Part 668: General Provisions

This edition of the Compiled Title IV Regulations includes changes in effect beginning with the 2023-24 award year. Changes that become effective on July 1, 2023 are shown in red (added text) or black strikeout (deleted text). Changes that become effective on July 1, 2024, are shown in blue (added text) or blue strikeout (deleted text). Changes with multiple effective dates are shown in purple (multiple effective dates text).

View the Compiled Title IV Regulations Table of Contents.

Since published as a compilation through December 1994, the following amendments have been incorporated into part 668:

  • Corrections of 6/30/95
  • Equity in Athletics amendments of 11/29/95, except for appendices
  • Ability to benefit (Subpart J) regulations of December 1, 1995
  • Default reduction amendments of 12/1/95
  • Regulatory relief amendments of 12/1/95
  • Student Right-to-Know amendments of 12/1/95
  • Technical corrections of 2/1/96
  • Technical corrections of 6/12/96
  • Technical amendments of 9/17/96
  • Common provisions amendments of 11/27/96
  • GEPA records amendments of 11/27/96
  • EASI amendments of 11/29/96
  • Improved oversight amendments of 11/29/96
  • Financial oversight amendments of 11/25/97
  • Technical amendments of 7/28/98
  • Technical amendments of 7/29/98
  • Amendments of 10/22/98
  • Reauthorization amendments of 10/22/99
  • Reauthorization amendments of 10/28/99
  • Reauthorization amendments of 10/29/99
  • Consumerism amendments of 11/1/99
  • Default rate amendments of 11/1/99
  • Return of funds amendments of 11/1/99
  • Technical amendments of 6/22/00
  • Default reduction amendments of 11/1/00
  • Streamlining revisions of 11/1/00
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule, 11/18/02
  • Sex Crimes Prevention Act amendment of 10/31/02
  • Burden reduction revisions of 11/1/02
  • Technical corrections of 3/16/04
  • ACG/SMART Grant interim final regulations of 7/3/06
  • HERA amendments of 8/9/06
  • HERA amendments of 11/1/06
  • ACG/SMART revisions of 11/1/06
  • Revisions of 11/1/07
  • TEACH revisions of 6/23/08
  • ACG/SMART interim final rules of 5/1/09
  • HEOA amendments of 10/28/09
  • HEOA amendments of 10/29/09
  • Program Integrity revisions of 10/29/10 and Technical Corrections of 4/13/11
  • Foreign Institutions—Federal Student Aid Programs revisions of 11/1/10
  • Program Integrity technical amendments of 9/20/13
  • Amendments of 11/1/13
  • Amendments to implement changes made to the Clery Act by the VAWA of 2013; Final Rule of 10/20/14
  • Program Integrity: Gainful Employment; Final Rule of 10/31/14
  • Program Integrity: Gainful Employment; Technical Corrections of 12/4/14
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Family Education Loan Program, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; Final Rule of 10/30/15
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program; Final Rule of 11/1/16
  • Program Integrity and Improvement; Final Rule of 12/19/16
  • Student Assistance General Provisions; Final Rule of 1/19/17
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program; Final Rule of 6/16/17
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule; 1/16/18
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program; Final Rule of 2/14/18
  • Program Integrity and Improvement; Final Rule of 7/3/18
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule; 2/1/19
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program, Final Rule of 3/19/19
  • Program Integrity: Gainful Employment, Final Rule of 7/1/19
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Family Education Loan Program, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, Final Rule of 9/23/19
  • Student Assistance General Provisions, The Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, The Secretary's Recognition Procedures for State Agencies, Final Rule of 11/1/19
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule; 1/14/20
  • Eligibility of Students at Institutions of Higher Education for Funds Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Interim Final Rule of 6/17/20
  • Distance Education and Innovation, Final Rule of 9/2/20
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule; 2/3/21
  • Eligibility To Receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Programs, Final Rule of 5/14/21
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule; 4/20/22
  • Program, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program; Student Assistance General Provisions, The Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, The Secretary's Recognition Procedures for State Agencies; Distance Education and Innovation; Corrections, Final Rule of 10/20/22
  • Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs; Determining the Amount of Federal Education Assistance Funds Received by Institutions of Higher Education (90/10); Change in Ownership and Change in Control, Final Rule of 10/28/22
  • Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended; Student Assistance General Provisions; Federal Perkins Loan Program; Federal Family Education Loan Program; and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, Final Rule of 11/1/22
  • Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs; Determining the Amount of Federal Education Assistance Funds Received by Institutions of Higher Education (90/10); Change in Ownership and Change in Control, Correction of 11/17/22
  • Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation; Final Rule of 1/30/23
  • Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs; Determining the Amount of Federal Education Assistance Funds Received by Institutions of Higher Education (90/10); Change in Ownership and Change in Control, Final Rule; Correction, 3/28/23
  • Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment, Final Rule of 10/10/23 
  • Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, Ability To Benefit (ATB), Final Rule of 10/31/23 

Subpart A—General

668.1        Scope.

668.2        General definitions.

668.3        Academic year.

668.4        Payment period.

668.5        Written arrangements to provide educational programs.

668.6        [Removed and Reserved]

668.7        [Removed and Reserved]

668.8        Eligible program.

668.9        Relationship between clock hours and semester, trimester, or quarter hours in calculating Title IV, HEA program assistance.

668.10      Direct assessment programs.

Subpart B—Standards for Participation in Title IV, HEA Programs

668.11      Severability Scope.

668.12      Scope [Removed and reserved.]

668.13      Certification procedures.

668.14      Program participation agreement.

668.15      [Removed and reserved] Factors of financial responsibility.

668.16      Standards of administrative capability.

668.17      [Removed and Reserved]

668.18      Readmission requirements for servicemembers.

668.19      Financial aid history.

668.20      Limitations on remedial coursework that is eligible for Title IV, HEA program assistance.

668.21      Treatment of title IV grant and loan funds if the recipient does not begin attendance at the institution.

668.22      Treatment of title IV funds when a student withdraws.

668.23      Compliance audits and audited financial statements.

668.24      Record retention and examinations.

668.25      Contracts between an institution and a third-party servicer.

668.26      End of an institution's participation in the Title IV, HEA programs.

668.27      Waiver of annual audit submission requirement.

668.28      Non-title IV revenue (90/10).

668.29      Severability.

Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 668—Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions (GAO)

Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 668—Appendix I, Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions (GAO)

Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 668—90/10 Revenue Calculation

Subpart C—Student Eligibility

668.31      Scope.

668.32      Student eligibility—general.

668.33      Citizenship and residency requirements.

668.34      Satisfactory academic progress.

668.35      Student debts under the HEA and to the U.S.

668.36      Social security number.

668.37      Selective Service registration.

668.38      Enrollment in telecommunications and correspondence courses.

668.39      Study abroad programs.

668.40      Conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs.

Subpart D—Student Consumer Information Services

668.41      Reporting and disclosure of information.

668.42      Financial assistance information.

668.43      Institutional information.

668.44      Availability of employees for information dissemination purposes.

668.45      Information on completion or graduation rates.

668.46      Institutional security policies and crime statistics.

668.47      Report on athletic program participation rates and financial support data.

668.48      Report on completion or graduation rates for student-athletes.

668.49      Institutional fire safety policies and fire statistics.

668.50      Institutional disclosures for distance or correspondence programs.

Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 668—Crime Definitions in Accordance With the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program

Subpart E—Verification and Updating of Student Aid Application Information

668.51      General.

668.52      Definitions.

668.53      Policies and procedures.

668.54      Selection of an applicant's FAFSA information for verification.

668.55      Updating information.

668.56      Information to be verified.

668.57      Acceptable documentation.

668.58      Interim disbursements.

668.59      Consequences of a change in an applicant's FAFSA information.

668.60      Deadlines for submitting documentation and the consequences of failing to provide documentation.

668.61      Recovery of funds from interim disbursements.

Subpart F—Misrepresentation

668.71      Scope and special definitions.

668.72      Nature of educational program.

668.73      Nature of financial charges.

668.74      Employability of graduates.

668.75      Omnission of fact. [Removed]

668.79      Severability.

Subpart G—Fine, Limitation, Suspension and Termination Proceedings

668.81      Scope of special definitions.

668.82      Standard of conduct.

668.83      Emergency action.

668.84      Fine proceedings.

668.85      Suspension proceedings.

668.86      Limitation or termination proceedings.

668.87      [Removed and Reserved] Borrower defense and recovery proceedings

668.88      Prehearing conference.

668.89      Hearing.

668.90      Authority and responsibilities of the hearing official.

668.91      Initial and final decisions.

668.92      Filing of requests for hearings and appeals; confirmation of mailing and receipt dates.

668.93      Fines.

668.94      Limitation.

668.95      Termination.

668.96      Reimbursements, refunds and offsets.

668.97      Reinstatement after termination.

668.98      Removal of limitation.

668.99      Interlocutory appeals to the Secretary from rulings of a hearing official.

668.100    Severability.

Subpart H—Appeal Procedures for Audit Determinations and Program Review Determinations

668.111    Scope and purpose.

668.112    Definitions.

668.113    Request for review.

668.114    Notification of hearing.

668.115    Prehearing conference.

668.116    Hearing.

668.117    Authority and responsibilities of the hearing official.

668.118    Decision of the hearing official.

668.119    Appeal to the Secretary.

668.120    Decision of the Secretary.

668.121    Final decision of the Department.

668.122    Determination of filing, receipt, and submission dates.

668.123    Collection.

668.124    Interlocutory appeals to the Secretary from rulings of a hearing official.

668.125    Proceedings to recover liabilities owned relating to approved borrower defenser claims.

Subpart I—Immigration-Status Confirmation

668.130    General.

668.131    Definitions.

668.132    Institutional determinations of eligibility based on primary confirmation.

668.133    Conditions under which an institution shall require documentation and request secondary confirmation.

668.134    Institutional policies and procedures for requesting documentation and receiving secondary confirmation.

668.135    Institutional procedures for completing secondary confirmation.

668.136    Institutional determinations of eligibility based on INS responses to secondary confirmation requests.

668.137    Deadlines for submitting documentation and the consequences of failure to submit documentation.

668.138    Liability.

668.139    Recovery of payments and loan disbursements to ineligible students.

Subpart J—Approval of Independently Administered Tests; Specification of Passing Score; Approval of State Process

668.141    Scope.

668.142    Special definitions.

668.143    [Reserved]

668.144    Application for test approval.

668.145    Test approval procedures.

668.146    Criteria for approving tests.

668.147    Passing score.

668.148    Additional criteria for the approval of certain tests.

668.149    Special provisions for the approval of assessment procedures for individuals with disabilities.

668.150    Agreement between the Secretary and a test publisher or a State.

668.151    Administration of tests.

668.152    Administration of tests by assessment centers.

668.153    Administration of tests for individuals whose native language is not English or for individuals with disabilities.

668.154    Institutional accountability.

668.155    [Reserved]

668.156    Approved State process.

668.157    Eligible career pathway program.

Subpart K—Cash Management

668.161    Scope and institutional responsibility.

668.162    Requesting funds.

668.163    Maintaining and accounting for funds.

668.164    Disbursing funds.

668.165    Notices and authorizations.

668.166    Excess cash.

668.167    Severability.

Subpart L—Financial Responsibility

668.171    General.

668.172    Financial ratios.

668.173    Refund reserve standards.

668.174    Past performance.

668.175    Alternative standards and requirements.

668.176    Change in ownership.

668.177    Severability.

Appendix A to Subpart L of Part 668—Ratio Methodology for Proprietary Institutions

Appendix B to Subpart L of Part 668—Ratio Methodology for Private Non-Profit Institutions

Appendix C to Subpart L of Part 668—Balance Sheet and Income Statement Adjustments for Recalculating Composite Score

Subpart M—Two Year Cohort Default Rates

668.181    Purpose of this subpart.

668.182    Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

668.183    Calculating and applying cohort default rates.

668.184    Determining cohort default rates for institutions that have undergone a change in status.

668.185    Draft cohort default rates and your ability to challenge before official cohort default rates are issued.

668.186    Notice of your official cohort default rate.

668.187    Consequences of cohort default rates on your ability to participate in Title IV, HEA programs.

668.188    Preventing evasion of the consequences of cohort default rates.

668.189    General requirements for adjusting official cohort default rates and for appealing their consequences.

668.190    Uncorrected data adjustments.

668.191    New data adjustments.

668.192    Erroneous data appeals.

668.193    Loan servicing appeals.

668.194    Economically disadvantaged appeals.

668.195    Participation rate index appeals.

668.196    Average rates appeals.

668.197    Thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeals.

668.198    Severability

Appendix A to Subpart M of Part 668—Removed

Appendix B to Subpart M of Part 668—Removed

Subpart N—Cohort Default Rate

668.200    Purpose of this subpart.

668.201    Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

668.202    Calculating and applying cohort default rates.

668.203    Determining cohort default rates for institutions that have undergone a change in status.

668.204    Draft cohort default rates and your ability to challenge before official cohort default rates are issued.

668.205    Notice of your official cohort default rate.

668.206    Consequences of cohort default rates on your ability to participate in Title IV, HEA programs.

668.207    Preventing evasion of the consequences of cohort default rates.

668.208    General requirements for adjusting official cohort default rates and for challenging or appealing their consequences.

668.209    Uncorrected data adjustments.

668.210    New data adjustments.

668.211    Erroneous data appeals.

668.212    Loan servicing appeals.

668.213    Economically disadvantaged appeals.

668.214    Participation rate index appeals.

668.215    Average rates appeals.

668.216    Thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeals.

668.217    Default prevention plans.

Appendix A to Subpart N of Part 668—Sample Default Prevention Plan

Subpart O—Financial Assistance for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

668.230    Scope and purpose.

668.231    Definitions.

668.232    Program eligibility.

668.233    Student eligibility.

Subpart P—Prison Education Programs[Added and Reserved]

668.234    Scope and purpose.

668.235    Definitions.

668.236    Eligible prison education program.

668.237    Accreditation requirements.

668.238    Application requirements.

668.239    Reporting requirements.

668.240    Limitation or termination of approval.

668.241    Best interest determination.

668.242    Transition to a prison education program.

Subpart Q—Financial Value Transparency. Removed and Reserved

668.401    Financial value transparency scope and purpose.

668.402    Financial value transparency framework.

668.403    Calculating D/E rates.

668.404    Calculating earnings premium measure.

668.405    Process for obtaining data and calculating D/E rates and earnings premium measure.

668.406    Determination of the D/E rates and earnings premium measure.

668.407    Student acknowledgments.

668.408    Reporting requirements.

668.409    Severability.

Subpart R—Aggressive and Deceptive Recruitment Tactics of Conduct Removed and Reserved

668.500    Scope and purpose.

668.501    Aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct.

668.509    Severability.

Subpart S—Gainful Employment

668.601    Gainful employment (GE) scope and purpose.

668.602    Gainful employment criteria.

668.603    Ineligible GE programs.

668.604    Certification requirements for GE programs.

668.605    Student warnings.

668.606    Severability.

Subpart A—General

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.1 Scope.

(a) This part establishes general rules that apply to an institution that participates in any student financial assistance program authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (Title IV, HEA program). To the extent that an institution contracts with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, the applicable rules in this part also apply to that servicer. An institution's use of a third-party servicer does not alter the institution's responsibility for compliance with the rules in this part.

(b) As used in this part, an "institution," unless otherwise specified, includes—

(1) An institution of higher education as defined in 34 CFR 600.4;

(2) A proprietary institution of higher education as defined in 34 CFR 600.5; and

(3) A postsecondary vocational institution as defined in 34 CFR 600.6.

(c) The Title IV, HEA programs include—

(1) The Federal Pell Grant Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.; 34 CFR part 690);

(2) The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1; 34 CFR part 691);

(3) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.; 34 CFR parts 673 and 676);

(4) The Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070c et seq.; 34 CFR part 692);

(5) The Federal Stafford Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1071 et seq.; 34 CFR part 682);

(6) The Federal PLUS Program (20 U.S.C. 1078-2; 34 CFR part 682);

(7) The Federal Consolidation Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1078-3; 34 CFR part 682);

(8) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program (42 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.; 34 CFR parts 673 and 675);

(9) The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.; 34 CFR part 685);

(10) The Federal Perkins Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087aa et seq.; 34 CFR parts 673 and 674);

(11) The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) Program (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1; 34 CFR part 691); and 

(12) The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program.

Sec. 668.2 General definitions.

About the Regulations

(a) The following definitions are contained in the regulations for Institutional Eligibility under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended, 34 CFR part 600:

(1) Accredited.

(2) Award year.

(3) Branch campus.

(4) Clock hour.

(5) Correspondence course.

(6) Credit hour.

(7) Direct assessment program.

(8) Distance Education.

(9) Educational program.

(10) Eligible institution.

(11) Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) programs.

(12) Foreign institution.

(13) Incarcerated student.

(14) Institution of higher education.

(15) Legally authorized.

(16) Nationally recognized accrediting agency.

(17) Nonprofit institution.

(18) One-year training program.

(19) Postsecondary vocational institution.

(20) Preaccredited.

(21) Proprietary institution of higher education.

(22) Recognized equivalent of a high school diploma.

(23) Recognized occupation.

(24) Regular student.

(25) Religious mission.

(26) Secretary.

(27) State.

(28) Teach-out.

(29) Teach-out agreement.

(30) Teach-out plan.

(31) Title IV, HEA program.

(b) The following definitions apply to all Title IV, HEA programs

Annual debt-to-earnings rate (annual D/E rate): The ratio of a program's program’s annual loan payment amount to the annual earnings of the students who completed the program, expressed as a percentage, as calculated under Sec.  668.403.

Campus-based programs: (1) The Federal Perkins Loan Program (34 CFR parts 673 and 674);

(2) The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program (34 CFR parts 673 and 675); and

(3) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program (34 CFR parts 673 and 676).

Classification of instructional program (CIP) code:  A taxonomy of instructional program classifications and descriptions developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Specific programs offered by institutions are classified using a six-digit CIP code.

Cohort period: The set of award years used to identify a cohort of students who completed a program and whose debt and earnings outcomes are used to calculate debt-to-earnings rates and the earnings premium measure under subpart Q of this part. The Secretary uses a 2-year cohort period to calculate the debt-to-earnings rates and earnings premium measure for a program when the number of students (after exclusions identified in Secs. 668.403(e) and 668.404(c)) in the 2-year cohort period is 30 or more. The Secretary uses a 4- year cohort period to calculate the debt-to-earnings rates and earnings premium measure when the number of students completing the program in the two-year cohort period is fewer than 30 and when the number of students completing the program in the 4-year cohort period is 30 or more. The cohort period covers consecutive award years that are—

(1) For the 2-year cohort period—

(i) The third and fourth award years prior to the year for which the most recent data are available from the Federal agency with earnings data at the time the D/E rates and earnings premium measure are calculated, pursuant to Secs. 668.403 and 668.404; or

(ii) For a qualifying graduate program, the sixth and seventh award years prior to the year for which the most recent data are available from the Federal agency with earnings data at the time the D/E rates and earnings premium measure are calculated.

(2) For the four-year cohort period—

(i) The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth award years prior to the year for which the most recent data are available from the Federal agency with earnings data at the time the D/E rates and earnings premium measure are calculated, pursuant to Secs. 668.403 and 668.404; or

(ii) For a qualifying graduate program, the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth award years prior to the year for which the most recent earnings data are available from the Federal agency with earnings data at the time the D/E rates and earnings premium measure are calculated.

Credential level: The level of the academic credential awarded by an institution to students who complete the program. For the purposes of this part, the undergraduate credential levels are: undergraduate certificate or diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and post-baccalaureate certificate; and the graduate credential levels are master’s degree, doctoral degree, first-professional degree (e.g., MD, DDS, JD), and graduate certificate (including a postgraduate certificate).

Debt-to-earnings rates (D/E rates): The discretionary debt-to-earnings rate and annual debt-to-earnings rate as calculated under Sec. 668.403. 

Defense loan: A loan made before July 1, 1972, under Title II of the National Defense Education Act of 1958.

Dependent student: Any student who does not qualify as an independent student (see Independent student).

Designated department official: An official of the Department of Education to whom the Secretary has delegated responsibilities indicated in this part.

Direct Loan Program loan: A loan made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Direct PLUS Loan: A loan made under the Federal Direct PLUS Program.

Direct Subsidized Loan: A loan made under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan: A loan made under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program.

Discretionary debt-to-earnings rate (discretionary D/E rate): The percentage of a program’s annual loan payment compared to the discretionary earnings of the students who completed the program, as calculated under Sec. 668.403.

Earnings premium: The amount by which the median annual earnings of students who recently completed a program exceed the earnings threshold, as calculated under Sec. 668.404. If the median annual earnings of recent completers is equal to the earnings threshold, the earnings premium is zero. If the median annual earnings of recent completers is less than the earnings threshold, the earnings premium is negative.

Earnings threshold: Based on data from the Census Bureau, the median earnings for working adults aged 25–34, who either worked during the year or indicated they were unemployed (i.e., not employed but looking for and available to work) when interviewed, with only a high school diploma (or recognized equivalent)—

(1) In the State in which the institution is located; or

(2) Nationally if fewer than 50 percent of the students in the progam are from the State where the institution is located or if the institution is a foreign institution.

Eligible career pathway program: A program that combines rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services that—

(i) Align with the skill needs of industries in the economy of the State or regional economy involved;

(ii) Prepare an individual to be successful in any of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education options, including apprenticeships registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the ‘‘National Apprenticeship Act’’; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.);

(iii) Include counseling to support an individual in achieving the individual’s education and career goals;

(iv) Include, as appropriate, education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;

(v) Organize education, training, and other services to meet the particular needs of an individual in a manner that accelerates the educational and career advancement of the individual to the extent practicable;

(vi) Enable an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least one recognized postsecondary credential; and

(vii) Help an individual enter or advance within a specific occupation or occupational cluster.

Eligible non-GE program: An educational program other than a gainful employment (GE) program offered by an institution and included in the institution’s participation in the title IV, HEA programs, identified by a combination of the institution’s six-digit Office of Postsecondary Education ID (OPEID) number, the program’s six-digit CIP code as assigned by the institution or determined by the Secretary, and the program’s credential level. Includes all coursework associated with the program’s credential level.

Enrolled: The status of a student who—

(1) Has completed the registration requirements (except for the payment of tuition and fees) at the institution that he or she is attending; or

(2) Has been admitted into an educational program offered predominantly by correspondence and has submitted one lesson, completed by him or her after acceptance for enrollment and without the help of a representative of the institution.

Expected family contribution (EFC): The amount, as determined under title IV, part F of the HEA, an applicant and his or her spouse and family are expected to contribute toward the applicant's cost of attendance.

Federal agency with earnings data: A Federal agency with which the Department enters into an agreement to access earnings data for the D/E rates and earnings threshold measure. The agency must have individual earnings data sufficient to match with title IV, HEA recipients who completed any eligible program during the cohort period and may include agencies such as the Treasury Department (including the Internal Revenue Service), the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Census Bureau.

Federal Consolidation Loan program: The loan program authorized by Title IV-B, section 428C, of the HEA that encourages the making of loans to borrowers for the purpose of consolidating their repayment obligations, with respect to loans received by those borrowers, under the Federal Insured Student Loan (FISL) Program as defined in 34 CFR part 682, the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS (as in effect before October 17, 1986), Federal Consolidation Loan, Federal SLS, ALAS (as in effect before October 17, 1986), Federal Direct Student Loan, and Federal Perkins Loan programs, and under the Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) Program authorized by subpart II of part C of Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, for Federal PLUS borrowers whose loans were made after October 17, 1986, and for Higher Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) authorized by subpart I of part A of Title VII of the Public Health Services Act.

Federal Direct PLUS Program: A loan program authorized by Title IV, Part D of the HEA that is one of the components of the Direct Loan Program. The Federal Direct PLUS Program provides loans to parents of dependent students attending schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The Federal Direct PLUS Program also provides loans to graduate or professional students attending schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.

Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program: A loan program authorized by Title IV, Part D of the HEA that is one of the components of the Direct Loan Program. The Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program provides loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students attending schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The Secretary subsidizes the interest while the borrower is in an in-school, grace, or deferment period.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program: A loan program authorized by Title IV, Part D of the HEA that is one of the components of the Direct Loan Program. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program provides loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students attending schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program. The borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues during any period.

Federal Pell Grant Program: A grant program authorized by Title IV-A-1 of the HEA under which grants are awarded to help financially needy students meet the cost of their postsecondary education.

Federal Perkins loan: A loan made under Title IV-E of the HEA to cover the cost of attendance for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987, to an individual who on July 1, 1987, had no outstanding balance of principal or interest owing on any loan previously made under Title IV-E of the HEA.

Federal Perkins Loan program: The student loan program authorized by Title IV-E of the HEA after October 16, 1986. Unless otherwise noted, as used in this part, the Federal Perkins Loan Program includes the National Direct Student Loan Program and the National Defense Student Loan Program.

Federal PLUS loan: A loan made under the Federal PLUS Program.

Federal PLUS program: The loan program authorized by Title IV-B, section 428B, of the HEA, that encourages the making of loans to parents of dependent undergraduate students. Before October 17, 1986, the PLUS Program also provided for making loans to graduate, professional, and independent undergraduate students. Before July 1, 1993, the PLUS Program also provided for making loans to parents of dependent graduate students. Beginning July 1, 2006, the PLUS Program provides for making loans to graduate and professional students.

Federal SLS loan: A loan made under the Federal SLS Program.

Federal Stafford loan: A loan made under the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

Federal Stafford Loan program: The loan program authorized by Title IV-B (exclusive of sections 428A, 428B, and 428C) that encourages the making of subsidized Federal Stafford and unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans as defined in 34 CFR part 682 to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program: The grant program authorized by Title IV-A-2 of the HEA.

Federal Supplemental Loans for Students (Federal SLS) program: The loan program authorized by Title IV-B, section 428A of the HEA, as in effect for periods of enrollment that began before July 1, 1994. The Federal SLS Program encourages the making of loans to graduate, professional, independent undergraduate, and certain dependent undergraduate students.

Federal Work Study (FWS) program: The part-time employment program for students authorized by Title IV-C of the HEA.

FFELP loan: A loan made under the FFEL programs.

Financial exigency: A status declared by an institution to a governmental entity or its accrediting agency representing severe financial distress that, absent significant reductions in expenditures or increases in revenue, reductions in administrative staff or faculty, or the elimination of programs, departments, or administrative units, could result in the closure of the institution.

Free application for Federal student aid (FAFSA): The student aid application provided for under section 483 of the HEA, which is used to determine an applicant's eligibility for the title IV, HEA programs.

Full-time student: An enrolled student who is carrying a full-time academic workload, as determined by the institution, under a standard applicable to all students enrolled in a particular educational program. The student's workload may include any combination of courses, work, research, or special studies that the institution considers sufficient to classify the student as a full-time student. For a term-based program that is not subscription-based, the student's workload may include repeating any coursework previously taken in the program; however, the workload may not include more than one repetition of a previously passed course. For an undergraduate student, an institution's minimum standard must equal or exceed one of the following minimum requirements, based on the type of program.

(1) For a program that measures progress in credit hours and uses standard terms (semesters, trimesters, or quarters), 12 semester hours or 12 quarter hours per academic term.

(2) For a program that measures progress in credit hours and does not use terms, 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours over the weeks of instructional time in the academic year, or the prorated equivalent if the program is less than one academic year.

(3) For a program that measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms (terms other than semesters, trimesters or quarters) the number of credits determined by—

(i) Dividing the number of weeks of instructional time in the term by the number of weeks of instructional time in the program's academic year; and

(ii) Multiplying the fraction determined under paragraph (3)(i) of this definition by the number of credit hours in the program's academic year.

