Information for occupational school students

Occupational school and sales representative licensing rules protect students from potential harm such as inadequate education, sudden school closure, or delayed tuition refunds.

A student who believes a school or sales representative is not complying with the law may file a complaint with DOL online or by mail. Every complaint is investigated, and appropriate cases are prosecuted.

In addition, under M.G.L. c. 112, § 263 students have the right to sue schools or representatives for misleading or false advertising.They may be awarded triple damages or $10,000, whichever is greater, plus legal fees. DOL is not involved in these lawsuits. Schools must establish a complaint procedure by law.

If your school closed unexpectedly and you were not able to complete your studies, you may be eligible for a tuition refund or to participate in a "teach-out" of your program. Check the closed school bulletins for your school.

If your school is closed you may be able to get a copy of your student records or transcript. 

Thinking about attending an occupational school?  These links will help you know what questions to ask schools, what resources are available to finance your training, and what consumer issues to consider.

Know Before You Go

Here are some resources. While some links are specific to colleges, that information often applies to occupational school programs.

• Vocational School Guides (Publication from the Federal Trade Commission).
• Choosing a Vocational School is a guide from the Federal Trade Commission on choosing a Vocational School
• Consumer Assistance Bulletin: How Do I Choose A Private Occupational School? 
• Occupational Outlook Handbook is a U.S. Department of Labor source for career guidance and information on worker qualifications

These links will help you think about some basic skills you might need to develop before you enroll.

• Do you need to improve your English skills, obtain a high school equivalency such as HiSet or GED, or simply improve your academic skills? Contact the Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline for help finding a program.
• If you live in Massachusetts, learn how to get your high school equivalency (HSE) or get your HSE records. Students who completed a high school equivalency in another state should check with that state's Departments of Education.

Here's some links to resources to help you decide how to finance your education.

• What do I need to know about getting loans to pay for my education? 
• How To Apply for Federal or State Student Financial Aid 
• Veterans education information from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education with state, federal, and other resources for veterans
• The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has resources and information for people who have student loans and need help with repayment

Consumer awareness

• U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General Alerts provides consumers with fraud alerts relevant to education (e.g. student loan fraud, telemarketing scams)
• Office of the Attorney General

Transfer awareness

For students planning ahead or thinking about transferring to another school after they finish their training, these links offer helpful information to consider.

• MassTransfer is an interactive website for students seeking to transfer into a Massachusetts community college or other Massachusetts public college
• Transition to College Programs are for students entering college for the first time from adult basic education programs

Other state agency links

• Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) is the state agency responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts

School accreditations and accrediting agencies

By law, occupational schools licensed by the Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL) may advertise accreditations only from agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). Find a listing of USDOE-approved accrediting agencies. Note that you must use the exact name of the school when looking up a school or accrediting agency.

Accreditation in the United States from the U.S. Department of Education explains what accreditation means for you and the school you are considering. For more information on accreditation:

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
• Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)