§ 3698. Comprehensive policy on providing education information to veterans

Footnotes

1. 1So in original.
2. 2 So in original. Probably should be followed by “of 1965”.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

1. 2013

   Pub. L. 112–249 § 1(a)(1) · 126 Stat. 2398

   Enacted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698

   Added Pub. L. 112–249, § 1(a)(1), Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2398

   Source evidence

   Code source credit
   Added Pub. L. 112–249, § 1(a)(1), Jan. 10, 2013, 126 Stat. 2398

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   (1) In general.— Chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: “§ 3698. Comprehensive policy on providing education information to veterans “(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.— The Secretary shall develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the provision of information on institutions of higher learning. “(b) Scope.— In developing the policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall include each of the following elements: “(1) Effective and efficient methods to inform individuals of the educational and vocational counseling provided under section 3697A of this title. “(2) A centralized mechanism for tracking and publishing feedback from students and State approving agencies regarding the quality of instruction, recruiting practices, and post-graduation employment placement of institutions of higher learning that— “(A) allows institutions of higher learning to verify feedback and address issues regarding feedback before the feedback is published; “(B) protects the privacy of students, including by not publishing the names of students; and “(C) publishes only feedback that conforms with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine. “(3) The merit of and the manner in which a State approving agency shares with an accrediting agency or association recognized by the Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of part H of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b) information regarding the State approving agency’s evaluation of an institution of higher learning. “(4) Description of the information provided to individuals participating in the Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10 relating to institutions of higher learning. “(5) Effective and efficient methods to provide veterans and members of the Armed Forces with information regarding postsecondary education and training opportunities available to the veteran or member. “(c) Postsecondary Education Information.— (1) The Secretary shall ensure that the information provided pursuant to subsection (b)(5) includes— “(A) an explanation of the different types of accreditation available to educational institutions and programs of education; “(B) a description of Federal student aid programs; and “(C) for each institution of higher learning, for the most recent academic year for which information is available— “(i) whether the institution is public, private nonprofit, or proprietary for-profit; “(ii) the name of the national or regional accrediting agency that accredits the institution, including the contact information used by the agency to receive complaints from students; “(iii) information on the State approving agency, including the contact information used by the agency to receive complaints from students; “(iv) whether the institution participates in any programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.); “(v) the tuition and fees; “(vi) the median amount of debt from Federal student loans under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) held by individuals upon completion of programs of education at the institution of higher learning (as determined from information collected by the Secretary of Education); “(vii) the cohort default rate, as defined in section 435(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085(m)), of the institution; “(viii) the total enrollment, graduation rate, and retention rate, as determined from information collected by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System of the Secretary of Education; “(ix) whether the institution provides students with technical support, academic support, and other support services, including career counseling and job placement; and “(x) the information regarding the institution’s policies related to transfer of credit from other institutions, as required under section 485(h)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(h)(1)) and provided to the Secretary of Education under section 132(i)(1)(V)(iv) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1015a(i)(1)(V)(iv)). “(2) Web posting. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide the information described in paragraph (1) by including hyperlinks on the Internet website of the Department to other Internet websites that contain such information, including the Internet website of the Department of Education, in a form that is comprehensive and easily understood by veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other individuals. “(3) (A) If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires, for purposes of providing information pursuant to subsection (b)(5), information that has been reported, or information that is similar to information that has been reported, by an institution of higher learning to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor, or the heads of other Federal agencies under a provision of law other than under this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall obtain the information the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires from the Secretary or head with the information rather than the institution of higher learning. “(B) If the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requires, for purposes of providing information pursuant to subsection (b)(5), information from an institution of higher learning that has not been reported to another Federal agency, the Secretary shall, to the degree practicable, obtain such information through the Secretary of Education. “(d) Consistency With Existing Education Policy.— In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that— “(1) the comprehensive policy is consistent with any requirements and initiatives resulting from Executive Order No. 13607; and “(2) the efforts of the Secretary to implement the comprehensive policy do not duplicate the efforts being taken by any Federal agencies. “(e) Communication With Institutions of Higher Learning.— To the extent practicable, if the Secretary considers it necessary to communicate with an institution of higher learning to carry out the comprehensive policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out such communication through the use of a communication system of the Department of Education. “(f) Definitions.— In this section: “(1) The term ‘institution of higher learning’ has the meaning given that term in section 3452(f) of this title. “(2) The term ‘postsecondary education and training opportunities’ means any postsecondary program of education, including apprenticeships and on-job training, for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides assistance to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces.” .