(4) For a program that measures progress in clock hours, 24 clock hours per week.

(5) A series of courses or seminars that equals 12 semester hours or 12 quarter hours in a maximum of 18 weeks.

(6) The work portion of a cooperative education program in which the amount of work performed is equivalent to the academic workload of a full-time student.

(7) For correspondence coursework—

(i) A full-time course loan must be commensurate with the requirements listed in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this definition; and

(ii) At least one-half of the coursework must be made up of non-correspondence coursework that meets one-half of the institution's requirement for full-time students.

(8) For a subscription-based program, completion of a full-time course load commensurate with the requirements in paragraphs (1), (3), and (5) through (7) of this definition.

Gainful employment program (GE program): An educational program offered by an institution under Sec. 668.8(c)(3) or (d) and identified by a combination of the institution’s six-digit OPEID number, the program’s six-digit CIP code as assigned by the institution or determined by the Secretary, and the program’s credential level.

Graduate or professional student: A student who—

(1) Is not receiving title IV aid as an undergraduate student for the same period of enrollment;

(2) Is enrolled in a program or course above the baccalaureate level or is enrolled in a program leading to a professional degree; and

(3) Has completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study either prior to entrance into the program or as part of the program itself.

Half-time student: (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition, an enrolled student who is carrying a half-time academic workload, as determined by the institution, that amounts to at least half of the workload of the applicable minimum requirement outlined in the definition of a full-time student.

(2) A student enrolled solely in a program of study by correspondence who is carrying a workload of at least 12 hours of work per week, or is earning at least six credit hours per semester, trimester, or quarter. However, regardless of the work, no student enrolled solely in correspondence study is considered more than a half-time student.

HEA: The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

Independent student: A student who qualifies as an independent student under section 480(d) of the HEA.

Initiating official: The designated department official authorized to begin an emergency action under 34 CFR 668.83.

Institutional grants and scholarships: Assistance that the institution or its affiliate controls or directs to reduce or offset the original amount of a student’s institutional costs and that does not have to be repaid. Typically, an institutional grant or scholarship includes a grant, scholarship, fellowship, discount, or fee waiver.

Institutional student information record (ISIR): An electronic record that the Secretary transmits to an institution that includes an applicant's—

(1) FAFSA information; and

(2) EFC.

Length of the program: The amount of time in weeks, months, or years that is specified in the institution’s catalog, marketing materials, or other official publications for a student to complete the requirements needed to obtain the degree or credential offered by the program.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program: The grant program authorized by Title IV-A-4 of the HEA.

Metropolitan statistical area: A core area containing a substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with that core.

National Defense Student Loan program: The student loan program authorized by Title II of the National Defense Education Act of 1958.

National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) program: The student loan program authorized by Title IV-E of the HEA between July 1, 1972, and October 16, 1986.

National Early Intervention Scholarship and Partnership (NEISP) program: The scholarship program authorized by Chapter 2 of subpart 1 of Title IV-A of the HEA.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) Program: A grant program authorized by Title IV-A-1 of the HEA under which grants are awarded during the third and fourth academic years of study to eligible financially needy undergraduate students pursuing eligible majors in the physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering, or foreign languages determined to be critical to the national security of the United States.

One-third of an academic year: A period that is at least one-third of an academic year as determined by an institution. At a minimum, one-third of an academic year must be a period that begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of classes or examinations and is a minimum of 10 weeks of instructional time during which, for an undergraduate educational program, a full-time student is expected to complete at least 8 semester or trimester hours or 12 quarter hours in an educational program whose length is measured in credit hours or 300 clock hours in an educational program whose length is measured in clock hours. For an institution whose academic year has been reduced under 668.3, one-third of an academic year is the pro-rated equivalent, as measured in weeks and credit or clock hours, of at least one-third of the institution's academic year.

Output document: The Student Aid Report (SAR), Electronic Student Aid Report (ESAR), or other document or automated data generated by the Department of Education's central processing system or Multiple Data Entry processing system as the result of the processing of data provided in a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Parent: A student's biological or adoptive mother or father or the student's stepparent, if the biological parent or adoptive mother or father has remarried at the time of application.

Participating institution: An eligible institution that meets the standards for participation in Title IV, HEA programs in subpart B and has a current program participation agreement with the Secretary.

Poverty Guideline: The Poverty Guideline for a single person in the continental United States, as published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and available at https:// aspe.hhs.gov/poverty or its successor site.

Professional degree: A degree that signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor's degree. Professional licensure is also generally required. Examples of a professional degree include but are not limited to Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.), Law (L.L.B. or J.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.), and Theology (M.Div., or M.H.L.).

Prospective student: An individual who has contacted an eligible institution for the purpose of requesting information about enrolling in a program or who has been contacted directly by the institution or by a third party on behalf of the institution about enrolling in a program.

Qualifying graduate program: (1) For the first three award years that the Secretary calculates debt-to-earnings rates and the earnings premium measure under subpart Q of this part (‘‘initial period’’), a graduate program—

(i) Whose students must complete required postgraduation training programs to obtain licensure in one of the following fields: medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, clinical psychology, marriage and family counseling, clinical social work, and clinical counseling; and

(ii) For which the institution attests, in the manner established by the Secretary, that—

(A) If necessary for licensure, the program is accredited by an accrediting agency that meets State requirements; and

(B) At least half of the program’s graduates obtain licensure in a State where the postgraduation training requirements apply.

(2)(i) After the initial period, the graduate programs that are on the list described in paragraph (2)(ii) of this definition and for which the Secretary has received an attestation that meets the requirements in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition.

(ii) For the first award year following the initial period, and every three years thereafter, using publicly available information and information received in response to a request for information, the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register a list of graduate degree fields (based on their credential level and CIP codes) that may contain qualifying graduate programs by identifying fields—

(A) That lead to a graduate (master’s, first-professional, or doctoral) degree;

(B) For which the Department determines that graduates must complete a required postgraduate training program that takes, on average, three or more years to complete; and

(C) For which, based on College Scorecard data, the Secretary determines that a majority of programs with the same credential level and CIP code have outlier earnings growth. An individual program has outlier earnings growth if the percent change in median earnings between its earnings measured one or three years post-completion and its earnings measured either five or ten years post-completion is more than two standard deviations above the average earnings growth for other programs with the same credential level.

(3) For the purpose of this definition, a ‘‘required postgraduation training program’’ is a supervised training program that—

(i) Requires the student to hold a degree in one of the listed fields in paragraph (1)(i) of this definition or one of the fields identified in the list described in paragraph (2)(ii) of this definition; and

(ii) Must be completed before the student may be licensed by a State and board certified for professional practice or service.

Show-cause official: The designated department official authorized to conduct a show-cause proceeding for an emergency action under 34 CFR 668.83.

Student: For the purposes of subparts Q and S of this part and of Sec 668.43(d), an individual who received title IV, HEA program funds for enrolling in the program.

Student aid report (SAR): A report provided to an applicant by the Secretary showing his or her FAFSA information and the amount of his or her EFC.

Subscription-based program: A standard or nonstandard-term program in which the institution charges a student for each term on a subscription basis with the expectation that the student completes a specified number of credit hours (or the equivalent) during that term. Coursework in a subscription-based program is not required to begin or end within a specific timeframe in each term. Students in subscription-based programs must complete a cumulative number of credit hours (or the equivalent) during or following the end of each term before receiving subsequent disbursements of title IV, HEA program funds. An institution establishes an enrollment status (for example, full-time or half-time) that will apply to a student throughout the student's enrollment in the program, except that a student may change his or her enrollment status no more often than once per academic year. The number of credit hours (or the equivalent) a student must complete before receiving subsequent disbursements is calculated by—

(1) Determining for each term the number of credit hours (or the equivalent) associated with the institution's minimum standard for the student's enrollment status (for example, full-time, three-quarter time, or half-time) for that period commensurate with paragraph (8) in the definition of "full-time student," adjusted for less than full-time students in light of the definitions of "half-time student" and "three-quarter time student," and adjusted to at least one credit (or the equivalent) for a student who is enrolled less than half-time; and

(2) Adding together the number of credit hours (or the equivalent) determined under paragraph (1) for each term in which the student was enrolled in and attended that program, excluding the current and most recently attended terms.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program: A grant program authorized by title IV of the HEA under which grants are awarded by an institution to students who are completing, or intend to complete, coursework to begin a career in teaching and who agree to serve for not less than four years as a full-time, highly-qualified teacher in a high-need field in a low-income school. If the recipient of a TEACH Grant does not complete four years of qualified teaching service within eight years of completing the course of study for which the TEACH Grant was received or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of 34 CFR 686.12, the amount of the TEACH Grant converts into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Substantially similar program: For the purposes of subpart Q and S of this part, a program is substantially similar to another program if the two programs share the same four-digit CIP code. The Secretary presumes a program is not substantially similar to another program if the two programs have different four- digit CIP codes, but the institution must provide an explanation of how the new program is not substantially similar to the ineligible or voluntarily discontinued program with its certification under Sec. 668.604.

TEACH Grant: A grant authorized under title IV–A–9 of the HEA and awarded to students in exchange for prospective teaching service.

Third-party servicer: (1) An individual or a State, or a private, profit or nonprofit organization that enters into a contract with an eligible institution to administer, through either manual or automated processing, any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program. The Secretary considers administration of participation in a Title IV, HEA program to—

(i) Include performing any function required by any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, such as, but not restricted to—

(A) Processing student financial aid applications;

(B) Performing need analysis;

(C) Determining student eligibility and related activities;

(D) Originating loans;

(E) Processing output documents for payment to students;

(F) Receiving, disbursing, or delivering Title IV, HEA program funds, excluding lock-box processing of loan payments and normal bank electronic fund transfers;

(G) Conducting activities required by the provisions governing student consumer information services in subpart D of this part;

(H) Preparing and certifying requests for advance or reimbursement funding;

(I) Loan servicing and collection;

(J) Preparing and submitting notices and applications required under 34 CFR part 600 and subpart B of this part; and

(K) Preparing a Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP);

(ii) Exclude the following functions—

(A) Publishing ability-to-benefit tests;

(B) Performing functions as a Multiple Data Entry Processor (MDE);

(C) Financial and compliance auditing;

(D) Mailing of documents prepared by the institution;

(E) Warehousing of records; and

(F) Providing computer services or software; and

(iii) Notwithstanding the exclusions referred to in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, include any activity comprised of any function described in paragraph (1)(i) of this definition.

(2) For purposes of this definition, an employee of an institution is not a third-party servicer. The Secretary considers an individual to be an employee if the individual—

(i) Works on a full-time, part-time, or temporary basis;

(ii) Performs all duties on site at the institution under the supervision of the institution;

(iii) Is paid directly by the institution;

(iv) Is not employed by or associated with a third-party servicer; and

(v) Is not a third-party servicer for any other institution.

Three-quarter time student: An enrolled student who is carrying a three-quarter-time academic workload, as determined by the institution, that amounts to at least three quarters of the work of the applicable minimum requirement outlined in the definition of a full-time student.

Two-thirds of an academic year: A period that is at least two-thirds of an academic year as determined by an institution. At a minimum, two-thirds of an academic year must be a period that begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of classes or examinations and is a minimum of 20 weeks of instructional time during which, for an undergraduate educational program, a full-time student is expected to complete at least 16 semester or trimester hours or 24 quarter hours in an educational program whose length is measured in credit hours or 600 clock hours in an educational program whose length is measured in clock hours. For an institution whose academic year has been reduced under 668.3, two-thirds of an academic year is the pro-rated equivalent, as measured in weeks and credit or clock hours, of at least two-thirds of the institution's academic year.

Undergraduate student: (1) A student who is enrolled in an undergraduate course of study that usually does not exceed four years, or is enrolled in a longer program designed to lead to a degree at the baccalaureate level. For purposes of 34 CFR 690.6(c)(5) students who have completed a baccalaureate program of study and who are subsequently completing a State-required teacher certification program are treated as undergraduates.

(2) In addition to meeting the definition in paragraph (1) of this definition, a student is only considered an undergraduate for purposes of the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program, the Federal Pell Grant Program, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Program, National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant Program, and TEACH Grant program if the student has not yet earned a baccalaureate or professional degree. However, for purposes of 34 CFR 690.6(c)(5) and 686.3(a) students who have completed a baccalaureate program of study and who are subsequently completing a State-required teacher certification program are treated as undergraduates.

(3) For purposes of dual degree programs that allow individuals to complete a bachelor's degree and either a graduate or professional degree within the same program, a student is considered an undergraduate student for at least the first three years of that program.

(4) A student enrolled in a four to five year program designed to lead to an undergraduate degree. A student enrolled in a program of any other, longer length is considered an undergraduate student for only the first four years of that program.

U.S. citizen or national: (1) A citizen of the United States; or

(2) A person defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22), who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.

Valid institutional student information record (valid ISIR): An ISIR on which all the information reported on a student's FAFSA is accurate and complete as of the date the application is signed.

Valid student aid report (valid SAR): A student aid report on which all of the information reported on a student's FAFSA is accurate and complete as of the date the application is signed.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program: The loan program authorized by Title IV, Part D of the HEA.

Sec. 668.3 Academic year.

About the Regulations

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, an academic year for a program of study must include—

(1)(i) For a program offered in credit hours, a minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time; or

(ii) For a program offered in clock hours, a minimum of 26 weeks of instructional time; and

(2) For an undergraduate educational program, an amount of instructional time whereby a full-time student is expected to complete at least —

(i) Twenty-four semester or trimester credit hours or 36 quarter credit hours for a program measured in credit hours; or         

(ii) 900 clock hours for a program measured in clock hours.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section—

(1) A week is a consecutive seven-day period;

(2) A week of instructional time is any week in which–

(i) At least one day of regularly scheduled instruction or examinations occurs or, after the last scheduled day of classes for a term or payment period, at least one day of study for final examinations occurs; or

(ii)(A) In a program offered using asynchronous coursework through distance education or correspondence courses, the institution makes available the instructional materials, other resources, and instructor support necessary for academic engagement and completion of course objectives; and

(B) In a program using asynchronous coursework through distance education, the institution expects enrolled students to perform educational activities demonstrating academic engagement during the week; and

(3) Instructional time does not include any scheduled breaks and activities not included in the definition of "academic engagement" in 34 CFR 600.2, or periods of orientation or counseling.

(c) Reduction in the length of an academic year. (1) Upon the written request of an institution, the Secretary may approve, for good cause, an academic year of 26 through 29 weeks of instructional time for educational programs offered by the institution if the institution offers a two-year program leading to an associate degree or a four-year program leading to a baccalaureate degree.

(2) An institution's written request must—

(i) Identify each educational program for which the institution requests a reduction, and the requested number of weeks of instructional time for that program;

(ii) Demonstrate good cause for the requested reductions; and

(iii) Include any other information that the Secretary may require to determine whether to grant the request.

(3)(i) The Secretary approves the request of an eligible institution for a reduction in the length of its academic year if the institution has demonstrated good cause for granting the request and the institution's accrediting agency and State licensing agency have approved the request.

(ii) If the Secretary approves the request, the approval terminates when the institution's program participation agreement expires. The institution may request an extension of that approval as part of the recertification process.

Sec. 668.4 Payment period.

About the Regulations

(a) Payment periods for an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and uses standard terms or nonstandard terms that are substantially equal in length. For a student enrolled in an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and  uses standard terms (semesters, trimesters, or quarters), or for a student enrolled in an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms that are substantially equal in length, the payment period is the academic term.

(b) Payment periods for an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms that are not substantially equal in length. For a student enrolled in an eligible program that  measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms that are not substantially equal in length—

(1) For Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, FSEOG, Perkins Loan, and TEACH Grant program funds, the payment period is the academic term;

(2) For FFEL and Direct Loan program funds—

(i) For a student enrolled in an eligible program that is one academic year or less in length—

(A) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours in the program and half of the number of weeks of instructional time in the program; and

(B) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the program; and

(ii) For a student enrolled in an eligible program that is more than one academic year in length—

(A) For the first academic year and any subsequent full academic year—

(1) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours in the academic year and half of the number of weeks of instructional time in the academic year; and

(2) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the academic year;

(B) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is more than half an academic year but less than a full academic year in length—

(1) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours in the remaining portion of the program and half of the number of weeks of instructional time remaining in the program; and

(2) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the remainder of the program; and

(C) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is not more than half an academic year, the payment period is the remainder of the program.

(c) Payment periods for an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and does not have academic terms or for a program that measures progress in clock hours. (1) For a student enrolled in an eligible program that is one academic year or less in length—

(i) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours or clock hours, as applicable, in the program and half of the number of weeks of instructional time in the program; and

(ii) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the program or the remainder of the program.

(2) For a student enrolled in an eligible program that is more than one academic year in length—

(i) For the first academic year and any subsequent full academic year—

(A) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours or clock hours, as applicable, in the academic year and half of the number of weeks of instructional time in the academic year; and

(B) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the academic year;

(ii) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is more than half an academic year but less than a full academic year in length—

(A) The first payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes half of the number of credit hours or clock hours, as applicable, in the remaining portion of the program and half of the number of weeks of instructional time remaining in the program; and

(B) The second payment period is the period of time in which the student successfully completes the remainder of the program; and

(iii) For any remaining portion of an eligible program that is not more than half an academic year, the payment period is the remainder of the program.

(3) For purposes of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, if an institution is unable to determine when a student has successfully completed half of the credit hours or clock hours in a program, academic year, or remainder of a program, the student is considered to begin the second payment period of the program, academic year, or remainder of a program at the later of the date, as determined by the institution, on which the student has successfully completed—

(i) Half of the academic coursework in the program, academic year, or remainder of the program; or

(ii) Half of the number of weeks of instructional time in the program, academic year, or remainder of the program.

(d) Application of the cohort default rate exemption. Notwithstanding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, if 34 CFR 682.604(c)(10) or 34 CFR 685.301(b)(8) applies to an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms, an eligible program that measures progress in credit hours and does not have academic terms, or an eligible program that measures progress in clock hours, the payment period for purposes of FFEL and Direct Loan funds is the loan period for those portions of the program to which 34 CFR 682.604(c)(10) or 34 CFR 685.301(b)(8) applies.

(e) Excused absences. For purposes of this section, in determining whether a student successfully completes the clock hours in a payment period, an institution may include clock hours for which the student has an excused absence (i.e., an absence that a student does not have to make up) if—

(1) The institution has a written policy that permits excused absences; and

(2) The number of excused absences under the written policy for purposes of this paragraph (e) does not exceed the lesser of—

(i) The policy on excused absences of the institution's accrediting agency or, if the institution has more than one accrediting agency, the agency designated under 34 CFR 600.11(b);

(ii) The policy on excused absences of any State agency that licenses the institution or otherwise legally authorizes the institution to operate in the State; or

(iii) Ten percent of the clock hours in the payment period.

(f) Re-entry within 180 days. If a student withdraws from a program described in paragraph (c) of this section during a payment period and then reenters the same program within 180 days, the student remains in that same payment period when he or she returns and, subject to conditions established by the Secretary or by the FFEL lender or guaranty agency, is eligible to receive any title IV, HEA program funds for which he or she was eligible prior to withdrawal, including funds that were returned by the institution or student under the provisions of Sec. 668.22.

(g) Re-entry after 180 days or transfer. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(3) of this section, and subject to the conditions of paragraph (g)(2) of this section, an institution calculates new payment periods for the remainder of a student's program based on paragraph (c) of this section, for a student who withdraws from a program described in paragraph (c) of this section, and—

(i) Reenters that program after 180 days,

(ii) Transfers into another program at the same institution within any time period, or

(iii) Transfers into a program at another institution within any time period.

(2) For a student described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section—

(i) For the purpose of calculating payment periods only, the length of the program is the number of credit hours and the number of weeks of instructional time, or the number of clock hours and the number of weeks of instructional time, that the student has remaining in the program he or she enters or reenters; and

(ii) If the remaining hours and weeks constitute half of an academic year or less, the remaining hours constitute one payment period.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (g)(1) of this section, an institution may consider a student who transfers into another program at the same institution to remain in the same payment period if—

(i) The student is continuously enrolled at the institution;

(ii) The coursework in the payment period the student is transferring out of is substantially similar to the coursework the student will be taking when he or she first transfers into the new program;

(iii) The payment periods are substantially equal in length in weeks of instructional time and credit hours or clock hours, as applicable;

(iv) There are little or no changes in institutional charges associated with the payment period to the student; and

(v) The credits from the payment period the student is transferring out of are accepted toward the new program.

(h) Definitions. For purposes of this section—

(1) Terms are substantially equal in length if no term in the program is more than two weeks of instructional time longer than any other term in that program; and

(2) A student successfully completes credit hours or clock hours if the institution considers the student to have passed the coursework associated with those hours.

Sec. 668.5 Written arrangements to provide educational programs.

About the Regulations

(a) Written arrangements between eligible institutions. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, if an eligible institution enters into a written arrangement with another eligible institution, or with a consortium of eligible institutions, under which the other eligible institution or consortium provides part of the educational program to students enrolled in the first institution, the Secretary considers that educational program to be an eligible program if the educational program offered by the institution that grants the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential otherwise satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.8.

(2) If the written arrangement is between two or more eligible institutions that are owned or controlled by the same individual, partnership, or corporation, the Secretary considers the educational program to be an eligible program if the educational program offered by the institution that grants the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credit otherwise satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.8.

(b) Written arrangements for study-abroad. Under a study abroad program, if an eligible institution enters into a written arrangement under which an institution in another country, or an organization acting on behalf of an institution in another country, provides part of the educational program of students enrolled in the eligible institution, the Secretary considers that educational program to be an eligible program if it otherwise satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(3) of this section.

(c) Written arrangements between an eligible institution and an ineligible institution or organization. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, if an eligible institution enters into a written arrangement with an institution or organization that is not an eligible institution under which the ineligible institution or organization provides part of the educational program of students enrolled in the eligible institution, the Secretary considers that educational program to be an eligible program if—

(1) The ineligible institution or organization has not—

(i) Had its eligibility to participate in the title IV, HEA programs terminated by the Secretary;

(ii) Voluntarily withdrawn from participation in the title IV, HEA programs under a termination, show-cause, suspension, or similar type proceeding initiated by the institution's State licensing agency, accrediting agency, guarantor, or by the Secretary;

(iii) Had its certification to participate in the title IV, HEA programs revoked by the Secretary;

(iv) Had its application for recertification to participate in the title IV, HEA programs denied by the Secretary; or

(v) Had its application for certification to participate in the title IV, HEA programs denied by the Secretary;

(2) The educational program offered by the institution that grants the degree, certificate, or other recognized education credential otherwise satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.8; and

(3)(i) The ineligible institution or organization provides 25 percent or less of the educational program, including in accordance with 34 CFR 602.22(b)(4); or

(ii)(A) The ineligible institution or organization provides more than 25 percent but less than 50 percent of the educational program, in accordance with 34 CFR 602.22(a)(1)(ii)(J);

(B) The eligible institution and the ineligible institution or organization are not owned or controlled by the same individual, partnership, or corporation; and

(C) The eligible institution's accrediting agency or, if the institution is a public postsecondary vocational educational institution, the State agency listed in the Federal Register in accordance with 34 CFR part 603, has specifically determined that the institution's arrangement meets the agency's standards for executing a written arrangement with an ineligible institution or organization.

(d) Administration of title IV, HEA programs. (1) If an institution enters into a written arrangement as described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section, or provides coursework as provided in (h)(2) of this section, except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the institution at which the student is enrolled as a regular student must determine the student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds, and must calculate and disburse those funds to that student.

(2) In the case of a written arrangement between eligible institutions, the institutions may agree in writing to have any eligible institution in the written arrangement make those calculations and disbursements, and the Secretary does not consider that institution to be a third-party servicer for that arrangement.

(3) The institution that calculates and disburses a student's title IV, HEA program assistance under paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this section must—

(i) Take into account all the hours in which the student enrolls at each institution that apply to the student's degree or certificate when determining the student's enrollment status and cost of attendance; and

(ii) Maintain all records regarding the student's eligibility for and receipt of title IV, HEA program funds.

(e) Information made available to students. If an institution enters into a written arrangement described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section, the institution must provide the information described in Sec. 668.43(a)(12) to enrolled and prospective students.

(f) Workforce responsiveness. Nothing in this or any other section in this part prohibits an institution utilizing written arrangements from aligning or modifying its curriculum or academic requirements in order to meet the recommendations or requirements of industry advisory boards that include employers who hire program graduates, widely recognized industry standards and organizations, or industry-recognized credentialing bodies, including making governance or decision-making changes as an alternative to allowing or requiring faculty control or approval or integrating industry-recognized credentials into existing degree programs.

(g) Calculation of percentage of program. When determining the percentage of the program that is provided by an ineligible institution or organization under paragraph (c) of this section, the institution divides the number of semester, trimester, or quarter credit hours, clock hours, or the equivalent that are provided by the ineligible organization or organizations by the total number of semester, trimester, or quarter credit hours, clock hours, or the equivalent required for completion of the program. A course is provided by an ineligible institution or organization if the organization with which the institution has a written arrangement has authority over the design, administration, or instruction in the course, including, but not limited to—

(1) Establishing the requirements for successful completion of the course;

(2) Delivering instruction in the course; or

(3) Assessing student learning.

(h) Non-applicability to other interactions with outside entities. Written arrangements are not necessary for, and the limitations in this section do not apply to—

(1) Acceptance by the institution of transfer credits or use of prior learning assessment or other non-traditional methods of providing academic credit; or

(2) The internship or externship portion of a program if the internship or externship is governed by accrediting agency standards, or, in the case of an eligible foreign institution, the standards of an outside oversight entity, such as an accrediting agency or government entity, that require the oversight and supervision of the institution, where the institution is responsible for the internship or externship and students are monitored by qualified institutional personnel.

Sec. 668.6 [Removed and Reserved]

About the Regulations

 

Sec. 668.7 [Removed and Reserved]

About the Regulations

 

Sec. 668.8 Eligible program.

About the Regulations

(a) General. An eligible program is an educational program that—

(1) Is provided by a participating institution; and

(2) Satisfies the other relevant requirements contained in this section.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section—

(1) The Secretary considers the "equivalent of an associate degree" to be—

(i) An associate degree; or

(ii) The successful completion of at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree and qualifies a student for admission into the third year of a bachelor's degree program;

(2) A week is a consecutive seven-day period; and

(3)(i) The Secretary considers that an institution provides one week of instructional time in an academic program during any week the institution provides at least one day of regularly scheduled instruction or examinations, or, after the last scheduled day of classes for a term or a payment period, at least one day of study for final examinations.

(ii) Instructional time does not include any vacation periods, homework, or periods of orientation or counseling.

(c) Institution of higher education. An eligible program provided by an institution of higher education must—

(1) Lead to an associate, bachelor's, professional, or graduate degree;

(2) Be at least a two-academic-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree; or

(3) Be at least a one-academic-year training program that leads to a certificate, or other nondegree recognized credential, and prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

(d) Proprietary institution of higher education and postsecondary vocational institution. An eligible program provided by a proprietary institution of higher education or postsecondary vocational institution—

(1)(i) Must require a minimum of 15 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;

(ii) Must be at least 600 clock hours, 16 semester or trimester hours, or 24 quarter hours;

(iii) Must provide undergraduate training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and

(iv) May admit as regular students persons who have not completed the equivalent of an associate degree;

(2) Must—

(i) Require a minimum of 10 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;

(ii) Be at least 300 clock hours, 8 semester or trimester hours, or 12 quarter hours;

(iii) Provide training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and

(iv)(A) Be a graduate or professional program; or

(B) Admit as regular students only persons who have completed the equivalent of an associate degree;

(3) For purposes of the FFEL and Direct Loan programs only, must—

(i) Require a minimum of 10 weeks of instruction, beginning on the first day of classes and ending on the last day of classes or examinations;

(ii) Be at least 300 clock hours but less than 600 clock hours;

(iii) Provide undergraduate training that prepares a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;

(iv) Admit as regular students some persons who have not completed the equivalent of an associate degree; and

(v) Satisfy the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section; or

(4) For purposes of a proprietary institution of higher education only, is a program leading to a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts, as defined in 34 CFR 600.5(e), that—

(i) Is provided by an institution that is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency or association that was defined as a regional accrediting agency or association on October 1, 2007, and has held such accreditation since October 1, 2007, or earlier; and

(ii) The institution has provided continuously since January 1, 2009.

