Opinion | Betsy DeVos vs. Student Veterans

I think it's hard for first generation college students (63% of student veterans) to discern all of the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit schools, including reputational impact on employment possibilities. This is particularly true when a lot of advice given is in service, by those still in service, where 80% of tuition assistance users go to for-profits, and because of that percentage those colleges are allowed in base education offices (only to tutor or assist, NOT to recruit, but who have repeatedly been found to violate that restriction).

Additionally, I think that the advertising of the for-profits, compared to the non-existence of advertising and marketing for non-profits and publics confuses the issue. Yes, some blame, but on those who have come before for not reaching back and assisting with informed decision making, some blame on TAP for not including information on college and major selection, and some on not doing your own research.

And then there are the actual predatory practices, including enrolling students without their knowledge or consent, forging student loan promissory notes, and more, though admittedly those are fewer than in years past.

Sgt James Schmeling - It is called personal responsibility. Most that served should have grasped that concept after 4+ years on duty. Thousands of high school kids make the transition to college without a lot of fanfare and primarily parental support.

The information is already available if people want to do any sort of research. There are loads of schools that do a great job providing an education and they are easy to find. You do not need another government program or legislation to help you make better decisions. I know everyone means well but the nanny state is really out of control. The government cannot solve every issue for us nor should be expect it to do so.

Your last paragraph sounds as though these may be illegal actions already.

The people who make the transition to college from high school are paying with their own money or with student loans they have to repay, have guidance counselors and college admission counselors working with them, and are not targeted for advertising or high pressure sales tactics by colleges and universities. There are some differences in the percentage who are first generation, and therefore have guidance from parents and their networks, too. I don't want a nanny state, or even new legislation, but the existing protections, and requirements, are being gutted after having been put in place to protect taxpayer money and students. Essentially if you look at the links in the article you see attorney generals in 49 states engaged in this because of how bad the fraud is that education is ignoring.