Finding 520845 (2024-002)

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Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-01-30
Audit: 340662
Organization: Simpson University (CO)
Auditor: Capincrouse LLP

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: The College failed to report enrollment data to the NSLDS accurately and on time.
  • Impacted Requirements: This violates 34 CFR 690.83(b) and 34 CFR 685.309, affecting students' loan statuses.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Implement regular reconciliations and spot checks of enrollment data to ensure compliance.

Finding Text

Incorrect Enrollment Reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Other Matter DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 and 84.063 Federal Award Identification #: 2023-2024 Financial Aid Year Condition: The College did not report enrollment information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) in a timely and accurate manner. Criteria: 34 CFR 690.83(b) and 34 CFR 685.309 Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Out of 67 students tested, 2 students were reported as no record found though both had Title IV aid. Cause: The University was not completing timely reconciliations of enrollment statuses throughout the year. One of the students started and withdrew before the fall 23 enrollment reporting was completed. Both students were corrected as part of the audit process. Effect: Inaccurate reporting can impact a student's loan grace period in school deferment eligibility, beginning loan repayments, appropriate interest charges, etc. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: n/a Recommendation: We recommend the College put a system in place to ensure that the College is completing reconciliations of enrollment status periodically, and that the College is completing spot checks of enrollment statuses to NSLDS. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Corrective Action Plan

Incorrect Enrollment Reporting to National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Planned Corrective Action: Our records indicate that the student's account at Simpson University was reported to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) on several occasions while the student was enrolled. It is the duty of the NSC program to ensure the accurate transmission of information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Once the data leaves Simpson University, the university does not track its progress to other entities. It is recommended that any necessary adjustments be discussed directly with the NSC, particularly if issues arise from their data transfer to third parties. To ensure accuracy, various methods can be implemented, such as conducting random data audits to verify that the information sent to NSC matches that in the NSLDS. This process can be quite exhaustive. Alternatively, a sample audit might involve reviewing a certain error threshold; for instance, if 300 records are submitted, a check of 15-30 records could be performed, reflecting an error tolerance of approximately 5-10%. Another option is for the reporting body to collaborate with NSC in identifying any errors or complications that may affect the correct data transmission. Simpson University maintains evidence that all data submissions to the NSC have been properly reported, accepted, and timely without any discrepancies. Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Adrienne Currington, Registrar Anticipated Date of Completion: Next NSC reporting cycle

Categories

Student Financial Aid Reporting Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Eligibility

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $6.63M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $1.93M
84.334 Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs $636,888
84.042 Trio Student Support Services $282,339
84.047 Trio Upward Bound $260,485
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $114,916
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $107,040
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $75,644
97.008 Non-Profit Security Program $14,826