Article First Appeared on USMilitary.org
A new VA rule change is going to have some undesirable repercussions on veterans across the nation.
Until recently, the 85/15 Rule said that the VA could not pay for a student’s education if they are in a program where more than 85% of the students have their tuition supported by either the college itself or the VA.
The new change is redefining what is considered a “supported student.” Previously it was “any student receiving VA benefits.” However, it will now be considered “any student who gets a scholarship grant from their school, who is granted a waiver or tuition and fee forgiveness, or any student using a payment plan”.
As you can see, the rule change will make it so a large number of non-veteran students fall under the 85/15 Rule.
This means that veterans who want to use their GI Bill could have a more difficult time enrolling at schools they want to attend.
Many think that the VA’s intention for changing the rule was an attempt to decrease predatory schools from trying to get veterans to enroll so they can get more money coming into the school from students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
While the VA’s motive of trying to prohibit schools from preying on veterans is worthwhile, many think this is not the way to go about it.
Several members of Congress agree, and have sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough requesting the following.
– To provide a list of schools and/or programs that have been suspended under the new guidance.
– Why the VA changed its guidance on the 85/15 Rule when the statutory language in section 3680 of title 38, United States Code, did not change?
– What training and communication has been provided to schools on how to implement this new guidance?
– If students are activated by the Guard or Reserve during their academic term, will they be unable to return to their educational program if it drops below the 85/15 ratio during their activation?
– What resources is VA providing to school certifying officials to ask questions and gain clarification about the new guidance?
via Clearance Jobs
The letter included a suspense date of a reply back to Congress NLT December 1. The VA’s response (if there was one) has yet to be released to the press.
I used my Gibill to get my bachelors degree
University of Phoenix HAHA, thats not a real “university”
Agreed.
Obviously you failed the Professionalism course. 🤣
Marine Corps is the best. Loyalty and Discipline
Served three years. Korean Vet. Retired as a SGT EG
I have always had great respect for the Marine Corps. Thank you for your service, Robert.
Hooooooooawwwwwwwww.
Oh Yes Sir – I Thank the Almighty God everyday for Our Beloved Corps and for the Opportunity I had because of all you guys who greased the skids before me – It was God and the Corps that made me the man I am today – HONOR – COURAGE – COMMITMENT – This is Our ETHOS – Served from age 25 to 48 – 23 Action Packed – Fun Years – Around the World twice – four (4) Continents – One (1) War – traveled all over this Great Nation – OOOOHHHH RRRAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Semper Fidelis! And God Bless America! “IN GOD WE TRUST” USMC Ret 1987 MCRD San Diego CA – 2010 – Ist Marine Logistics Group – 1st Marine Expeditionary Force – Camp Pendleton CA
It doesn’t “impact”, it AFFECTS. Those words are NOT interchangeable.
I love a man who knows his grammar.
What it comes down to in simple terms it means a lot of guys that served is not going to be able to go to school they don’t realize that most of us are struggling as it is here we are trying to make ourselves better and we lose out. Why is it a rule change that the VA makes affects US veterans and we are always on the losing end
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University of phoenix did this to me. They told me from the beginning that I could only take one class at a time and they pretty much charged me the same as if I was full time in another school taking 3 courses at a time. Bc of what they did I used more of my gi bill for less credits than it should have been.
I went to the University of Phoenix as well but I had a different experience. They told me that its on a time basis rather than a course basis (which implies the same thing). Said I could enroll in multiple classes or one class and I would be charged against the G.I. Bill for the flat time of the enrollment period. I specifically asked for one class at time time BECAUSE they considered it full time. I have my degree already prior to enlistment.