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Not all schools are transparent about how GI Bill benefits cover tuition and fees, and some may mislead students about costs or eligibility, according to a warning from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
But there’s a free tool from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—the GI Bill Comparison Tool—that can help you make informed decisions and avoid wasting your hard-earned benefits.
Key Takeaways
- The FTC warns that some schools misrepresent how GI Bill benefits apply to tuition and fees.
- The VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool lets you compare approved schools, estimate your benefits, and spot red flags before enrolling.
- Using this tool can help you avoid scams and ensure your GI Bill benefits are used effectively for your education.
FTC Warning
GI Bill benefits help veterans and their family members cover costs for school or job training. But the FTC flagged a persistent problem: Some colleges and training programs exaggerate or misrepresent how much of your tuition will be covered by GI Bill benefits, potentially leaving you with unexpected bills or wasted eligibility.
“Some schools might tell you to take out student loans to cover costs before your education benefits pay out (but that’s not how education benefits work). Other schools say your benefits will cover all your fees (but you end up needing to apply for loans just to cover tuition),” the FTC wrote in a June 2025 consumer alert. “If you don’t want a surprise bill after classes have started, get help figuring out your benefits and avoid scams before you enroll.”
How the Tool Protects Your Benefits
The GI Bill Comparison Tool is designed to cut through confusion and help you make smart choices about where to use your benefits. Here’s how it works:
- Comprehensive search: Enter a school’s name or location to see if it’s VA-approved and compare up to three institutions at once.
- Benefit estimates: The tool shows how your GI Bill benefits will pay out at each school, including tuition, housing, and book stipends based on your specific eligibility and military status.
- Caution flags: Schools with a history of complaints, financial instability, or other issues are flagged, helping you avoid risky options.
- Direct contacts: Each listing includes a school’s VA certifying official, so you can get answers straight from the source if you have questions about your benefits.
- Additional filters: You can filter by type of institution, location, and even specific veteran support programs to find the best fit for your needs.
Even with this tool, it’s very important to stay vigilant:
- Double-check that the school is VA-approved and in good standing.
- Review cautionary information for any warning signs.
- Contact the school’s VA certifying official to confirm details before enrolling.
The Bottom Line
The FTC’s warning is clear: Don’t take schools’ claims about GI Bill coverage at face value. The VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool is your best defense against misinformation and scams, because it allows you to compare schools, estimate your benefits, and make informed decisions about your education. Before you enroll, use this free resource to ensure your investment in education pays off without unpleasant surprises.
