My school undercharged the VA by 2/3 of what was owed in tuition and fees to the VA. This resulted in them keeping most of my Fin Aid as a result. Why would they do this, and what can I do? I have spoken with them several times, but they will not give a straight answer. They haven’t really offered any kind of answer at this point. Has anyone else had an experience like this? None of the classes were repeats, and they were all degree related.
When you say “they” and “them,” it’s not clear if you’re talking about the school or the VA. Also, tuition and fees aren’t owed to the VA, they are owed to the school. Please clarify.
Did they do this for a summer class or for spring semester?
Are you attending an OOS public?
Some of the YR rules have changed.
‘They’ and ‘Them’ refers to the school. The school undercharged the VA. All of the classes I took were related to my degree, and so should have been covered. This was Spring/16 semester. Public 2yr college.
How did they charge for Fall 2015?
Are you out of state for that public CC?
Did you drop any classes?
Did the VA change anything as of Jan 2016?
Is there a Veterans Counselor at your school, or someone who deals specifically with veterans issues? Find that person and make an appointment.
If you are eligible for the full payment for all classes you took, it’s possible your enrollment was certified at a point when you did not have all of your classes added. The school is supposed to make sure the enrollment that was certified is correct, once the drop/add period is over.
Someone at your school is designated as the VA School Certifying Officer. Find out who that is, and talk with that person.
VA is the last payer, so any other aid would be applied first, then the GI Bill picks up the remainder. I’m pretty sure the only exception is Pell. So any grants, scholarships, loans, etc would be applied first. You wouldn’t receive a refund unless you are Pell eligible.
@cap, good read. I wasn’t thinking of this, but you are correct - OP may not be considering the “last payer” aspect.
Maybe he thought he would get a refund from loan proceeds, but loan covers before VA benefit so there is no refund?
Federal Title IV aid is not used in the last payer determination, so loans are not taken into account. Any institutional aid or scholarships earmarked as tuition would first be deducted, though, with Post 9/11 benefits. If tuition is $10,000 and the student has a $5,000 tuition grant from the school, the VA will only pay $5,000.