Finding Text
Finding number: 2025-001 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Programs: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing #: 84.063 Award year: 2025 Criteria Under 34 CFR 690.63 and Federal Pell Grant Program regulations, institutions must calculate Pell awards based on the student’s enrollment status (full‐time, three‐quarter‐time, half‐time, or less‐than‐half‐time). Students enrolled less than full‐time must receive a prorated Pell award. Condition During testing of Pell Grant disbursements, we noted 1 student out of a sample of 40 that was awarded the maximum Pell Grant amount, which is applicable only to full‐time enrollment. The student, however, was enrolled part‐time during the payment period. As a result, the Pell award exceeded the amount the student was eligible to receive based on enrollment status. Cause The institution did not properly update the student’s enrollment status in the financial aid system before disbursement. This resulted in the system calculating the award using a full‐time enrollment level. Contributing factors included insufficient review controls and reliance on manual data entry. Effect The student received a Pell Grant amount greater than allowed under federal regulations. This resulted in over‐awarding federal funds, which may require repayment to the U.S. Department of Education. The error also indicates a weakness in enrollment‐to‐aid reconciliation controls. Questioned Costs Amount: $1,849 Basis: Difference between full‐time Pell award and prorated part‐time award for the payment period. Perspective Our sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid. Of the 40 students selected for testing, 1 student (2.5% of the sample) was awarded an incorrect Pell Grant amount. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if applicable Not applicable. Recommendation Strengthen controls to ensure enrollment status is accurately recorded and verified before Pell disbursements. This may include automated enrollment‐status checks, improved reconciliation procedures, and additional staff training. View of Responsible Officials The University agrees with this finding.