NAICU Washington Update

VA Postpones Publication of Institutional Graduation Rates for Veterans

October 17, 2016

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is suspending the publication of its 4-year Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) graduation rates of veterans who have received benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, pending revisions to its processes. According to the VA, the rates were not accurate indicators of the success of these students.

Four-year schools received their individual rates in August, and immediately raised concerns about the accuracy of the results. As it turned out, the formula used to calculate the graduation rates was too narrowly drawn and didn’t include certain categories of successful veteran students. Two-year schools, which received their results earlier, also showed unrealistically low graduation rates.

In a September letter to colleges and universities from Robert M. Worley II, Director, Education Service, Veterans Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notifying institutions of the decision, the Department stated it is revising its IHL data and validation process, and asked institutions to maintain collection of graduation data for all Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients.

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