Every month, HESC’s “Question and Answer” web feature includes an interesting question presented to the Office of Counsel and Regulatory Compliance staff.

This month’s winning question is as follows:

Before I borrow a student loan to attend a trade school in New York, how can I find out more information about the school other than what the school itself provides?

These types of schools, also known as proprietary schools, which offer certificate or diploma programs to learn a trade, are required by law to be licensed by the State and overseen by the New York State Education Department (SED). This assures that the educational programs being offered meet certain measurable standards.

In addition, students receive benefits and protections authorized and approved by the State which can not be provided by unlicensed schools, such as; approved admission requirements and enrollment agreements, authorized directors and instructors, approved curriculum, determined refund policies and tuition protection and reimbursement provisions.

Please be aware that an individual is not eligible to receive a Stafford loan to attend a proprietary school in New York unless they are enrolled at a State licensed school.

To find out if a particular school is licensed, or to see if complaints have been filed against a school, contact SED’s Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision at highered.nysed.gov/bpss or by calling (212)643-4760 in New York City, or (518)474-3969 in Albany,NY.

Direct questions regarding this guidance to the Office of Counsel and Regulatory Compliance at 518-473-3986; or toll-free at 1-866-431-HESC (1-866-431-4372), press 6; or via email at askpolicy@hesc.org.