Finding 1213751 (2025-003)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2025
Accepted
2026-05-05
Audit: 400663
Organization: Hiram College (OH)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College's composite score was below 1.5, failing to meet financial responsibility standards for Title IV participation.
  • Impacted Requirements: Due to the low score, the College must follow alternative financial responsibility standards as outlined in federal regulations.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The College is assessing operations to enhance liquidity and boost operating revenues, as detailed in their Corrective Action Plan.

Finding Text

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: The College's composite score based upon the audited financial statements as of May 31, 2025 was less than 1.5. Cause: The College was impacted by multi-year operating losses and has borrowed from its endowment over multiple years to meet liquidity needs. As a result, at May 31, 2025, the College's composite score was negatively impacted. Effect: The College did not meet the definition of being financially responsible for the period ending May 31, 2025 under the general standards and, in turn, must comply with the alternative standards. Recommendation: The College is reviewing its operations to determine the best approach to maintain adequate levels of liquidity, in addition to improving its operating revenues. Views of responsible officials: The College agrees with the finding. Refer to the Corrective Action Plan.

Corrective Action Plan

The College is addressing structural deficits in operations and cashflow through expense reductions and market-responsive academic programs to support enrollment growth. Over the past three years, management and the baord of trustees have advanced a coordinated plan centered on enrollemnt and growth, retention, and institutional giving. The College has implemented budget reductions and continues additional strategies to address its structural deficit.

Categories

Student Financial Aid

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1213747 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213748 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213749 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213750 2025-003
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213752 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213753 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213754 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213755 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1213756 2025-002
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS $5.32M
84.063 FEDERAL PELL GRANT PROGRAM $2.18M
84.033 FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM $576,808
84.038 FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM_FEDERAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $493,643
59.059 CONGRESSIONAL GRANTS $303,369
84.007 FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS $194,638
10.664 COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ASSISTANCE $499