Archive for July, 2009
Posted by admin on July 30th, 2009
Work from home job advertisements are everywhere from job boards to magazine ads, radio spots, and even on television and these opportunities sound too good to be true, and most of them are. “Earn $1000- $5,000 a week working part-time in your home” - if it was really that easy, wouldn’t everyone be doing it? Bankrate.com has put together a list of the top 10 actual “real” work from home opportunities, some payign as much as $100k a year.
1. Virtual Assistant
This is a field with much potential, in part because the title description covers many things. “You can fit your offerings to what you know how to do,” says Foster. One can own a virtual assistant business or work from home for a company that makes you available to other employees or clients. Homewiththekids.com, for example, currently features a dozen such companies. Small businesses hire virtual assistants to help when they can’t justify a permanent employee. The International Virtual Assistants Association, which Durst co-founded in the 1990s, began with 28 members and has grown to more than 600, who charge from $15 per hour to more than $100 per hour.
2. Medical Transcriptionist
As Foster knows, being a medical receptionist is a demanding job, and nearly every company listed on her site seeks applicants with experience and/or training from certain schools. The work involves listening to and typing up dictation from doctors — some of whom have difficult accents, slur words together, and even “eat, drink, chew gum (and) talk to other people in the room” while dictating, she says. But hearing about medical matters can be interesting, and good transcriptionists are in very high demand. Expect initial earnings of less than $10 per hour, but some transcriptionists earn $20 or more per hour.
3. Translator
Those with fluency in more than one language translate audio files or documents, not just word for word but often with cultural differences in mind. “Companies can access home-based translators with hard-to-find language skills without being held back by geographic location,” says Fell.
Foster’s site lists 15 companies that seek home-based translators. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-09, which groups translators and interpreters, notes a projected employment increase of 24 percent over the 2006-to-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The national mean hourly wage for translators and interpreters was $20.74, with a mean annual wage of $43,130 as of May 2008, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some industries pay significantly higher, with the highest paying jobs generally in the management, scientific and technical consulting services areas, in which the mean hourly wage was $56.50 and the annual mean wage was $117,530.
4. Web Developer/Designer
Information technology is the sector, Durst says, where most of the home-based hiring is being done. Terri Orlowski, a virtual assistant and Web developer based in Ledyard, Conn., offers services such as custom Web site design, template modification and redesigns, code updates, hosting, and usability reviews. She previously held administrative positions in a variety of industries, and makes a higher per-hour rate now. The job is in high demand. Of the more than 15,000 new monthly work-from-home job postings on Odesk.com, Web developers are in the greatest demand, says spokeswoman Elizabeth Gordon. A list of companies that post at-home tech jobs is available at ratracerebellion.com.
5. Call Center Representative
When you phone to order something from a catalog or infomercial, a big office with rows of cubicles may come to mind. But the person on the other end of the line is likely to be sitting in a home office. “It’s a huge and growing industry,” says Durst of companies that hire independent contractors to take calls from home. She says the “home-shore movement” started in response to complaints about the many companies that looked offshore for workers. While some Web sites, such as Alpineaccess.com, actually hire representatives, most use subcontractors. Just be aware that the pay may be by the minute rather than by the hour, so you may not be paid for time you spend waiting by the phone. A list of companies that hire call center reps can be found at Homewiththekids.com.
6. Tech Support Specialist
Call centers also hire technical support specialists to work remotely. Kate Lister, co-author of “Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home,” names it as one of her top three “best-bet work-at-home jobs.” And according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs for computer support specialists (on-site and remote combined) were expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016 — much faster than the average for all occupations — with 71,000 new jobs.
7. Travel Agent
Scams abound in the travel industry — particularly organizations that charge for information on how to break into the field. But operating a home-based travel agency can be an excellent business, says Tom Ogg of the Home Based Travel Agent Information Center. “Real home-based travel agents have experienced robust growth over the last decade, and there are probably around 35,000 of them and growing.” A growing (although small) number of people earn $100,000 or more a year, he says. “A solid business concept and plan focused on profitability will take you a long way to achieving your monetary goals.” There’s also the joy of helping others enjoy their leisure time.
