Finding 1160957 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2025
Accepted
2025-10-20
Audit: 370986
Auditor: CAPINCROUSE LLC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Two students were incorrectly awarded subsidized loans despite not demonstrating financial need.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR 685.200(a) regarding need-based aid eligibility.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement regular reports in the student information system to monitor for over or under awarding of federal aid.

Finding Text

Need Analysis DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Award Identification #: 2024-2025 Financial Aid Year Condition: Students who only attended one term were not initially appropriately awarded subsidized aid based on need. Criteria: 34 CFR 685.200(a) Questioned Costs: $6,646 Context: Out of 60 student tested for proper need analysis, there were 2 students over awarded subsidized loans. Cause: In the 2024-2025 award year, under the new FAFSA simplification regulations, the University was no longer allowed to prorate the Student Aid Index (previously known as the Estimated Family Contribution) for less than a year of enrollment. The 2 students in the sample who were over awarded subsidized loans both graduated in the Fall; however, they had no need in their financial aid budget based on their Cost of Attendance and Student Aid Index. Therefore, they were ineligible for subsidized loans. Effect: Students received subsidized federal aid for which they were not eligible. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend that the University set up reports in the student information system to periodically check for over or under awarding of need based federal aid. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Need Analysis Corrective Action Plan: The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS) will do the following: • Correct the procedures for data entry in Workday. • Revise internal procedures to review loan awards prior to disbursement. • Explore/implement system checks in Workday to flag potential over-awards. • Conduct random reviews of aid packages to ensure compliance. • Document system changes and over-award resolution. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Mike Sapienza, Senior VP for Enrollment Services Anticipated Date of Completion: May 31, 2026

Categories

Questioned Costs Eligibility Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $22.22M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $5.48M
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $222,148
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $162,766
47.050 Geosciences $99,679
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $30,175
43.008 Office of Stem Engagement (ostem) $27,711