(e) Qualitative factors. (1) An educational program that satisfies the requirements of paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section qualifies as an eligible program only if—

(i) The program has a substantiated completion rate of at least 70 percent, as calculated under paragraph (f) of this section;

(ii) The program has a substantiated placement rate of at least 70 percent, as calculated under paragraph (g) of this section;

(iii) The institution can demonstrate reasonable program length, in accordance with Sec. 668.14(b)(26); and

(iv) The program has been in existence for at least one year. The Secretary considers an educational program to have been in existence for at least one year only if an institution has been legally authorized to provide, and has continuously provided, the program during the 12 months (except for normal vacation periods and, at the discretion of the Secretary, periods when the institution closes due to a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students) preceding the date on which the institution applied for eligibility for that program.

(2) An institution shall substantiate the calculation of its completion and placement rates by having the certified public accountant who prepares its audit report required under Sec. 668.23 report on the institution's calculation based on performing an attestation engagement in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

(f) Calculation of completion rate. An institution shall calculate its completion rate for an educational program for any award year as follows:

(1) Determine the number of regular students who were enrolled in the program during the award year.

(2) Subtract from the number of students determined under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the number of regular students who, during that award year, withdrew from, dropped out of, or were expelled from the program and were entitled to and actually received, in a timely manner a refund of 100 percent of their tuition and fees.

(3) Subtract from the total obtained under paragraph (f)(2) of this section the number of students who were enrolled in the program at the end of that award year.

(4) Determine the number of regular students who, during that award year, received within 150 percent of the published length of the educational program the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential awarded for successfully completing the program.

(5) Divide the number determined under paragraph (f)(4) of this section by the total obtained under paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(g) Calculation of placement rate. (1) An institution shall calculate its placement rate for an educational program for any award year as follows:

(i) Determine the number of students who, during the award year, received the degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential awarded for successfully completing the program.

(ii) Of the total obtained under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section, determine the number of students who, within 180 days of the day they received their degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential, obtained gainful employment in the recognized occupation for which they were trained or in a related comparable recognized occupation and, on the date of this calculation, are employed, or have been employed, for at least 13 weeks following receipt of the credential from the institution.

(iii) Divide the number of students determined under paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section by the total obtained under paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) An institution shall document that each student described in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section obtained gainful employment in the recognized occupation for which he or she was trained or in a related comparable recognized occupation. Examples of satisfactory documentation of a student's gainful employment include, but are not limited to—

(i) A written statement from the student's employer;

(ii) Signed copies of State or Federal income tax forms; and

(iii) Written evidence of payments of Social Security taxes.

(h) Eligibility for Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, TEACH Grant, and FSEOG programs. In addition to satisfying other relevant provisions of this section—

(1) An educational program qualifies as an eligible program for purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program only if the educational program is an undergraduate program or a postbaccalaureate teacher certificate or licensing program as described in 34 CFR 690.6(c);

(2) An educational program qualifies as an eligible program for purposes of the ACG, National SMART Grant, and FSEOG Programs only if the educational program is an undergraduate program; and

(3) An educational program qualifies as an eligible program for purposes of the TEACH Grant program if it satisfies the requirements of the definition of TEACH Grant-eligible program in 34 CFR 686.2(d).

(i) Flight training. In addition to satisfying other relevant provisions of this section, for a program of flight training to be an eligible program, it must have a current valid certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

(j) English as a second language (ESL). (1) In addition to satisfying the relevant provisions of this section, an educational program that consists solely of instruction in ESL qualifies as an eligible program if—

(i) The institution admits to the program only students who the institution determines need the ESL instruction to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills; and

(ii) The program leads to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.

(2) An institution shall document its determination that ESL instruction is necessary to enable each student enrolled in its ESL program to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills with regard to the students that it admits to its ESL program under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section.

(3) An ESL program that qualifies as an eligible program under this paragraph is eligible for purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program only.

(k) Undergraduate educational program in credit hours. If an institution offers an undergraduate educational program in credit hours, the institution must use the formula contained in paragraph (l) of this section to determine whether that program satisfies the requirements contained in paragraph (c)(3) or (d) of this section, and the number of credit hours in that educational program for purposes of the Title IV, HEA programs, unless—

(1) The program is at least two academic years in length and provides an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a professional degree, or an equivalent degree as determined by the Secretary; or

(2) Each course within the program is acceptable for full credit toward completion of an eligible program offered by the institution that provides an associate degree, bachelor's degree, professional degree, or equivalent degree as determined by the Secretary provided that—

(i) The eligible program requires at least two academic years of study; and

(ii) The institution can demonstrate that least one student graduated from the program during the current award year or the two preceding award years.

(l) Formula. For purposes of determining whether a program described in paragraph (h) of this section satisfies the requirements contained in paragraph (c)(3) or (d) of this section, and the number of credit hours in that educational program for the purposes of the title IV, HEA programs—

(1) A semester or trimester hour must include at least 30 clock hours of instruction; and

(2) A quarter hour must include at least 20 clock hours of instruction.

(m) An otherwise eligible program that is offered in whole or in part through telecommunications is eligible for title IV, HEA program purposes if the program is offered by an institution, other than a foreign institution, that has been evaluated and is accredited for its effective delivery of distance education programs by an accrediting agency or association that—

(1) Is recognized by the Secretary under subpart 2 of part H of the HEA; and

(2) Has accreditation of distance education within the scope of its recognition.

(n) Other eligible programs.For title IV, HEA program purposes, eligible program includes a direct assessment program approved by the Secretary under Sec. 668.10, and a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program approved by the Secretary under Sec. 668.232, and an eligible prison education program under subpart P of this part .

Sec. 668.9 Relationship between clock hours and semester, trimester, or quarter hours in calculating Title IV, HEA program assistance.

About the Regulations

(a) In determining the amount of Title IV, HEA program assistance that a student who is enrolled in a program described in Sec. 668.8(k) is eligible to receive, the institution shall apply the formula contained in Sec. 668.8(l) to determine the number of semester, trimester, or quarter hours in that program, if the institution measures academic progress in that program in semester, trimester, or quarter hours.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, a public or private nonprofit hospital-based school of nursing that awards a diploma at the completion of the school's program of education is not required to apply the formula contained in Sec. 668.8(l) to determine the number of semester, trimester, or quarter hours in that program for purposes of calculating Title IV, HEA program assistance.

Sec. 668.10 Direct assessment programs.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) A direct assessment program is a program that, in lieu of credit hours or clock hours as a measure of student learning, utilizes direct assessment of student learning, or recognizes the direct assessment of student learning by others. The assessment must be consistent with the accreditation of the institution or program utilizing the results of the assessment.

(2) Direct assessment of student learning means a of a student's knowledge, skills, and abilities designed to provide evidence of the student's proficiency in the relevant subject area.

(3) An institution must establish a methodology to reasonably equate each module in the direct assessment program to either credit hours or clock hours. This methodology must be consistent with the requirements of the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency.

(4) All regulatory requirements in this chapter that refer to credit or clock hours as a measurement apply to direct assessment programs according to whether they use credit or clock hour equivalencies, respectively.

(5) A direct assessment program that is not consistent with the requirements of the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency is not an eligible program as provided under Sec. 668.8. In order for any direct assessment program to qualify as an eligible program, the accrediting agency must have—

(i) Evaluated the program based on the agency's accreditation standards and criteria, and included it in the institution's grant of accreditation or preaccreditation; and

(ii) Reviewed and approved the institution's claim of each direct assessment program's equivalence in terms of credit or clock hours.

(b)(1) An institution that wishes to offer a direct assessment program must apply to the Secretary to have its direct assessment program or programs determined to be eligible programs for title IV, HEA program purposes. Following the Secretary's initial approval of a direct assessment program, additional direct assessment programs at an equivalent or lower academic level may be determined to be eligible without further approvals from the Secretary except as required by 34 CFR 600.10(c)(1)(iii), 600.20(c)(1), or 600.21(a), as applicable, if such programs are consistent with the institution's accreditation or its State approval agency.

(2) The institution's direct assessment application must provide information satisfactory to the Secretary that includes—

(i) A description of the educational program, including the educational credential offered (degree level or certificate) and the field of study;

(ii) A description of how the direct assessment program is structured, including information about how and when the institution determines on an individual basis what each student enrolled in the program needs to learn and how the institution excludes from consideration of a student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds any credits or competencies earned on the basis of prior learning;

(iii) A description of how learning is assessed and how the institution assists students in gaining the knowledge needed to pass the assessments;

(iv) The number of semester, trimester, or quarter credit hours, or clock hours, that are equivalent to the amount of student learning being directly assessed for the certificate or degree;

(v) The methodology the institution uses to determine the number of credit or clock hours to which the program or programs are equivalent; and

(vi) Documentation from the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency indicating that the agency has evaluated the institution's offering of direct assessment program(s) and has included the program(s) in the institution's grant of accreditation and approval documentation from the accrediting agency or State approval agency indicating agreement with the institutions methodology for determining the direct assessment program's equivalence in terms of credit or clock hours.

(vii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, no program offered by a foreign institution that involves direct assessment will be considered to be an eligible program under Sec. 668.8.

(c) A direct assessment program may use learning resources (e.g., courses or portions of courses) that are provided by entities other than the institution providing the direct assessment program without regard to the limitations on contracting for part of an educational program in Sec. 668.5(c)(3).

(d) Title IV, HEA program funds may be used to support instruction provided, or overseen, by the institution, except for the portion of the program that the student is awarded based on prior learning.

(e) Unless an institution has received initial approval from the Secretary to offer direct assessment programs, and the institution's offering of direct assessment coursework is consistent with the institution's accreditation and State authorization, if applicable, title IV, HEA program funds may not be used for—

(1) The course of study described in Sec. 668.32(a)(1)(ii) and (iii) and (a)(2)(i)(B), if offered using direct assessment; or

(2) Remedial coursework described in Sec. 668.20, if offered using direct assessment.

(f) Student progress in a direct assessment program may be measured using a combination of—

(1) Credit hours and credit hour equivalencies; or

(2) Clock hours and clock hour equivalencies.

Subpart B—Standards for Participation in Title IV, HEA Programs

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.11 Severability

If any provision of this part or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the part or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

Sec. 668.12 668.11 Scope.

(a) This subpart establishes standards that an institution must meet in order to participate in any Title IV, HEA program.

(b) Noncompliance with these standards by an institution already participating in any Title IV, HEA program or with applicable standards in this subpart by a third-party servicer that contracts with the institution may subject the institution or servicer, or both, to proceedings under subpart G of this part. These proceedings may lead to any of the following actions:

(1) An emergency action.

(2) The imposition of a fine.

(3) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the participation of the institution in a Title IV, HEA program.

(4) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.

Sec. 668.12 [Removed and Reserved] 

Sec. 668.13 Certification procedures.

About the Regulations

(a) Requirements for certification. (1)(i) The Secretary certifies an institution to participate in the title IV, HEA programs if the institution qualifies as an eligible institution under 34 CFR part 600, meets the standards of this subpart and 34 CFR part 668, subpart L, and satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(ii) On application from the institution, the Secretary certifies a location of an institution that meets the requirements of Sec. 668.13(a)(1)(i) as a branch if it satisfies the definition of "branch" in 34 CFR 600.2.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, if an institution wishes to participate for the first time in the title IV, HEA programs or has undergone a change in ownership that results in a change in control as described in 34 CFR 600.31, the institution must require the following individuals to complete title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary no later than 12 months after the institution executes its program participation agreement under Sec. 668.14:

(i) The individual the institution designates under Sec. 668.16(b)(1) as its title IV, HEA program administrator.

(ii) The institution's chief administrator or a high level institutional official the chief administrator designates.

(3)(i) An institution may request the Secretary to waive the training requirement for any individual described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(ii) When the Secretary receives a waiver request under paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, the Secretary may grant or deny the waiver, require another institutional official to take the training, or require alternative training.

(b) Period of participation. (1) If the Secretary certifies that an institution meets the standards of this subpart, the Secretary also specifies the period for which the institution may participate in a title IV, HEA program. An institution's period of participation expires six years after the date that the Secretary certifies that the institution meets the standards of this subpart, except that—

(i) The period of participation for a private, for profit foreign institution expires three years after the date of the Secretary's certification; and

(ii) The Secretary may specify a shorter period.

(2) Provided that an institution has submitted an application for a renewal of certification that is materially complete at least 90 days prior to the expiration of its current period of participation, the institution's existing certification will be extended on a month to month basis following the expiration of the institution's period of participation until the end of the month in which the Secretary issues a decision on the application for recertification.

(3) In the event that the Secretary does not make a determination to grant or deny certification within 12 months of the expiration of its current period of participation, the institution will automatically be granted renewal of certification, which may be provisional.

(c) Provisional certification. (1)(i) The Secretary may provisionally certify an institution if—

(A) The institution seeks initial participation in a Title IV, HEA program;

(B) The institution is an eligible institution that has undergone a change in ownership that results in a change in control according to the provisions of 34 CFR part 600;

(C) The institution is a participating institution that is applying for a renewal of certification

(1) That the Secretary determines has jeopardized its ability to perform its financial responsibilities by not meeting the factors of financial responsibility under subpart L of this part or the standards of administrative capability under Sec. 668.16; is applying for a certification that the institution meets the standards of this subpart;

(2) Whose participation has been limited or suspended under subpart G of this part; or That the Secretary determines has jeopardized its ability to perform its financial responsibilities by not meeting the factors of financial responsibility under Sec. 668.15 and subpart L of this part or the standards of administrative capability under Sec. 668.16; and

(3) That voluntarily enters into provisional certification; Whose participation has been limited or suspended under subpart G of this part, or voluntarily enters into provisional certification;

(D) The institution seeks to be reinstated to participate in a title IV, HEA program after a prior period of participation in that program ended; a renewal of participation in a Title IV, HEA program after the expiration of a prior period of participation in that program;

(E) The institution is a participating institution that was accredited or preaccredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency on the day before the Secretary withdrew the Secretary's recognition of that agency according to the provisions contained in 34 CFR part 602; or

(F) The Secretary has determined that the institution is at risk of closure; or The institution is a participating institution that has been provisionally recertified under the automatic recertification requirement in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.

(G) The institution is under the provisional certification alternative of subpart L of this part.

(ii) An institution’s certification becomes provisional upon notification from the Secretary if—

(A) The institution triggers one of the financial responsibility events under Sec. 668.171(c) or (d) and, as a result, the Secretary requires the institution to post financial protection; or

(B) Any owner or interest holder of the institution with control over that institution, as defined in 34 CFR 600.31, also owns another institution with fines or liabilities owed to the Department and is not making payments in accordance with an agreement to repay that liability.

(iii)(ii) A proprietary institution's certification automatically becomes provisional at the start of a fiscal year if after it did not derive at least 10 percent of its revenue for its preceding fiscal year from sources other than Federal educational assistance Title IV, HEA program funds, as required under Sec. 668.14(b)(16).

(2) If the Secretary provisionally certifies an institution, the Secretary also specifies the period for which the institution may participate in a Title IV, HEA program. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) (3) and (4) of this section or subpart L of this part, a provisionally certified institution's period of participation expires—

(i) Not later than the end of the first complete award year following the date on which the Secretary provisionally certified the institution for its initial certification; under paragraph (c)(1)(A) of this section;

(ii) Not later than the end of the third complete award year following the date on which the Secretary provisionally certified an the institution for reasons— under paragraphs (c)(1)(i)(B), (C), and (D) or paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section; and

(A) Related to substantial liabilities owed or potentially owed to the Department for discharges related to borrower defense to repayment or false certification, or arising from claims under consumer protection laws; or

(B) As a result of a change in ownership, recertification, reinstatement, automatic recertification, or a failure under Sec. 668.14(b)(32); and

(iii) If the Secretary provisionally certified the institution under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(E) of this section, not later than 18 months after the date that the Secretary withdrew recognition from the institution's nationally recognized accrediting agency.

(3) Notwithstanding the maximum periods of participation provided for in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if the Secretary provisionally certifies an institution, the Secretary may specify a shorter period of participation for that institution.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "provisional certification" means that the Secretary certifies that an institution has demonstrated to the Secretary's satisfaction that the institution—

(i) Is capable of meeting the standards of this subpart within a specified period; and

(ii) Is able to meet the institution's responsibilities under its program participation agreement, including compliance with any additional conditions specified in the institution's program participation agreement that the Secretary requires the institution to meet in order for the institution to participate under provisional certification.

(d) Revocation of provisional certification. (1) If, before the expiration of a provisionally certified institution's period of participation in a Title IV, HEA program, the Secretary determines that the institution is unable to meet its responsibilities under its program participation agreement, the Secretary may revoke the institution's provisional certification for participation in that program.

(2)(i) If the Secretary revokes the provisional certification of an institution under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the Secretary sends the institution a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Secretary also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means, if practical.

(ii) The revocation takes effect on the date that the Secretary transmits mails the notice to the institution.

(iii) The notice states the basis for the revocation, the consequences of the revocation to the institution, and that the institution may request the Secretary to reconsider the revocation. The consequences of a revocation are described in Sec. 668.26.

(3)(i) An institution may request reconsideration of a revocation under this section by submitting to the Secretary, within 20 days of the institution's receipt of the Secretary's notice, written evidence that the revocation is unwarranted. The institution must file the request with the Secretary by hand-delivery, mail, or electronic transmission.

(ii) The filing date of the request is the date on which the request is—

(A) Hand-delivered;

(B) Mailed; or

(C) Sent by electronic transmission.

(iii) Documents filed by electronic transmission must be transmitted to the Secretary in accordance with instructions provided by the Secretary in the notice of revocation.

(4)(i) The designated department official making the decision concerning an institution's request for reconsideration of a revocation is different from, and not subject to supervision by, the official who initiated the revocation of the institution's provisional certification. The deciding official promptly considers an institution's request for reconsideration of a revocation and notifies the institution, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the final decision. The Secretary also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means, if practical.

(ii) If the Secretary determines that the revocation is warranted, the Secretary's notice informs the institution that the institution may apply for reinstatement of participation only after the later of the expiration of—

(A) Eighteen months after the effective date of the revocation; or

(B) A debarment or suspension of the institution under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.

(iii) If the Secretary determines that the revocation of the institution's provisional certification is unwarranted, the Secretary's notice informs the institution that the institution's provisional certification is reinstated, effective on the date that the Secretary's original revocation notice was mailed, for a specified period of time.

(5) The mailing date of a notice of revocation or a request for reconsideration of a revocation is the date evidenced on the original receipt of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service or another service that provides delivery confirmation for that document.

(e) Supplementary performance measures. In determining whether to certify, or condition the participation of, an institution under this section and Sec. 668.14, the Secretary may consider the following, among other information at the program or institutional level:

(1) Withdrawal rate. The percentage of students who withdrew from the institution within 100 percent or 150 percent of the published length of the program.

(2) Educational and pre-enrollment expenditures. The amounts the institution spent on instruction and instructional activities, academic support, and support services, compared to the amounts spent on recruiting activities, advertising, and other pre-enrollment expenditures.

(3) Licensure pass rate. If a program is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation, and the institution is required by an accrediting agency or State to report passage rates for the licensure exam for the program, such passage rates.

Sec. 668.14 Program participation agreement.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) An institution may participate in any Title IV, HEA program, other than the LEAP and NEISP programs, only if the institution enters into a written program participation agreement with the Secretary, on a form approved by the Secretary. A program participation agreement conditions the initial and continued participation of an eligible institution in any Title IV, HEA program upon compliance with the provisions of this part, the individual program regulations, and any additional conditions specified in the program participation agreement that the Secretary requires the institution to meet.

(2) An institution's program participation agreement applies to each branch campus and other location of the institution that meets the applicable requirements of this part unless otherwise specified by the Secretary.

(3) An institution’s program participation agreement must be signed by—

(i) An authorized representative of the institution; and

(ii) For a proprietary or private nonprofit institution, an authorized representative of an entity with direct or indirect ownership of the institution if that entity has the power to exercise control over the institution. The Secretary considers the following as examples of circumstances in which an entity has such power:

(A) If the entity has at least 50 percent control over the institution through direct or indirect ownership, by voting rights, by its right to appoint board members to the institution or any other entity, whether by itself or in combination with other entities or natural persons with which it is affiliated or related, or pursuant to a proxy or voting or similar agreement.

(B) If the entity has the power to block significant actions.

(C) If the entity is the 100 percent direct or indirect interest holder of the institution.

(D) If the entity provides or will provide the financial statements to meet any of the requirements of 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h) or subpart L of this part.

(b) By entering into a program participation agreement, an institution agrees that—

(1) It will comply with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all applicable regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all applicable special arrangements, agreements, and limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, including the requirement that the institution will use funds it receives under any Title IV, HEA program and any interest or other earnings thereon, solely for the purposes specified in and in accordance with that program;

(2) As a fiduciary responsible for administering Federal funds, if the institution is permitted to request funds under a Title IV, HEA program advance payment method, the institution will time its requests for funds under the program to meet the institution's immediate Title IV, HEA program needs;

(3) It will not request from or charge any student a fee for processing or handling any application, form, or data required to determine a student's eligibility for, and amount of, Title IV, HEA program assistance;

(4) It will establish and maintain such administrative and fiscal procedures and records as may be necessary to ensure proper and efficient administration of funds received from the Secretary or from students under the Title IV, HEA programs, together with assurances that the institution will provide, upon request and in a timely manner, information relating to the administrative capability and financial responsibility of the institution to—

(i) The Secretary;

(ii) A guaranty agency, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, that guarantees loans made under the Federal Stafford Loan and Federal PLUS programs for attendance at the institution or any of the institution's branch campuses or other locations;

(iii) The nationally recognized accrediting agency that accredits or preaccredits the institution or any of the institution's branch campuses, other locations, or educational programs;

(iv) The State agency that legally authorizes the institution and any branch campus or other location of the institution to provide postsecondary education; and

(v) In the case of a public postsecondary vocational educational institution that is approved by a State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, that State agency;

(5) It will comply with the provisions of subpart L of this part Sec. 668.15 relating to factors of financial responsibility;

(6) It will comply with the provisions of Sec. 668.16 relating to standards of administrative capability;

(7) It will submit reports to the Secretary and, in the case of an institution participating in the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, or the Federal Perkins Loan Program, to holders of loans made to the institution's students under that program at such times and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require to carry out the purpose of the Title IV, HEA programs;

(8) It will not provide any statement to any student or certification to any lender in the case of an FFEL Program loan, or origination record to the Secretary in the case of a Direct Loan Program loan that qualifies the student or parent for a loan or loans in excess of the amount that the student or parent is eligible to borrow in accordance with sections 425(a), 428(a)(2), 428(b)(1)(A) and (B), 428B, 428H, and 455(a) of the HEA;

(9) It will comply with the requirements of subpart D of this part concerning institutional and financial assistance information for students and prospective students;

(10) In the case of an institution that advertises job placement rates as a means of attracting students to enroll in the institution, the institution will make available to prospective students, at or before the time that those students apply for enrollment—

(i) The most recent available data concerning employment statistics, graduation statistics, and any other information necessary to substantiate the truthfulness of the advertisements; and

(ii) Relevant State licensing requirements of the State in which the institution is located for any job for which the course of instructionis designed to prepare those prospective students, as provided in Sec. 668.43(a)(5)(v);

(11) In the case of an institution participating in the FFEL program, the institution will inform all eligible borrowers, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, enrolled in the institution about the availability and eligibility of those borrowers for State grant assistance from the State in which the institution is located, and will inform borrowers from another State of the source of further information concerning State grant assistance from that State;

(12) It will provide the certifications described in paragraph (c) of this section;

(13) In the case of an institution whose students receive financial assistance pursuant to section 484(d) of the HEA, the institution will make available to those students a program proven successful in assisting students in obtaining the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma;

(14) It will not deny any form of Federal financial aid to any eligible student solely on the grounds that the student is participating in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the institution;

(15)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(15)(ii) of this section, the institution will use a default management plan approved by the Secretary with regard to its administration of the FFEL or Direct Loan programs, or both for at least the first two years of its participation in those programs, if the institution—

(A) Is participating in the FFEL or Direct Loan programs for the first time; or

(B) Is an institution that has undergone a change of ownership that results in a change in control and is participating in the FFEL or Direct Loan programs.

(ii) The institution does not have to use an approved default management plan if—

(A) The institution, including its main campus and any branch campus, does not have a cohort default rate in excess of 10 percent; and

(B) The owner of the institution does not own and has not owned any other institution that had a cohort default rate in excess of 10 percent while that owner owned the institution.

(16) For a proprietary institution, the institution will derive at least 10 percent of its revenues for each fiscal year from sources other than Federal funds, Title IV, HEA program funds, as provided in Sec. 668.28(a), and (b), or be subject to sanctions described in Sec. 668.28(c);

(17) The Secretary, guaranty agencies and lenders as defined in 34 CFR part 682, nationally recognized accrediting agencies, Federal agencies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, State agencies recognized under 34 CFR part 603 for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, and State agencies that legally authorize institutions and branch campuses or other locations of institutions to provide postsecondary education, and State attorneys general have the authority to share with each other any information pertaining to the institution's eligibility for or participation in the Title IV, HEA programs or any information on fraud and abuse,or other violations of law;

(18) It will not knowingly—

(i) Employ in a capacity that involves the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs or the receipt of funds under those programs, an individual who has been: convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds;

(A) Convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds;

(B) Administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds;

(C) An owner, director, officer, or employee who exercised substantial control over an institution, or a direct or indirect parent entity of an institution, that owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement and is not making payments in accordance with an agreement to repay that liability; or

(D) A ten-percent-or-higher equity owner, director, officer, principal, executive, or contractor at an institution in any year in which the institution incurred a loss of Federal funds in excess of five percent of the participating institution’s annual title IV, HEA program funds; or

(ii) Contract with an institution, or third-party servicer, individual, agency, or organization that has, or whose owners, officers or employees have— that has been terminated under section 432 of the HEA for a reason involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or that has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds; or

(A) Been convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds;

(B) Been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds;

(C) Had its participation in the title IV programs terminated, certification revoked, or application for certification or recertification for participation in the title IV programs denied;

(D) Been an owner, director, officer, or employee who exercised substantial control over an institution, or a direct or indirect parent entity of an institution, that owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement and is not making payments in accordance with an agreement to repay that liability; or

(E) Been a 10 percent-or-higher equity owner, director, officer, principal, executive, or contractor affiliated with another institution in any year in which the other institution incurred a loss of Federal funds in excess of 5 percent of the participating institution’s annual title IV, HEA program funds;

(iii) Contract with or employ any individual, agency, or organization that has been, or whose officers or employees have been—

(A) Convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds; or

(B) Administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds;

(19) It will complete, in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of the Secretary, surveys conducted as a part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) or any other Federal collection effort, as designated by the Secretary, regarding data on postsecondary institutions;

(20) In the case of an institution that is co-educational and has an intercollegiate athletic program, it will comply with the provisions of Sec. 668.48;

(21) It will not impose any penalty, including, but not limited to, the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that the student borrow additional funds for which interest or other charges are assessed, on any student because of the student's inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution as a result of the delayed disbursement of the proceeds of a Title IV, HEA program loan due to compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements of or applicable to the Title IV, HEA programs, or delays attributable to the institution;

(22)(i) It will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid, to any person or entity who is engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity, or in making decisions regarding the award of title IV, HEA program funds.

