those pesky loopholes . . . https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/education/the-learning-curve-ashford-university-will-try-charter-school-strategy-to-keep-operating/
another Ashford thing https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-education/2020/02/18/ashford-university-approved-for-gi-bill-eligibility-785471
Vets group sounds the alarm after VA greenlights controversial Ashford University for GI Bill funds By STEVE BEYNON | STARS AND STRIPESPublished: February 21, 2020 Link https://www.stripes.com/news/us/vets-group-sounds-the-alarm-after-va-greenlights-controversial-ashford-university-for-gi-bill-funds-1.619756 "It is outrageous that VA continues to violate federal law in order to help for-profit colleges while throwing veterans under the bus," Carrie Wofford, president of Veterans Education Success, said in a prepared statement. "Veterans have legal rights to be protected from fraud and VA has a legal obligation to stop funding that fraud — but VA keeps refusing to follow the law." In 2016, Ashford lost its approval for GI Bill funds in Iowa, but later sued the state and lost in 2017. Due to Ashford losing its credentials in Iowa, a veteran attending the school found out right before his graduation that he would not earn his teaching license. He was told he would have to attend a “cooperating school” in Arizona for one year, according to the 2012 Senate report. The aggressive recruiting practices at some for-profit colleges, including Ashford, has also prompted years of congressional investigations. A 2012 Senate investigation found Ashford University routinely told veterans their GI Bill would fully cover the cost of tuition. At least one veteran owed $11,000 that his federal benefits wouldn’t cover, the investigation found. When the school failed to secure approval in California, it relocated to Arizona in 2017. The school offered no courses in Arizona, but signed a lease for a 2,454 square foot space and called it a headquarters, according to The Chronical for Higher Education, which reports on the industry. The VA gave Ashford 60 days to obtain approval from California, back when the state was the approving authority. The state again declined to approve Ashford, citing the school's entanglement in legal issues alleging it used "erroneous, deceptive, or misleading advertising policies." In 2019, Washington state booted Ashford from operating in the state. "Ashford University if not permitted to engage in any actions that constitute 'operating' in Washington state," Sam Loftin, director of consumer protection said in a statement. "[This includes] engaging in targeted advertising, promoting, publicizing, soliciting, or recruiting for the institution. Students enrolled in field placements for the current term may complete their field placement experience, but no future field placements may be offered."
