February 28, 2024|Benefits, College, Disability, Education, GIBill, In Person Learning, Military, Online Degree, Online Learning, School Benefit, Trade School, VA, Veteran, Veteran Affairs
Veterans’ advocates are expressing concerns about a recent modification to the GI Bill regulations that could permit students to exhaust their tuition benefits on programs that do not lead to a college degree, potentially resulting in the squandering of their educational benefits earned through military service.
According to Veterans Affairs officials, the adjustment is intended as a minor correction to the definitions governing online education programs and does not necessitate a formal public comment period. Nevertheless, a coalition of 25 veterans organizations, including The American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans of America, have raised significant apprehensions regarding how students might utilize or misapply the GI Bill.
In a letter addressed to VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs, these groups strongly opposed the modification, highlighting that it would allow GI Bill funds to be used for the first time on "unaccredited online programs that do not result in a degree." They are now requesting that the changes be paused or, at the very least, undergo a public review process similar to that required for substantial regulatory alterations.
The focal point of concern revolves around the treatment of online-exclusive college programs under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which offers a minimum of 36 months of tuition coverage for student veterans or eligible family members. Recipients also qualify for a monthly housing allowance, although individuals enrolled in fully online courses receive a reduced stipend compared to those attending classes in person.
William Hubbard, Vice President for Veterans and Military Policy at Veterans Education Success, which is leading the opposition to the change, stated, "The proposed modifications will result in…..a loophole in the GI Bill that will grant unscrupulous individuals direct and unmonitored access to veterans and their valuable GI Bill funds."
The total worth of this benefit can exceed $100,000, a substantial sum that has made veterans susceptible to exploitation by scammers, for-profit institutions, and non-profit schools alike over the years.
Advocates argue that this intentional or unintentional reclassification eliminates the obligation for these institutions to be accredited by state bodies and to confer degrees upon students. Instead, online-only courses would operate within a regulatory gray zone, subject to less supervision and oversight.
In a statement, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes mentioned that officials are exploring "additional avenues for soliciting public feedback" but have not committed to restarting the review process.
He indicated that VA leaders believe the proposed modifications will enable the department to continue collaborating with State Approving Agencies to safeguard the integrity of VA education benefits while also seeking to broaden opportunities for veterans to advance personally and professionally.
VA officials have disclosed no specific timeline regarding implementing the new regulations. Veterans advocates hope they can convince department leaders or legislators to halt the process before it moves forward.
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