Review of Veteran Students’ Post–9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits at George Washington University

In response to a request from the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviewed the accuracy of Post-9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowances and Yellow Ribbon Program scholarship payments from August 2025 through April 2026 for students at George Washington University (GWU). According to the subcommittee, some students in GWU’s accelerated Master of Business program felt that their enrollment was not being certified correctly, keeping them from receiving the maximum monthly housing allowance from VA. Also, these students believed all tuition would be covered by either the GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon Program, but the university notified them that they may be responsible for some tuition costs.

The OIG found GWU generally ensured veteran and beneficiary student enrollments were accurate and VA education benefits were received appropriately. That said, the review team identified confusion between some veteran students and the university regarding full time enrollment in nonstandard terms (those that are shorter or longer than a standard academic term). This confusion led to the perception that benefits were not being received as they should have been. Additionally, the accelerated program’s cost and structure led to students’ Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and Yellow Ribbon funding not covering the full annual cost of the program.

The OIG made no recommendations to VA based on its review but suggested GWU staff consider consulting with their Office of Military and Veteran Student Services when developing programs, especially those that rely on nonstandard terms, and seek approval for programs that differ in structure and schedule from other previously approved programs. The principal deputy under secretary for benefits, performing the delegable duties of the under secretary, concurred with the OIG’s findings.