8. Teacher
From postsecondary education to elementary schools, there are opportunities for students to learn virtually. Along with that, come opportunities to teach (and tutor) virtually. While distance learning is not new, advanced technology, collaborative multimedia software designed for schools and high-speed Internet connections have created more opportunities for teachers and students to work together from afar, says Fell. Durst has also noticed more teacher jobs being posted, and she knows of one professor who works mainly online and makes six figures — although income “depends on how many hours you’re applying to it and the type of classes you’re teaching.” A resource center for online teaching jobs is available at GetEducated.com.
9. Writer/Editor
Yes, the print publishing industry has been suffering, but Durst is seeing frequent listings these days for writing, editing and proofreading, particularly for the Web. Even those without writing experience can join the blogosphere. Not only can blogging be lots of fun, Foster says, but also there’s money to be earned blogging for someone else’s site, getting paid to post on your own blog or through revenue-sharing arrangements. A list of blogging opportunities, for which the pay range is less than $5 per post to more than $20 per post, can be found at Homewiththekids.com.
10. Franchise Owner
It’s a no-brainer: Owning a business can be the road to at-home work. For an initial investment, franchises may offer a ready-made business with brand awareness, a system and a territory, says Leslie Truex, founder of the Web site Work-At-Home Success. She advises considering businesses that target the over-50 crowd or the self-employed, involve health and wellness, relate to the “green” movement, or involve electronic or online devices (i.e., accessories, applications).
Scam Alert:
When considering any at-home job, put up the scam-detection radar.
Durst suggests watching for these positive indicators of “real” employment:
* The hirer is an established company.
* The ad includes the company name and does not have applicants reply to a blind e-mail address.
* Human resources personnel are available for questions.
* There is mention of information commonly associated with “real” employment (benefits, vacations, policies, etc.).
* There is an application and interview process, not simply an e-mailed offer.
* The employer can detail the job duties and expectations.
* References/work samples are requested.
Bankrate.com
Posted by admin on July 28th, 2009
Many distance learners agree that the most difficult part of studying online is staying motivated. Because students must take the initiative to complete their courses completely on their own, without the physical presence of teachers and other peers, many students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you – plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books. Use these five motivational tips to stay on task:
1. Connect with your classmates. Visit online groups and start conversations with your fellow classmates. Talk about your day, your studies, whatever will keep you connected, motivated and give you that sense of “classroom” in a virtual environment. Once you begin talking to fellow students, you may even find a few in your area that will be willing to start a physical study group! Having the support of your peers during your studies is extremely rewarding and important.
2. Discuss what you learn. Find a friend or relative who has similar interests or who would enjoy hearing about your studies and let them know what’s going on in your classes. You’ll understand the material better when you have a chance to explain it out loud and will be motivated to stay on task in order to keep up with the conversation.
3. Chart your progress. Design your own map of completed classes and post it somewhere that is visible daily. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching your goals be accomplished. When times get hard, you can always turn to your chart and see how far you’ve come.
4. Reward yourself. You get rewarded for good credit and safe driving, why shouldn’t you reward yourself for doing well in your course work. Whether it is a night on the town, a new dress, or even a new car, setting up a reward system just may be the extra push you need to succeed.
5. Take time for fun. If you’re spending all your time working, studying, and watching after the kids, you’ll likely suffer in all areas. Everyone needs some down time to re-group. So, set aside a little time every week for a favorite activity. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.
What helps you stay motivated? Do you have any tips or suggestions to add to our list?
Posted by admin on July 27th, 2009
Thanks to distance-learning technology, amplified federal assistance and a network of military-friendly programs, the opportunities for GI Joes and Janes to further their education during active duty, post-discharge or through retirement continue to grow.
Locally, active duty personnel can take advantage of on-base programs like the ones offered at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (or NAS JRB). Though open in some instances to veterans, military dependants and retirees, the programs are primarily geared for working service members who face potential deployment or transfer while pursuing their studies.
Schooling for soldiers
“All members of the military are encouraged to continue their education,” said Don Ray, a public information officer at the naval air station. “The military gives them the opportunity to attend classes, whether it be at lunchtime or in the evening.
“Not only does it help them later in life when they leave the military, internally, it helps them with promotions,” he said. “It makes them more well-rounded in their job profession here.
“Nowadays a high school education doesn’t get you very far in the military,” he said. “The military has become very technical.
“Plus, while they are on active duty, the military gives tuition assistance, so they don’t have to use their VA [Veterans Affairs] benefits if they don’t want to,” he said. “They can save the benefit for when they get out of the service.”
