Student Lending Analytics recently published the results of a recent flash survey that focused on how financial aid offices are managing PLUS Loan uncertainty. The survey was inspired by a question asked during the Sallie Mae Straight Talk Conference Call on Monday. The questioner asked Sallie Mae officials how they thought schools should approach Parent PLUS loans given the uncertainty of whether the auction process will be successful. 

summary of survey results:

• Many financial aid offices are still in process of developing a strategy of how best to manage this uncertainty with 27% undecided about the proper message to provide parents and 42% unsure on the method of communication.

The top four messages being utilized are:

• 24% said they are not notifying parents about Parent PLUS loans until the Department of Education issues final notice about the auction results.
• 21% said they are notifying parents of the pending PLUS loan auction and are strongly encourage them to apply for a PLUS loan only after the auction results are finalized.
• 18% said they are notifying parents that they can apply for Parent PLUS loans NOW and do not mention the PLUS loan auction.
• 5% said they plan to tell parents to go through the PLUS loan credit check process to determine their eligibility but to wait to apply until after the PLUS loan auction results are finalized.