Veterans groups urge VA to keep GI benefits away from deceptive colleges

Thirty-six advocacy groups sent a letter to the head of Veterans Affairs (VA) this month urging the department to increase oversight of postsecondary education programs that are approved for GI benefits.The groups — which include the American Legion, Blue Star Families and AMVETS — cited concerns over a recent audit by the VA Office of Inspector General that estimated the department will waste $2.3 billion over the next five years by making improper GI Bill payments, including to colleges with potentially fraudulent practices. The letter singled out Career Education Corporation, a for-profit college operator that has been widely accused of misleading students, as an example of an institution that has received improper payments. Career Education has the third-highest number of veteran complaints against it at the VA, according to the letter.  The audit, which looked into state agencies in charge of program approvals, raised fresh concerns over the misuse of GI Bill benefits, especially at for-profit colleges. The probe found the agencies didn't always adequately review and monitor programs to ensure they met requirements for GI Bill benefits. Additionally, the auditors found the "risk of improper payments was particularly high at for-profit schools." Out of 35 programs flagged for being either "ineligible or potentially ineligible" for GI benefits, 83% were at for-profits.