Finding 964902 (2023-001)

2023-001 Program Eligibility—Significant Deficiency United States Department of Education— ALN 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans Program Criteria: Students who receive federal student aid are required to be enrolled in an eligible program. Eligible programs must be included in an institution’s accreditation and authorized by the State and the U.S. Department of Education. Condition: The Law School disbursed federal student aid to 63 students, totaling approximately $2,115,747, enrolled in an ineligible program, the Masters of Law (LL.M) program. Cause: The LL.M program was included in the Law School’s ECAR which is approved by the Department of Education. The Law School’s accreditation by the American Bar Association does not cover Programs outside of the Juris Doctorate program. As such, the LL.M program was not properly accredited and as such was not an eligible program. The ECAR was subsequently amended to remove this program. Effect: Federal student aid funds were inappropriately disbursed to students in ineligible programs which resulted in the Law School reimbursing and paying a fine to the U.S. Department of Education. Questioned Costs: $2,115,747 Context: The impact was to 63 students over a four-year period. Recommendation: We recommend the Law School review new or modified programs to ensure program eligibility requirements are met. View of Responsible Officials: The Law School agrees with the findings and disbursements have been discontinued. The Law School is working to obtain the appropriate accreditation.