Audit 391374

Eligibility Federal Program Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Number 84.033 Federal Work StudyFederal Agency U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Years July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Criteria or Requirement CFR §675.9 provides student eligibility requirements, stating that a student at an institution of higher education is eligible to receive part-time employment under the Federal Work Study (FWS) program for an award year if the student (a) meets the relevant eligibility requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.32; (b) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate, graduate or professional student at the institution; and (c) has financial need as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA. The financial need determination relies upon the assessment of a cost of attendance which is established under the Higher Education Act, Section 472. Condition and Context During our test work over eligibility for 40 students with total aid received from the student financial assistance cluster of $1,250,644, we selected a student receiving FWS funding for whom the cost of attendance had been increased due to the student’s involvement in the FWS program by $2,810. While the cost of attendance should not have been increased for this purpose, the student did not receive aid in excess of their financial need as a result of this increase in cost of attendance. Cause and Potential Effect The cost of attendance was increased as a result of a misunderstanding related to certain guidance relevant only to the Federal Work Study program. Questioned Cost There are no known questioned cost associated with the finding. Statistically Valid Sample The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Identification of Whether the Audit Finding is a Repeat Finding in the Immediately Prior Audit This is not a repeat finding in the immediately prior year audit. Recommendation We recommend that the College reconsider their process related to the assessment of cost of attendance for students receiving Federal Work Study funding to ensure each student has financial need as determined in accordance with part F of title IV of the HEA.View of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding. To address the finding and ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the Federal Work Study program, the Office of Financial Aid will clarify the policy and adjust the award process to ensure that aid adjustments remain compliant with federal need-analysis requirements.