(A) The restrictions in paragraph (b)(22) of this section do not apply to the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive Federal student assistance.

(B) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(22) of this section, an employee who receives multiple adjustments to compensation in a calendar year and is engaged in any student enrollment or admission activity or in making decisions regarding the award of title IV, HEA program funds is considered to have received such adjustments based upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid if those adjustments create compensation that is based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid.

(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(22)(i) of this section, eligible institutions, organizations that are contractors to eligible institutions, and other entities may make—

(A) Merit-based adjustments to employee compensation provided that such adjustments are not based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid; and

(B) Profit-sharing payments so long as such payments are not provided to any person or entity engaged in student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions regarding the award of title IV, HEA program funds.

(iii) As used in paragraph (b)(22) of this section,

(A) Commission, bonus, or other incentive payment means a sum of money or something of value, other than a fixed salary or wages, paid to or given to a person or an entity for services rendered.

(B) Securing enrollments or the award of financial aid means activities that a person or entity engages in at any point in time through completion of an educational program for the purpose of the admission or matriculation of students for any period of time or the award of financial aid to students.

(1) These activities include contact in any form with a prospective student, such as, but not limited to—contact through preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution, attendance at such an appointment, or involvement in a prospective student's signing of an enrollment agreement or financial aid application.

(2) These activities do not include making a payment to a third party for the provision of student contact information for prospective students provided that such payment is not based on—

(i) Any additional conduct or action by the third party or the prospective students, such as participation in preadmission or advising activities, scheduling an appointment to visit the enrollment office or any other office of the institution or attendance at such an appointment, or the signing, or being involved in the signing, of a prospective student's enrollment agreement or financial aid application; or

(ii) The number of students (calculated at any point in time of an educational program) who apply for enrollment, are awarded financial aid, or are enrolled for any period of time, including through completion of an educational program.

(C) Entity or person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid means—

(1) With respect to an entity engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any institution or organization that undertakes the recruiting or the admitting of students or that makes decisions about and awards title IV, HEA program funds; and

(2) With respect to a person engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions about the award of financial aid, any employee who undertakes recruiting or admitting of students or who makes decisions about and awards title IV, HEA program funds, and any higher level employee with responsibility for recruitment or admission of students, or making decisions about awarding title IV, HEA program funds.

(D) Enrollment means the admission or matriculation of a student into an eligible institution.

(23) It will meet the requirements established pursuant to part H of Title IV of the HEA by the Secretary and nationally recognized accrediting agencies;

(24) It will comply with the requirements of Sec. 668.22;

(25) It is liable for all—

(i) Improperly spent or unspent funds received under the Title IV, HEA programs, including any funds administered by a third-party servicer; and

(ii) Returns of title IV, HEA program funds that the institution or its servicer may be required to make;

(26) If an educational program offered by the institution on or after July 1, 2024, is required to prepare a student for gainful employment in a recognized occupation, the institution must—

(i) Establish the need for the training for the student to obtain employment in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student; and

(ii) Demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the length of the program and entry level requirements for the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student by limiting the number of hours in the program to . The Secretary considers the relationship to be reasonable if the number of clock hours provided in the program does not exceed the greater of—

(A) Another State’s required minimum number of clock hours, credit hours, or the equivalent required for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student, if the institution documents, with substantiation by a certified public accountant who prepares the institution’s compliance audit report as required under Sec. 668.23 that— One hundred and fifty percent of the minimum number of clock hours required for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student, as established by the State in which the institution is located, if the State has established such a requirement, or as established by any Federal agency; or

(1) A majority of students resided in that State while enrolled in the program during the most recently completed award year;

(2) A majority of students who completed the program in the most recently completed award year were employed in that State; or

(3) The other State is part of the same metropolitan statistical area as the institution’s home State and a majority of students, upon enrollment in the program during the most recently completed award year, stated in writing that they intended to work in that other State; and

(iii) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(26)(ii) of this section, the program length limitation does not apply for occupations where the State entry level requirements include the completion of an associate or higher-level degree; or where the program is delivered entirely through distance education or correspondence courses; Provide for that program the certification required in Sec. 668.414.

(B) The minimum number of clock hours required for training in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student as established in a State adjacent to the State in which the institution is located; and

(ii) Establish the need for the training for the student to obtain employment in the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student;

(iii) Provide for that program the certification required in Sec. 668.414.

(27) In the case of an institution participating in a Title IV, HEA loan program, the institution—

(i) Will develop, publish, administer, and enforce a code of conduct with respect to loans made, insured or guaranteed under the Title IV, HEA loan programs in accordance with 34 CFR 601.21; and

(ii) Must inform its officers, employees, and agents with responsibilities with respect to loans made, insured or guaranteed under the Title IV, HEA loan programs annually of the provisions of the code required under paragraph (b)(27) of this section;

(28) For any year in which the institution has a preferred lender arrangement (as defined in 34 CFR 601.2(b)), it will at least annually compile, maintain, and make available for students attending the institution, and the families of such students, a list in print or other medium, of the specific lenders for loans made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the HEA or private education loans that the institution recommends, promotes, or endorses in accordance with such preferred lender arrangement. In making such a list, the institution must comply with the requirements in 34 CFR 682.212(h) and 34 CFR 601.10;

(29)(i) It will, upon the request of an enrolled or admitted student who is an applicant for a private education loan (as defined in 34 CFR 601.2(b)), provide to the applicant the self-certification form required under 34 CFR 601.11(d) and the information required to complete the form, to the extent the institution possesses such information, including—

(A) The applicant's cost of attendance at the institution, as determined by the institution under part F of title IV of the HEA;

(B) The applicant's estimated financial assistance, including amounts of financial assistance used to replace the expected family contribution as determined by the institution in accordance with title IV, for students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; and

(C) The difference between the amounts under paragraphs (b)(29)(i)(A) and (29)(i)(B) of this section, as applicable.

(ii) It will, upon the request of the applicant, discuss with the applicant the availability of Federal, State, and institutional student financial aid;

(30) The institution—

(i) Has developed and implemented written plans to effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material by users of the institution's network, without unduly interfering with educational and research use of the network, that include—

(A) The use of one or more technology-based deterrents;

(B) Mechanisms for educating and informing its community about appropriate versus inappropriate use of copyrighted material, including that described in Sec. 668.43(a)(10);

(C) Procedures for handling unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including disciplinary procedures; and

(D) Procedures for periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the plans to combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials by users of the institution's network using relevant assessment criteria. No particular technology measures are favored or required for inclusion in an institution's plans, and each institution retains the authority to determine what its particular plans for compliance with paragraph (b)(30) of this section will be, including those that prohibit content monitoring; and

(ii) Will, in consultation with the chief technology officer or other designated officer of the institution—

(A) Periodically review the legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material;

(B) Make available the results of the review in paragraph (b)(30)(ii)(A) of this section to its students through a Web site or other means; and

(C) To the extent practicable, offer legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material, as determined by the institution; and

(31) The institution will submit a teach-out plan to its accrediting agency in compliance with 34 CFR 602.24(c) and the standards of the institution's accrediting agency. The institution will update its teach-out plan upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) The Secretary initiates the limitation, suspension, or termination of the participation of an institution in any Title IV, HEA program under 34 CFR 600.41 or subpart G of this part or initiates an emergency action under Sec. 668.83.

(ii) The institution's accrediting agency acts to withdraw, terminate, or suspend the accreditation or preaccreditation of the institution.

(iii) The institution's State licensing or authorizing agency revokes the institution's license or legal authorization to provide an educational program.

(iv) The institution intends to close a location that provides 100 percent of at least one program.

(v) The institution otherwise intends to cease operations.

(32) In each State in which: the institution is located; students enrolled by the institution in distance education or correspondence courses are located, as determined at the time of initial enrollment in accordance with 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2); or for the purposes of paragraphs (b)(32)(i) and (ii) of this section, each student who enrolls in a program on or after July 1, 2024, and attests that they intend to seek employment, the institution must determine that each program eligible for title IV, HEA program funds—

(i) Is programmatically accredited if the State or a Federal agency requires such accreditation, including as a condition for employment in the occupation for which the program prepares the student, or is programmatically pre-accredited when programmatic pre-accreditation is sufficient according to the State or Federal agency;

(ii) Satisfies the applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification requirements in the State so that a student who enrolls in the program, and seeks employment in that State after completing the program, qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter; and

(iii) Complies with all State laws related to closure, including record retention, teach-out plans or agreements, and tuition recovery funds or surety bonds;

(33) It will not withhold official transcripts or take any other negative action against a student related to a balance owed by the student that resulted from an error in the institution’s administration of the title IV, HEA programs, or any fraud or misconduct by the institution or its personnel;

(34) Upon request by a student, the institution will provide an official transcript that includes all the credit or clock hours for payment periods—

(i) In which the student received Title IV, HEA funds; and

(ii) For which all institutional charges were paid or included in an agreement to pay at the time the request is made; and

(35) It will not maintain policies and procedures to encourage, or that condition institutional aid or other student benefits in a manner that induces, a student to limit the amount of Federal student aid, including Federal loan funds, that the student receives, except that the institution may provide a scholarship on the condition that a student forego borrowing if the amount of the scholarship provided is equal to or greater than the amount of Federal loan funds that the student agrees not to borrow.

(c) In order to participate in any Title IV, HEA program (other than the LEAP and NEISP programs), the institution must certify that it—

(1) Has in operation a drug abuse prevention program that the institution has determined to be accessible to any officer, employee, or student at the institution; and

(2)(i) Has established a campus security policy in accordance with section 485(f) of the HEA; and

(ii) Has complied with the disclosure requirements of 668.47 as required by section 485(f) of the HEA.

(d)(1) The institution, if located in a State to which section 4(b) of the National Voter Registration Act (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-2(b)) does not apply, will make a good faith effort to distribute a mail voter registration form, requested and received from the State, to each student enrolled in a degree or certificate program and physically in attendance at the institution, and to make those forms widely available to students at the institution.

(2) The institution must request the forms from the State 120 days prior to the deadline for registering to vote within the State. If an institution has not received a sufficient quantity of forms to fulfill this section from the State within 60 days prior to the deadline for registering to vote in the State, the institution is not liable for not meeting the requirements of this section during that election year.

(3) This paragraph applies to elections as defined in section 301(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(1)), and includes the election for Governor or other chief executive within such State.

(e) If an institution is provisionally certified, the Secretary may apply such conditions as are determined to be necessary or appropriate to the institution, including, but not limited to—

(1) For an institution that the Secretary determines may be at risk of closure— A program participation agreement becomes effective on the date that the Secretary signs the agreement.

(i) Submission of an acceptable teachout plan or agreement to the Department, the State, and the institution’s recognized accrediting agency; and

(ii) Submission to the Department of an acceptable records retention plan that addresses title IV, HEA records, including but not limited to student transcripts, and evidence that the plan has been implemented;

(2) For an institution that the Secretary determines may be at risk of closure, that is teaching out or closing, or that is not financially responsible or administratively capable, the release of holds on student transcripts; A new program participation agreement supersedes any prior program participation agreement between the Secretary and the institution.

(3) Restrictions or limitations on the addition of new programs or locations;

(4) Restrictions on the rate of growth, new enrollment of students, or title IV, HEA volume in one or more programs;

(5) Restrictions on the institution providing a teach-out on behalf of another institution;

(6) Restrictions on the acquisition of another participating institution, which may include, in addition to any other required financial protection, the posting of financial protection in an amount determined by the Secretary but not less than 10 percent of the acquired institution’s title IV, HEA volume for the prior fiscal year;

(7) Additional reporting requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, cash balances, an actual and protected cash flow statement, student rosters, student complaints, and interim unaudited financial statements;

(8) Limitations on the institution entering into a written arrangement with another eligible institution or an ineligible institution or organization for that other eligible institution or ineligible institution or organization to provide between 25 and 50 percent of the institution’s educational program under Sec. 668.5(a) or (c); and

(9) For an institution found to have engaged in substantial misrepresentations to students, engaged in aggressive recruiting practices, or violated incentive compensation rules, requirements to hire a monitor and to submit marketing and other recruiting materials (e.g., call scripts) for the review and approval of the Secretary; and

(10) Reporting to the Department, no later than 21 days after an institution receives from any local, State, Tribal, Federal, or foreign government or government entity a civil investigative demand, a subpoena, a request for documents or information, or other formal inquiry that is related to the marketing or recruitment of prospective students, the awarding of Federal financial aid for enrollment at the school, or the provision of educational services for which Federal aid is provided.

(f) If a proprietary institution seeks to convert to nonprofit status following a change in ownership, the following conditions will apply to the institution following the change in ownership, in addition to any other conditions that the Secretary may deem appropriate:

(1) The institution must continue to meet the requirements under Sec. 668.28(a) until the Department has accepted, reviewed, and approved the institution’s financial statements and compliance audits that cover two complete consecutive fiscal years in which the institution meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(16) of this section under its new ownership, or until the Department approves the institution’s request to convert to nonprofit status, whichever is later. Except as provided in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section, the Secretary terminates a program participation agreement through the proceedings in subpart G of this part.

(2) The institution must continue to meet the gainful employment requirements of subpart S of this part until the Department has accepted, reviewed, and approved the institution’s financial statements and compliance audits that cover two complete consecutive fiscal years under its new ownership, or until the Department approves the institution’s request to convert to nonprofit status, whichever is later. An institution may terminate a program participation agreement.

(3) The institution must submit regular and timely reports on agreements entered into with a former owner of the institution or a natural person or entity related to or affiliated with the former owner of the institution, so long as the institution participates as a nonprofit institution. If the Secretary or the institution terminates a program participation agreement under paragraph (f) of this section, the Secretary establishes the termination date.

(4) The institution may not advertise that it operates as a nonprofit institution for the purposes of title IV, HEA until the Department approves the institution’s request to convert to nonprofit status.

(g) If an institution is initially certified as a nonprofit institution, or if it has undergone a change in ownership and seeks to convert to nonprofit status, the following conditions will apply to the institution upon initial certification or following the change in ownership, in addition to any other conditions that the Secretary may deem appropriate: An institution's program participation agreement automatically expires on the date that—

(1) The institution must submit reports on accreditor and State authorization agency actions and any new servicing agreements within 10 business days of receipt of the notice of the action or of entering into the agreement, as applicable, until the Department has accepted, reviewed, and approved the institution’s financial statements and compliance audits that cover two complete consecutive fiscal years following initial certification, or two complete fiscal years after a change in ownership, or until the Department approves the institution’s request to convert to nonprofit status, whichever is later. The institution changes ownership that results in a change in control as determined by the Secretary under 34 CFR part 600; or

(2) The institution must submit a report and copy of the communications from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or any State or foreign country related to tax-exempt or nonprofit status within 10 business days of receipt so long as the institution participates as a nonprofit institution. The institution's participation ends under the provisions of Sec. 668.26(a) (1), (2), (4), or (7).

(h) An institution's program participation agreement no longer applies to or covers a location of the institution as of the date on which that location ceases to be a part of the participating institution.

Sec. 668.15 [Removed and Reserved] Factors of financial responsibility.

About the Regulations

(a) General. To begin and to continue to participate in any Title IV, HEA program, an institution must demonstrate to the Secretary that the institution is financially responsible under the requirements established in this section.

(b) General standards of financial responsibility. In general, the Secretary considers an institution to be financially responsible only if it—

(1) Is providing the services described in its official publications and statements;

(2) Is providing the administrative resources necessary to comply with the requirements of this subpart;

(3) Is meeting all of its financial obligations, including but not limited to—

(i) Refunds that it is required to make; and

(ii) Repayments to the Secretary for liabilities and debts incurred in programs administered by the Secretary;

(4) Is current in its debt payments. The institution is not considered current in its debt payments if—

(i) The institution is in violation of any existing loan agreement at its fiscal year end, as disclosed in a note to its audited financial statement; or

(ii) the institution fails to make a payment in accordance with existing debt obligations for more than 120 days, and at least one creditor has filed suit to recover those funds;

(5) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit, acceptable and payable to the Secretary equal to 25 percent of the total dollar amount of Title IV, HEA program refunds paid by the institution in the previous fiscal year;

(6) Has not had, as part of the audit report for the institution's most recently completed fiscal year—

(i) A statement by the accountant expressing substantial doubt about the institution's ability to continue as a going concern; or

(ii) A disclaimed or adverse opinion by the accountant;

(7) For a for-profit institution—

(i)(A) Demonstrates at the end of its latest fiscal year, an acid test ratio of at least 1:1. For purposes of this section, the acid test ratio shall be calculated by adding cash and cash equivalents to current accounts receivable and dividing the sum by total current liabilities. The calculation of the acid test ratio shall exclude all unsecured or uncollateralized related party receivables;

(B) Has not had operating losses in either or both of its two latest fiscal years that in sum result in a decrease in tangible net worth in excess of 10 percent of the institution's tangible net worth at the beginning of the first year of the two-year period. The Secretary may calculate an operating loss for an institution by excluding from net income: extraordinary gains or losses; income or losses from discontinued operations; prior period adjustment; and, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle. For purposes of this section, the calculation of tangible net worth shall exclude all assets defined as intangible in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

(C) Had, for its latest fiscal year, a positive tangible net worth. In applying this standard, a positive tangible net worth occurs when the institution's tangible assets exceed its liabilities. The calculation of tangible net worth shall exclude all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles; or

(ii) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently issued and outstanding debt obligations that are (without insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement) listed at or above the second highest rating level of credit quality given by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization;

(8) For a nonprofit institution—

(i)(A) Prepares a classified statement of financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or provides the required information in notes to the audited financial statements;

(B) Demonstrates at the end of its latest fiscal year, an acid test ratio of at least 1:1. For purposes of this section, the acid test ratio shall be calculated by adding cash and cash equivalents to current accounts receivable and dividing the sum by total current liabilities. The calculation of the acid test ratio shall exclude all unsecured or uncollateralized related party receivables.

(C)(1) Has, at the end of its latest fiscal year, a positive unrestricted current fund balance or positive unrestricted net assets. In calculating the unrestricted current fund balance or the unrestricted net assets for an institution, the Secretary may include funds that are temporarily restricted in use by the institution's governing body that can be transferred to the current unrestricted fund or added to net unrestricted assets at the discretion of the governing body; or

(2) Has not had, an excess of current fund expenditures over current fund revenues over both of its 2 latest fiscal years that results in a decrease exceeding 10 percent in either the unrestricted current fund balance or the unrestricted net assets at the beginning of the first year of the 2-year period. The Secretary may exclude from net changes in fund balances for the operating loss calculation: Extraordinary gains or losses; income or losses from discontinued operations; prior period adjustment; and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle. In calculating the institution's unrestricted current fund balance or the unrestricted net assets, the Secretary may include funds that are temporarily restricted in use by the institution's governing body that can be transferred to the current unrestricted fund or added to net unrestricted assets at the discretion of the governing body; or

(ii) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently issued and outstanding debt obligations which are (without insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement) listed at or above the second highest rating level of credit quality given by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

(9) For a public institution—

(i) Has its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of a State, or by an equivalent governmental entity;

(ii) Has a positive current unrestricted fund balance if reporting under the Single Audit Act;

(iii) Has a positive unrestricted current fund in the State's Higher Education Fund, as presented in the general purpose financial statements;

(iv) Submits to the Secretary, a statement from the State Auditor General that the institution has, during the past year, met all of its financial obligations, and that the institution continues to have sufficient resources to meet all of its financial obligations; or

(v) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it has currently issued and outstanding debt obligations which are (without insurance, guarantee, or credit enhancement) listed at or above the second highest rating level of credit quality given by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

(c) Past performance of an institution or persons affiliated with an institution. An institution is not financially responsible if—

(1) A person who exercises substantial control over the institution or any member or members of the person's family alone or together—

(i)(A) Exercises or exercised substantial control over another institution or a third-party servicer that owes a liability for a violation of a Title IV, HEA program requirement; or

(B) Owes a liability for a violation of a Title IV, HEA program requirement; and

(ii) That person, family member, institution, or servicer does not demonstrate that the liability is being repaid in accordance with an agreement with the Secretary; or

(2) The institution has—

(i) Been limited, suspended, terminated, or entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a limitation, suspension, or termination action initiated by the Secretary or a guaranty agency (as defined in 34 CFR part 682) within the preceding five years;

(ii) Had—

(A) An audit finding, during its two most recent audits of its conduct of the Title IV, HEA programs, that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the institution received under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year covered by the audit; or

(B) A program review finding, during its two most recent program reviews, of its conduct of the Title IV, HEA programs that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the institution received under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year covered by the program review;

(iii) Been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit acceptable audit reports required under this part or individual Title IV, HEA program regulations in a timely fashion; or

(iv) Failed to resolve satisfactorily any compliance problems identified in program review or audit reports based upon a final decision of the Secretary issued pursuant to subpart G or subpart H of this part.

(d) Exceptions to the general standards of financial responsibility. (1)(i) An institution is not required to meet the standard in paragraph (b)(5) of this section if the Secretary determines that the institution—

(A)(1) Is located in, and is legally authorized to operate within, a State that has a tuition recovery fund that is acceptable to the Secretary and ensures that the institution is able to pay all required refunds; and

(2) Contributes to that tuition recovery fund.

(B) Has its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of the State, or by an equivalent governmental entity; or

(C) As determined under paragraph (g) of this section, demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that for each of the institution's two most recently completed fiscal years, it has made timely refunds to students in accordance with Sec. 668.22(j), and that it has met or exceeded all of the financial responsibility standards in this section that were in effect for the corresponding periods during the two-year period.

(ii) In evaluating an application to approve a State tuition recovery fund to exempt its participating schools from the federal cash reserve requirements, the Secretary will consider the extent to which the State tuition recovery fund:

(A) Provides refunds to both in-state and out-of-state students;

(B) Allocates all refunds in accordance with the order delineated in Sec. 668.22(i); and

(C) Provides a reliable mechanism for the State to replenish the fund should any claims arise that deplete the funds assets.

(2) The Secretary considers an institution to be financially responsible, even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) and (b)(6) through (9) of this section, if the institution—

(i) Submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary equal to not less than one-half of the Title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during the last complete award year for which figures are available; or

(ii) Establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary, with the support of a financial statement submitted in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, that the institution has sufficient resources to ensure against its precipitous closure, including the ability to meet all of its financial obligations (including refunds of institutional charges and repayments to the Secretary for liabilities and debts incurred in programs administered by the Secretary). The Secretary considers the institution to have sufficient resources to ensure against precipitous closure only if—

(A) The institution formerly demonstrated financial responsibility under the standards of financial responsibility in its preceding audited financial statement (or, if no prior audited financial statement was requested by the Secretary, demonstrates in conjunction with its current audit that it would have satisfied this requirement), and that its most recent audited financial statement indicates that—

(1) All taxes owed by the institution are current;

(2) The institution's net income, or a change in total net assets, before extraordinary items and discontinued operations, has not decreased by more than 10 percent from the prior fiscal year, unless the institution demonstrates that the decreased net income shown on the current financial statement is a result of downsizing pursuant to a management-approved business plan;

(3) Loans and other advances to related parties have not increased from the prior fiscal year unless such increases were secured and collateralized, and do not exceed 10 percent of the prior fiscal year's working capital of the institution;

(4) The equity of a for-profit institution, or the total net assets of a non-profit institution, have not decreased by more than 10 percent of the prior year's total equity;

(5) Compensation for owners or other related parties (including bonuses, fringe benefits, employee stock option allowances, 401k contributions, deferred compensation allowances) has not increased from the prior year at a rate higher than for all other employees;

(6) The institution has not materially leveraged its assets or income by becoming a guarantor on any new loan or obligation on behalf of any related party;

(7) All obligations owed to the institution by related parties are current, and that the institution has demanded and is receiving payment of all funds owed from related parties that are payable upon demand. For purposes of this section, a person does not become a related party by attending an institution as a student;

(B) There have been no material findings in the institution's latest compliance audit of its administration of the Title IV HEA programs; and

(C) There are no pending administrative or legal actions being taken against the institution by the Secretary, any other Federal agency, the institution's nationally recognized accrediting agency, or any State entity.

(3) An institution is not required to meet the acid test ratio in paragraph (b)(7)(i)(A) or (b)(8)(i)(B) of this section if the institution is an institution that provides a 2-year or 4-year educational program for which the institution awards an associate or baccalaureate degree that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—

(i) There is no reasonable doubt as to its continued solvency and ability to deliver quality educational services;

(ii) It is current in its payment of all current liabilities, including student refunds, repayments to the Secretary, payroll, and payment of trade creditors and withholding taxes; and

(iii) It has substantial equity in institution-occupied facilities, the acquisition of which was the direct cause of its failure to meet the acid test ratio requirement.

(4) The Secretary may determine an institution to be financially responsible even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraph (c)(1) of this section if—

(i) The institution notifies the Secretary, in accordance with 34 CFR 600.30, that the person referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section exercises substantial control over the institution; and

(ii)(A) The person repaid to the Secretary a portion of the applicable liability, and the portion repaid equals or exceeds the greater of—

(1) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or third-party servicer that owes the liability by that person or any member or members of that person's family, either alone or in combination with one another;

(2) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or servicer that owes the liability that the person or any member or members of the person's family, either alone or in combination with one another, represents or represented under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement; or

(3) Twenty-five percent, if the person or any member of the person's family is or was a member of the board of directors, chief executive officer, or other executive officer of the institution or servicer that owes the liability, or of an entity holding at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution that owes the liability;

(B) The applicable liability described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section is currently being repaid in accordance with a written agreement with the Secretary; or

(C) The institution demonstrates why—

(1) The person who exercises substantial control over the institution should nevertheless be considered to lack that control; or

(2) The person who exercises substantial control over the institution and each member of that person's family nevertheless does not or did not exercise substantial control over the institution or servicer that owes the liability.

(e) removed and reserved

(f) Definitions and terms. For the purposes of this section—

(1)(i) An "ownership interest" is a share of the legal or beneficial ownership or control of, or a right to share in the proceeds of the operation of, an institution, institution's parent corporation, a third-party servicer, or a third-party servicer's parent corporation.

(ii) The term "ownership interest" includes, but is not limited to—

(A) An interest as tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entireties;

(B) A partnership; and

(C) An interest in a trust.

(iii) The term "ownership interest" does not include any share of the ownership or control of, or any right to share in the proceeds of the operation of—

(A) A mutual fund that is regularly and publicly traded;

(B) An institutional investor; or

(C) A profit-sharing plan, provided that all employees are covered by the plan;

(2) The Secretary generally considers a person to exercise substantial control over an institution or third-party servicer, if the person—

(i) Directly or indirectly holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;

(ii) Holds, together with other members of his or her family, at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;

(iii) Represents, either alone or together with other persons, under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement one or more persons who hold, either individually or in combination with the other persons represented or the person representing them, at least a 25 percent ownership in the institution or servicer; or

(iv) Is a member of the board of directors, the chief executive officer, or other executive officer of—

(A) The institution or servicer; or

(B) An entity that holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer; and

(3) The Secretary considers a member of a person's family to be a parent, sibling, spouse, child, spouse's parent or sibling, or sibling's or child's spouse.

