY - Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] LOCAL DETROIT, MI, STUDENT VETERAN & NATIONAL ADVOCATE APPLAUD CHANGES TO WEED OUT FAILING PROGRAMS & HELP PROTECT STUDENT VETERANS USING THEIR GI BILL BENEFITS This Change By [...]
Our Press Release: Letter from Veterans & Higher Ed Advocates Ask University of Idaho to Reconsider University of Phoenix Purchase in Light of the Business’ Consumer Protection Legal Liabilities
Assignment Desk Team, You may have heard about the potential purchase of the University of Phoenix by the University of Idaho System. I wanted to share this opportunity to interview a legal expert leading a [...]
Our Press Release: Nationally Known Policy Expert Available for Comment/Context on the Imminent Release of U.S. Department of Education Proposed Rules On “Gainful Employment,” Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, and Certification
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] Nationally Known Policy Expert Available for Comment/Context on the Imminent Release of U.S. Department of Education Proposed Rules On “Gainful Employment,” Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, and Certification [...]
Proposal for Idaho to purchase University of Phoenix should stop in its tracks
The Idaho State Board of Education made a stunning announcement Wednesday afternoon: The following day, it would “consider a proposal by the University of Idaho to create a not-for-profit entity to acquire the University of Phoenix.” The proposal was listed as an action item, meaning with almost no public debate, the board could act Thursday.
Our Press Release: Local Atlanta, GA, Student Veteran & National Advocate Applaud Changes to Weed Out Failing Programs & Help Protect Student Veterans Using Their GI Bill Benefits
MEDIA ADVISORY - Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] LOCAL ATLANTA, GA, STUDENT VETERAN & NATIONAL ADVOCATE APPLAUD CHANGES TO WEED OUT FAILING PROGRAMS & HELP PROTECT STUDENT VETERANS USING THEIR GI BILL BENEFITS This Change By [...]
Our Press Release: Local Akron, OH, Student Veteran & National Advocate Applaud Changes to Weed Out Failing Programs & Help Protect Student Veterans Using Their GI Bill Benefits
MEDIA ADVISORY - Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] LOCAL AKRON, OH, STUDENT VETERAN & NATIONAL ADVOCATE APPLAUD CHANGES TO WEED OUT FAILING PROGRAMS & HELP PROTECT STUDENT VETERANS USING THEIR GI BILL BENEFITS This Change By [...]
Our Press Release: Detroit Veteran Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] DETROIT VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
The Washington Post: University of Phoenix to be acquired by University of Idaho nonprofit
"Della Justice, vice president of legal affairs at Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group that spoke out against the Arkansas-Phoenix deal, said she was dismayed with the Idaho board’s decision. “We are disappointed that the [...]
Our Press Release: Local Phoenix, AZ, Student Veteran & National Advocate Applaud Changes to Weed Out Failing Programs & Help Protect Student Veterans Using Their GI Bill Benefits
MEDIA ADVISORY - Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] LOCAL PHOENIX, AZ, STUDENT VETERAN & NATIONAL ADVOCATE APPLAUD CHANGES TO WEED OUT FAILING PROGRAMS & HELP PROTECT STUDENT VETERANS USING THEIR GI BILL BENEFITS This Change By [...]
Coalition Letter Urging Congress to Pass the College Transparency Act
Coalition letter strongly urging Congress to pass the bicameral, bipartisan College Transparency Act (S. 1349 / H.R. 2957).
Our Press Release: Experienced Veterans Advocate Joins Team at Veterans Education Success
For Immediate Release May 15, 2023 Experienced Veterans Advocate Joins Team at Veterans Education Success Former Legislative Counsel and Senior Associate, Advaith Thampi, J.D. Washington, D.C. – Veterans Education Success is pleased to announce that [...]
Statement for the Record Submitted to the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs 118th Congress, First Session
Chairman Tester, Ranking Member Moran, and Members of the Committee: We thank you for the opportunity to share this statement for consideration during this hearing, which includes many notable bills addressing topics in higher education [...]
Our Letter to the Dept of Education Regarding Accreditation and State Authorization Rulemaking
April 24, 2023 Ashley Clark U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Room 2C–185 Washington, DC 20202 RE: Docket ID ED–2023–OPE–0039 Dear Ms. Clark, I am pleased to submit comments in response to the [...]
The Washington Post: Potential deal to buy University of Phoenix draws scrutiny in Arkansas
"If [Phoenix] becomes affiliated with Arkansas, we’re concerned that the documented bad practices at Phoenix would continue under the banner of a major university system,” said Della Justice, vice president of legal affairs at Veterans [...]
The Boston Globe: Website posing as fake Massachusetts university draws attention of authorities
"These types of schemes and bad-acting for-profit colleges tend to target first-generation and veteran students, said Della Justice, vice president for legal affairs at Veterans Education Success, a nonprofit that advocates for veteran students using [...]