Rebecca Ary, director of the Navy College Office at NAS JRB, said that four colleges provide on-base programs that lead to bachelor’s degrees or certifications: Columbia College, which offers liberal arts courses in subjects like criminal justice and psychology; Northwood University, offering marketing and management degrees; Embry-Riddle, an aviation program; and ECPI College of Technology, offering computer training.
The schools are members of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges Consortium, a network of educational programs designed to help service members and their families further their education. SOC programs feature reduced in-residency requirements, military-friendly credit transfer policies and credit awarded for military experience.
“It helps the member if the military moves them to another location,” said Ary.
Distance-learning programs and online classes also make it possible for students to complete coursework after being moved, said Ary.
Terry Silva, career services director at Northwood University’s Texas campus, located in Cedar Hill, said that the university takes extra measures to work with service members’ special needs.
“We do work-life evaluations where they can get [college] credit for a particular kind of military experience, like computer training, or leadership or supervisory training,” he said.
“If someone enrolls in a class, then they get assigned to go somewhere, Northwood will refund 100 percent of their tuition,” he said. “If they are transferring out, we tell them if there is a way to get [at least] an associate’s degree with us. There are online and independent study opportunities in case they transfer out when they are close to graduating.
“It’s something for us to give back to them,” he said.
The new Post-9/11 Bill
A population of veterans will soon have better access to higher education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1.
The new legislation provides education aid for veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, at a level representing a significant increase above the amount covered in the current GI Bill.
Under the Post-9/11 Bill, funding is available for housing, books, and tuition associated with the completion of graduate and undergraduate degrees and vocational or technical training.
Dallas Baptist University recently created the “Patriot Veterans Opportunity Program,” which features scholarships and support services for students receiving benefits under the new bill.
“We’ve been a military-friendly campus for years,” said Dr. Donovan Fredricksen, dean of the university’s college of adult education. “Our mascot is the Patriot, and we are located next to the national cemetery.”
Anticipating more veteran enrollment
Fredricksen said that DBU has staff designated for the purpose of veteran education as well as a military education task force made up of diverse faculty and staff members.
Additionally, the university will soon launch a new Web site, “Patriot2Patriot”, in anticipation of an increased veteran student population.
“The college I’m over cares a lot about adult students coming back to school,” he said. “We understand about the different responsibilities they have of family and work.
“It’s even more so with our returning veterans,” he said, “It’s truly an honor for us to help them continue their education. ”
Another opportunity for veterans to leverage the new bill’s benefits is through the University of Phoenix, a private university with campuses across the nation, including Texas.
According to a recent press release, University of Phoenix will cover up to 50 percent of on-campus or online tuition and fees that surpass the GI Bill’s benefit rate.
The school also offers programs designed for active duty personnel.
Star-Telegram.com
Posted by admin on July 20th, 2009
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For some people the classroom is not the ideal place to learn. Between students trying to prove themselves as subject-matter experts and those who ask questions for the sake of asking questions, between the busy work and lack of work handed out by teachers, between the clocks that are five minutes fast and five minutes slow; there is very little room for a proper education. How a student is able retain any information presented in a classroom crammed with annoyances and the tiniest discrepancy is beyond me. However, the tiniest of irritations can be avoided by removing the classroom from education. By creating his or her own learning environment a student can make sure all unpleasant quirks are nonexistent.
The best thing about an “at-home” education is that it does not have to be taken literally. Home is where a student is comfortable, safe and able to be productive in a positive environment. “Home” does not always mean “house”. Home can be your favorite café or your own corner section of the library. Home can be any number of places that allow you to take away the best education possible and this is something of which Penn Foster is well aware. In a world where complete downtown areas are wi-fi accessible and where you can take your laptop almost anywhere there is no need for the annoyances of brick-and-mortar classrooms. There is also no need to be paying more money for these annoyances when you can receive a college education that won’t put you thousands of dollars in debt. Nowadays, online education is the only thing that seems to make sense.
Posted by admin on July 14th, 2009
President Barack Obama will unveil a $12 billion initiative on Tuesday to boost community colleges and propel the United States toward his goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, administration officials said.
The 10-year program, which he will announce during a visit on Tuesday afternoon to Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, includes a new goal of graduating an additional 5 million students from community colleges over the next decade, double the current number of expected graduates.
Education is the often-forgotten third pillar of Obama’s economic plan and has received far less attention than the other two — healthcare reform and renewable energy.