(g) Two-year performance requirement. (1) The Secretary considers an institution to have satisfied the requirements in paragraph (d)(1)(C) of this section if the independent certified public accountant, or government auditor who conducted the institution's compliance audits for the institution's two most recently completed fiscal years, or the Secretary or a State or guaranty agency that conducted a review of the institution covering those fiscal years—

(i)(A) For either of those fiscal years, did not find in the sample of student records audited or reviewed that the institution made late refunds to 5 percent or more of the students in that sample. For purposes of determining the percentage of late refunds under this paragraph, the auditor or reviewer must include in the sample only those title IV, HEA program recipients who received or should have received a refund under Sec. 668.22; or

(B) The Secretary considers the institution to have satisfied the conditions in paragraph (g)(1)(i)(A) of this section if the auditor or reviewer finds in the sample of student records audited or reviewed that the institution made only one late refund to a student in that sample; and

(ii) For either of those fiscal years, did not note a material weakness or a reportable condition in the institution's report on internal controls that is related to refunds.

(2) If the Secretary or a State or guaranty agency finds during a review conducted of the institution that the institution no longer qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (d)(1)(C) of this section, the institution must—

(i) Submit to the Secretary the irrevocable letter of credit required in paragraph (b)(5) of this section no later than 30 days after the Secretary or State or guaranty agency notifies the institution of that finding; and

(ii) Notify the Secretary of the guaranty agency or State that conducted the review.

(3) If the auditor who conducted the institution's compliance audit finds that the institution no longer qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (d)(1)(C) of this section, the institution must submit to the Secretary the irrevocable letter of credit required in paragraph (b)(5) of this section no later than 30 days after the date the institution's compliance audit must be submitted to the Secretary.

(h) Foreign institutions. The Secretary makes a determination of financial responsibility for a foreign institution on the basis of financial statements submitted under Sec. 668.23(h).

Sec. 668.16 Standards of administrative capability.

About the Regulations

To begin and to continue to participate in any Title IV, HEA program, an institution must shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the institution is capable of adequately administering that program under each of the standards established in this section. The Secretary considers an institution to have that administrative capability if the institution—

(a) Administers the Title IV, HEA programs in accordance with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all applicable regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all applicable special arrangements, agreements, and limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA;

(b)(1) Designates a capable individual to be responsible for administering all the Title IV, HEA programs in which it participates and for coordinating those programs with the institution's other Federal and non-Federal programs of student financial assistance. The Secretary considers an individual to be "capable" under this paragraph if the individual is certified by the State in which the institution is located, if the State requires certification of financial aid administrators. The Secretary may consider other factors in determining whether an individual is capable, including, but not limited to, the individual's successful completion of Title IV, HEA program training provided or approved by the Secretary, and previous experience and documented success in administering the Title IV, HEA programs properly;

(2) Uses an adequate number of qualified persons to administer the Title IV, HEA programs in which the institution participates. The Secretary considers the following factors to determine whether an institution uses an adequate number of qualified persons—

(i) The number and types of programs in which the institution participates;

(ii) The number of applications evaluated;

(iii) The number of students who receive any student financial assistance at the institution and the amount of funds administered;

(iv) The financial aid delivery system used by the institution;

(v) The degree of office automation used by the institution in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs;

(vi) The number and distribution of financial aid staff; and

(vii) The use of third-party servicers to aid in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs;

(3) Communicates to the individual designated to be responsible for administering Title IV, HEA programs, all the information received by any institutional office that bears on a student's eligibility for Title IV, HEA program assistance; and

(4) Has written procedures for or written information indicating the responsibilities of the various offices with respect to the approval, disbursement, and delivery of Title IV, HEA program assistance and the preparation and submission of reports to the Secretary;

(c)(1) Administers Title IV, HEA programs with adequate checks and balances in its system of internal controls; and

(2) Divides the functions of authorizing payments and disbursing or delivering funds so that no office has responsibility for both functions with respect to any particular student aided under the programs. For example, the functions of authorizing payments and disbursing or delivering funds must be divided so that for any particular student aided under the programs, the two functions are carried out by at least two organizationally independent individuals who are not members of the same family, as defined in 668.15, or who do not together exercise substantial control, as defined in 668.15, over the institution;

(d)(1) Establishes and maintains records required under this part and the individual Title IV, HEA program regulations; and

(2)(i) Reports annually to the Secretary on any reasonable reimbursements paid or provided by a private education lender or group of lenders as described under section 140(d) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1631(d)) to any employee who is employed in the financial aid office of the institution or who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans, including responsibilities involving the selection of lenders, or other financial aid of the institution, including—

(A) The amount for each specific instance of reasonable expenses paid or provided;

(B) The name of the financial aid official, other employee, or agent to whom the expenses were paid or provided;

(C) The dates of the activity for which the expenses were paid or provided; and

(D) A brief description of the activity for which the expenses were paid or provided.

(ii) Expenses are considered to be reasonable if the expenses—

(A) Meet the standards of and are paid in accordance with a State government reimbursement policy applicable to the entity; or

(B) Meet the standards of and are paid in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles for reimbursement, if no State policy that is applicable to the entity exists.

(iii) The policy must be consistently applied to an institution's employees reimbursed under this paragraph;

(e) For purposes of determining student eligibility for assistance under a title IV, HEA program, establishes, publishes, and applies reasonable standards for measuring whether an otherwise eligible student is maintaining satisfactory progress in his or her educational program. The Secretary considers an institution's standards to be reasonable if the standards are in accordance with the provisions specified in Sec. 668.34.

(f) Develops and applies an adequate system to identify and resolve discrepancies in the information that the institution receives from different sources with respect to a student's application for financial aid under Title IV, HEA programs. In determining whether the institution's system is adequate, the Secretary considers whether the institution obtains and reviews—

(1) All student aid applications, need analysis documents, Statements of Educational Purpose, Statements of Registration Status, and eligibility notification documents presented by or on behalf of each applicant;

(2) Any documents, including any copies of State and Federal income tax returns, that are normally collected by the institution to verify information received from the student or other sources; and

(3) Any other information normally available to the institution regarding a student's citizenship, previous educational experience, documentation of the student's social security number, or other factors relating to the student's eligibility for funds under the Title IV, HEA programs;

(g) Refers to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education for investigation—

(1) After conducting the review of an application provided for under paragraph (f) of this section, any credible information indicating that an applicant for Title IV, HEA program assistance may have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application. The type of information that an institution must refer is that which is relevant to the eligibility of the applicant for Title IV, HEA program assistance, or the amount of the assistance. Examples of this type of information are—

(i) False claims of independent student status;

(ii) False claims of citizenship;

(iii) Use of false identities;

(iv) Forgery of signatures or certifications; and

(v) False statements of income; and

(2) Any credible information indicating that any employee, third-party servicer, or other agent of the institution that acts in a capacity that involves the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs, or the receipt of funds under those programs, may have engaged in fraud, misrepresentation, conversion or breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other illegal conduct involving the Title IV, HEA programs. The type of information that an institution must refer is that which is relevant to the eligibility and funding of the institution and its students through the Title IV, HEA programs;

(h) Provides adequate financial aid counseling with clear and accurate information to eligible students who apply for Title IV, HEA program assistance. In determining whether an institution provides adequate counseling, the Secretary considers whether its counseling and financial assistance available to them and includes information regarding—

(1) The cost of attendance of the institution as defined under section 472 of the HEA, including the individual components of those costs and a total of the estimated costs that will be owed directly to the institution, for students, based on their attendance status;

(2)(1) The source and amount of each type of aid offered;

(3) The net price, as determined by subtracting total grant or scholarship aid included in paragraph (h)(2) of this section from the cost of attendance in paragraph (h)(1) of this section;

(4)(2) The method by which aid is determined and disbursed, delivered, or applied to a student's account; and

(5)(3) The rights and responsibilities of the student with respect to enrollment at the institution and receipt of financial aid, including. This information includes the institution's refund policy, the requirements for the treatment of title IV, HEA program funds when a student withdraws under Sec. 668.22, its standards of satisfactory progress, and other conditions that may alter the student's aid package;

(i) Has provided all program and fiscal reports and financial statements required for compliance with the provisions of this part and the individual program regulations in a timely manner;

(j) Shows no evidence of significant problems that affect, as determined by the Secretary, the institution's ability to administer a Title IV, HEA program and that are identified in—

(1) Reviews of the institution conducted by the Secretary, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, nationally recognized accrediting agencies, guaranty agencies as defined in 34 CFR part 682, the State agency or official by whose authority the institution is legally authorized to provide postsecondary education, or any other law enforcement agency; or

(2) Any findings made in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding;

(k)(1) Is not, and has not been— does not have any principal or affiliate of the institution (as those terms are defined in 34 CFR part 85) that is—

(i)(1) Debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or

(2) Engaging in any activity that is a cause under 2 CFR 180.700 or 180.800, as adopted at 2 CFR 3485.12, 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405 for debarment or suspension under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; and

(2) Does not have any principal or affiliate of the institution (as those terms are defined in 2 CFR parts 180 and 3485), or any individual who exercises or previously exercised substantial control over the institution as defined in Sec. 668.174(c)(3), who—

(i) Has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, Tribal, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds; or

(ii) Is a current or former principal or affiliate (as those terms are defined in 2 CFR parts 180 and 3485), or any individual who exercises or exercised substantial control as defined in Sec. 668.174(c)(3), of another institution whose misconduct or closure contributed to liabilities to the Federal Government in excess of 5 percent of its title IV, HEA program funds in the award year in which the liabilities arose or were imposed;

(l) For an institution that seeks initial participation in a Title IV, HEA program, does not have more than 33 percent of its undergraduate regular students withdraw from the institution during the institution's latest completed award year. The institution must count all regular students who are enrolled during the latest completed award year, except those students who, during that period—

(1) Withdrew from, dropped out of, or were expelled from the institution; and

(2) Were entitled to and actually received in a timely manner, a refund of 100 percent of their tuition and fees;

(m)(1) Has a cohort default rate—

(i) That is less than 25 percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years during which rates have been issued, to the extent those rates are calculated under subpart M of this part;

(ii) On or after 2014, that is less than 30 percent for at least two of the three most recent fiscal years during which the Secretary has issued rates for the institution under subpart N of this part; and

(iii) As defined in 34 CFR 674.5, on loans made under the Federal Perkins Loan Program to students for attendance at that institution that does not exceed 15 percent;

(2) Provided that—

(i) If However, if the Secretary determines that an institution's administrative capability is impaired solely because the institution fails to comply with paragraph (m)(1) of this section, and the institution is not subject to a loss of eligibility under Secs. 668.187(a) or 668.206(a), the Secretary allows the institution to continue to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs. In such a case, the Secretary may provisionally certify the institution in accordance with Sec. 668.13(c) except as provided in paragraphs (m)(2)(ii), (m)(2)(iii), (m)(2)(iv), and (m)(2)(v) of this section.

(ii) An institution that fails to meet the standard of administrative capability under paragraph (m)(1)(ii) of this section based on two cohort default rates that are greater than or equal to 30 percent but less than or equal to 40 percent is not placed on provisional certification under paragraph (m)(2)(i) of this section if it

(A) If it has timely filed a request for adjustment or appeal under Secs. 668.209, Sec. 668.210, or Sec. 668.212 with respect to the second such rate, and the request for adjustment or appeal is either pending or succeeds in reducing the rate below 30 percent; or

(B) Has If it has timely filed an appeal under Sec. 668.213 after receiving the second such rate, and the appeal is either pending or successful; or

(C)(1) Has If it has timely filed a participation rate index challenge or appeal under Sec. 668.204(c) or Sec. 668.214 with respect to from either or both of the two rates, and the challenge or appeal is either pending or successful; or

(2) If the second rate is the most recent draft rate, and the institution has timely filed a participation rate challenge to that draft rate that is either pending or successful; .

(iii) The institution may appeal the loss of full participation in a Title IV, HEA program under paragraph (m)(2)(i) of this section by submitting an erroneous data appeal in writing to the Secretary in accordance with and on the grounds specified in Secs. 668.192 or Sec. 668.211 as applicable;

(iv) If the institution has 30 or fewer borrowers in the three most recent cohorts of borrowers used to calculate its cohort default rate under subpart N of this part, we will not provisionally certify it solely based on cohort default rates; and

(v) If a rate that would otherwise potentially subject the institution to provisional certification under paragraphs (m)(1)(ii) and (m)(2)(i) of this section is calculated as an average rate, we will not provisionally certify it solely based on cohort default rates;

(n) Has not been subject to a significant negative action or a finding as by a State or Federal agency, a court, or an accrediting agency, where the basis of the action is repeated or unresolved, such as non-compliance with a prior enforcement order or supervisory directive, and the institution has not lost eligibility to participate in another Federal educational assistance program due to an administrative action against the institution; Does not otherwise appear to lack the ability to administer the Title IV, HEA programs competently;

(o) Participates in the electronic processes that the Secretary—

(1) Provides at no substantial charge to the institution; and

(2) Identifies through a notice published in the Federal Register; and

(p) Develops and follows adequate procedures to evaluate the validity of a student's high school diploma completion if the institution or the Secretary has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education, consistent with the following requirements:.

(1) Adequate procedures to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school diploma must include—

(i) Obtaining documentation from the high school that confirms the validity of the high school diploma, including at least one of the following—

(A) Transcripts;

(B) Written descriptions of course requirements; or

(C) Written and signed statements by principals or executive officers at the high school attesting to the rigor and quality of coursework at the high school;

(ii) If the high school is regulated or overseen by a State agency, Tribal agency, or Bureau of Indian Education, confirming with, or receiving documentation from that agency that the high school is recognized or meets requirements established by that agency; and

(iii) If the Secretary has published a list of high schools that issue invalid high school diplomas, confirming that the high school does not appear on that list; and

(2) A high school diploma is not valid if it—

(i) Did not meet the applicable requirements established by the appropriate State agency, Tribal agency, or Bureau of Indian Education in the State where the high school is located;

(ii) Has been determined to be invalid by the Department, the appropriate State agency in the State where the high school was located, or through a court proceeding; or

(iii) Was obtained from an entity that requires little or no secondary instruction or coursework to obtain a high school diploma, including through a test that does not meet the requirements for a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma under 34 CFR 600.2;

(q) Provides adequate career services to eligible students who receive Title IV, HEA program assistance. In determining whether an institution provides adequate career services, the Secretary considers—

(1) The share of students enrolled in programs designed to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation;

(2) The number and distribution of career services staff;

(3) The career services the institution has promised to its students; and

(r) Provides students, within 45 days of successful completion of other required coursework, geographically accessible clinical or externship opportunities related to and required for completion of the credential or licensure in a recognized occupation;

(s) Disburses funds to students in a timely manner that best meets the students’ needs. The Secretary does not consider the manner of disbursements to be consistent with students’ needs if, among other conditions—

(1) The Secretary is aware of multiple valid and relevant student complaints;

(2) The institution has high rates of withdrawals attributable to delays in disbursements;

(3) The institution has delayed disbursements until after the point at which students have earned 100 percent of their eligibility for Title IV, HEA funds, in accordance with the return to Title IV, HEA requirements in Sec. 668.22; or

(4) The institution has delayed disbursements with the effect of ensuring the institution passes the 90/10 ratio;

(t) Offers gainful employment (GE) programs subject to subpart S of this part and at least half of its total Title IV, HEA funds in the most recent award year are not from programs that are ‘‘failing’’ under subpart S of this part;

(u) Does not engage in substantial misrepresentations, as defined in subpart F of this part, or aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct, including as defined in subpart R of this part; and

(v) Does not otherwise appear to lack the ability to administer the Title IV, HEA programs competently.

Sec. 668.18 Readmission requirements for servicemembers.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) An institution may not deny readmission to a person who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation to perform service.

(2)(i) An institution must promptly readmit to the institution a person described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section with the same academic status as the student had when the student last attended the institution or was last admitted to the institution, but did not begin attendance because of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation to perform service.

(ii) "Promptly readmit" means that the institution must readmit the student into the next class or classes in the student's program beginning after the student provides notice of his or her intent to reenroll, unless the student requests a later date of readmission or unusual circumstances require the institution to admit the student at a later date.

(iii) To readmit a person with the "same academic status" means that the institution admits the student—

(A) To the same program to which he or she was last admitted by the institution or, if that exact program is no longer offered, the program that is most similar to that program, unless the student requests or agrees to admission to a different program;

(B) At the same enrollment status that the student last held at the institution, unless the student requests or agrees to admission at a different enrollment status;

(C) With the same number of credit hours or clock hours completed previously by the student, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the completed credit hours or clock hours are not transferable;

(D) With the same academic standing (e.g., with the same satisfactory academic progress status) the student previously had; and

(E)(1) If the student is readmitted to the same program, for the first academic year in which the student returns, assessing—

(i) The tuition and fee charges that the student was or would have been assessed for the academic year during which the student left the institution; or

(ii) Up to the amount of tuition and fee charges that other students in the program are assessed for that academic year, if veterans' education benefits, as defined in section 480(c) of the HEA, or other servicemember education benefits, will pay the amount in excess of the tuition and fee charges assessed for the academic year in which the student left the institution; or

(2) If the student is admitted to a different program, and for subsequent academic years for a student admitted to the same program, assessing no more than the tuition and fee charges that other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.

(iv)(A) If the institution determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status at the point where the student left off, or will not be able to complete the program, the institution must make reasonable efforts at no extra cost to the student to help the student become prepared or to enable the student to complete the program including, but not limited to, providing refresher courses at no extra cost to the student and allowing the student to retake a pretest at no extra cost to the student.

(B) The institution is not required to readmit the student on his or her return if—

(1) After reasonable efforts by the institution, the institution determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program at the point where he or she left off;

(2) After reasonable efforts by the institution, the institution determines that the student is unable to complete the program; or

(3) The institution determines that there are no reasonable efforts the institution can take to prepare the student to resume the program at the point where he or she left off or to enable the student to complete the program.

(C)(1) "Reasonable efforts" means actions that do not place an undue hardship on the institution.

(2) "Undue hardship" means an action requiring significant difficulty or expense when considered in light of the overall financial resources of the institution and the impact otherwise of such action on the operation of the institution.

(D) The institution carries the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status at the point where the student left off, or that the student will not be able to complete the program.

(3) This section applies to an institution that has continued in operation since the student ceased attending or was last admitted to the institution but did not begin attendance, notwithstanding any changes of ownership of the institution since the student ceased attendance.

(4) The requirements of this section supersede any State law (including any local law or ordinance), contract, agreement, policy, plan, practice, or other matter that reduces, limits, or eliminates in any manner any right or benefit provided by this section for the period of enrollment during which the student resumes attendance, and continuing so long as the institution is unable to comply with such requirements through other means.

(b) Service in the uniformed services. For purposes of this section, service in the uniformed services means service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the Armed Forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under Federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days.

(c) Readmission procedures. (1) Any student whose absence from an institution is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the institution if—

(i) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance oral or written notice of such service to an office designated by the institution, and provides such notice as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances;

(ii) The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from that institution by reason of service in the uniformed services, including only the time the student spends actually performing service in the uniformed services, does not exceed five years; and

(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the student gives oral or written notice of his or her intent to return to an office designated by the institution—

(A) For a student who completes a period of service in the uniformed services, not later than three years after the completion of the period of service; or

(B) For a student who is hospitalized for or convalescing from an illness or injury incurred in or aggravated during the performance of service in the uniformed services, not later than two years after the end of the period that is necessary for recovery from such illness or injury.

(2)(i) An institution must designate one or more offices at the institution that a student may contact to provide notification of service required by paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section and notification of intent to return required by paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section.

(ii) An institution may not require that the notice provided by the student under paragraph (c)(1)(i) or (c)(1)(iii) of this section follow any particular format.

(iii) The notice provided by the student under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section—

(A) May not be subject to any rule for timeliness; timeliness must be determined by the facts in any particular case; and

(B) Does not need to indicate whether the student intends to return to the institution.

(iv) For purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, an "appropriate officer" is a commissioned, warrant, or noncommissioned officer authorized to give such notice by the military service concerned.

(d) Exceptions to advance notice. (1) No notice is required under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section if the giving of such notice is precluded by military necessity, such as—

(i) A mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that is classified; or

(ii) A pending or ongoing mission, operation, exercise, or requirement that may be compromised or otherwise adversely affected by public knowledge.

(2) Any student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) who did not give advance written or oral notice of service to the appropriate official at the institution in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section may meet the notice requirement by submitting, at the time the student seeks readmission, an attestation to the institution that the student performed service in the uniformed services that necessitated the student's absence from the institution.

(e) Cumulative length of absence. For purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, a student's cumulative length of absence from an institution does not include any service—

(1) That is required, beyond five years, to complete an initial period of obligated service;

(2) During which the student was unable to obtain orders releasing the student from a period of service in the uniformed services before the expiration of the five-year period and such inability was through no fault of the student; or

(3) Performed by a member of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) who is—

(i) Ordered to or retained on active duty under—

(A) 10 U.S.C. 688 (involuntary active duty by a military retiree);

(B) 10 U.S.C. 12301(a) (involuntary active duty in wartime);

(C) 10 U.S.C. 12301(g) (retention on active duty while in captive status);

(D) 10 U.S.C. 12302 (involuntary active duty during a national emergency for up to 24 months);

(E) 10 U.S.C. 12304 (involuntary active duty for an operational mission for up to 270 days);

(F) 10 U.S.C. 12305 (involuntary retention on active duty of a critical person during time of crisis or other specific conditions);

(G) 14 U.S.C. 331 (involuntary active duty by retired Coast Guard officer);

(H) 14 U.S.C. 332 (voluntary active duty by retired Coast Guard officer);

(I) 14 U.S.C. 359 (involuntary active duty by retired Coast Guard enlisted member);

(J) 14 U.S.C. 360 (voluntary active duty by retired Coast Guard enlisted member);

(K) 14 U.S.C. 367 (involuntary retention of Coast Guard enlisted member on active duty); or

(L) 14 U.S.C. 712 (involuntary active duty by Coast Guard Reserve member for natural or man-made disasters);

(ii) Ordered to or retained on active duty (other than for training) under any provision of law because of a war or national emergency declared by the President or the Congress, as determined by the Secretary concerned;

(iii) Ordered to active duty (other than for training) in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of an operational mission for which personnel have been ordered to active duty under section 12304 of title 10, United States Code;

(iv) Ordered to active duty in support, as determined by the Secretary concerned, of a critical mission or requirement of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard or Reserve); or

(v) Called into Federal service as a member of the National Guard under chapter 15 of title 10, United States Code, or section 12406 of title 10, United States Code (i.e., called to respond to an invasion, danger of invasion, rebellion, danger of rebellion, insurrection, or the inability of the President with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States).

(f) Notification of intent to reenroll. A student who fails to apply for readmission within the periods described in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission to the institution, but is subject to the institution's established leave of absence policy and general practices.

(g) Documentation. (1) A student who submits an application for readmission to an institution under paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section shall provide to the institution documentation to establish that—

(i) The student has not exceeded the service limitation in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section; and

(ii) The student's eligibility for readmission has not been terminated due to an exception in paragraph (h) of this section.

(2)(i) Documents that satisfy the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A) DD (Department of Defense) 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

(B) Copy of duty orders prepared by the facility where the orders were fulfilled carrying an endorsement indicating completion of the described service.

(C) Letter from the commanding officer of a Personnel Support Activity or someone of comparable authority.

(D) Certificate of completion from military training school.

(E) Discharge certificate showing character of service.

(F) Copy of extracts from payroll documents showing periods of service.

(G) Letter from National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Team Leader or Administrative Officer verifying dates and times of NDMS training or Federal activation.

(ii) The types of documents that are necessary to establish eligibility for readmission will vary from case to case. Not all of these documents are available or necessary in every instance to establish readmission eligibility.

(3) An institution may not delay or attempt to avoid a readmission of a student under this section by demanding documentation that does not exist, or is not readily available, at the time of readmission.

(h) Termination of readmission eligibility. A student's eligibility for readmission to an institution under this section by reason of such student's service in the uniformed services terminates upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

(1) A separation of such person from the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserves) with a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.

(2) A dismissal of a commissioned officer permitted under section 1161(a) of title 10, United States Code by sentence of a general court-martial; in commutation of a sentence of a general court-martial; or, in time of war, by order of the President.

(3) A dropping of a commissioned officer from the rolls pursuant to section 1161(b) of title 10, United States Code due to absence without authority for at least three months; separation by reason of a sentence to confinement adjudged by a court-martial; or, a sentence to confinement in a Federal or State penitentiary or correctional institution.

Sec. 668.19 Financial aid history.

About the Regulations

(a) Before an institution may disburse title IV, HEA program funds to a student who previously attended another eligible institution, the institution must use information it obtains from the Secretary, through the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) or its successor system, to determine—

(1) Whether the student is in default on any title IV, HEA program loan;

(2) Whether the student owes an overpayment on any title IV, HEA program grant or Federal Perkins Loan;

(3) For the award year for which a Federal Pell Grant, an ACG, a National SMART Grant, or a TEACH Grant is requested, the student's Scheduled Federal Pell Grant, ACG,  National SMART Grant, or a TEACH Grant Award and the amount of Federal Pell Grant, ACG,  National SMART Grant, or TEACH Grant funds disbursed to the student;

(4) The outstanding principal balance of loans made to the student under each of the title IV, HEA loan programs; and

(5) For the academic year for which title IV, HEA aid is requested, the amount of, and period of enrollment for, loans made to the student under each of the title IV, HEA loan programs.

(b)(1) If a student transfers from one institution to another institution during the same award year, the institution to which the student transfers must request from the Secretary, through NSLDS, updated information about that student so it can make the determinations required under paragraph (a) of this section; and

(2) The institution may not make a disbursement to that student for seven days following its request, unless it receives the information from NSLDS in response to its request or obtains that information directly by accessing NSLDS, and the information it receives allows it to make that disbursement.

Sec. 668.20 Limitations on remedial coursework that is eligible for Title IV, HEA program assistance.

About the Regulations

(a) A noncredit or reduced credit remedial course is a course of study designed to increase the ability of a student to pursue a course of study leading to a certificate or degree.

(1) A noncredit remedial course is one for which no credit is given toward a certificate or degree; and

(2) A reduced credit remedial course is one for which reduced credit is given toward a certificate or degree.

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, in determining a student's enrollment status and cost of attendance, an institution shall include any noncredit or reduced credit remedial course in which the student is enrolled. The institution shall attribute the number of credit or clock hours to a noncredit or reduced credit remedial course by—

(1) Calculating the number of classroom and homework hours required for that course;

(2) Comparing those hours with the hours required for nonremedial courses in a similar subject; and

(3) Giving the remedial course the same number of credit or clock hours it gives the nonremedial course with the most comparable classroom and homework requirements.

(c) In determining a student's enrollment status under the Title IV, HEA programs or a student's cost of attendance under the campus-based, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, an institution may not take into account any noncredit or reduced credit remedial course if—

(1) That course is part of a program of instruction leading to a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, even if the course is necessary to enable the student to complete a degree or certificate program;

(2) The educational level of instruction provided in the noncredit or reduced credit remedial course is below the level needed to pursue successfully the degree or certificate program offered by that institution after one year in that remedial course; or

(3) Except for a course in English as a second language, the educational level of instruction provided in that course is below the secondary level. For purposes of this section, the Secretary considers a course to be below the secondary level if any of the following entities determine that course to be below the secondary level:

(i) The State agency that legally authorized the institution to provide postsecondary education.

(ii) In the case of an accredited or preaccredited institution, the nationally recognized accrediting agency or association that accredits or preaccredits the institution.

(iii) In the case of a public postsecondary vocational institution that is approved by a State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education, the State agency recognized for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education that approves the institution.

(iv) The institution.

(d) Except as set forth in paragraph (f) of this section, an institution may not take into account more than one academic year's worth of noncredit or reduced credit remedial coursework in determining—

(1) A student's enrollment status under the Title IV, HEA programs; and

(2) A student's cost of attendance under the campus-based, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs.