Wilmington Veteran Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] WILMINGTON VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
Jacksonville Veteran Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] JACKSONVILLE VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
Old Forge, PA Veteran Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] OLD FORGE, PA VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of [...]
Detroit Veteran Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] DETROIT VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
Heartland, TX Veteran Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] HEARTLAND, TX VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being [...]
Kentucky Army Spouse Testifies About Sham College – Calls for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] FT. CAMPBELL, KY ARMY SPOUSE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake [...]
Defrauded Veterans Testify About Sham Colleges – Call for Reforms
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] LEGAL EXPERT AND STUDENT VETERANS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of [...]
Our Press Release: Heartlanx, TX Veteran Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] HEARTLAND, TX VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being [...]
Our Press Release: Ft. Campbell, KY Army Spouse Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] FT. CAMPBELL, KY ARMY SPOUSE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham College & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake [...]
Our Press Release: Wilmington Veteran Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] WILMINGTON VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
Our Press Release: Old Forge, PA Veteran Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] OLD FORGE, PA VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of [...]
Our Press Release: Jacksonville Veteran Available for Interviews – Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students
Contact: Ana Cobian (323) 360-1827 [email protected] JACKSONVILLE VETERAN AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS Defrauded Veterans Speak Out About Sham Colleges & Need to Strengthen Accreditation & Licensing to Protect Students WASHINGTON, DC—In the wake of being defrauded [...]
Our Press Release: Local Jacksonville, FL, Student Veteran & National Advocate Applaud Changes to Weed Out Failing Programs & Help Protect Student Veterans Using Their GI Bill Benefits
MEDIA ADVISORY - Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 [email protected] LOCAL JACKSONVILLE, FL, STUDENT VETERAN & NATIONAL ADVOCATE APPLAUD CHANGES TO WEED OUT FAILING PROGRAMS & HELP PROTECT STUDENT VETERANS USING THEIR GI BILL BENEFITS This Change By [...]
Our Amicus Brief to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding GI Bill Benefits for Multiple Periods of Service
Veterans Education Success filed an amicus brief supporting that where a veteran has multiple periods of service, the veteran may qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The case is Rudisill v. Wilkie before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Education Department Will Terminate Aid to Florida Career College
The U.S. Department of Education announced today it will stop providing federal student grant and loan payments to Florida Career College (FCC), a for-profit school whose predatory practices Republic Report helped expose in a May 2020 investigation.
Los Angeles Times: Veterans burned by for profit colleges fight for their lost GI Bill benefits
“Veterans get disproportionately victimized primarily because they disproportionately represent all of the characteristics of your nontraditional students,” said Barmak Nassirian, vice president for higher education policy at Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group focused on [...]
Our Letter to VA regarding Florida Career College’s Loss of Title IV Approval
April 13, 2023 Betsy Wickham, Bureau Chief State Approving Agency Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Via email David Salgado, Director Veterans Education Program Texas Veterans Commission Via email Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Glen Stroman Testimony to the Department of Education
Good morning/afternoon. I’m Glen Stroman, and I am a veteran who attended Grand Canyon University to earn my doctorate. I am a teacher and I have advised students on college choices, so I did my [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Nicholas Whatley Testimony to the Department of Education
Hello, I am Nicholas Whatley and I am a Navy Veteran. In about 2017 I enrolled in Hallmark University’s Airframe and Powerplant Technology Associate’s program to get my civilian aviation certification. I was there for [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Tyler Dean Testimony to the Department of Education
Hello, my name is Tyler Dean. I am an Air Force veteran. I enrolled in Keiser University’s online accelerated Applied Engineering degree in 2021 to become an engineer. Keiser’s admissions counselors knew I wanted to [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Deborah Butrim Testimony to the Department of Education
Good morning/afternoon. I’m Deborah Butrim, and I served in the Army for 20 years. Towards the end of my service, I enrolled in a PhD program at Walden University. I was going to enroll at [...]
Our Testimony on Accreditation and State Authorization at the Department of Education Negotiated Rulemaking Hearings
My name is Della Justice and I am Vice President for Legal Affairs with Veterans Education Success, a nonprofit research, policy, and student-veteran advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. We work on a bipartisan basis [...]
Military Spouse Submission: Jasmine Thomas Testimony to the Department of Education
Hello, my name is Jasmine Thomas. I’m an active-duty army spouse that is stationed in Fort Campbell, KY. I am a stay-at-home mother of two and I attended Fortis Institute, a for profit school in [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Ashley Beverly Testimony to the Department of Education
Good morning. My name is Ashley Beverly. I’m a Navy veteran and I have been a social worker for seven years. I decided I wanted to get my doctorate in Clinical Social Work, so I [...]
Student Veteran Submission: Quenton Ross Testimony to the Department of Education
Hello, my name is Quenton Ross. I’m a disabled Navy veteran. I’m here to tell you that I did not get the high quality education that Full Sail University promised. Before leaving the Navy I [...]