In a speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in February, Obama warned that the fastest growing fields of employment required more than a high school diploma, while only about half the U.S. population had graduated from high school.
He urged Americans to commit to at least one year of higher education or career training and set a goal of having the United States lead the world in proportion of college graduates by the year 2020.
Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers issued a report on the future of the U.S. job market on Monday that was aimed at bolstering the case for more higher education.
“Well-trained and highly-skilled workers will be best positioned to secure high-wage jobs, thereby fueling American prosperity,” the report said.
“Occupations requiring higher educational attainment are projected to grow much faster than those with lower education requirements, with the fastest growth among occupations that require an associate’s degree or a post-secondary vocational award,” it said.
Community colleges are two-year schools that generally grant associate degrees or training certificates. The annual cost of attendance is around half that of public four-year colleges and universities.
There are more than a thousand community colleges in the United States with more than 6 million students enrolled. Nearly half a million students graduate from community colleges annually.
Deputy Undersecretary of Education Bob Shireman said $9 billion of the funds Obama proposes to spend will go mainly for challenge grants awarded on a competitive basis to encourage community colleges to propose and launch innovative new programs.
Some of the $9 billion would fund programs to address the problem of students dropping out of college.
James Kvaal, special assistant to the president for education policy, said $2.5 billion would be used as seed money to generate $10 billion in renovation and construction at community colleges.
Another $500 million would be used to develop online courses and materials to improve student learning, including artificial intelligence tutoring and multimedia courses, Kvaal said.
Posted by admin on July 13th, 2009
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We all strive to achieve a “balance” in our lives; juggling our career and our family but does anyone really ever achieve it? I recently attended a seminar discussing the art of balancing career and family. The speaker touched on quite a few points that hit home but more importantly she showed by example that you can have it all as long as you’re willing to put forth the necessary effort.
As I left the seminar, I began examining my own life’s goals and achievements. Have I exceeded my own expectations, have I been able to “check off” items from my life’s to-do list? Sure. I graduated from college, I married my college sweetheart, I have 1.5 children, and a career! And yet, I want more. Wow – how selfish am I? I have dreams of going back to school, furthering my education and my career but I have this voice that screams “No! You’ll never see your family, your friends, or anyone for that matter!” Really? Whatever happened to the old saying, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it”??? I had lost all hope and simply crossed off the “better your education” item on my to-do list.
But now I have a renewed faith! I can have a great career; I can further my education and still have a life. How? Well, I have Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals, Clorox Clean-up Wipes, and the freedom of an online education! They allow me more time with my son, my husband, my friends (and me, too). I can bang out a meal in 30 minutes and still have time for my son and husband. I can go out to dinner with the girls and not worry about missing a class or test. I can basically study whenever, wherever, and however I want. Yes, I AM SUPERMOM! Well, maybe not. I may never achieve that “perfect balance” in my life but who will? All I know is that I now have the chance to make things happen FOR ME and I’m taking it.
Posted by admin on July 13th, 2009
President Barack Obama has called for strengthening higher education so that the United States could lead the world in college degrees in a decade.
“In an economy where jobs requiring at least an associate’s degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience, it’s never been more essential to continue education and training after high school,” Obama wrote in an op-ed piece in The Washington Post.
“That’s why we’ve set a goal of leading the world in college degrees by 2020.”
The president stressed the need to revamp community colleges, or local government-funded educational institutions used by Americans with modest means.
These colleges can work with local businesses to help workers learn the skills they need to fill the jobs of the future, he said.
“We can reallocate funding to help them modernize their facilities, increase the quality of online courses and ultimately meet the goal of graduating five million more Americans from community colleges by 2020,” Obama said.
The president added that providing Americans with all the skills they need to compete was “a pillar of a stronger economic foundation,” while rejecting claims that his 787-billion-dollar economic stimulus package was not working.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was not expected to restore the economy to full health on its own but to provide the boost necessary to stop the free fall,” the president wrote. “So far, it has done that.”
Posted by Dan on July 9th, 2009
With over 100 online universities and colleges featured on the site, AchieveYourCareer.com offers a variety of resources for adults interested in continuing their education online. The Top 5 Online Alternatives to Summer School is a collection of tips written by online education experts to help promote the awareness of online degree programs. For years, Summer School served as the only opportunity for students to study during the summer months, now thanks to online education, eager students can log in and attend classes with ease and greater flexibility. Many working adults juggle 40 hour work weeks with other personal obligations like family, working out, a second job, the last thing they want to do during the summer is drive to a campus and sit in a classroom. It’s inconvenient and not appealing. That is why we have created the Top 5 Online Alternatives to Summer School.