(e) One academic year's worth of noncredit or reduced credit remedial coursework is equivalent to—

(1) Thirty semester or 45 quarter hours; or

(2) Nine hundred clock hours.

(f) Courses in English as a second language do not count against the one-year academic limitation contained in paragraph (d) of this section.

Sec. 668.21 Treatment of title IV grant and loan funds if the recipient does not begin attendance at the institution.

About the Regulations

(a) If a student  does not begin attendance in a payment period or period of enrollment

(1) The institution  must return  all title IV, HEA  program funds that were credited to the student's account at the institution or disbursed directly to the student for that payment period or period of enrollment, for Federal Perkins Loan, FSEOG, TEACH Grant, Federal Pell Grant, ACG, and National SMART Grant program funds; and

(2) For FFEL and Direct Loan funds—

(i)(A) The institution must return all FFEL and Direct Loan funds that were credited to the student's account at the institution for that payment period or period of enrollment; and

(B) The institution must return the amount of payments made directly by or on behalf of the student to the institution for that payment period or period of enrollment, up to the total amount of the loan funds disbursed;

(ii) For remaining amounts of FFEL or Direct Loan funds disbursed directly to the student for that payment period or period of enrollment, including funds that are disbursed directly to the student by the lender for a study-abroad program in accordance with Sec. 682.207(b)(1)(v)(C)(1) or for a student enrolled in a foreign school in accordance with Sec. 682.207(b)(1)(v)(D), the institution is not responsible for returning the funds, but must immediately notify the lender or the Secretary, as appropriate, when it becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance so that the lender or Secretary will issue a final demand letter to the borrower in accordance with 34 CFR 682.412 or 34 CFR 685.211, as appropriate; and

(iii) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, if an institution knew that a student would not begin attendance prior to disbursing FFEL or Direct Loan funds directly to the student for that payment period or period of enrollment (e.g., the student notified the institution that he or she would not attend, or the institution expelled the student), the institution must return those funds.

(b) The institution must return those funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (a) of this section to the respective title IV, HEA program as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance.

(c) For purposes of this section, the Secretary considers that a student has not begun attendance in a payment period or period of enrollment if the institution is unable to document the student's attendance at any class during the payment period or period of enrollment.

(d) In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender, an institution returns title IV, HEA funds timely if—

(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under Sec. 668.163 as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance;

(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer (EFT) as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance;

(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction, as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance, that informs an FFEL lender to adjust the borrower's loan account for the amount returned; or

(4) The institution issues a check as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if—

(i) The institution's records show that the check was issued more than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance; or

(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 45 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance.

Sec. 668.22 Treatment of title IV funds when a student withdraws.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) 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 grant or loan assistance that the student earned as of the student's withdrawal date in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.

(2)(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) and (a)(2)(iii) of this section, a student is considered to have withdrawn from a payment period or period of enrollment if—

(A) In the case of a program that is measured in credit hours, the student does not complete all the days in the payment period or period of enrollment that the student was scheduled to complete;

(B) In the case of a program that is measured in clock hours, the student does not complete all of the clock hours and weeks of instructional time in the payment period or period of enrollment that the student was scheduled to complete;

(C) For a student in a standard or nonstandard-term program, excluding a subscription-based program, the student is not scheduled to begin another course within a payment period or period of enrollment for more than 45 calendar days after the end of the module the student ceased attending, unless the student is on an approved leave of absence, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section or

(D) For a student in a non-term program or a subscription-based program, the student is unable to resume attendance within a payment period or period of enrollment for more than 60 calendar days after ceasing attendance, unless the student is on an approved leave of absence, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section.

(ii)(A) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section—

(1) A student who completes all the requirements for graduation from his or her program before completing the days or hours in the period that he or she was scheduled to complete is not considered to have withdrawn;

(2) In a program offered in modules, a student is not considered to have withdrawn if the student successfully completes—

(i) One module that includes 49 percent or more of the number of days in the payment period, excluding scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days and all days between modules;

(ii) A combination of modules that when combined contain 49 percent or more of the number of days in the payment period, excluding scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days and all days between modules; or

(iii) Coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for the institution's definition of a half-time student under Sec. 668.2 for the payment period;

(3) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which courses in the program are offered in modules—

(i) A student is not considered to have withdrawn if the institution obtains written confirmation from the student at the time that would have been a withdrawal of the date he or she will attend a module that begins later in the same payment period or period of enrollment; and

(ii) For standard and nonstandard-term programs, excluding subscription-based programs, that module begins no later than 45 calendar days after the end of the module the student ceased attending;

(4) For a subscription-based program, a student is not considered to have withdrawn if the institution obtains written confirmation from the student at the time that would have been a withdrawal of the date that he or she will resume attendance, and that date occurs within the same payment period or period of enrollment and is no later than 60 calendar days after the student ceased attendance; and

(5) For a non-term program, a student is not considered to have withdrawn if the institution obtains written confirmation from the student at the time that would have been a withdrawal of the date that he or she will resume attendance, and that date is no later than 60 calendar days after the student ceased attendance.

(B) If an institution has obtained the written confirmation of future attendance in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this section—

(1) A student may change the date of return that begins later in the same payment period or period of enrollment, provided that the student does so in writing prior to the return date that he or she had previously confirmed;

(2) For standard and nonstandard-term programs, excluding subscription-based programs the later module that he or she will attend begins no later than 45 calendar days after the end of module the student ceased attending; and

(3) For non-term and subscription-based programs, the student's program permits the student to resume attendance no later than 60 calendar days after the student ceased attendance.

(C) If an institution obtains written confirmation of future attendance in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) and, if applicable, (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, but the student does not return as scheduled—

(1) The student is considered to have withdrawn from the payment period or period of enrollment; and

(2) The student's withdrawal date and the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment would be the withdrawal date and total number of calendar days that would have applied if the student had not provided written confirmation of a future date of attendance in accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this section.

(iii)(A) If a student withdraws from a term-based credit-hour program offered in modules during a payment period or period of enrollment and reenters the same program prior to the end of the period, subject to conditions established by the Secretary, the student is eligible to receive any title IV, HEA program funds for which he or she was eligible prior to withdrawal, including funds that were returned by the institution or student under the provisions of this section, provided the student's enrollment status continues to support the full amount of those funds.

(B) In accordance with Sec. 668.4(f), if a student withdraws from a clock-hour or non-term credit hour program during a payment period or period of enrollment and then reenters the same program within 180 calendar days, the student remains in that same period when he or she returns and, subject to conditions established by the Secretary, is eligible to receive any title IV, HEA program funds for which he or she was eligible prior to withdrawal, including funds that were returned by the institution or student under the provisions of this section.

(3) For purposes of this section, "title IV grant or loan assistance" includes only Direct Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, TEACH Grant, and FSEOG programs, not including the non-Federal share of FSEOG awards if an institution meets its FSEOG matching share by the individual recipient method or the aggregate method.

(4) If the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance, or both, that the student earned as calculated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section is less than the amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed to the student or on behalf of the student in the case of a PLUS loan, as of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew—

(i) The difference between these amounts must be returned to the title IV programs in accordance with paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section in the order specified in paragraph (i) of this section; and

(ii) No additional disbursements may be made to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment.

(5) If the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance, or both, that the student earned as calculated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section is greater than the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance, or both, that was disbursed to the student or on behalf of the student in the case of a PLUS loan, as of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, the difference between these amounts must be treated as a post-withdrawal disbursement in accordance with paragraph (a)(6) of this section and Sec. 668.164(i).

(6)(i) A post-withdrawal disbursement must be made from available grant funds before available loan funds.

(ii)(A) If outstanding charges exist on the student's account, the institution may credit the student's account up to the amount of outstanding charges in accordance with Sec. 668.164(c) with all or a portion of any—

(1) Grant funds that make up the post-withdrawal disbursement; and

(2) Loan funds that make up the post-withdrawal disbursement only after obtaining confirmation from the student or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, that they still wish to have the loan funds disbursed in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section.

(B)(1) The institution must disburse directly to a student any amount of a post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds that is not credited to the student's account. The institution must make the disbursement as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.

(2) The institution must offer to disburse directly to a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, any amount of a post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds that is not credited to the student's account, in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section.

(3) The institution must make a direct disbursement of any loan funds that make up the post-withdrawal disbursement only after obtaining the student's, or parent's in the case of a parent PLUS loan, confirmation that  the student or parent still wishes to have the  loan funds disbursed in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section.

(iii)(A) The institution must provide within 30 days of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section, a written notification to the student, or parent in the case of parent PLUS loan, that—

(1) Requests confirmation of any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds that the institution wishes to credit to the student's account in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(A)(2) of this section, identifying the type and amount of those loan funds and explaining that a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, may accept or decline some or all of those funds;

(2) Requests confirmation of any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds that the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, can receive as a direct disbursement, identifying the type and amount of these title IV funds and explaining that the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, may accept or decline some or all of those funds;

(3) Explains that a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, who does not confirm that a post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds may be credited to the student's account may not receive any of those loan funds as a direct disbursement unless the institution concurs;

(4) Explains the obligation of the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, to repay any loan funds he or she chooses to have disbursed; and

(5) Advises the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, that no post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds will be made, unless the institution chooses to make a post-withdrawal disbursement based on a late response in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(C) of this section, if the student or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, does not respond within 14 days of the date that the institution sent the notification, or a later deadline set by the institution.

(B) The deadline for a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, to accept a post-withdrawal disbursement under paragraph (a)(6)(iii)(A) of this section must be the same for both a confirmation of a direct disbursement of the post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds and a confirmation of a post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds to be credited to the student's account;

(C) If the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, submits a timely response that confirms that they wish to receive all or a portion of a direct disbursement of the post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds, or confirms that a post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds may be credited to the student's account, the institution must disburse the funds in the manner specified by the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, as soon as possible, but no later than 180 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.

(D) If a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, submits a late response to the institution's notice requesting confirmation, the institution may make the post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds as instructed by the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan (provided the institution disburses all the funds accepted by the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan), or decline to do so.

(E) If a student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, submits a late response to the institution and the institution does not choose to make the post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds, the institution must inform the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, in writing of the outcome of the post-withdrawal disbursement request.

(F) If the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, does not respond to the institution's notice, no portion of the post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds that the institution wishes to credit to the student's account, nor any portion of loan funds that would be disbursed directly to the student, or parent in the case of a parent PLUS loan, may be disbursed.

(iv) An institution must document in the student's file the result of any notification made in accordance with paragraph (a)(6)(iii) of this section of the student's right to cancel all or a portion of loan funds or of the student's right to accept or decline loan funds, and the final determination made concerning the disbursement.

(b) Withdrawal date for a student who withdraws from an institution that is required to take attendance. (1) For purposes of this section, for a student who ceases attendance at an institution that is required to take attendance, including a student who does not return from an approved leave of absence, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section, or a student who takes a leave of absence that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, the student's withdrawal date is the last date of academic attendance as determined by the institution from its attendance records.

(2) An institution must document a student's withdrawal date determined in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section and maintain the documentation as of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.

(3)(i) An institution is required to take attendance if—

(A) An outside entity (such as the institution's accrediting agency or a State agency) has a requirement that the institution take attendance;

(B) The institution itself has a requirement that its instructors take attendance; or

(C) The institution or an outside entity has a requirement that can only be met by taking attendance or a comparable process, including, but not limited to, requiring that students in a program demonstrate attendance in the classes of that program, or a portion of that program.

(ii) If, in accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, an institution is required to take attendance or requires that attendance be taken for only some students, the institution must use its attendance records to determine a withdrawal date in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section for those students.

(iii)(A) If, in accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section, an institution is required to take attendance, or requires that attendance be taken, for a limited period, the institution must use its attendance records to determine a withdrawal date in accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section for that limited period.

(B) A student in attendance the last time attendance is required to be taken during the limited period identified in paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(A) of this section who subsequently stops attending during the payment period will be treated as a student for whom the institution was not required to take attendance.

(iv) If an institution is required to take attendance or requires that attendance be taken, on only one specified day to meet a census reporting requirement, the institution is not considered to take attendance.

(c) Withdrawal date for a student who withdraws from an institution that is not required to take attendance. (1) For purposes of this section, for a student who ceases attendance at an institution that is not required to take attendance, the student's withdrawal date is—

(i) The date, as determined by the institution, that the student began the withdrawal process prescribed by the institution;

(ii) The date, as determined by the institution, that the student otherwise provided official notification to the institution, in writing or orally, of his or her intent to withdraw;

(iii) If the student ceases attendance without providing official notification to the institution of his or her withdrawal in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(i) or (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the mid-point of the payment period (or period of enrollment, if applicable);

(iv) If the institution determines that a student did not begin the institution's withdrawal process or otherwise provide official notification (including notice from an individual acting on the student's behalf) to the institution of his or her intent to withdraw because of illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other such circumstances beyond the student's control, the date that the institution determines is related to that circumstance;

(v) If a student does not return from an approved leave of absence as defined in paragraph (d) of this section, the date that the institution determines the student began the leave of absence; or

(vi) If a student takes a leave of absence that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, the date that the student began the leave of absence.

(2)(i)(A) An institution may allow a student to rescind his or her official notification to withdraw under paragraph (c)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section by filing a written statement that he or she is continuing to participate in academically-related activities and intends to complete the payment period or period of enrollment.

(B) If the student subsequently ceases to attend the institution prior to the end of the payment period or period of enrollment, the student's rescission is negated and the withdrawal date is the student's original date under paragraph (c)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, unless a later date is determined under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(ii) If a student both begins the withdrawal process prescribed by the institution and otherwise provides official notification of his or her intent to withdraw in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this section respectively, the student's withdrawal date is the earlier date unless a later date is determined under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, an institution that is not required to take attendance may use as the student's withdrawal date a student's last date of attendance at an academically-related activity provided that the institution documents that the activity is academically related and documents the student's attendance at the activity.

(4) An institution must document a student's withdrawal date determined in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1), (2), and (3) of this section and maintain the documentation as of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section.

(5)(i) "Official notification to the institution" is a notice of intent to withdraw that a student provides to an office designated by the institution.

(ii) An institution must designate one or more offices at the institution that a student may readily contact to provide official notification of withdrawal.

(d) Approved leave of absence. (1) For purposes of this section (and, for a title IV, HEA program loan borrower, for purposes of terminating the student's in-school status), an institution does not have to treat a leave of absence as a withdrawal if it is an approved leave of absence. A leave of absence is an approved leave of absence if—

(i) The institution has a formal policy regarding leaves of absence;

(ii) The student followed the institution's policy in requesting the leave of absence;

(iii) The institution determines that there is a reasonable expectation that the student will return to the school;

(iv) The institution approved the student's request in accordance with the institution's policy;

(v) The leave of absence does not involve additional charges by the institution;

(vi) The number of days in the approved leave of absence, when added to the number of days in all other approved leaves of absence, does not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period;

(vii) Except for a clock hour or non-term credit hour program, or a subscription-based program, upon the student's return from the leave of absence, the student is permitted to complete the coursework he or she began prior to the leave of absence; and

(viii) If the student is a title IV, HEA program loan recipient, the institution explains to the student, prior to granting the leave of absence, the effects that the student's failure to return from a leave of absence may have on the student's loan repayment terms, including the exhaustion of some or all of the student's grace period.

(2) If a student does not resume attendance at the institution at or before the end of a leave of absence that meets the requirements of this section, the institution must treat the student as a withdrawal in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(3) For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) The number of days in a leave of absence is counted beginning with the first day of the student's initial leave of absence in a 12-month period.

(ii) A "12-month period" begins on the first day of the student's initial leave of absence.

(iii) An institution's leave of absence policy is a "formal policy" if the policy—

(A) Is in writing and publicized to students; and

(B) Requires students to provide a written, signed, and dated request, that includes the reason for the request, for a leave of absence prior to the leave of absence. However, if unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from providing a prior written request, the institution may grant the student's request for a leave of absence, if the institution documents its decision and collects the written request at a later date.

(e) Calculation of the amount of title IV assistance earned by the student.

(1) General. The amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that is earned by the student is calculated by—

(i) Determining the percentage of title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student, as described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section; and

(ii) Applying this percentage to the total amount of title IV grant or loan assistance that was disbursed (and that could have been disbursed, as defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this section) to the student, or on the student's behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the student's withdrawal date.

(2) Percentage earned. The percentage of title IV grant or loan assistance that has been earned by the student is—

(i) Equal to the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment that the student completed (as determined in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section) as of the student's withdrawal date, if this date occurs on or before—

(A) Completion of 60 percent of the payment period or period of enrollment for a program that is measured in credit hours; or

(B) Sixty percent of the clock hours scheduled to be completed for the payment period or period of enrollment for a program that is measured in clock hours; or

(ii) 100 percent, if the student's withdrawal date occurs after—

(A) Completion of 60 percent of the payment period or period of enrollment for a program that is measured in credit hours; or

(B) Sixty percent of the clock hours scheduled to be completed for the payment period or period of enrollment for a program measured in clock hours.

(3) Percentage unearned. The percentage of title IV grant or loan assistance that has not been earned by the student is calculated by determining the complement of the percentage of title IV grant or loan assistance earned by the student as described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

(4) Total amount of unearned title IV assistance to be returned. The unearned amount of title IV assistance to be returned is calculated by subtracting the amount of title IV assistance earned by the student as calculated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section from the amount of title IV aid that was disbursed to the student as of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew.

(5) Use of payment period or period of enrollment. (i) The treatment of title IV grant or loan funds if a student withdraws must be determined on a payment period basis for a student who attended a standard term-based (semester, trimester, or quarter) educational program.

(ii)(A) The treatment of title IV grant or loan funds if a student withdraws may be determined on either a payment period basis or a period of enrollment basis for a student who attended a non-term based educational program or a nonstandard term-based educational program.

(B) An institution must consistently use either a payment period or period of enrollment for all purposes of this section for each of the following categories of students who withdraw from the same non-term based or nonstandard term-based educational program:

(1) Students who have attended an educational program at the institution from the beginning of the payment period or period of enrollment.

(2) Students who re-enter the institution during a payment period or period of enrollment.

(3) Students who transfer into the institution during a payment period or period of enrollment.

(iii) For a program that measures progress in credit hours and uses nonstandard terms that are not substantially equal in length, if the institution uses the payment period to determine the treatment of title IV grant or loan funds for a category of students found in paragraph (e)(5)(ii)(B) of this section, the institution must—

(A)(1) For students in the category who are disbursed or could have been disbursed aid using both the payment period definition in Sec. 668.4(b)(1) and the payment period definition in Sec. 668.4(b)(2), use the payment period during which the student withdrew that ends later; and

(2) If in the payment period that ends later there are funds that have been or could have been disbursed from overlapping payment periods, the institution must include in the return calculation any funds that can be attributed to the payment period that ends later; and

(B) For students in the category who are disbursed or could have been disbursed aid using only the payment period definition in Sec. 668.4(b)(1) or the payment period definition in Sec. 668.4(b)(2), use the payment period definition for which title IV, HEA program funds were disbursed for a student's calculation under this section.

(f) Percentage of payment period or period of enrollment completed. (1) For purposes of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment completed is determined—

(i) In the case of a program that is measured in credit hours, by dividing the total number of calendar days in the payment period or period of enrollment into the number of calendar days completed in that period as of the student's withdrawal date; and

(ii)(A) In the case of a program that is measured in clock hours, by dividing the total number of clock hours in the payment period or period of enrollment into the number of clock hours scheduled to be completed as of the student's withdrawal date.

(B) The scheduled clock hours used must be those established by the institution prior to the student's beginning class date for the payment period or period of enrollment and must be consistent with the published materials describing the institution's programs, unless the schedule was modified prior to the student's withdrawal.

(C) The schedule must have been established in accordance with requirements of the accrediting agency and the State licensing agency, if such standards exist.

(2)(i) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment includes all days within the period that the student was scheduled to complete, except that scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days are excluded from the total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment and the number of calendar days completed in that period.

(ii) The total number of calendar days in a payment period or period of enrollment does not include—

(A) Days in which the student was on an approved leave of absence; or

(B) For a payment period or period of enrollment in which any courses in the program are offered in modules, any scheduled breaks of at least five consecutive days when the student is not scheduled to attend a module or other course offered during that period of time.

(g) Return of unearned aid, responsibility of the institution. (1) The institution must return, in the order specified in paragraph (i) of this section, the lesser of—

(i) The total amount of unearned title IV assistance to be returned as calculated under paragraph (e)(4) of this section; or

(ii) An amount equal to the total institutional charges incurred by the student for the payment period or period of enrollment multiplied by the percentage of title IV grant or loan assistance that has not been earned by the student, as described in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.

(2) For purposes of this section, "institutional charges" are tuition, fees, room and board (if the student contracts with the institution for the room and board) and other educationally-related expenses assessed by the institution.

(3) If, for a non-term program an institution chooses to calculate the treatment of title IV assistance on a payment period basis, but the institution charges for a period that is longer than the payment period, "total institutional charges incurred by the student for the payment period" is the greater of—

(i) The prorated amount of institutional charges for the longer period; or

(ii) The amount of title IV assistance retained for institutional charges as of the student's withdrawal date.

(h) Return of unearned aid, responsibility of the student. (1) After the institution has allocated the unearned funds for which it is responsible in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, the student must return assistance for which the student is responsible in the order specified in paragraph (i) of this section.

(2) The amount of assistance that the student is responsible for returning is calculated by subtracting the amount of unearned aid that the institution is required to return under paragraph (g) of this section from the total amount of unearned title IV assistance to be returned under paragraph (e)(4) of this section.

(3) The student (or parent in the case of funds due to a parent PLUS Loan) must return or repay, as appropriate, the amount determined under paragraph (h)(1) of this section to—

(i) Any title IV loan program in accordance with the terms of the loan; and

(ii) Any title IV grant program as an overpayment of the grant; however, a student is not required to return the following—

(A) The portion of a grant overpayment amount that is equal to or less than 50 percent of the total grant assistance that was disbursed (and that could have been disbursed, as defined in paragraph (l)(1) of this section) to the student for the payment period or period of enrollment.

(B) With respect to any grant program, a grant overpayment amount, as determined after application of paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, of 50 dollars or less that is not a remaining balance.

(4)(i) A student who owes an overpayment under this section remains eligible for title IV, HEA program funds through and beyond the earlier of 45 days from the date the institution sends a notification to the student of the overpayment, or 45 days from the date the institution was required to notify the student of the overpayment if, during those 45 days the student—

(A) Repays the overpayment in full to the institution;

(B) Enters into a repayment agreement with the institution in accordance with repayment arrangements satisfactory to the institution; or

(C) Signs a repayment agreement with the Secretary, which will include terms that permit a student to repay the overpayment while maintaining his or her eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds.

(ii) Within 30 days of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew, an institution must send a notice to any student who owes a title IV, HEA grant overpayment as a result of the student's withdrawal from the institution in order to recover the overpayment in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section.

(iii) If an institution chooses to enter into a repayment agreement in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(i)(B) of this section with a student who owes an overpayment of title IV, HEA grant funds, it must—

(A) Provide the student with terms that permit the student to repay the overpayment while maintaining his or her eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds; and

(B) Require repayment of the full amount of the overpayment within two years of the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew.

(iv) An institution must refer to the Secretary, in accordance with procedures required by the Secretary, an overpayment of title IV, HEA grant funds owed by a student as a result of the student's withdrawal from the institution if—

(A) The student does not repay the overpayment in full to the institution, or enter a repayment agreement with the institution or the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section within the earlier of 45 days from the date the institution sends a notification to the student of the overpayment, or 45 days from the date the institution was required to notify the student of the overpayment;

(B) At any time the student fails to meet the terms of the repayment agreement with the institution entered into in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(i)(B) of this section; or

(C) The student chooses to enter into a repayment agreement with the Secretary.

(v) A student who owes an overpayment is ineligible for title IV, HEA program funds—

(A) If the student does not meet the requirements in paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section, on the day following the 45-day period in that paragraph; or

(B) As of the date the student fails to meet the terms of the repayment agreement with the institution or the Secretary entered into in accordance with paragraph (h)(4)(i) of this section.

(vi) A student who is ineligible under paragraph (h)(4)(v) of this section regains eligibility if the student and the Secretary enter into a repayment agreement.

(5) The Secretary may waive grant overpayment amounts that students are required to return under this section if the withdrawals on which the returns are based are withdrawals by students—

(i) Who were residing in, employed in, or attending an institution of higher education that is located in an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170);

(ii) Whose attendance was interrupted because of the impact of the disaster on the student or institution; and

(iii) Whose withdrawal occurred within the award year during which the designation occurred or during the next succeeding award year.

(i) Order of return of title IV funds. (1) Loans. Unearned funds returned by the institution or the student, as appropriate, in accordance with paragraph (g) or (h) of this section respectively, must be credited to outstanding balances on title IV loans made to the student or on behalf of the student for the payment period or period of enrollment for which a return of funds is required. Those funds must be credited to outstanding balances for the payment period or period of enrollment for which a return of funds is required in the following order:

(i) Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans.

(ii) Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans.

(iii) Federal Direct PLUS received on behalf of the student.

(2) Remaining funds. If unearned funds remain to be returned after repayment of all outstanding loan amounts, the remaining excess must be credited to any amount awarded for the payment period or period of enrollment for which a return of funds is required in the following order:

(i) Federal Pell Grants.

(ii) Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

(iii) FSEOG Program aid.

(iv) TEACH Grants.

(j) Timeframe for the return of title IV funds. (1) An institution must return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible under paragraph (g) of this section as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew as defined in paragraph (l)(3) of this section. The timeframe for returning funds is further described in Sec. 668.173(b).

(2) For an institution that is not required to take attendance, an institution must determine the withdrawal date for a student who withdraws without providing notification to the institution no later than 30 days after the end of the earlier of the—

(i) Payment period or period of enrollment, as appropriate, in accordance with paragraph (e)(5) of this section;

(ii) Academic year in which the student withdrew; or

(iii) Educational program from which the student withdrew.

(k) Consumer information. An institution must provide students with information about the requirements of this section in accordance with Sec. 668.43.

(l) Definitions. For purposes of this section—

(1) Title IV grant or loan funds that "could have been disbursed" are determined in accordance with the late disbursement provisions in Sec. 668.164(j).

(2) A "period of enrollment" is the academic period established by the institution for which institutional charges are generally assessed (i.e. length of the student's program or academic year).

(3) The "date of the institution's determination that the student withdrew" for an institution that is not required to take attendance is—

(i) For a student who provides notification to the institution of his or her withdrawal, the student's withdrawal date as determined under paragraph (c) of this section or the date of notification of withdrawal, whichever is later;

(ii) For a student who did not provide notification of his of her withdrawal to the institution, the date that the institution becomes aware that the student ceased attendance;

(iii) For a student who does not return from an approved leave of absence, the earlier of the date of the end of the leave of absence or the date the student notifies the institution that he or she will not be returning to the institution; or

(iv) For a student whose rescission is negated under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) of this section, the date the institution becomes aware that the student did not, or will not, complete the payment period or period of enrollment.

(v) For a student who takes a leave of absence that is not approved in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, the date that the student begins the leave of absence.

(4) A "recipient of title IV grant or loan assistance" is a student for whom the requirements of Sec. 668.164(j)(2) have been met.

(5) Terms are "substantially equal in length" if no term in the program is more than two weeks of instructional time longer than any other term in that program.

(6) A program is "offered in modules" if the program uses a standard term or nonstandard-term academic calendar, is not a subscription-based program, and a course or courses in the program do not span the entire length of the payment period or period of enrollment.

(7)(i) "Academic attendance" and "attendance at an academically-related activity" must include academic engagement as defined under 34 CFR Sec. 600.2.

