August 28, 2018
In the latest action against online, for-profit schools targeting veterans, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office recently announced a $270,000 settlement with the American Military University.
Allegations against the school included failing to make mandated disclosures to prospective students regarding job placements, engaging in predatory enrollment tactics, and violating requirements stating that the school provide important information about loan repayment and graduation rates.
“Online, for-profit schools that mislead veterans and military families are not welcome in Massachusetts,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “This settlement will provide money back to students who didn’t get crucial information about the American Military University and we will be closely monitoring this school in the future.” Under the terms of the settlement, the American Public University System, which runs American Military University, will pay a total of $270,000 to the Attorney General’s Office to provide relief to eligible AMU students. The school has also agreed to change its disclosures to prospective students and discontinue all high-pressure enrollment tactics, such as excessive calling.
Veterans looking for more information or assistance with their student loans should visit the Attorney Generals’ Student Lending Assistance page or call the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277. Consumers with other questions or concerns can call the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint with the office. For more information on AG’s Veterans Resource Guide, click here.
If you are a veteran looking for more information or legal assistance, please contact the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 617-742-0625 or connect with an area attorney online.
