Finding Text
Finding 2024-004: Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting – Significant Deficiency Student Financial Assistance Cluster U.S. Department of Education Award Period: June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024 Criteria: According to 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2) and 34 CFR 685.309, institutions are required to report enrollment information under the Pell grant and Direct loan programs via the NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System). The administration of the Title IV programs depends heavily on the accuracy and timeliness of the enrollment information reported by institutions. Condition: The University did not ensure the accuracy of program lengths when submitting enrollment status changes to the NSLDS. Cause: As a marketing strategy, individuals within the marketing department of the University advertised certain program lengths of its various programs and majors as specific lengths in order to attract future students. However, this change was not communicated to the Registrar’s office, who are the individuals responsible for reporting program length to the NSLDS. Effect: There was a discrepancy in program length for 13 out of 40 students between the NSLDS and the University’s website, which holds the course catalogue. The NSLDS utilizes program length to determine the subsidy status of loans, and incorrect reporting can cause students to lose interest subsidies. This sample was not a statistical sample. Questioned Costs: None. Context: During the fiscal year under audit, enrollment status changes, including program length, were being communicated to the NSLDS, but discrepancies existed between the NSLDS and the University’s website. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: The University should evaluate all program lengths per the website and ensure that program lengths are accurate and that there are no discrepancies when comparing the website to NSLDS. Views of Responsible Officials: See management’s corrective action plan on page 51.