Our Letter to the Department of Education regarding proposed new Borrower Defense to Repayment Application
April 3, 2023 U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW, LBJ, Room 6W203 Washington, DC 20202-8240 Submitted via electronic portal Re: Borrower Defense to Loan Repayment Universal Forms (Docket No. ED-2023-SCC-0024) To Whom It [...]
Coalition Letter on Third Party Servicer Guidance
March 30, 2023 Annmarie Weisman Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning, and Innovation Office of Postsecondary Education U.S. Department of Education Re: Docket ID ED-2022-OPE-0103 Submitted electronically via regulations.gov Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Weisman, On [...]
Our Statement for the Record on the March 30, 2023, Legislative Hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Chairman Van Orden, Ranking Member Levin, and Members of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Committee on Veterans Affairs: We thank you for the opportunity to share our views regarding legislation under consideration by the [...]
Major Step Forward in Justice for Veterans – Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Bill Drops
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ana Cobian (323)360-1827 [email protected] “Major Step Forward in Justice Long Overdue for Student Veterans” as New Bill: Student Veteran Benefit Restoration Act Drops House Veterans Affairs to Hold Thursday Hearing on [...]
Coalition Letter on Maryland 90/10
March 27, 2023 Emily A. A. Dow, Ph.D. Assistant Secretary for Academic Affairs Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) 6 N. Liberty St., 10th Fl. Baltimore, MD 21201 By Email Dear Dr. Dow, The undersigned organizations, [...]
Inside Higher Ed: Univ. of Phoenix is the Top Recipient of GI Bill Funding
"These large for-profit college chains have massive recruiting efforts focused on veterans,” Carrie Wofford, president of the advocacy group Veterans Education Success, told USA Today. “They hire lots of salesmen and hold lots of events [...]
USA Today: This controversial, for-profit college has received $1.6B in GI Bill funds, the most of any school
Carrie Wofford, president of the advocacy group Veterans Education Success, is not surprised. For years her group has tracked schools that aggressively enroll veterans, checking to see whether they are delivering quality education. “These large for-profit [...]
KUAF: University of Arkansas System Moves Closer to Deal with University of Phoenix
The University of Arkansas System is in talks with the University of Phoenix on a possible affiliation deal, as an Arkansas nonprofit is set to buy the for-profit university. KUAF's Daniel Caruth hears from UA System officials and critics about what an affiliation could mean.
Our Letter to the Dept. of Education RE: Online Program Managers and Bundled Service’s Guidance
March 16, 2023 Ashley Clark U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Ave. SW Washington, DC 20202 RE: Docket ID ED-2023-OPE-0030 Dear Ms. Clark, I write to submit comments on behalf of Veterans Education Success in [...]
Letter Reply from VA re: Risk-Based Survey SOPs (March 16, 2023)
March 16, 2023 Carrie Wofford, President Veterans Education Success 1501 K St., Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms. Wofford: Thank you for your letter, dated March 7, 2023, to the Department of Veterans Affairs [...]
U.S. taxpayers stuck with the tab as helicopter flight schools exploit GI Bill loophole
For some flight schools that train helicopter pilots, the GI Bill that took effect in 2009 was a windfall the government never intended. Helicopter schools had been struggling financially, and the bill excluded them from direct funding. But after finding a loophole in the law that allows them to train military veterans completely at government expense, with no cap on what they can charge, the schools rapidly expanded. They now collect tens of millions a year in taxpayer dollars.
Our Testimony at the Department of Education’s Virtual Hearing on Incentive Compensation Guidance
My name is Barmak Nassirian and I serve as Vice President for Higher Education Policy with Veterans Education Success, a nonprofit research, policy, and student veteran advocacy organization. We work on a non-partisan basis to [...]
Our Letter to VA re Risk-Based Survey SOPs
March 7, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veteran Benefits Administration Via email Re: Risk-Based Surveys Dear Director Garcia: We thank you and your team at the Education Service for making progress towards [...]
Statement for the Record: Legislative Priorities Submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs
STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES SUBMITTED TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE COMMITTEES ON VETERANS AFFAIRS 118TH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION March 7, 2023 Chairmen Tester and Bost, Ranking Members Moran and Takano, and Members of [...]
Our Oral Comment to NACIQI Regarding the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)- Winter 2023 Meeting
Good morning. I am Allison Muth, a Senior Attorney with Veterans Education Success. We work on a bipartisan basis to advance higher education success for veterans, service members, and military families, and to protect the [...]
Our Oral Comment to NACIQI Regarding the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)- Winter 2023 Meeting
Good afternoon. As some of you know, I am Allison Muth, and I am a Senior Attorney with Veterans Education Success. We work on a bipartisan basis to advance higher education success for veterans, service [...]