Number 5: Explore Online Certificates
Why should you explore an online certificate program? Two reasons really; the cost and the selection. Online certificates offer adults the widest variety of programs in all of online learning. From culinary arts to computer animation training, you will find what you are looking for, if you choose to pursue an online certificate program. For example, a Marketing Manager, can choose to enroll in an online certificate program for Internet Marketing to help broaden their skills and learn new techniques. Meanwhile, a single mom can study Entrepreneurship and learn the necessary skills to build a successful home based business. The best part is that both the Marketing Manager and the single mom share the same experience of learning online and at their convenience. This is something a summer school session can not offer.
Number 4: Take An Online Class
Everyone loves to “try before you buy” and with an education it is no different. By enrolling in an online class this summer, you can experience online learning first hand without committing to an entire degree program. Online Classes are available at accredited colleges across the country. Courses can be taken on a “For-Credit” basis and a “Non-Credit” basis. Taking an online class will allow you to understand the necessary dedication and requirements you need to continue your education online. You will gain important knowledge about online lectures, homework assignments, and testing procedures. It also allows you to not sacrifice an entire summer to earn college credit. Taking an online class is a great way to find out if online education is right for you.
Number 3. Save Money & Time - Get Information from Online Colleges for Fall
Let’s face it, saving money during a recession is important. A college education can be a very worthwhile investment, but its still an investment of your time and money. By enrolling in Summer School, you sacrifice your summer months, time, and money. Visiting sites like www.AchieveYOurCareer.com, allow you to review 100’s of accredited online colleges that offer online degree programs in almost every career category available. It takes literally,1 minute, to fill out an information form for these colleges. You can receive informaton about cost, current scholarships avaialble, demo an online class, and current student testimonials. As we approach “Back to School” in late summer, you may even find some special promotions avialable for a limited time. Enjoy the summer and research your degree of interest. Then, find 3 online schools that offer that program and compare each of them. It will be time well spent, and its FREE!.
Number 2. Stay Local - Find Online Programs offered by Local Colleges.
Online learning can be a fantastic opportunity for many working adults. However, it is not the conventional method of learning for most Americans. We are taught in a classroom setting for most of our lives. What most people don’t know is that many local colleges, both community and full 4 year insititutions, offer online education. Students can choose to pursue their online degree, yet still take advantages of a physical campus location if they so choose. It really personalizes the entire experience of online education. Summer school sessions will force you to attend classes at a physical campus location. Why not give yourself the flexiblity of choosing to stay at home and log into a live online session or visiting a local campus. Boston University, Harvard, USC, and Stanford are just 4 well known colleges and universities that offer this convenience to their online students. It’s a great opportunity for working adults and single parents who want to succeed but need to balance other responsibilities.
Number 1. Superior flexibility allows you to earn a degree in less time.
Most students who attend Summer School are interested in obtaining their degree in less time. Unfortunately for many summer school students, they must sacrifice time and money to do so. With an online degree, students balance their hectic schedules with their education requirements. Parents can stay home with their children and attend an online lecture. Working adults can take night classes without driving to a campus afer an 8 hour work day. A Bachelor’s Degree typically can take upwards of 4 years or more to complete. An online bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as 2 years with dedication and hard work. Education is important for your career and for your life. A college education is the key to a better life for many Americans. Utilize the tools available and find an online college that fits your life. It will be worth the time you invest.
Posted by admin on July 8th, 2009
A good way to think about consolidating student loans is protection. If you have variable-rate federal student loans, you can convert your variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. By consolidating and fixing your interest rate, you have protected yourself from future interest rate increases. You’re unlikely to catch the exact bottom so don’t try. Consider the long term ramifications of a variable or fixed rate loan in your financial plan and consider alternatives.
