Finding Text
2025 – 003: Eligibility - Pell Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Aid Cluster – Various Assistance Listing Numbers: Various Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number: N/A Award Period: July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The U.S. Department of Education offers financial aid to students under two programs: 1. Pell Grant program which provides grants to eligible students enrolled in eligible undergraduate programs and certain post-baccalaureate teacher certificate programs and 2. FSEOG program which provides grants to eligible undergraduate students with priority given to Pell recipients who have the lowest expected family contributions. Condition: The Pell Grant Program has maximum and minimum Pell grant awards established by statue and should be awarded based on the student's needs. During our testing, we noted that one of 40 students tested was under awarded Pell funds. Questioned costs: $432 Context: During our testing, it was noted the Academy's internal control process was not able to detect the under awarding of the Pell. Cause: The Academy did not have a process in place to ensure students were awarded Pell properly based on their SAI. Effect: The Academy is not in compliance with Department of Education requirements for awarding Pell. Repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Academy implement a process to ensure student is being properly awarded based on their SAI and enrollment status. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.