Audit 375472

2025-001 Incorrect Enrollment Reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Significant Deficiency DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loan Program Federal Award Identification #: 2024-2025 Financial Aid Year Condition: The University did not always report enrollment information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) in an accurate manner for graduate students. Criteria: 34 CFR 685.309 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Out of 60 students tested, 5 graduate students had incorrect enrollment statuses reported to NSLDS. 3 doctoral program students were reported as being less than half-time rather than full-time. Even though the students were enrolled and attending full-time, reporting the students as less than half-time triggered the students into repayment for their loans. 2 graduate students were reported as being three-quarter time rather than full-time. Being reported at three-quarter time did not impact the students’ repayment for their loans. These statuses were updated and corrected during the audit. This finding is isolated to the graduate student population. Cause: Transition in financial aid staff. Effect: Inaccurate reporting can impact a student’s loan grace period in school deferment eligibility, beginning loan repayments, appropriate interest charges, etc. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the student financial aid team and registrar work together, potentially including information technology, to ensure that accurate fields are captured from the system for NSLDS enrollment reporting. Additionally, we recommend that the registrar completes spot checks of NSLDS enrollment statuses throughout the year. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.