Finding Text
Information on the Federal Program – Department of Education,
Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Pell Grant Program,
84.063; Federal Work-Study Program, 84.033; Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grant Program, 84.007; Federal Direct
Student Loan Program.
Program Year – May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Criteria or Specific Requirement – Special Tests and Provisions –
Return of Title IV Funds – When a recipient of Title IV grant or loan
assistance withdraws from an institution during a payment period or
period of enrollment in which the recipient began attendance, the
institution must determine the amount of Title IV aid earned by the
student as of the student’s withdrawal date. If the total amount of
Title IV assistance earned by the student is less than the amount
that was disbursed to the student or on his or her behalf as of the
date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew, the
difference must be returned to the Title IV programs as outlined in
this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the
date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew (34
CFR Sections 668.22(a)(1)-(3)).
Condition – The return of unearned Title IV aid did not occur within the
required timeframe.
Questioned Costs – None – nonmonetary finding
Context – Out of a sample of four students from a population of 38
students who withdrew during the year, unearned Title IV aid was
not returned timely for two of the student calculations reviewed. Our
sample was not, and was not intended to be, statistically valid.
Cause – Student withdrawal information between the University and
the student was not completed under the University’s standard
process, which resulted in delays in the exit process and the
return calculation performed.
Effect – The unearned Title IV aid was ultimately calculated and
returned correctly to the Department of Education, but return was
not performed timely.
Identification as a Repeat Finding – N/A
Recommendation – We recommend the University ensure the process
to return Title IV aid is properly followed to allow for the timely return
of unearned Title IV aid.