Finding Text
Condition: During testing of enrollment reporting, we identified instances where the withdrawal dates reported to NSLDS did not agree to the institution’s supporting documentation (e.g., registrar records, last date of attendance, or R2T4 calculations). Criteria: The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to accurately report student enrollment status, including withdrawal dates, to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) in a timely manner. Enrollment reporting must reflect the student’s actual last date of attendance (LDA) or withdrawal date, as determined in accordance with Title IV regulations. Cause: Lack of controls to ensure consistency between the Registrar and Financial Aid offices, and information reported to NSLDS. Effect: Inaccurate reporting may result in incorrect loan servicing and repayment status for students, including delayed entry into repayment or deferment. Context: Of the five withdrawals tested, two exceptions were identified related to an inaccurate withdrawal date reported to NSLDS. Recommendation: We recommend the College implement a formal reconciliation control between Registrar records, R2T4 calculations, and NSLDS reporting files, and establish a review process to verify that withdrawal dates reported to NSLDS agree to the student’s last date of attendance.