Our Oral Comment to NACIQI Regarding the Middle States Commission on Higher Education- Winter 2023 Meeting
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you again. As I shared earlier, I am Allison Muth, and I am a Senior Attorney with Veterans Education Success. We work on a bipartisan basis to [...]
Our Oral Comment to NACIQI Regarding the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)- Winter 2023 Meeting
Good morning. I am Allison Muth, and I am a Senior Attorney with Veterans Education Success. We work on a bipartisan basis to advance higher education success for veterans, service members, and military families, and [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Additional Information about ASA College
February 28, 2023 William Clarke, Veterans Program Manager Bureau of Veterans Education New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Via email Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veteran Benefits Administration Via email Re: ASA [...]
Arkansas Times: Veterans’ group warns against a Phoenix deal; UA System president defends moving forward
Coalition members include the Center for American Progress, New America Higher Education Program, Project on Predatory Student Lending, The Institute for College Access & Success, Veterans Education Success, attorney David Halperin, and Robert Shireman, a [...]
Career-training companies scoop up federal funds with little oversight
The United States spends untold millions on workforce training programs. Many don’t help people find jobs.
Letter from Rep. Buchanan urging VA to update its guidance on GI Bill restoration after closed schools
Letter from Vern Buchanan writing to urge President Biden and Secretary McDonough to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs update its guidance to help prevent student veterans from losing access to valuable G.I. Bill credits
Letter From Veteran & Higher Ed Advocates Asks University Of Arkansas To Reconsider University Of Phoenix Purchase In Light Of The Business’ Consumer Protection Legal Liabilities
Contact: Ana Cobian - 323.360.1827 MEDIA ADVISORY - LEGAL/VETERAN EXPERT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT/CONTEXT LETTER FROM VETERAN & HIGHER ED ADVOCATES ASKS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS TO RECONSIDER UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX PURCHASE IN LIGHT OF THE BUSINESS’ [...]
Coalition Letter to the University of Arkansas Trustees regarding the potential purchase of the University of Phoenix
February 15, 2023 Board of Trustees University of Arkansas via email C.C. Gibson III Chairman Board of Trustees University of Arkansas RE: University of Arkansas System and University of Phoenix Dear Chairman Gibson and Trustees, [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding January 12, 2023 Meeting and Feedback Tool
February 15, 2023 Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veteran Benefits Administration Via email Re: Our January 12, 2023 Meeting and Feedback Tool Dear Director Garcia, Thank you again for your time and help [...]
Our Letter to the Dept. of Education re: “Low-Financial-Value” Colleges
VES comments on behalf of Veterans Education Success in response to the Department of Education’s Request for Information (RFI) Regarding Public Transparency for Low-Financial-Value Postsecondary Programs, published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2023.
Veterans & Military Organizations’ Letter to the Dept. of Education re: “Low-Financial-Value” Colleges
The undersigned military and veteran organizations write to provide comments on the above-referenced Request for Information (RFI). We agree with the Department that low-financial-value programs “may cause particularly acute harm for student loan borrowers who may struggle to repay their debts after discovering too late that their postsecondary programs did not adequately prepare them for the workforce” and that “taxpayers also shoulder the costs.” We write specifically regarding the impact on student veterans and military-connected students.
Coalition Letter for Higher Education Accountability Priorities
As 40 organizations working on behalf of students, consumers, veterans, faculty and staff, civil rights advocates, and researchers concerned about unaffordable student debts and predatory practices, we write to share our coalition’s higher education priorities. As Congress continues to consider long-overdue reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) and to evaluate other higher education proposals, we strongly urge you to support policies that better protect students - especially low-income students and students of color - and the taxpayers who invest in them.
Letter to NC-SARA re: Proposal to Elevate SARA’s Consumer Protection Standards
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), administered by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), lowers barriers for schools to offer online programs in multiple states, easing the way for institutions to expand the reach of their online programs. SARA’s impact is immense - almost 6 million students were enrolled in online programs at more than 2,300 SARA participating schools in Fall 2020, including 1.6 million students enrolled in online programs based outside of their state.1 Every state except for California is a SARA member. 2 However, the agreement’s standards set an extremely low bar for consumer protection, leaving millions of online students vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous schools.
GAO: Higher Education: Higher Education: Department of Education Should Improve Enforcement Procedures Regarding Substantial Misrepresentation by Colleges
If colleges provide inaccurate or misleading information about, for example, their students' ability to transfer course credits to another college or qualify for a specific certification after graduation, students may have difficulty completing their degree, [...]
The Christian Post: DOJ seeks to recover money bilked from veterans by House of Prayer schools
In testimony on GI Bill modernization before the House Veterans Affairs Committee last July, William Hubbard, vice president for Veterans & Military Policy at Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group focused on advancing higher education success for service [...]