(ii) A determination of "academic attendance" or "attendance at an academically-related activity" must be made by the institution; a student's certification of attendance that is not supported by institutional documentation is not acceptable.

(8) A program is a nonstandard-term program if the program is a term-based program that does not qualify under 34 CFR 690.63(a)(1) or (a)(2) to calculate Federal Pell Grant payments under 34 CFR 690.63(b) or (c).

(9) A student in a program offered in modules is scheduled to complete the days in a module if the student's coursework in that module was used to determine the amount of the student's eligibility for title IV, HEA funds for the payment period or period of enrollment.

Sec. 668.23 Compliance audits and audited financial statements.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) Independent auditor. For purposes of this section, the term "independent auditor" refers to an independent certified public accountant or a government auditor. To conduct an audit under this section, a government auditor must meet the Government Auditing Standards qualification and independence standards, including standards related to organizational independence.

(2) Institutions. An institution that participates in any title IV, HEA program must at least annually have an independent auditor conduct a compliance audit of its administration of that program and an audit of the institution's general purpose financial statements.

(3) Third-party servicers. Except as provided under this part or 34 CFR part 682, with regard to complying with the provisions under this section a third-party servicer must follow the procedures contained in the audit guides developed by and available from the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General. A third-party servicer is defined under Sec. 668.2 and 34 CFR 682.200.

(4) Submission deadline. Except as provided by the Single Audit Act, Chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code, an institution must submit annually to the Department Secretary its compliance audit and its audited financial statements by the date tht is the earlier of— no later than six months after the last day of the institution's fiscal year.

(i) Thirty days after the later of the date of the auditor’s report for the compliance audit and the date of the auditor’s report for the audited financial statements; or

(ii) Six months after the last day of the institution’s fiscal year.

(5) Audit submission requirements. In general, the Department Secretary considers the compliance audit and audited financial statement submission requirements of this section to be satisfied by an audit conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations", or the audit guides developed by and available from the Department of Education's Inspector General, whichever is applicable to the entity, and provided that the Federal student aid functions performed by that entity are covered in the submission. (Both OMB circulars are available by calling OMB's Publication Office at (202) 395-7332, or they can be obtained in electronic form on the OMB Home Page (http://www.whitehouse.gov).

(b) Compliance audits for institutions. (1) An institution's compliance audit must cover, on a fiscal year basis, all title IV, HEA program transactions, and must cover all of those transactions that have occurred since the period covered by the institution's last compliance audit.

(2) The compliance audit required under this section must be conducted in accordance with—

(i) The general standards and the standards for compliance audits contained in the U.S. General Accounting Office's (GAO's) Government Auditing Standards. (This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402); and

(ii) Procedures for audits contained in audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General.

(3) The Secretary may require an institution to provide a copy of its compliance audit report to guaranty agencies or eligible lenders under the FFEL programs, State agencies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or nationally recognized accrediting agencies.

(c) Compliance audits for third-party servicers. (1) A third-party servicer that administers title IV, HEA programs for institutions does not have to have a compliance audit performed if—

(i) The servicer contracts with only one institution; and

(ii) The audit of that institution's administration of the title IV, HEA programs involves every aspect of the servicer's administration of that program for that institution.

(2) A third-party servicer that contracts with more than one participating institution may submit a compliance audit report that covers the servicer's administration of the title IV, HEA programs for all institutions with which the servicer contracts.

(3) A third-party servicer must submit annually to the Secretary its compliance audit no later than six months after the last day of the servicer's fiscal year.

(4) The Secretary may require a third-party servicer to provide a copy of its compliance audit report to guaranty agencies or eligible lenders under the FFEL programs, State agencies, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or nationally recognized accrediting agencies.

(d) Audited financial statements. (1) General. To enable the Department Secretary to make a determination of financial responsibility, an institution must, to the extent requested by the Department Secretary, submit to the Department Secretary a set acceptable of financial statements for its latest complete fiscal year (or such fiscal years as requested by the Department or required by this part), as well as any other documentation the Department Secretary deems necessary to make that determination. For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2024, financial Financial statements submitted to the Department Secretary match the fiscal year end of the entity’s annual return(s) filed with the IRS. Financial statements submitted to the Department must include the Supplemental Schedule required under Sec. 667.172(a) and Section 2 of appendicies Appendix A and B to subpart L on this part, and must be prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and audited by an independent auditor in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and other guidance contained in 2 CFR Part 200 ̶ Uniform Administration Requirements, Cost Principles, And Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; or in audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, whichever is applicable . As part of these financial statements, the institution must include a detailed. As part of these financial statements, the institution must include a detailed description of related entities based on the definition of a related entity as set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 850. The disclosure requirements under this this this paragraph (d)(1) provision extend beyond those of ASC 850 to include all related parties and a level of detail that would enable to Department Secretary to readily identify the related party. Such information may include, but is not limited to, the name, location and a description of the related entity including the nature and amount of any transactions between the related party and the institution, financial or otherwise, regardless of when they occurred.  If there are no related party transactions during the audited fiscal year or related party outstanding balances reported in the financial statements, then management must add a note to the financial statements to disclose this fact.

(2) Submission of additional financial information statements. (i) In To the extent requested by the Secretary in determining whether an institution is financially responsible, the Department Secretary may also require the submission of audited consolidated financial statements, audited full consolidating financial statements, audited combined financial statements or the audited financial statements of one or more related parties that have the ability, either individually or collectively, to significantly influence or control the institution, as determined by the Department Secretary.

(ii) For a domestic or foreign institution that is owned directly or indirectly by any foreign entity holding at least a 50 percent voting or equity interest in the institution, the institution must provide documentation of the entity’s status under the law of the jurisdiction under which the entity is organized, including, at a minimum, the date of organization, a current certificate of good standing, and a copy of the authorizing statute for such entity status. The institution must also provide documentation that is equivalent to articles of organization and bylaws and any current operating or shareholders’ agreements. The Department may also require the submission of additional documents related to the entity’s status under the foreign jurisdiction as needed to assess the entity’s financial status. Documents must be translated into English.

(3) Disclosure of Federal Title IV, HEA program revenue. A proprietary institution must disclose in a footnote to its audited financial statement audit the percentage of its revenues derived from the Federal Title IV, HEA program funds that the institution received during the fiscal year covered by that audit. The revenue percentage must be calculated in accordance with Sec. 668.28. The institution must also report in the footnote the dollar amount of the numerator and denominator of its 90/10 ratio as well as the individual revenue amounts identified in section 2 of appendix C to this subpart B of part 668.

(4) Audited financial statements for third-party servicers. A third-party servicer that enters into a contract with a lender or guaranty agency to administer any aspect of the lender's or guaranty agency's programs, as provided under 34 CFR part 682, must submit annually an audited financial statement. This financial statement must be prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and audited by an independent auditor in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards and other guidance contained in audit guides issued by the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General.

(e) Access to records. (1) An institution or a third-party servicer that has a compliance or financial statement audit conducted under this section must—

(i) Give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records or other documents necessary to review that audit, including the right to obtain copies of those records or documents; and

(ii) Require an individual or firm conducting the audit to give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records, audit work papers, or other documents necessary to review that audit, including the right to obtain copies of those records, work papers, or documents.

(2) An institution must give the Secretary and the Inspector General access to records or other documents necessary to review a third-party servicer's compliance or financial statement audit, including the right to obtain copies of those records or documents.

(f) Determination of liabilities. (1) Based on the audit finding and the institution's or third-party servicer's response, the Secretary determines the amount of liability, if any, owed by the institution or servicer and instructs the institution or servicer as to the manner of repayment.

(2) If the Secretary determines that a third-party servicer owes a liability for its administration of an institution's title IV, HEA programs, the servicer must notify each institution under whose contract the servicer owes a liability of that determination. The servicer must also notify every institution that contracts with the servicer for the same service that the Secretary determined that a liability was owed.

(g) Repayments. (1) An institution or third-party servicer that must repay funds under the procedures in this section shall repay those funds at the direction of the Secretary within 45 days of the date of the Secretary's notification, unless—

(i) The institution or servicer files an appeal under the procedures established in subpart H of this part; or

(ii) The Secretary permits a longer repayment period.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraphs (f) and (g)(1) of this section—

(i) If an institution or third-party servicer has posted surety or has provided a third-party guarantee and the Secretary questions expenditures or compliance with applicable requirements and identifies liabilities, then the Secretary may determine that deferring recourse to the surety or guarantee is not appropriate because—

(A) The need to provide relief to students or borrowers affected by the act or omission giving rise to the liability outweighs the importance of deferring collection action until completion of available appeal proceedings; or

(B) The terms of the surety or guarantee do not provide complete assurance that recourse to that protection will be fully available through the completion of available appeal proceedings; or

(ii) The Secretary may use administrative offset pursuant to 34 CFR part 30 to collect the funds owed under the procedures of this section.

(3) If, under the proceedings in subpart H, liabilities asserted in the Secretary's notification, under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, to the institution or third-party servicer are upheld, the institution or third-party servicer must repay those funds at the direction of the Secretary within 30 days of the final decision under subpart H of this part unless—

(i) The Secretary permits a longer repayment period; or

(ii) The Secretary determines that earlier collection action is appropriate pursuant to paragraph (g)(2) of this section.

(4) An institution is held responsible for any liability owed by the institution's third-party servicer for a violation incurred in servicing any aspect of that institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs and remains responsible for that amount until that amount is repaid in full.

(h) Audit submission requirements for foreign institutions. (1) Audited financial statements. (i) The Secretary waives for that fiscal year the submission of audited financial statements if the institution is a foreign public or nonprofit institution that received less than $500,000 in U.S. title IV program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, unless that foreign public or nonprofit institution is in its initial provisional period of participation, and received title IV program funds during that fiscal year, in which case the institution must submit, in English, audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the institution's home country.

(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(1)(iii) of this section, a foreign institution that received $500,000 or more in U.S. title IV program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year must submit, in English, for each most recently completed fiscal year in which it received title IV program funds, audited financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the institution's home country along with corresponding audited financial statements that meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.

(iii) In lieu of making the submission required by paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section, a public or private nonprofit institution that received—

(A) $500,000 or more in U.S. title IV program funds, but less than $3,000,000 in U.S. title IV program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, may submit for that year, in English, audited financial statements prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles of the institution's home country, and is not required to submit the corresponding audited financial statements that meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section;

(B) At least $3,000,000, but less than $10,000,000 in U.S. title IV, program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, must submit in English, for each most recently completed fiscal year, audited financial statements prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles of the institution's home country along with corresponding audited financial statements that meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, except that an institution that continues to receive at least $3,000,000 but less than $10,000,000, in U.S. title IV funds during its most recently completed fiscal year may omit the audited financial statements that meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section for up to two consecutive years following the submission of audited financial statements that meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) Compliance audits. A foreign institution's compliance audit must cover, on a fiscal year basis, all title IV, HEA program transactions, and must cover all of those transactions that have occurred since the period covered by the institution's last compliance audit. A compliance audit that is due under this paragraph must be submitted no later than six months after the last day of the institution's fiscal year, and must meet the following requirements:

(i) If the foreign institution received $500,000 or more in U.S. dollars in title IV, HEA program funds during its most recently completed fiscal year, it must submit a standard compliance audit for that prior fiscal year that is performed in accordance with audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, together with an alternative compliance audit or audits prepared in accordance with paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section for any preceding fiscal year or years in which the foreign institution received less than $500,000 in U.S. dollars in title IV, HEA program funds and for which a compliance audit has not already been submitted;

(ii) If the foreign institution received less than $500,000 U.S. in title IV, HEA program funds for its most recently completed fiscal year, it must submit an alternative compliance audit for that prior fiscal year that is performed in accordance with audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, except as noted in paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section.

(iii) If so notified by the Secretary, a foreign institution may submit an alternative compliance audit performed in accordance with audit guides developed by, and available from, the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General, that covers a period not to exceed three of the institution's consecutive fiscal years if such audit is submitted either no later than six months after the last day of the most recent fiscal year, or contemporaneously with a standard compliance audit timely submitted under paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(3)(ii) of this section for the most recently completed fiscal year, and if the following conditions are met:

(A) The institution received less than $500,000 in title IV, HEA program funds for its most recently completed fiscal year.

(B) The institution has timely submitted acceptable compliance audits for two consecutive fiscal years, and following such submission, has no history of late submission since then.

(C) The institution is fully certified.

(3)(i) Exceptions. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(iii) of this section, the Secretary may issue a letter to a foreign institution that identifies problems with its financial condition or financial reporting and requires the submission of audited financial statements in the manner specified by the Secretary.

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (h)(2)(ii) and (h)(2)(iii) of this section, the Secretary may issue to a foreign institution a letter that identifies problems with its administrative capability or compliance reporting that may require the compliance audit to be performed at a higher level of engagement, and may require the compliance audit to be submitted annually.

(i) Incorporation by reference. The material listed in this paragraph (i) is incorporated by reference into this section with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. This incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at U.S. Department of Education and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact U.S. Department of Education at: Office of the General Counsel, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, room 2C–136, Washington DC 20202; phone: (202) 401–6000; https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ogc/index.html?src=oc. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, contact the Office of the Federal Register—email: [email protected]; website: www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, CT 06856–5116; (203) 847–0700; www.fasb.org.

(1) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 850, Related Party Disclosures, Updated through September 10, 2018.

(2) [Reserved]

Sec. 668.24 Record retention and examinations.

About the Regulations

(a) Program records. An institution shall establish and maintain, on a current basis, any application for title IV, HEA program funds and program records that document—

(1) Its eligibility to participate in the title IV, HEA programs;

(2) The eligibility of its educational programs for title IV, HEA program funds;

(3) Its administration of the title IV, HEA programs in accordance with all applicable requirements;

(4) Its financial responsibility, as specified in this part;

(5) Information included in any application for title IV, HEA program funds; and

(6) Its disbursement and delivery of title IV, HEA program funds.

(b) Fiscal records. (1) An institution shall account for the receipt and expenditure of title IV, HEA program funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(2) An institution shall establish and maintain on a current basis—

(i) Financial records that reflect each HEA, title IV program transaction; and

(ii) General ledger control accounts and related subsidiary accounts that identify each title IV, HEA program transaction and separate those transactions from all other institutional financial activity.

(c) Required records. (1) The records that an institution must maintain in order to comply with the provisions of this section include but are not limited to—

(i) The Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) used to determine eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;

(ii) Application data submitted to the Secretary, lender, or guaranty agency by the institution on behalf of the student or parent;

(iii) Documentation of each student's or parent borrower's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;

(iv) Documentation relating to each student's or parent borrower's receipt of title IV, HEA program funds, including but not limited to documentation of—

(A) The amount of the grant, loan, or FWS award; its payment period; its loan period, if appropriate; and the calculations used to determine the amount of the grant, loan, or FWS award;

(B) The date and amount of each disbursement or delivery of grant or loan funds, and the date and amount of each payment of FWS wages;

(C) The amount, date, and basis of the institution's calculation of any refunds or overpayments due to or on behalf of the student, or the treatment of title IV, HEA program funds when a student withdraws; and

(D) The payment of any overpayment or the return of any title IV, HEA program funds to the title IV, HEA program fund, a lender, or the Secretary, as appropriate;

(v) Documentation of and information collected at any initial or exit loan counseling required by applicable program regulations;

(vi) Reports and forms used by the institution in its participation in a title IV, HEA program, and any records needed to verify data that appear in those reports and forms; and

(vii) Documentation supporting the institution's calculations of its completion or graduation rates under Secs. 668.46 and 668.49.

(2) In addition to the records required under this part—

(i) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 674.19 for documentation of repayment history for that program;

(ii) Participants in the FWS Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 675.19 for documentation of work, earnings, and payroll transactions for that program; and

(iii) Participants in the FFEL Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 682.610 for documentation of additional loan record requirements for that program.

(d) General. (1) An institution shall maintain required records in a systematically organized manner.

(2) An institution shall make its records readily available for review by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative at an institutional location designated by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative.

(3) An institution may keep required records in hard copy or in microform, computer file, optical disk, CD-ROM, or other media formats, provided that—

(i) Except for the records described in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section, all record information must be retrievable in a coherent hard copy format or in other media formats acceptable to the Secretary;

(ii) An institution shall maintain the Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) used to determine eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds in the format in which it was received by the institution, except that the SAR may be maintained in an imaged media format;

(iii) Any imaged media format used to maintain required records must be capable of reproducing an accurate, legible, and complete copy of the original document, and, when printed, this copy must be approximately the same size as the original document;

(iv) Any document that contains a signature, seal, certification, or any other image or mark required to validate the authenticity of its information must be maintained in its original hard copy or in an imaged media format; and

(v) Participants in the Federal Perkins Loan Program shall follow procedures established in 34 CFR 674.19 for maintaining the original promissory notes and repayment schedules for that program.

(4) If an institution closes, stops providing educational programs, is terminated or suspended from the title IV, HEA programs, or undergoes a change of ownership that results in a change of control as described in 34 CFR 600.31, it shall provide for—

(i) The retention of required records; and

(ii) Access to those records, for inspection and copying, by the Secretary or the Secretary's authorized representative, and, for a school participating in the FFEL Program, the appropriate guaranty agency.

(e) Record retention. Unless otherwise directed by the Secretary—

(1) An institution shall keep records relating to its administration of the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, FSEOG, Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, or TEACH Grant Program for three years after the end of the award year for which the aid was awarded and disbursed under those programs, provided that an institution shall keep—

(i) The Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate in the Federal Perkins Loan, FSEOG, and FWS Programs (FISAP), and any records necessary to support the data contained in the FISAP, including "income grid information," for three years after the end of the award year in which the FISAP is submitted; and

(ii) Repayment records for a Federal Perkins loan, including records relating to cancellation and deferment requests, in accordance with the provisions of 34 CFR 674.19;

(2)(i) An institution shall keep records relating to a student or parent borrower's eligibility and participation in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program for three years after the end of the award year in which the student last attended the institution; and

(ii) An institution shall keep all other records relating to its participation in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program, including records of any other reports or forms, for three years after the end of the award year in which the records are submitted; and

(3) An institution shall keep all records involved in any loan, claim, or expenditure questioned by a title IV, HEA program audit, program review, investigation, or other review until the later of—

(i) The resolution of that questioned loan, claim, or expenditure; or

(ii) The end of the retention period applicable to the record.

(f) Examination of records. (1) An institution that participates in any title IV, HEA program and the institution's third-party servicer, if any, shall cooperate with an independent auditor, the Secretary, the Department of Education's Inspector General, the Comptroller General of the United States, or their authorized representatives, a guaranty agency in whose program the institution participates, and the institution's accrediting agency, in the conduct of audits, investigations, program reviews, or other reviews authorized by law.

(2) The institution and servicer must cooperate by—

(i) Providing timely access, for examination and copying, to requested records, including but not limited to computerized records and records reflecting transactions with any financial institution with which the institution or servicer deposits or has deposited any title IV, HEA program funds, and to any pertinent books, documents, papers, or computer programs; and

(ii) Providing reasonable access to personnel associated with the institution's or servicer's administration of the title IV, HEA programs for the purpose of obtaining relevant information.

(3) The Secretary considers that an institution or servicer has failed to provide reasonable access to personnel under paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section if the institution or servicer—

(i) Refuses to allow those personnel to supply all relevant information;

(ii) Permits interviews with those personnel only if the institution's or servicer's management is present; or

(iii) Permits interviews with those personnel only if the interviews are tape recorded by the institution or servicer.

(4) Upon request of the Secretary, or a lender or guaranty agency in the case of a borrower under the FFEL Program, an institution or servicer promptly shall provide the requester with any information the institution or servicer has respecting the last known address, full name, telephone number, enrollment information, employer, and employer address of a recipient of title IV funds who attends or attended the institution.

Sec. 668.25 Contracts between an institution and a third-party servicer.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution may enter into a written contract with a third-party servicer for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program only to the extent that the servicer's eligibility to contract with the institution has not been limited, suspended, or terminated under the proceedings of subpart G of this part.

(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section, a third-party servicer is eligible to enter into a written contract with an institution for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program only to the extent that the servicer's eligibility to contract with the institution has not been limited, suspended, or terminated under the proceedings of subpart G of this part.

(c) In a contract with an institution, a third-party servicer shall agree to—

(1) Comply with all statutory provisions of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, all regulatory provisions prescribed under that statutory authority, and all special arrangements, agreements, limitations, suspensions, and terminations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA, including the requirement to use any funds that the servicer administers under any Title IV, HEA program and any interest or other earnings thereon solely for the purposes specified in and in accordance with that program;

(2) Refer to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education for investigation any information indicating there is reasonable cause to believe that the institution might have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the institution's administration of any Title IV, HEA program or an applicant for Title IV, HEA program assistance might have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application. Examples of the type of information that must be referred are—

(i) False claims by the institution for Title IV, HEA program assistance;

(ii) False claims of independent student status;

(iii) False claims of citizenship;

(iv) Use of false identities;

(v) Forgery of signatures or certifications;

(vi) False statements of income; and

(vii) Payment of any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based in any part, directly or indirectly, upon success in securing enrollments or the award of financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions regarding the award of title IV, HEA program funds.

(3) Be jointly and severally liable with the institution to the Secretary for any violation by the servicer of any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, and any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA;

(4) In the case of a third-party servicer that disburses funds (including funds received under the Title IV, HEA programs) or delivers Federal Stafford Loan Program proceeds to a student—

(i) Confirm the eligibility of the student before making that disbursement or delivering those proceeds. This confirmation must include, but is not limited to, any applicable information contained in the records required under Sec. 668.24; and

(ii) Calculate and return any unearned title IV, HEA program funds to the title IV, HEA program accounts and the student's lender, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of Secs. 668.21 and 668.22, and applicable program regulations; and

(5) If the servicer or institution terminates the contract, or if the servicer stops providing services for the administration of a Title IV, HEA program, goes out of business, or files a petition under the Bankruptcy Code, return to the institution all—

(i) Records in the servicer's possession pertaining to the institution's participation in the program or programs for which services are no longer provided; and

(ii) Funds, including Title IV, HEA program funds, received from or on behalf of the institution or the institution's students, for the purposes of the program or programs for which services are no longer provided.

(d) A third-party servicer may not enter into a written contract with an institution for the administration of any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if—

(1)(i) The servicer has been limited, suspended, or terminated by the Secretary within the preceding five years;

(ii) The servicer has had, during the servicer's two most recent audits of the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs, an audit finding that resulted in the servicer's being required to repay an amount greater than five percent of the funds that the servicer administered under the Title IV, HEA programs for any award year; or

(iii) The servicer has been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit audit reports required under Title IV of the HEA in a timely fashion; and

(2)(i) In the case of a third-party servicer that has been subjected to a termination action by the Secretary, either the servicer, or one or more persons or entities that the Secretary determines (under the provisions of Sec. 668.15) exercise substantial control over the servicer, or both, have not submitted to the Secretary financial guarantees in an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy the servicer's potential liabilities arising from the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs; and

(ii) One or more persons or entities that the Secretary determines (under the provisions of Sec. 668.15) exercise substantial control over the servicer have not agreed to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities arising from the servicer's administration of the Title IV, HEA programs and civil and criminal monetary penalties authorized under Title IV of the HEA.

(e)(1)(i) An institution that participates in a Title IV, HEA program shall notify the Secretary within 10 days of the date that—

(A) The institution enters into a new contract or significantly modifies an existing contract with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of that program;

(B) The institution or a third-party servicer terminates a contract for the servicer to administer any aspect of that program; or

(C) A third-party servicer that administers any aspect of the institution's participation in that program stops providing services for the administration of that program, goes out of business, or files a petition under the Bankruptcy Code.

(ii) The institution's notification must include the name and address of the servicer.

(2) An institution that contracts with a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program shall provide to the Secretary, upon request, a copy of the contract, including any modifications, and provide information pertaining to the contract or to the servicer's administration of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

Sec. 668.26 End of an institution's participation in the Title IV, HEA programs.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program ends on the date that—

(1) The institution closes or stops providing educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students;

(2) The institution loses its institutional eligibility under 34 CFR part 600;

(3) The institution's participation is terminated under the proceedings in subpart G of this part;

(4) The institution's period of participation, as specified under Sec. 668.13, expires, or the institution's provisional certification is revoked under Sec. 668.13;

(5) The institution's program participation agreement is terminated or expires under Sec. 668.14;

(6) The institution's participation ends under subpart M of this part; or

(7) The Secretary receives a notice from the appropriate State postsecondary review entity designated under 34 CFR part 667 that the institution's participation should be withdrawn.

(b) If an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program ends, the institution shall—

(1) Immediately notify the Secretary of that fact;

(2) Submit to the Secretary within 45 days after the date that the participation ends—

(i) All financial, performance, and other reports required by appropriate Title IV, HEA program regulations; and

(ii) A letter of engagement for an independent audit of all funds that the institution received under that program, the report of which shall be submitted to the Secretary within 45 days after the date of the engagement letter;

(3) Inform the Secretary of the arrangements that the institution has made for the proper retention and storage for a minimum of three years of all records concerning the administration of that program;

(4) If the institution's participation in the Federal Perkins Loan Program ended, inform the Secretary of how the institution will provide for the collection of any outstanding loans made under that program;

(5) If the institution's participation in the LEAP Program ended—

(i) Inform immediately the State in which the institution is located of that fact; and

(ii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section, follow the instructions of that State concerning the end of that participation;

(6) If the institution's participation in all the Title IV, HEA programs ended, inform the Secretary of how the institution will provide for the collection of any outstanding loans made under the National Defense/Direct Student Loan programs; and

(7) Continue to comply with the requirements of Sec. 668.22 for the treatment of title IV, HEA program funds when a student withdraws.

(c) If an institution closes or stops providing educational programs for a reason other than a normal vacation period or a natural disaster that directly affects the institution or the institution's students, the institution shall—

(1) Return to the Secretary, or otherwise dispose of under instructions from the Secretary, any unexpended funds that the institution has received under the Title IV, HEA programs for attendance at the institution, less the institution's administrative allowance, if applicable; and

(2) Return to the appropriate lenders any Federal Stafford Loan program proceeds that the institution has received but not delivered to, or credited to the accounts of, students attending the institution.

(d)(1) An institution may use funds that it has received under the Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, or TEACH Grant Program or a campus-based program or request additional funds from the Secretary, under conditions specified by the Secretary, if the institution does not possess sufficient funds, to satisfy any unpaid commitment made to a student under that Title IV, HEA program only if—

(i) The institution's participation in that Title IV, HEA program ends during a payment period;

(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that payment period, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;

(iii) The commitment was made prior to the end of the participation; and

(iv) The commitment was made for attendance during that payment period or a previously completed payment period.

(2) An institution may credit to a student's account or deliver to the student the proceeds of a disbursement of a Federal Family Education Loan Programs loan to satisfy any unpaid commitment made to the student under the Federal Family Education Loan Programs only if—

(i) The institution's participation in that Title IV, HEA program ends during a period of enrollment;

(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that period of enrollment, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;

(iii) The loan was made for attendance during that period of enrollment.

(iv) The proceeds of the first disbursement of the loan were delivered to the student or credited to the student's account prior to the end of the participation.