2. 2017

   Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017

   Pub. L. 115–48 title III § 303 · 131 Stat. 973

   Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(xi)

   Pub. L. 115–48 added cl. (xi)

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(xi). Pub. L. 115–48 added cl. (xi).

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   SEC. 303. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON PRIORITY ENROLLMENT FOR VETERANS IN CERTAIN COURSES OF EDUCATION.   Section 3698(c)(1)(C) is amended— (1) in clause (ix), by striking “and” at the end; (2) in clause (x), by striking the period and inserting “; and”; and (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: “(xi) information on whether the institution administers a priority enrollment system that allows certain student veterans to enroll in courses earlier than other students.” .

3. 2018

   Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

   Pub. L. 115–407 title I § 104 · 132 Stat. 5368

   Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(xii)

   Pub. L. 115–407 added cl. (xii)

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(xii). Pub. L. 115–407 added cl. (xii).

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   SEC. 104. PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON REQUIRED ADDITIONAL ACTIONS TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO STAY ENROLLED IN COURSES OF EDUCATION PENDING RECEIPT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.   Section 3698(c)(1)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— (1) in clause (x), by striking “; and” and inserting a semicolon; (2) in clause (xi), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: “(xii) information on whether the institution requires a covered individual to take additional action pursuant to section 3679(e)(4) of this title to stay enrolled in a course pending receipt of educational assistance under a law administered by the Secretary.” .

4. 2021

   Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act

   Pub. L. 117–16 § 3(a)(1) · 135 Stat. 280

   Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(xiii)(xv)

   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(a)(1), added cls. (xiii) to (xv)

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(xiii) to (xv). Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(a)(1), added cls. (xiii) to (xv).

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   (1) in paragraph (1)(C)— (A) in clause (xi), by striking “and” at the end; (B) in clause (xii), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following new clauses: “(xiii) whether the institution is listed on the College Navigator website as affiliated with a religion and, if so, which religious denomination; “(xiv) whether the Secretary of Education or other head of a department or agency of the Federal Government has determined that the institution is a minority serving institution and, if so, which one or more types of minority serving institutions; and “(xv) whether the institution is gender specific.” ; and

   Effective date note
   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(c), June 8, 2021, 135 Stat. 283, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the information provided under section 3698 of title 38, United States Code, beginning on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 8, 2021].”

5. 2021

   Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act

   Pub. L. 117–16 § 3(a)(2) · 135 Stat. 280

   Inserted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(2)

   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(a)(2), inserted at end “To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that such information is provided in a searchable format.”

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(a)(2), inserted at end “To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that such information is provided in a searchable format.”

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new sentence: “To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that such information is provided in a searchable format.”.

   Effective date note
   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(c), June 8, 2021, 135 Stat. 283, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the information provided under section 3698 of title 38, United States Code, beginning on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 8, 2021].”

6. 2021

   Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act

   Pub. L. 117–16 § 3(b) · 135 Stat. 280

   Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(f)(3); 38 U.S.C. § 3698(f)(4)

   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(b), added pars. (3) and (4)

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (f)(3), (4). Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(b), added pars. (3) and (4).

   Enacted provision · exact public law section
   (b) Definition.— Subsection (f) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: “(3) The term ‘College Navigator website’ has the meaning given that term in section 132 of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1015a). “(4) The term ‘minority serving institution’ means any of the following: “(A) A part B institution, as such term is defined in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)). “(B) A Hispanic-serving institution, as such term is defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(5)). “(C) A Tribal College or University, as such term is defined in section 316(b)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)). “(D) A predominantly Black institution, as such term is defined in section 318(b)(6) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6)). “(E) A Native American-serving, nontribal institution, as such term is defined in section 319(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b)(6)). “(F) An Alaska Native-serving institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution, as such terms are defined in section 317(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)). “(G) An Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution, as such term is defined in section 320(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b)).” .

