Finding 537244 (2024-003)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-03-26
Audit: 348448
Organization: Rider University (NJ)

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: A significant deficiency in internal controls led to one student receiving less than the maximum eligible Subsidized Direct loan amount.
  • Impacted Requirements: Compliance with 34 CFR 685.203(a) regarding maximum loan amounts based on student eligibility.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should improve its procedures for reassessing loan eligibility before disbursement to prevent future under-awarding.

Finding Text

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Federal Direct Student Loans Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P268K231818; P268K241818; P268K251818 - 2024 Award Period: 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.203(a) outline the maximum subsidized loan amounts for students based on their dependency status, year of education, and other factors. Condition: One out of forty students tested was under-awarded Subsidized Direct loans. Questioned costs: $1,479 Context: During our testing, we noted on student’s Subsidized Direct loan awarded and disbursed was less than the maximum amount they were eligible to receive. Cause: The University did not re-evaluate the student's account for additional loan eligibility after an adjustment to other aid was made. Effect: The student did not receive the maximum amount of eligible aid. Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures around packaging and awarding students to ensure loan eligibility is reassessed prior to disbursement. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.

Corrective Action Plan

Federal Direct Student Loans – Assistance Listing No. 84.268 Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures around packaging and awarding students to ensure loan eligibility is reassessed prior to disbursement. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: The University has strengthened its procedures to ensure student loan eligibility is reconciled after awarding. The Direct Loan project manager will conduct additional reviews to verify continued eligibility. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Fatima Sulaman Planned completion date for corrective action plan: 3/17/25

Categories

Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid Eligibility Significant Deficiency Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 537241 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 537242 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 537243 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113683 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113684 2024-001
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113685 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency
  • 1113686 2024-003
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $25.83M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $6.44M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $1.04M
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $784,497
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $394,941
84.042 Trio Student Support Services $359,481
47.074 Biological Sciences $142,365
84.217 Trio McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement $118,335
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $112,524
47.076 Stem Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) $80,821
47.070 Computer and Information Science and Engineering $29,023
47.050 Geosciences $7,814
94.005 Learn and Serve America_higher Education $4,378
84.379 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants (teach Grants) $3,772
81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program $755
45.024 Promotion of the Arts Grants to Organizations and Individuals $700