Finding 628445 (2022-002)

-
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
$1
Year
2022
Accepted
2022-10-31

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: A student received $8,360 in federal loans exceeding the undergraduate aggregate limit due to an oversight in eligibility checks.
  • Impacted Requirements: The disbursement violated 34 CFR 685.203 (d),(e) by not resolving the ISIR eligibility code before loan distribution.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: The University should review all ISIR flags for aggregate loan limits before disbursing loans to ensure compliance and eligibility.

Finding Text

Aggregate Loan Limits Other Matter DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ALN #: 84.268 Federal Award Identification #: 2021-22 Financial Aid Year Condition: A student had received federal direct loans in excess of the undergraduate level aggregate limit and was disbursed graduate level federal direct loans by the University. Criteria: 34 CFR 685.203 (d),(e) Questioned Costs: $8,360 Context: Out of 60 tested for eligibility and disbursement, 1 student had been flagged on their ISIR for exceeding to the combined aggregate loan limit triggering a review of the student?s NSLDS loan history. The student had received undergraduate level loans in excess of the undergraduate aggregate loan limit. The University incorrectly disbursed $8,360 in federal direct loans to the student before resolving the ISIR eligibility code. This has not been corrected during the audit. Cause: This was an oversight. The University failed to resolve the ISIR aggregate loan limit eligibility code prior to disbursing aid. Effect: The student received $8,360 in unsubsidized loans that they were not eligible to receive. Identification as repeat finding, if applicable: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that the University review all students flagged on their ISIR?s for being close to aggregate loan limits before disbursing federal loans to ensure the student is eligible. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.

Categories

Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Eligibility

Other Findings in this Audit

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans $20.52M
84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program $4.77M
84.425 Covid - 19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Student Aid Portion $4.64M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund Heerf - Institutional Portion $4.17M
84.038 Federal Perkins Loan Program $2.36M
84.425 Covid-19 Education Stabilization Fund - Heerf Strengthening Institutions $581,358
84.033 Federal Work-Study Program $363,336
84.007 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $256,924
84.031 Higher Education_institutional Aid - Strengthening Institutions Program (title Iii) $228,557