In a recent post on its consumer information site, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned military veterans to be cautious when choosing to spend their G.I. Bill benefits at a for-profit college.
Last year four Democratic senators asked the agency to be more aggressive in investigating problematic lead-generation businesses, a major tool used by for-profit colleges to recruit students. The move suggests that the FTC is responding to their request and paying close attention to the sector.
The agency's "Choosing a College: 8 Questions to Ask" post urges veterans to "be aware that some for-profit schools may not have your best interest in mind."
"They may want to use your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to boost their bottom line and may not help you achieve your education goals," the post reads. "They may stretch the truth to persuade you to enroll, either by pressuring you to sign up for courses that don't suit your needs or to take out loans that will be a challenge to pay off."
The agency recommends that veterans consult the Education Department's College Navigator to determine whether an institution is for-profit or not-for-profit.
Related Links
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information Website
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0395-choosing-college