Finding 1168680 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-01-09
Audit: 380660
Organization: Lake Erie College (OH)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Lake Erie College's composite score is below 1.5, indicating it is not financially responsible for Title IV programs.
  • Impacted Requirements: The college must comply with alternative financial responsibility standards due to failing to meet general standards.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The college is assessing operations to enhance liquidity and improve operating revenues; monitor progress on the corrective action plan.

Finding Text

Program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Criteria: In order for an institution to participate in any Title IV program, the institution must be financially responsible. One of the general standards for being considered financially responsible per 34 CFR section 668.171(b) is to obtain a composite score of at least 1.5. An institution that does not meet one or more of the general standards must comply with the alternative standards and requirements of financial responsibility under 34 CFR section 668.175. Condition: Lake Erie College's composite score based upon the audited financial statements as of June 30, 2025 was less than 1.5. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes Sampling Statistically Valid: Not applicable Questioned Cost: None Context: The financial position and operating results as of and for the year ending June 30, 2025 resulted in a composite score less than 1.5.Effect: Lake Erie College did not meet the definition of being financially responsible for the year ending June 30, 2025 under the general standards and, in turn, must comply with the alternative standards. Cause: Lake Erie College was impacted by multi-year operating losses, negative working capital and a deficiency in net assets without donor restrictions. As a result, at June 30, 2025, Lake Erie College's composite score was negatively impacted. Recommendation: Lake Erie College is reviewing its operations to determine the best approach to maintain adequate levels of liquidity, in addition to improving its operating revenues. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding. Please refer to management's corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Planned Corrective Action: Lake Erie College continues to review its operations and explore new partnerships to improve its financial performance. Some examples include: • Expanding marketing efforts to include high school Sophomores and Juniors creating a three-year enrollment funnel for the first time in college history. • Increase net tuition revenue by re-modeling financial aid strategies. • Eliminate academic programs and related faculty personnel for majors with declining enrollment. • Maximize enrollment in the new, market-savvy majors added for fiscal year 2026. • Make a comprehensive 9% cut to the fiscal year 2026 unrestricted operating budget. • Enforcing our residency requirement and meal plan enrollment to meet our budgeted revenue from auxiliaries. • Solicit grants from state, county, and local government agencies for facility projects and scholarship awards. • Continue to increase fundraising projections by engaging new donors and board members. Anticipated Completion Date: The elimination of academic programs and related faculty personnel took place at the end of the Spring 2025 term. The other items will be ongoing throughout the fiscal year. Responsible Contact Person: Jacalyn Kovach, Vice President of Finance

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1168675 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168676 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168677 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168678 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1168679 2025-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $6.75M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $2.98M
84.038 FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM_FEDERAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $243,173
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $98,623
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $75,298
84.425 EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND $23,592
84.379 TEACHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE AND HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS (TEACH GRANTS) $15,559