Finding Text
Information on the Federal Program – Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Pell Grant Program, 84.063; Federal Work-Study Program, 84.033; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program, 84.007; Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Program Year – July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds – When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the difference must be returned to the Title IV programs as outlined in this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34 CFR Sections 668.22(a)(1)-(3)). Condition – The return of unearned Title IV aid did not occur within the required timeframe. Questioned Costs – None – nonmonetary finding Context – Out of a sample of 2 students from a population of 11 students who withdrew during the year, unearned Title IV aid was not returned timely for two of the student calculations reviewed. Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Cause – In November of 2023, Providence Christian College faced significant institutional turnover. The Financial Aid Director of 15 years left the institution. The appointed successor to the Financial Aid Director then made a decision to leave the institution on December 15th, 2023. This institutional turmoil created upheaval in the department and required the assistance of a consultant. The current provider, Campus Ivy, was not able to provide consulting services and so Providence contracted with FA Solutions to bring stability to the Financial Aid Department. In this specific situation, FA Solutions had a manual error that resulted in a miscalculation. Effect – The unearned Title IV aid was ultimately calculated and returned correctly to the Department of Education but was not performed timely. Identification as a Repeat Finding – N/A Recommendation – We recommend the University ensure the process to return Title IV aid is properly followed to allow for the timely return of unearned Title IV aid.