Expanding Access to Education

Investing in access to education will best prepare our military men and women to meet the needs of the 21st Century.

Principles of Excellence

President Obama announced the Principles of Excellence in 2012 to ensure that student veterans, service members, and family members have information, support, and protections while using federal education benefits. To date, nearly 6,000 educational institutions, covering over 81 percent of GI Bill beneficiaries, have signed on to provide tools that help give students more information and increase oversight of programs offered by educational institutions. Tools include:

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GI Bill Comparison Tool

The GI Bill Comparison Tool makes it easier to research colleges and employers providing training under the GI Bill. The tool has been recently re-designed and for the first time provides Veteran-specific outcome measures on graduation and retention rates and provides Veterans with the information they need to determine which schools and programs produce the best outcomes. It displays median borrowing amounts, graduation rates, and loan-default rates by school and indicates whether or not the school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program or has agreed to adhere to the Principles of Excellence. The tool allows veterans, service members, their spouses, and dependents to estimate the amount of funding they may receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The GI Bill Comparison Tool has helped nearly 1.3 million individuals calculate estimated GI Bill benefits, research certain school attributes, and compare educational institutions.

Visit the GI Bill Comparison Tool

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GI Bill Feedback System

The GI Bill Feedback System is a centralized online reporting system that allows veterans, service members, and eligible dependents to report negative experiences with educational institutions. The VA serves as the intermediary to resolve complaints between the student and school. Submitted complaints may be reviewed by state and Federal law enforcement agencies including the Department of Justice.

Visit the VA's GI Bill Feedback System

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8 Keys to Veterans’ Success on Campus

Developed by the Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with more than 100 education experts, the 8 Keys to Veterans' Success on Campus are eight concrete steps that institutions of higher education can take to help veterans and service members transition into the classroom and thrive once they are there. Over the past year, the number of commitments has steadily increased as more colleges and universities have affirmed their commitment to take the necessary steps to assist veterans and service members in transitioning to higher education, completing their college programs, obtaining career-ready skills, and achieving success.

Learn more about the 8 Keys to Veterans' Success

 

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