Postsecondary Education Complaint System

The Defense Department maintains the Postsecondary Education Complaint System, or PECS, in order to provide military students the opportunity to file education complaints against their schools. The PECS electronic system tracks, manages and processes student complaints.

If you or your family member receives tuition assistance or is a Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Scholarship recipient, you are encouraged to submit feedback through the Postsecondary Education Complaint System.

If you are not using TA or My Career Advancement Account Scholarship education benefits, please submit your complaint to the appropriate agency:

• Montgomery or Post 9/11 GI Bill® — Department of Veterans Affairs

• Federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and federal loans — Department of Education (email complaint)

• Private student loans — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

If your school is failing to comply with the Principles of Excellence, you may submit a complaint through PECS. You and your family members are encouraged to report misleading or unfair actions by education institutions, including:

• Misrepresentation or deceptive actions concerning multiple unsolicited phone calls or emails used as a high-pressure recruitment tactic
• False representation about degree programs
• Misleading statements regarding accreditation
• Promoting costly private or institutional loans

Examples of specific complaints reviewed by the DOD:

• Quality of education
• Accreditation
• Grade policy
• Tuition and other fee charges
• Release of transcripts
• Student loans
• Transfer of credits
• Post-graduation job opportunities
• Refund or collection issues
• Change in degree plan and requirements