Finding 1113685 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-26
Audit: 348448
Organization: Rider University (NJ)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: A significant deficiency was found in the internal controls over Pell Grant compliance, resulting in one student being under-awarded.
  • Impacted Requirements: The calculation of Pell grants must adhere to 34 CFR 690.62, which requires accurate use of the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement a review process to ensure that Pell award calculations consistently use the correct EFC.

Finding Text

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Federal Pell Grant Program Assistance Listing Number: 84.063 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P191818; P063P231818; P063P241818; P063Q221818; P063Q231818 - 2024 Award Period: 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 690.62 states the Pell grant for an academic year is based upon the payment and disbursement schedules published by the Secretary for each award year. The payment schedules take into account the cost of attendance, the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the enrollment status of the student. Condition: One out of a sample of forty students was under-awarded Pell grant funds. Questioned costs: $501 Context: During our testing, it was noted one student was under-awarded Pell due to the University using the incorrect EFC in the calculation. Cause: The University calculated the student’s Pell award with an incorrect EFC. Effect: The student was under-awarded Pell funds. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that a review is implemented to ensure calculations of Pell awards are using the correct EFC. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Categories

Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid Significant Deficiency Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 537241 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 537242 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 537243 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 537244 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113683 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113684 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113686 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $25.83M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $6.44M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $1.04M
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $784,497
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $394,941
84.042 Trio Student Support Services $359,481
47.074 Biological Sciences $142,365
84.217 Trio McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement $118,335
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $112,524
47.076 Stem Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) $80,821
47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering $29,023
47.050 Geosciences $7,814
94.005 Learn and Serve America_higher Education $4,378
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $3,772
81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program $755
45.024 Promotion of the Arts Grants to Organizations and Individuals $700