WTOC: FBI raided Hinesville church over possible VA fraud, according to court documents
Veterans Education Success, a non-profit that helps service members further their education, says they’ve been raising concerns over the school for years. Sending letters to the VA and Georgia’s State Approving Agency in 2020. “We [...]
Military News: Feds Try to Seize Money, Property from Church Accused of Multimillion-Dollar Scheme Targeting Vets
The investigation was spurred in 2020 after Veterans Education Success, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group that lobbies on military education issues, raised concerns about the church to the VA and lawmakers. "All veterans should feel [...]
WRDW: Raided church accused in multimillion-dollar VA fraud scheme
A nonprofit said it had been warning about these facilities for years. Veterans Education Success, a nonprofit that helps veterans find educational opportunities, says the House of Prayer churches committed fraud by taking GI Bill [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Living Arts College Closure
January 10, 2022 Timothy D. Freeman, Executive Director North Carolina State Approving Agency Via email Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service Veterans Benefits Administration Via email Re: Living Arts College Closure Dear Mr. Garcia [...]
Court Watch: Exclusive: Church Preyed on Veterans and Stole Millions, says DOJ
In 2020, Veterans Success Education, a nonprofit which advocates for higher education standards for military members and their families sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs asking the agency to investigate what it [...]
The August Chronicle: DOJ: House of Prayer Christian Church swindled $22+ million in VA benefits
In August 2020, Veterans Education Success, an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., asked the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Georgia Veterans Service to investigate alleged abuses of the GI Bill program by [...]
Our Letter to VA with Additional Information Regarding Bay State College
January 9, 2023, George O’Connor Assistant Commissioner for Academic & Veterans Affairs Department of Higher Education Commonwealth of Massachusetts Via email Joseph L. Garcia, Executive Director Education Service. Veteran Benefits Administration Via email Re: Bay State College Dear Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Garcia...
The Untold Story of Warren Seavey and His Students
At the close of World War II, a renegade professor admitted a wave of returning veterans to Harvard Law, even though some had questionable credentials and others didn’t even apply. They’d be called “the best class there ever was.
The Chronicle: Washington Bible College Linked to Alleged ‘Cult’ Loses GI Bill Approval After FBI Raid
A Tacoma seminary program associated with a chain of churches raided by the FBI earlier this year has lost approval to receive federal Veterans Affairs education funds. Former members have described the chain as a cult that defrauds soldiers.
Stars and Stripes: Tacoma bible college linked to alleged ‘cult’ loses GI Bill approval after FBI raid
A Tacoma seminary program associated with a chain of churches raided by the FBI earlier this year has lost approval to receive federal Veterans Affairs education funds. Former members have described the chain as a cult that defrauds soldiers.
GI Bill fix for vets enrolled in defunct schools heads to White House
“VA should not be making it harder for student veterans to use their benefits and get back on track to their educational goals with unnecessary requirements,” said Will Hubbard, vice president for veterans and military [...]
Our Press Release: Senate Passes Important “VETS Credit Act” Unanimously, Bill Heads to the President for Signature
December 21, 2022 Contact: Will Hubbard VP for Veterans & Military Policy [email protected] (703) 379-3822 PRESS RELEASE: Senate Passes Important “VETS Credit Act” Unanimously, Bill Heads to the President for Signature Today, we celebrate the [...]
Veterans Eligible to Transfer School Credit Act (HR 6604): School Closure Benefits Restoration
The devastating trend of school closures continues to negatively affect student veterans, leaving them with questions about their GI Bill benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inappropriately set a requirement for veterans to [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding the 85/15 Rule Federal Register Notice
We write to submit comments on the Department’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the above-referenced 85/15 Rule published in the October 12, 2022 issue of the Federal Register.
Our Letter to the Department of Education on the Council on Occupational Education.
VES advocacy letter on behalf of students and veterans in higher education in response to the call for third-party comments announced on November 14, 2022, in the Department of Education’s Notice Accrediting Agencies Currently Undergoing Review for the Purpose of Recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education. 1 Our comments concern the Council on Occupational Education (“COE”) and the senior Department official’s (SDO) decision letter dated October 27, 2021, requiring COE to come into compliance with 34 C.F.R. Part 602 within 12 months and to submit a compliance report within 30 days thereafter.
VA: Conflicting Interests Certification for Proprietary Schools
PURPOSE: This form informs individuals that the law has restrictions concerning any potential conflict of interest.
VA Report to Appropriations 2018 CTR – State Accrediting Agency Oversight
Despite adequate statutory and regulatory provisions, VA has identified additional steps that can be taken to further strengthen SAA compliance with the conflict of interest laws and regulations and ensure SAAs are aware of ethics rules.