   Effective date note
   Pub. L. 117–16, § 3(c), June 8, 2021, 135 Stat. 283, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the information provided under section 3698 of title 38, United States Code, beginning on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 8, 2021].”

7. 2025

   Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(3)(A) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

   Substituted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(a)

   Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(3)(A), substituted “individuals entitled to educational assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs” for “veterans and members of the Armed Forces”

   Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(3)(A), substituted “individuals entitled to educational assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs” for “veterans and members of the Armed Forces”.

8. 2025

   Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(c)(1)(A) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

   Amended · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(2)(A)

   Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “allows institutions of higher learning to verify feedback and address issues regarding feedback before the feedback is published;”

   Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “allows institutions of higher learning to verify feedback and address issues regarding feedback before the feedback is published;”.

9. 2025

   Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(c)(1)(C) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

   Substituted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(2)(C)

   Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(C), substituted “, and responses from institutions of higher learning to such feedback, that conform with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine;” for “that conforms with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine.”

   Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

   Source evidence

   Code amendment note
   Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(C), substituted “, and responses from institutions of higher learning to such feedback, that conform with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine;” for “that conforms with criteria for relevancy that the Secretary shall determine.”

10. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(c)(1)(B) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(2)(D); 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(2)(E)

    Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(B), (D), added subpars. (D) and (E)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2)(D), (E). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(c)(1)(B), (D), added subpars. (D) and (E).

11. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(3)(B) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    1. Substituted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(5)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(3)(B), substituted “individuals described in subsection (a)” for “veterans and members of the Armed Forces”

    2. Substituted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(b)(5)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(3)(B), substituted “the individual” for “the veteran or member”

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(3)(B), substituted “individuals described in subsection (a)” for “veterans and members of the Armed Forces” and “the individual” for “the veteran or member”.

12. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(A) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    1. Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(B)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(A), added subpar. (B)

    2. Struck · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(B)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(A), struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “a description of Federal student aid programs; and”

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(A), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “a description of Federal student aid programs; and”.

13. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(B)(i) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    Inserted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(i)

    Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(i), inserted “and a definition of each type of institution” before semicolon at end

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(i), inserted “and a definition of each type of institution” before semicolon at end.

14. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(B)(ii) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    Inserted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(iv)

    Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(ii), inserted “and if so, which programs” before semicolon at end

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(ii), inserted “and if so, which programs” before semicolon at end.

15. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(B)(iii) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    1. Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(v)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iii), added cl. (v)

    2. Struck · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(v)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iii), struck out former cl. (v) which read as follows: “the tuition and fees;”

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(v). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iii), added cl. (v) and struck out former cl. (v) which read as follows: “the tuition and fees;”.

16. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(B)(iv) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    1. Inserted · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(vi)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iv), inserted “disaggregated by—” after “Secretary of Education)”

    2. Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(vi)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iv), added subcls. (I) to (III)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(vi). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(iv), inserted “disaggregated by—” after “Secretary of Education)” and added subcls. (I) to (III).

17. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(4)(B)(v) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(1)(C)(xvi)(xix)

    Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(v)–(vii), added cls. (xvi) to (xix)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(xvi) to (xix). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(4)(B)(v)–(vii), added cls. (xvi) to (xix).

18. 2025

    Pub. L. 118–210 § 215(b)(5) · 138 Stat. 2775-2777

    1. Amended · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(2)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(5), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A)

    2. Added · 38 U.S.C. § 3698(c)(2)

       Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(5), added subpars. (B) and (C)

    Unresolved: Pub. L. 118–210 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 118–210, § 215(b)(5), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpars. (B) and (C).

6 of 23 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 17 unresolved