Acting Ranking Member Takano Statement on Education Department’s Decision to Terminate Federal Recognition of ACICS
Washington, D.C. – Today, Acting Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement in response to the Department of Education’s decision to terminate the federal recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accreditor of for-profit colleges.
“The Department of Education is justified in revoking recognition of ACICS as an accreditor of for-profit schools. For too long, ACICS gave its seal of approval to schools that were not worthy of students’ time, energy, and money. I commend the Department of Education for taking necessary action to protect student veterans from enrolling in schools that will not meet their needs.
“While I support this decision wholeheartedly, I understand it will cause significant concern and disruption for those students enrolled at a school accredited by ACICS. I am grateful that Congress came together earlier this week to pass legislation that will ensure student veterans attending one of these schools will not have their benefits cut off immediately. Without that bipartisan effort, more than 30,000 student veterans would have their benefits cut off following the 30-day appeal period, assuming the Department of Education does not reverse its decision.
“I encourage student veterans seeking a new school to use the following resources to find an institution that is right for them.”
- The Department of Veterans Affairs' college search engine “GI Bill College Comparison Tool”
- The Education Department's college search engine “College Scorecard”
- A reliable, non-profit, community college search engine from the American Association of Community Colleges
- Student veterans should also read these tips on choosing a college that meets their needs
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