The Hidden Loophole: How Predatory Offshore Medical Schools are Partnering with U.S. Universities to Access Federal Student Aid Funds
For-profit, offshore Caribbean medical schools that are not eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid’s Direct Loan Program are taking advantage of a regulatory loophole to obtain Title IV, Higher Education Act (HEA) funds. In this report, we discuss how these predatory, offshore medical schools, partnering with American schools, are taking advantage of students to syphon Title IV funds, and call on the U.S. Department of Education to implement policies to address the regulatory loophole and protect students and preserve the integrity of the Title IV program.
Can Information and Advising Affect Postsecondary Participation and Attainment for Non-Traditional Students?
Lack of information and advising prior to college matriculation may contribute to poor postsecondary outcomes among non-traditional students. We conducted a large-scale, multi-arm field experiment with the U.S. Army to investigate whether a package of research-based personalized information and access to advising affects postsecondary choices and attainment among a large non-traditional adult population. We find no impact of the intervention on whether veterans enroll in college, on the quality of their college enrollment, or on their persistence in college. Our results suggest that influencing non-traditional populations’ educational decisions and outcomes will require substantially more intensive programs.
VA FOIA Request Response RE: SAA requests for waivers of 38 USC 3683
VA's Agency Decision to VES' September 14, 2022, request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, submitted to the Veterans Benefits Administration Central Office (VBACO) FOIA Office, for access to records regarding information on whether any current State Approving Agencies employees have requested, received, or been denied a waiver under Sec. 3683, which prohibits SAA employees from receiving wages, salaries, gifts, profits, dividends, or services from a for-profit school.
U.S. Department of Education Renews Contracts with Troubled For-Profit Colleges
A new Student Defense analysis reveals that the U.S. Department of Education - through both decisions and inaction - continues to allow predatory institutions to scam students and taxpayers with impunity and without rebuke. This analysis comes nearly two years after Student Defense called on the Biden Administration to use civil law enforcement authorities to better protect student loan borrowers.
Letter to VA Regarding Bay State College
November 21, 2022 George O’Connor, Assistant Commissioner for Academic & Veterans Affairs Department of Higher Education Commonwealth of Massachusetts Via email Joshua Jacobs, Senior Advisor for Policy Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary [...]
Letter to VA Regarding Florida Career College
November 21, 2022 Betsy Wickham, Bureau Chief State Approving Agency Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Via email David Salgado, Director Veterans Education Program Texas Veterans Commission Via email Joshua Jacobs, Senior Advisor for Policy Performing [...]
Letter to VA Regarding Full Sail University
November 21, 2022 Betsy Wickham, Bureau Chief State Approving Agency Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Via email Joshua Jacobs, Senior Advisor for Policy Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary for Benefits Veterans Benefits [...]
Letter to VA Regarding ASA College
November 21, 2022 William Clarke, Veterans Program Manager Bureau of Veterans Education New York State Division of Veterans’ Services Via email Joshua Jacobs, Senior Advisor for Policy Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary [...]
The Potential of the G.I. Bill and the Need to Combat Fraud in the Program
By Will Hubbard The following op-ed was published in The Ripon Society. It’s time to fulfill America’s promise to our veterans They finally found John Gibson, a Georgia Congressman, after a frantic statewide search. The year [...]
Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act of 2022
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the process by which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines whether an educational institution meets requirements relating to the percentage of students who receive educational assistance [...]
Our Letter to VA Regarding Eastern Gateway Community College
Ms. Samantha Erickson SAA Director Ohio Department for Veterans Services 77 South High Street, 7th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 via email Mr. Josh Jacobs Acting Under Secretary for Benefits Veterans Benefits Administration 810 Vermont Ave. [...]
You Don’t Have to Be a Veteran to Be a Great Veteran Supporter in Higher Ed
The idea of a student going straight from high school through college is outdated, said Hubbard; adding: "What want to see is a modernization of policies and procedures that allows us to account for and [...]
Our Press Release: Congress to Restore Rapid Retraining Assistance Benefits For Veterans of Disapproved Programs
Washington, D.C., May 19, 2022 – Last night, veterans advocates applauded congressional action to restore emergency education benefits of veterans who attended programs that were disapproved or closed. In March, the U.S. Department of Veterans [...]
Buchanan Bill to Help Student Veterans Approved by House VA Committee
William Hubbard, vice president for veteran and military policy at Veterans Education Success, said, "We thank Congressman Buchanan for championing this bipartisan solution for student veterans. When facing the difficult situation of a closed school, [...]
Our Press Release: First-Ever Consensus Reached on 90/10 Rule at U.S. Dept. of Education Rulemaking
Contacts: Will Hubbard VP for Veterans & Military Policy Veterans Education Success Barmak Nassirian VP for Higher Education Policy Veterans Education Success PRESS RELEASE: First-Ever Consensus Reached on 90/10 Rule at U.S. Dept. of [...]