The current fixed rate consolidation loan rate is 2.5%, historically low. In addition, don’t be in a rush to pay off the loan if you have alternative investment options available. For instance, let’s assume you receive a bonus of $20,000 (after tax) and are looking for things to do with that money. After booking that cruise you’ve always wanted to do, look around at your investment and debt repayment options. If you are carrying credit card debt and your interest rate is greater than 9%, that’s probably a good place to put some of that bonus money to work. You’ve effectively earned a 9% return on your money by not having to pay future interest to the credit card company. How about a car loan? Pay it off and use the old car payment as a monthly savings plan into your 401k or IRA. Before paying off some of the 2.5% student loan, consider investing in a good growth mutual fund by opening a Roth IRA and saving $5,000 plus all future earnings are tax free. If you believe an investment in an IRA will earn you more than 2.5%, you’re ahead of the game.
Examiner.com
Posted by admin on July 7th, 2009
When the new Military GI Bill kicks in Aug. 1, the government’s best-known education program for veterans will get the biggest boost since its World War II-era creation. But the benefit is hardly the “Government Issue,” one-size-fits-all standard the name implies.
In fact, depending on where service members and veterans decide to attend college, they could receive a full ride, or very little.
An Associated Press review of state-by-state benefits under the new bill shows huge discrepancies in the amount veterans can receive.
For example:
• Veterans attending New Hampshire colleges like Dartmouth might get $25,000 from the government each year, and in Dartmouth’s case essentially a free ride, thanks to an additional grant from the Ivy League school. But in neighboring Massachusetts, it is a different story. At that state’s numerous private schools — many just as expensive as Dartmouth — the government’s baseline tuition benefit is only about $2,200 a year.
• Veterans who choose a private school in Texas could get close to $20,000 a semester from the government for a typical course load. Those picking schools in California will get nothing for tuition.
The explanation stems from the formula the government created, as well as a much-criticized decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs on how to implement the law.
The new GI Bill covers full in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at any public college. That’s far more generous than the old GI Bill, which provides a monthly stipend that is the same from state to state.
But Congress also wanted to help veterans attend often pricier private schools. So the new bill offers them an amount equal to the tuition at the most expensive public college in the same state.
That penalizes veterans going to private colleges in states that have kept their public university tuition low.
As a result, the new GI Bill is a great deal for such vets in states like New Hampshire, New York and Texas; a pretty good one in states like Ohio; and hardly any deal at all in Massachusetts and especially California, where the state constitution prohibits public universities from charging tuition. Instead, California’s public universities typically charge “fees” of several thousand dollars per year.
Critics argue the Department of Veterans Affairs misinterpreted the law and should have combined tuition and fees in coming up with reimbursement levels. That would have put the total California benefit at around $13,000 per year.
Anthony Brooks, a 26-year-old former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will get a mere $5,000 toward the $38,570 tuition charged at the private University of Southern California — and half of that comes from USC through the government’s Yellow Ribbon matching-grant program.
“It’s depressing, actually. It’s putting states up against each other,” said Brooks, who plans to become a doctor. He added: “We all fought for our country. It just seems unfair.”
The VA says its hands were tied by Congress.
“It is a valid question concerning why we would pay X in State A versus how much we would pay in State B, but the statute defines the kinds of programs we would account for,” said Keith Wilson, the department’s director of educational services.
Congress passed the Post 9/11 GI Bill last year, offering veterans the most significant expansion of educational benefits since the original GI Bill in 1944. The VA expects nearly half a million veterans to participate in the coming year.
The benefits — including new, separate stipends for housing and books — kick in after three years of active duty, and some of them are transferable to family members.
Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., has introduced legislation that would correct the discrepancy in California.
“California’s generosity on state tuition was intended to keep college costs down, not inadvertently increase costs for the state’s veterans,” said Lindsey Mask, a spokeswoman for McKeon.
In the meantime, education and veterans groups are fielding calls from veterans confused over how much they can get.
“What should be a simple number has turned into some kind of Frankenstein-like monster that nobody will be able to understand,” said Terry Hartle, senior vice president of the American Council on Education.
About 80 percent of veterans tapping the new bill are expected to attend public institutions. But some of the remaining 20 percent — those planning to attend private colleges, graduate schools, and the for-profit institutions that are hugely popular with veterans — are angry.
“On paper, this is an amazing new GI bill. It’s an amazing plan,” said Matthew Collins, a former Army specialist who started a Facebook group criticizing the system.
He plans to attend California Baptist University, affordable only because it is making a $10,000-per-veteran contribution under Yellow Ribbon — something many California colleges are unable to offer.
“I just don’t think they truly thought it through,” Collins said.
Yahoo AP Story
