Finding 1173695 (2025-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-02-16
Audit: 387405
Auditor: CBIZ CPAS PC

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Two students were incorrectly awarded federal aid due to miscalculations in their eligibility.
  • Impacted Requirements: The awards did not align with federal guidelines for Pell Grants and Direct Loans, leading to under-awarding.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement regular quality control checks to improve accuracy in aid disbursement.

Finding Text

Finding - Eligibility - Federal Direct Student Loan Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.063: June 30, 2025 Award Year: U.S. Department of Education Criteria or Specific Requirement The amount of a student’s Pell Grant for an academic year is based upon the payment and disbursement schedules published by the Secretary for each award year. (34 CFR 690.62 through 690.66). Direct Loans are determined based on the criteria noted in 34 CFR 685.203(a),(b),(c). Condition Of the 40 students selected for eligibility testing, two students within the sample were incorrectly awarded aid based upon their specific circumstances. This was not a statistically valid sample. Cause In one instance, a student was under-awarded Pell Grant funds. The student's awards were prorated based on three semesters, however, the award should have been based on two semesters. In another instance, a student was under-awarded Subsidized Direct Loans. Based on their demonstrated financial need, the student should have received additional subsidized loan funds before being awarded unsubsidized loans. Effect The University's system of internal control did not prevent or detect these instances, thus, these students were either awarded the incorrect allocation of awards or under-awarded Title IV aid. Questioned Costs None. Identification as a Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation The University should implement periodic quality control reports to allow for further accuracy checks. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Actions See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Finding - Eligibility - Federal Direct Student Loan Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.268 and Federal Pell Grant Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.063: June 30, 2025 Award Year: U.S. Department of Education Criteria or Specific Requirement The amount of a student’s Pell Grant for an academic year is based upon the payment and disbursement schedules published by the Secretary for each award year. (34 CFR 690.62 through 690.66). Direct Loans are determined based on the criteria noted in 34 CFR 685.203(a),(b),(c). Condition Of the 40 students selected for eligibility testing, two students within the sample were incorrectly awarded aid based upon their specific circumstances. This was not a statistically valid sample. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The University concurs with the finding. The University will strengthen quality control through improved reporting and staffing to ensure accurate and compliant student aid awards. Names of Contact Persons Responsible for Corrective Action: Anne-Marie Caruso, Associate Vice President, Student Financial Services; Beck Gusler, Director Financial Aid Compliance. Anticipated Completion Date: December, 2025 Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings None.

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM $30.89M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $6.98M
84.038 FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM $1.18M
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY (FWS) PROGRAM $542,716
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG) PROGRAM $283,047