Buchanan Introduces Bill to Help Student Veterans
William Hubbard, the Vice President for Veteran and Military Policy at Veterans Education Success said, "When a student veteran faces the collapse of their school, added layers of bureaucracy only serve to worsen an already [...]
Veterans Scammed By For-Profit Colleges to Testify at Federal Hearings About Student Loan Forgiveness
December 8, 2021 VETERANS SCAMMED BY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES TO TESTIFY AT FEDERAL HEARINGS ABOUT STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR VETS RIPPED OFF BY DECEPTIVE PRACTICES SAN DIEGO VET TO TESTIFY - WEDNESDAY Given the number of [...]
Two Veterans Scammed By For-Profit Colleges To Testify At Federal Hearings About Unfair Student Loan Debts For Vets Ripped Off By Deceptive Practices
December 6, 2021 TWO VETERANS SCAMMED BY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES TO TESTIFY AT FEDERAL HEARINGS ABOUT UNFAIR STUDENT LOAN DEBTS FOR VETS RIPPED OFF BY DECEPTIVE PRACTICES ORLANDO-BASED FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY INCLUDED IN GOV’T HEARINGS, PALM [...]
Stories of How New Solutions Are Being Developed To Help Veterans Scammed By For-Profit Colleges
November 10, 2021 STORIES OF HOW NEW SOLUTIONS ARE BEING DEVELOPED TO HELP VETERANS SCAMMED BY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES Following veteran Greg Engle’s forceful testimony, I’m writing to share elements of a compelling story I hope [...]
How does virtual learning impact students in higher education?
In 2020, the pandemic pushed millions of college students around the world into virtual learning. As the new academic year begins, many colleges in the U.S. are poised to bring students back to campus, but a large amount of uncertainty remains. Some institutions will undoubtedly continue to offer online or hybrid classes, even as in-person instruction resumes. At the same time, low vaccination rates, new coronavirus variants, and travel restrictions for international students may mean a return to fully online instruction for some U.S. students and many more around the world.
DeVry Letter in Support of California’s Closing the 90/10 Loophole
DeVry University joined veterans organizations in calling for legislation to close the 90/10 loophole and stop targeting veterans (which DeVry did voluntarily in 2016)
Our Veterans Advocate Tyson Manker Speaks at NYC Consumer Affairs Panel
Video of advocate Tyson Manker speaking at NYC Consumer Affairs Panel about student debt among veterans, and the dire need to improve protections around the Post 9/11 GIBill
The Century Foundation: Encouraging Innovation & Preventing Abuse in For-Profit Higher Education
The Century Foundation is a progressive, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to foster opportunity, reduce inequality, and promote security at home and abroad.
Our Tweets: Student Veterans Lobby Day
VES Tweets about Student veterans Lobby Day in the Oregon capitol, organized and lead by VES State Policy Manager, Ramond Curtis
An Act To Ensure the Integrity of For-profit Colleges
The 129th Maine legislature unanimously passes bill requiring better oversight of for-profit colleges passes unanimously.
Testimony of Veteran Stephanie Stiefel before the California Assembly
Testimony by US Army veteran, Stephanie Stiefel, at California State Assembly Higher Education Committee hearing on AB 1343 – Revising the 90/10 Rule, April 9th, 2019.
NBC Nightly News: Veterans Could Be First to Pay as DeVos Rolls Back For-Profit College Oversight
Veterans Education Success was honored to be interviewed by NBC News for their expose on how for-profit colleges target veterans with fraud. We also provided both whistleblowers and veterans to be interviewed. The full NBC [...]
NYS Senate Public Hearing on Higher Education
Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education Chair: Senator Toby Ann Stavisky Public Hearing: To explore ways to review oversight over for-profit schools in order to better inform students, parents and consumers about for-profit education schools. - April, 2019
Veterans and Military Service Organization Letter of Support: AB 1343- Revising the 90/10 Rule
16 leading national VSO and MSO write letter to the California Assembly Committee on Education in support of closing the 90/10 loophole.
Veterans and Military Service Organization Letter of Support: Closing the 90/10 Loophole in New York State
16 leading national VSO and MSO write letter to the New York State Senate Committee on Higher Education in support of closing the 90/10 loophole.
Veterans and Military Service Organization Letter of Support: HB 2976 – Closing the 90/10 Loophole
16 leading national VSO and MSO write letter to the Oregon House Committee on Education in support of closing the 90/10 loophole
New York Post Letter to the Editor by our State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis
“Veterans organizations, including the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Association of the US Navy, and a dozen others are calling on Albany to enact Gov. Cuomo’s "For-Profit College Accountability Act”
Testimony of Student Veteran Jay Hernandez
Testimony of Jay Hernandez before the Oregon House Committee on Education at the hearing on HB 2976 - Veterans Private Education Protection Act: "I lost a year of education benefits that I could be going towards earning a Masters" March, 2019
Testimony of our State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis Before Oregon House of Representatives
VES State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis testimony before the Oregon House Committee on Veterans Private Education Protection Act: HB 2976 - March, 2019
Our State Policy Manager Testifies at Education Committee Hearing
Video of Oregon State House of Representatives Committee on Education hearing: HB 2976 - Veterans Private Education Protection Act, March 2019
Testimony of Student Veteran Ryan Preston
Testimony of Ryan Preston before the Oregon House of Representatives Committee on Education at the hearing on HB 2976 - Veterans Private Education Protection Act: "I received a total of 2 online job leads and then the university reps tried forcing me to sign a release of liability so they would not be obligated to assist me in finding employment" March, 2019
Veteran and Military Organizations Support Proposed California Regulation
Letter from 21 national organizations representing veterans, active-duty military, and students in support of proposed rule-making to title 12 of California Code of Regulations regarding CSAAVE title 38 approval of postsecondary institutions
Letter of Support from The American Legion
The American Legion Department of New York writes in support of Gov. Cuomo’s “For Profit Accountability Act”
Testimony of Our State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis
Testimony in support of Gov. Cuomo's "For-Profit College Accountability Act” before the NY state Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee by VES State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis: "New York can prevent predatory practices and bad outcomes by implementing strong policies that hold for-profit colleges accountable to the students and taxpayers they have an obligation to serve." March, 2019
One of our college whistleblowers, Eric Dean, a former Ashford University admissions rep, spoke at a press conference to announce the legislation
One of our college whistleblowers, Eric Dean, a former Ashford University admissions rep, spoke at a press conference to announce legislation https://twitter.com/GIBillRights/status/1100823267210870785
Politico Morning Education: The group Veterans Education Success has released a brief
The group Veterans Education Success has released a brief that encourages the Education Department to consider lessons learned from GI Bill usage as it weighs regulatory changes. Read the full story: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-education/2019/02/25/gun-control-bill-heads-to-the-house-floor-this-week-399378
Washington Post: Veterans Groups Ask VA Secretary to Keep GI Benefits Out of the Hands of Predatory Colleges
“The veterans we serve are understandably angry when they discover that the very consumer fraud they faced at a predatory school is one the VA knew about but approved for GI Bill benefits anyway,” said [...]
Testimony of Student Veteran Michael Miedzinkski before Maryland State Senate
Testimony regarding predatory practices by veteran Michael Miedzinkski before Maryland State Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee: "I was recruited at a college transfer fair at the community college I was attending. After a number of red flags, I began to realize I had made a mistake" February, 2019
Testimony of Student Veteran Cynthia Castellon before Maryland State Senate
Testimony regarding predatory practices by veteran Cynthia Castellon before Maryland State Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee: "I was lied to and manipulated into using my Post 9/11 GI Bill, AND taking out unnecessary loans, just so Everest could make a profit" February, 2019
Testimony of Our State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis before Maryland State Senate
Testimony regarding predatory practices by VES State Policy Manager Ramond Curtis before Maryland State Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee: "Maryland’s 157 for-profit colleges and career schools offer a variety of career-oriented programs, ranging from courses in medical billing to programs in building trades. We know that these institutions are crossing ethical and legal lines to boost their veteran enrollment across the country." February, 2019
Testimony of Student Veteran Zachary Hastie
Testimony of Zachary Hastie before the Joint Legislative Hearing on Higher Education: "I trusted that my interests as a veteran and a student were being put first, but it was a mistake" January, 2019
Testimony of Student Veteran Michelle Kernizan
Testimony of Michele Kernizan, of Suffern NY: "I was misled by a for-profit college that has put a financial strain and burden on my financial life"
Testimony by our Director of Military and Consumer Policy Mike Saunders
Testimony before New York State Policymakers by Mike Saunders, VES Director of Military and Consumer Policy: "Veterans Education Success has received more than 4,000 complaints from veterans who were deceived or defrauded by a for-profit college. Many of them are from New York"
Our president in Sacramento to meet with California policymakers
VES President, Carrie Wofford, meets with California Lawmakers in Sacramento to discuss how CA state officials can better protect veterans' education benefits. - December, 2018
Advocates Worry That Changes To GI Bill Will Make Pilot Crisis Worse
For example, in the Stars and Stripes article, Will Hubbard, vice president of Student Veterans of America is quoted as saying, "While some veterans choose to pursue a vocation in flight programs, these programs continue to [...]
Our Advocate Speaks at NYC Press Conference
Advocate Tyson Manker Speaks at NYC Press Conference about the importance of accurate GI Bill information
Children’s Advocacy Institute: Failing U: Do State Laws Protect Our Veterans and Other Students From For-Profit Postsecondary Predators?
The Children’s Advocacy Institute's mission is to improve the health, safety, development, and well-being of children and youth. Their goal is to ensure that children’s interests are represented effectively whenever government makes policy and budget decisions.