(3) An institution may use funds that it has received under the Direct Loan Program or request additional funds from the Secretary, under conditions specified by the Secretary, if the institution does not possess sufficient funds, to credit to a student's account or disburse to the student the proceeds of a Direct Loan Program loan only if—

(i) The institution's participation in the Direct Loan Program ends during a period of enrollment;

(ii) The institution continues to provide, from the date that the participation ends until the scheduled completion date of that period of enrollment, educational programs to otherwise eligible students enrolled in the formerly eligible programs of the institution;

(iii) The loan was made for attendance during that period of enrollment; and

(iv) The proceeds of the first disbursement of the loan were delivered to the student or credited to the student's account prior to the end of the participation.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of any other provision in this section, with agreement from the institution's accrediting agency and State, the Secretary may permit an institution to continue to originate, award, or disburse funds under a Title IV, HEA program for no more than 120 days following the date of a final, nonappealable decision by an accrediting agency to withdraw, suspend, or terminate accreditation, by a State authorizing agency to remove State authorization, or by the Secretary to end the institution's participation in title IV, HEA programs if—

(i) The institution has notified the Secretary of its plans to conduct an orderly closure in accordance with any applicable requirements of its accrediting agency;

(ii) As part of the institution's orderly closure, it is performing a teach-out that has been approved by its accrediting agency;

(iii) The institution agrees to abide by the conditions of the program participation agreement that was in effect on the date of the decision under paragraph (e)(1), except that it will originate, award, or disburse funds under that agreement only to enrolled students who can complete the program within 120 days of the decision under paragraph (e)(1) or who can transfer to a new institution; and

(iv) The institution presents the Secretary with acceptable written assurances that—

(A) The health and safety of the institution's students are not at risk;

(B) The institution has adequate financial resources to ensure that instructional services remain available to students during the teach-out; and

(C) The institution is not subject to probation or its equivalent, or adverse action by the institution's State authorizing body or accrediting agency, except as provided in paragraph (e)(1).

(2) An institution is prohibited from engaging in misrepresentation, consistent with 34 CFR part 668 subpart F and consistent with 34 CFR part 685 subpart B, about the nature of its teachout plans, teach-out agreements, and transfer of credit.

(f) For the purposes of this section—

(1) A commitment under the Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, and TEACH Grant programs occurs when a student is enrolled and attending the institution and has submitted a valid Student Aid Report to the institution or when an institution has received a valid institutional student information report; and

(2) A commitment under the campus-based programs occurs when a student is enrolled and attending the institution and has received a notice from the institution of the amount that he or she can expect to receive and how and when that amount will be paid.

Sec. 668.27 Waiver of annual audit submission requirement.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) At the request of an institution, the Secretary may waive the annual audit submission requirement for the period of time contained in paragraph (b) of this section if the institution satisfies the requirements contained in paragraph (c) of this section and posts a letter of credit in the amount determined in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) An institution requesting a waiver must submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary prescribes.

(3) The first fiscal year for which an institution may request a waiver is the fiscal year in which it submits its waiver request to the Secretary.

(b) Waiver period. (1) If the Secretary grants the waiver, the institution need not submit its compliance or audited financial statement until six months after—

(i) The end of the third fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the institution last submitted a compliance audit and audited financial statement; or

(ii) The end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the institution last submitted compliance and financial statement audits if the award year in which the institution will apply for recertification is part of the third fiscal year.

(2) The Secretary does not grant a waiver if the award year in which the institution will apply for recertification is part of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year for which the institution last submitted compliance and financial statement audits.

(3) When an institution must submit its next compliance and financial statement audits under paragraph (b)(1) of this section—

(i) The institution must submit a compliance audit that covers the institution's administration of the title IV, HEA programs for the period for each fiscal year for which an audit did not have to be submitted as a result of the waiver, and an audited financial statement for its last fiscal year; and

(ii) The auditor who conducts the audit must audit the institution's annual determinations for the period subject to the waiver that it satisfied the 90/10 rule in Sec. 600.5 and the other conditions of institutional eligibility in Sec. 600.7 and Sec. 668.8(e)(2), and disclose the results of the audit of the 90/10 rule for each year in accordance with Sec. 668.23(d)(4).

(c) Criteria for granting the waiver. The Secretary grants a waiver to an institution if the institution—

(1) Is not a foreign institution;

(2) Did not disburse $200,000 or more of title IV, HEA program funds during each of the two completed award years preceding the institution's waiver request;

(3) Agrees to keep records relating to each award year in the unaudited period for two years after the end of the record retention period in Sec. 668.24(e) for that award year;

(4) Has participated in the title IV, HEA programs under the same ownership for at least three award years preceding the institution's waiver request;

(5) Is financially responsible under Sec. 668.171, and does not rely on the alternative standards of Sec. 668.175 to participate in the title IV, HEA programs;

(6) Is not on the reimbursement or cash monitoring system of payment;

(7) Has not been the subject of a limitation, suspension, fine, or termination proceeding, or emergency action initiated by the Department or a guarantee agency in the three years preceding the institution's waiver request;

(8) Has submitted its compliance audits and audited financial statements for the previous two fiscal years in accordance with and subject to Sec. 668.23, and no individual audit disclosed liabilities in excess of $10,000; and

(9) Submits a letter of credit in the amount determined in paragraph (d) of this section, which must remain in effect until the Secretary has resolved the audit covering the award years subject to the waiver.

(d) Letter of credit amount. For purposes of this section, the letter of credit amount equals 10 percent of the amount of title IV, HEA program funds the institution disbursed to or on behalf of its students during the award year preceding the institution's waiver request.

(e) Rescission of the waiver. (1) The Secretary rescinds the waiver if the institution—

(i) Disburses $200,000 or more of title IV, HEA program funds for an award year;

(ii) Undergoes a change in ownership that results in a change of control; or

(iii) Becomes the subject of an emergency action or a limitation, suspension, fine, or termination action initiated by the Department or a guarantee agency.

(2) If the Secretary rescinds a waiver, the rescission is effective on the last day of the fiscal year in which the rescission takes place.

(f) Renewal. An institution may request a renewal of its waiver when it submits its audits under paragraph (b) of this section. The Secretary grants the waiver if the audits and other information available to the Secretary show that the institution continues to satisfy the criteria for receiving that waiver.

Sec. 668.28 Non-title IV revenue (90/10).

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) Calculating the revenue percentage. A proprietary institution meets the requirement in Sec. 668.14(b)(16) that at least 10 percent of its revenue is derived from sources other than Federal Title IV, HEA program funds by using the formula in appendix C of this subpart to calculate its revenue percentage for its latest complete fiscal year. For purposes of this section—

(i) For any fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2023, Federal funds used to calculate the revenue percentage include title IV, HEA program funds and any other educational assistance funds provided by a Federal agency directly to an institution or a student including the Federal portion of any grant funds provided by or administered by a non-Federal agency, except for non-title IV Federal funds provided directly to a student to cover expenses other than tuition, fees, and other institutional charges. The Secretary identifies the Federal agency and the other educational assistance funds provided by that agency in a notice published in the Federal Register, with updates to that list published as needed.

(ii) For any fiscal year beginning prior to January 1, 2023, Federal funds are limited to title IV, HEA program funds.

(2) Disbursement rule. An institution must use the cash basis of accounting in calculating its revenue percentage by— Cash basis accounting. Except for institutional loans made to students under paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section, the institution must use the cash basis of accounting in calculating its revenue percentage.

(i) For each eligible student, counting the amount of Federal funds the institution received to pay tuition, fees, and other institutional charges during its fiscal year—

(A) Directly from an agency identified under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section; and

(B) Paid by a student who received Federal funds; and

(ii) For each eligible student, counting the amount of title IV, HEA program funds the institution received to pay tuition, fees, and other institutional charges during its fiscal year. However, before the end of its fiscal year, the institution must—

(A) Request funds under the advanced payment method in Sec. 668.162(b)(2) or the heightened cash mnitoring method in Sec. 668.162(d)(1) that the students are eligible to receive and make any disbursements to those students by the end of the fiscal year; or

(B) For institutions under the reimbursement or heightened cash monitoring methods in Sec. 668.162(c) or (d)(2), make disbursements to those students by the end of the fiscal year and report as Federal funds in the revenue calculations the funds that the students are eligible to receive before requesting funds.

(3) Revenue generated from programs and activities. The institution must consider as revenue only those funds it generates from—

(i) Tuition, fees, and other institutional charges for students enrolled in eligible programs as defined in Sec. 668.8;

(ii) Activities conducted by the institution that are necessary for the education and training of its students provided those activities are—

(A) Conducted on campus or at a facility under the institution's control;

(B) Performed under the supervision of a member of the institution's faculty; and

(C) Required to be performed by all students in a specific educational program at the institution; and

(D) Related directly to services performed by students; and

(iii) Funds paid by a student, or on behalf of a student by a party unrelated to other than the institution, its owners, or affiliates, for an education or training program that is not eligible under Sec. 668.8 and that does not include any courses offered in an eligible program. The non-eligible education or training program must be provided by the institution, and taught by one of its instructors, at its main campus or one of its approved additional locations, at another school facility approved by the appropriate State agency or accrediting agency, or at an employer facility. The institution may not count revenue from a non-eligible education or training program for which it merely provides facilities for test preparation courses, acts as a proctor, or oversees a course of self-study. The program must if the program

(A) Be Is approved or licensed by the appropriate State agency;

(B) Be Is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary under 34 CFR part 602;

(C) Provides an industry-recognized credential or certification, or prepares students to take an examination for an industry-recognized credential or certification; issued by an independent third party;

(D) Provides training needed for students to maintain State licensing requirements; or

(E) Provides training needed for students to meet additional licensing requirements for specialized training for practitioners who that already meet the general licensing requirements in that field.

(4) Application of funds. The institution must presume that any Federal Title IV, HEA program funds it disburses, or delivers to, to or on behalf of a student, or determines was provided to a student by another Federal source, will be used to pay the student's tuition, fees, or institutional charges up to the amount of those Federal funds if a student makes a payment to the institution, regardless of whether the institution credits the funds to the student's account or pays the funds directly to the student, except to the extent that the student's tuition, fees, or other charges are satisfied by—

(i) Grant funds provided by non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution;

(A) Non-Federal that do not include Federal or institutional funds, unless the Federal portion of those grant funds can be determined, and that portion of Federal funds is included as Federal funds under this section. If the Federal funds cannot be determined no amount of the grant funds may be included under this section;

(B) Private sources unrelated to the institution, its owners, or affiliates;

(ii) Funds provided under a contractual arrangement with the institution and a Federal, State, or local government agency for the purpose of providing job training to low-income individuals who need that training;

(iii) Funds used by a student from a savings plan for educational expenses established by or on behalf of the student if the saving plan qualifies for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or

(iv) Institutional scholarships that meet the requirements in paragraph (a)(5)(iv) of this section.

(5) Revenue generated from institutional aid. The institution may must include the following institutional aid as revenue:

(i) For loans made to students and credited in full to the students' accounts at the institution and used to satisfy tuition, fees, and other institutional charges, the principal payments made on those loans by current or former students that the institution received during the fiscal year, on or after July 1, 2008 and prior to July 1, 2012, include as revenue the net present value of the loans made to students during the fiscal year, as calculated under paragraph (b) of this section, if the loans are

(A) Bona Are bona fide as evidenced by standalone repayment agreements between the students and the institution that are enforceable promissory notes;

(B) Issued Are issued at intervals related to the institution's enrollment periods;

(C) Subject Are subject to regular loan repayments and collections by the institution; and

(D) Separate Are separate from the enrollment contracts signed by the students.

(ii) Funds from an income share agreement or any other alternative financing agreement in which the agreement is with the institution only or with any entity or individual in the institution’s ownership tree, or with any common ownership of the institution and the entity providing the funds, or if the entity or another entity with common ownership has any other relationships or agreements with the institution, provided that— For loans made to students before July 1, 2008, include as revenue only the amount of payments made on those loans that the institution received during the fiscal year.

(A) The institution clearly identifies the student's institutional charges, and those charges are the same or less than the stated rate for institutional charges;

(B) The agreement clearly identifies the maximum time and maximum amount a student would be required to pay, including the implied or imputed interest rate and any fees and revenue generated for a related third-party, the institution, or any entity described in paragraph (a)(5)(ii) introductory text, for that maximum time period; and

(C) All payments are applied with a portion allocated to the return of capital and a portion allocated to profit. Revenue, interest, and fees are not included in the calculation.

(iii) For loans made to students on or after July 1, 2012, include as revenue only the amount of payments made on those loans that the institution received during the fiscal year.

(iii)(iv) For scholarships provided by the institution in the form of monetary aid or tuition discount and based on the academic achievement or financial need of its students, include as revenue the amount disbursed to students during the fiscal year. The scholarships must be disbursed from an established restricted account and may be included as revenue only to the extent that the funds in the account represent— only to the extent that the funds in that account represent designated funds from an outside source or income earned on those funds.

(A) Designated funds from an outside source that is unrelated to the institution, its owners, or its affiliates; or

(B) Income earned on those funds.

(6) Revenue generated from loan funds in excess of loan limits prior to the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 (ECASLA). For each student who receives an unsubsidized loan under the FFEL or Direct Loan programs on or after July 1, 2008 and prior to July 1, 2011, the amount of the loan disbursement for a payment period that exceeds the disbursement for which the student would have been eligible for that payment period under the loan limit in effect on the day prior to enactment of the ECASLA is included and deemed to be revenue from a source other than Title IV, HEA program funds but only to the extent that the excess amount pays for tuition, fees, or institutional charges remaining on the student's account after other Title IV, HEA program funds are applied.

(6)(7) Funds excluded from revenues. For the fiscal year, the institution does not include—

(i) The amount of Federal Work Study (FWS) wages paid directly to the student. However, if the institution credits the student's account with FWS funds, those funds are included as revenue;

(ii) The amount of funds received by the institution from a State under the LEAP, Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (SLEAP), or Grants for Access and Persistence (GAP) programs;

(iii) The amount of institutional funds used to match Federal education assistance Title IV, HEA program funds;

(iv) The amount of Federal education assistance Title IV, HEA program funds refunded or returned under Sec. 668.22. If any funds from the loan disbursement used in the return calculation under Sec. 668.22 were counted as non-title IV revenue under paragraph (a)(6) of this section, the amount of Title IV, HEA program funds refunded to students or returned to the Secretary under Sec. 668.22 or required to be returned under the applicable program; is considered to consist of pre-ECASLA loan amounts and loan amounts in excess of the loan limits prior to ECASLA in the same proportion to the loan disbursement; or

(v) The amount the student is charged for books, supplies, and equipment unless the institution includes that amount as tuition, fees, or other institutional charges.

(vi) Any amount from the proceeds of the factoring or sale of accounts receivable or institutional loans, regardless of whether the loans were sold with or without recourse;

(vii) Any amount from the sale of an income share agreement or other financing agreement; or

(viii) Any funds, including loans, provided by a third party related to the institution, its owners, or affiliates to a student in any form.

(b)[Reserved] Removed and reserved.

(c) Sanctions. If an institution does not derive at least 10 percent of its revenue from sources other than Federal Title IV, HEA program funds—

(1) For two consecutive fiscal years, it loses its eligibility to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs for at least two fiscal years. To regain eligibility, the institution must demonstrate that it complied with the State licensure and accreditation requirements under 34 CFR 600.5(a)(4) and (a)(6), and the financial responsibility requirements under subpart L of this part, for a minimum of two fiscal years after the fiscal year it became ineligible; or

(2) For any fiscal year, it becomes provisionally certified under Sec. 668.13(c)(1)(ii) for the two fiscal years after the fiscal year it failed to satisfy the revenue requirement in this section. However, the institution's provisional certification terminates on—

(i) The expiration date of the institution's program participation agreement that was in effect on the date the Secretary determined the institution failed this requirement of this section; or

(ii) The date the institution loses its eligibility to participate under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.; and

(3) For any fiscal year, it must notify students of the possibility of loss of title IV eligibility; It must notify the Secretary no later than 45 days after the end of its fiscal year that it failed to meet this requirement.

(4) For any fiscal year, it must report the failure no later than 45 days after the end of its fiscal year, or immediately thereafter if subsequent information is obtained that shows an institution incorrectly determined that it passed the revenue requirement in this section for the prior fiscal year; and

(5) It is liable for any title IV, HEA program funds it disburses after the last day of the fiscal year it becomes ineligible to participate in the title IV, HEA program under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, excluding any funds the institution was entitled to disburse under Sec. 668.26.

Sec. 668.29 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice shall not be affected thereby.

Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 668—Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions (GAO)

About the Regulations

Note: This appendix previously appeared in the General Provisions regulations as Appendix B to Part 668. Effective 7/1/01, it is redesignated as shown here.

Part III Chapter 3—Independence

(a) The Third general standard for governmental auditing is: In matters relating to the audit work, the audit organization and the individual auditors shall maintain an independent attitude.

(b) This standard places upon the auditor and the audit organization the responsibility for maintaining sufficient independence so that their opinions, conclusions, judgments, and recommendations will be impartial. If the auditor is not sufficiently independent to produce unbiased opinions, conclusions, and judgments, he should state in a prominent place in the audit report his relationship with the organization or officials being audited.*1*

*1* If the auditor is not fully independent because he or she is an employee of the audited entity, it will be adequate disclosure to so indicate. If the auditor is a practicing certified public accountant, his or her conduct should be governed by the AICPA "Statements on Auditing Procedure."

(c) The auditor should consider not only whether his or her own attitude and beliefs permit him or her to be independent but also whether there is anything about his or her situation which would lead others to question his or her independence. Both situations deserve consideration since it is important not only that the auditor be, in fact, independent and impartial but also that other persons will consider him or her so.

(d) There are three general classes of impairments that the auditor needs to consider; these are personal, external, and organizational impairments. If one or more of these are of such significance as to affect the auditor's ability to perform his or her work and report its results impartially, he or she should decline to perform the audit or indicate in the report that he or she was not fully independent.

Personal Impairments

There are some circumstances in which an auditor cannot be impartial because of his or her views or his or her personal situation. These circumstances might include:

1. Relationships of an official, professional, and/or personal nature that might cause the auditor to limit the extent or character of the inquiry, to limit disclosure, or to weaken his or her findings in any way.

2. Preconceived ideas about the objective or quality of a particular operation or personal likes or dislikes of individuals, groups, or objectives of a particular program.

3. Previous involvement in a decisionmaking or management capacity in the operations of the governmental entity or program being audited.

4. Biases and prejudices, including those induced by political or social convictions, which result from employment in or loyalty to a particular group, entity, or level of government.

5. Actual or potential restrictive influence when the auditor performs preaudit work and subsequently performs a post audit.

6. Financial interest, direct or indirect, in an organization or facility which is benefiting from the audited programs.

External Impairments

External factors can restrict the audit or impinge on the auditor's ability to form independent and objective opinions and conclusions. For example, under the following conditions either the audit itself could be adversely affected or the auditor would not have complete freedom to make an independent judgment.*2*

*2* Some of these situations may constitute justifiable limitations on the scope of the work. In such cases the limitation should be identified in the auditor's report.

1. Interference or other influence that improperly or imprudently eliminates, restricts, or modifies the scope or character of the audit.

2. Interference with the selection or application of audit procedures or the selection of activities to be examined.

3. Denial of access to such sources of information as books, records, and supporting documents or denial of opportunity to obtain explanations by officials and employees of the governmental organizations, program, or activity under audit.

4. Interference in the assignment of personnel to the audit task.

5. Retaliatory restrictions placed on funds or other resources dedicated to the audit operation.

6. Activity to overrule or significantly influence the auditor's judgment as to the appropriate content of the audit report.

7. Influences that place the auditor's continued employment in jeopardy for reasons other than competency or the need for audit services.

8. Unreasonable restriction on the time allowed to competently complete an audit assignment.

Organizational Impairments

(a) The auditor's independence can be affected by his or her place within the organizational structure of governments. Auditors employed by Federal, State, or local government units may be subject to policy direction from superiors who are involved either directly or indirectly in the government management process. To achieve maximum independence such auditors and the audit organization itself not only should report to the highest practicable echelon within their government but should be organizationally located outside the line-management function of the entity under audit.

(b) These auditors should also be sufficiently removed from political pressures to ensure that they can conduct their auditing objectively and can report their conclusions completely without fear of censure. Whenever feasible they should be under a system which will place decisions on compensation, training, job tenure, and advancement on a merit basis.

(c) When independent public accountants or other independent professionals are engaged to perform work that includes inquiries into compliance with applicable laws and regulations, efficiency and economy of operations, or achievement of program results, they should be engaged by someone other than the officials responsible for the direction of the effort being audited. This practice removes the pressure that may result if the auditor must criticize the performance of those by whom he or she was engaged. To remove this obstacle to independence, governments should arrange to have auditors engaged by officials not directly involved in operations to be audited.

Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 668—Appendix I, Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions (GAO)

About the Regulations

Note: This appendix previously appeared in the General Provisions regulations as Appendix C to Part 668. Effective 7/1/01, it is redesignated as shown here.

Qualifications of Independent Auditors Engaged by Governmental Organizations

(a) When outside auditors are engaged for assignments requiring the expression of an opinion on financial reports of governmental organizations, only fully qualified public accountants should be employed. The type of qualifications, as stated by the Comptroller General, deemed necessary for financial audits of governmental organizations and programs is quoted below:

"Such audits shall be conducted * * * by independent certified public accountants or by independent licensed public accountants, licensed on or before December 31, 1970, who are certified or licensed by a regulatory authority of a State or other political subdivision of the United States: Except that independent public accountants licensed to practice by such regulatory authority after December 31, 1970, and persons who although not so certified or licensed, meet, in the opinion of the Secretary, standards of education and experience representative of the highest prescribed by the licensing authorities of the several States which provide for the continuing licensing of public accountants and which are prescribed by the Secretary in appropriate regulations may perform such audits until December 31, 1975; Provided, That if the Secretary deems it necessary in the public interest, he may prescribe by regulations higher standards than those required for the practice of public accountancy by the regulatory authorities of the States."*3*

*3* Letter (B-148144, September 15, 1970) from the Comptroller General to the heads of Federal departments and agencies. The reference to "Secretary" means the head of the department or agency.

(b) The standards for examination and evaluation require consideration of applicable laws and regulations in the auditor's examination. The standards for reporting require a statement in the auditor's report regarding any significant instances of noncompliance disclosed by his or her examination and evaluation work. What is to be included in this statement requires judgment. Significant instances of noncompliance, even those not resulting in legal liability to the audited entity, should be included. Minor procedural noncompliance need not be disclosed.

(c) Although the reporting standard is generally on an exception basis—that only noncompliance need be reported—it should be recognized that governmental entities often want positive statements regarding whether or not the auditor's tests disclosed instances of noncompliance. This is particularly true in grant programs where authorizing agencies frequently want assurance in the auditor's report that this matter has been considered. For such audits, auditors should obtain an understanding with the authorizing agency as to the extent to which such positive comments on compliance are desired. When coordinated audits are involved, the audit program should specify the extent of comments that the auditor is to make regarding compliance.

(d) When noncompliance is reported, the auditor should place the findings in proper perspective. The extent of instances of noncompliance should be related to the number of cases examined to provide the reader with a basis for judging the prevalence of noncompliance.

Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 668—90/10 Revenue Calculation

About the Regulations

 

SAMPLE STUDENT ACCOUNT LEDGER

Line

Date

Charge/Payment

Memo

Debit

Credit

Balance

1........

12/31/2021

Federal Direct Loan........

.....................................

.......................

1,000.00

(1,000.00)

2........

1/1/2022

Tuition and Fees.............

.....................................

17,000.00

.......................

16,000.00

3........

2/1/2022

Cash Payment................

.....................................

.......................

175.00

15,825.00

4........

2/1/2022

Federal Funds 1..............

.....................................

.......................

2,000.00

13,825.00

5........

2/1/2022

FSEOG...........................

(Fed. 375/Inst. 125)......

.......................

500.00

13,325.00

6........

5/1/2022

Cash Payment................

(Federal funds 3)..........

.......................

500.00

12,825.00

7........

7/1/2022

Federal Pell Grant...........

.....................................

.......................

1,700.00

11,125.00

8........

7/1/2022

Institutional Scholarship.

.....................................

.......................

500.00

10,625.00

9........

7/1/2022

Federal Direct Loan........

.....................................

.......................

1,500.00

 

10.......

7/1/2022

Cash Payment................

(Federal funds 4)..........

.......................

3,700.00

9,125.00

11.......

8/1/2022

Federal Funds 2..............

.....................................

.......................

3,725.00

5,425.00

12.......

9/1/2022

City Grant........................

.....................................

.......................

2,200.00

1,700.00

13.......

9/1/2022

Refund Check.................

.....................................

500.00

.......................

(500.00)

 

Line item in the sample

 

Amount in the sample

Funds Applied First

12 ................

Grant funds for the student from non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution.

2,200.00

 

Funds provided for the student under a contractual arrangement with a Federal, State, or local government agency for the purpose of providing job training to low-income individuals.

 

 

Funds used by a student from savings plans for educational expenses established by or on behalf of the student that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

8

Qualified institutional scholarships disbursed to the student.......................................................

500.00

 

Adjustment: If the amount of Total Funds Applied First is more than Tuition and Fees, then Adjusted Total Funds Applied First is reduced by the amount over Tuition and Fees.

 

Total Funds Applied First...............................................................................................................................

2,700.00

 

Title IV Aid

 

1 ..................

Prior Year Title IV Carried Over Credit Balance .........................................................................

1,000.00

9 ..................

Federal Direct Loan ....................................................................................................................

1,500.00

7 ..................

Federal Pell Grant ......................................................................................................................

1,700.00

5 ..................

FSEOG (subject to matching reduction) ($500 - $375 FSEOG and $125 Institutional Match)
Federal Work Study Applied to Tuition and Fees (subject to matching reduction).

500.00

Line item in the sample

 

Amount in the sample

5 ..................

 

Adjustment: The amount of FSEOG funds disbursed to a student and the amount of FWS funds credited to the student’s account are reduced by the amount of the institutional matching funds.

̶    125.00

 

 

Adjustment: If the amount of Adjusted Total Funds Applied First + Total Student Title IV Revenue is more than Tuition and Fees, then Adjusted Total Student Title IV Revenue is reduced by the amount over Tuition and Fees.

 

 

Adjustment: If Title IV funds are returned for a student under Sec. 668.22, then Student Title IV Revenue is reduced by the amount returned.

 

Adjusted Total Title IV Aid..............................................................................................................................

4,575.00

Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution

4 ..................

Federal Funds 1 .........................................................................................................................

2,000.00

11 ................

Federal Funds 2 .........................................................................................................................

3,725.00

 

Adjustment: If the amount of Adjusted Total Funds Applied First + Adjusted Total Student Title IV Revenue + Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution is more than Tuition and Fees, then Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution is reduced by the amount over Tuition and Fees.

 

Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution .............................................................

5,725.00

Other Federal Funds Paid to Student

6 ..................

Federal Funds 3 .........................................................................................................................

500.00

10 ................

Federal Funds 4 .........................................................................................................................

3,700.00

 

Adjustment: If the amount of Adjusted Funds Applied First + Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue + Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution + Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student is more than Tuition and Fees, then Adjusted Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student is reduced by the amount over Tuition and Fees.

̶    200.00

 

Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student ......................................................................

4,000.00

Cash Payments

3 ..................

Student payments ......................................................................................................................

175.00

5 ..................

 

Adjustment: The amount of FSEOG funds disbursed to a student and the amount of FWS funds credited to the student’s account are added to cash for the institutional matching funds.

125.00

 

 

Adjustment: If the amount of Adjusted Total Funds Applied First + Adjusted Total Student Title IV Revenue + Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution + Adjusted Total Other Federal Funds Paid to Student + Total Cash and Other Non- Title Payments are more than Tuition and Fees, then Adjusted Total Cash and Other Non-Title Payments is reduced by the amount over.

̶    300.00

 

 

 

 

Tuition and Fees .........................................................................................................................

 

Adjusted Total Cash and Other Non-Title IV Aid ...........................................................................................

0

Adjusted Total
All Federal
and Cash
Payments.

17,000.00.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 2—REVENUE BY SOURCE—ONE STUDENT EXAMPLE

Line item in the sample

 

Amount disbursed

Adjusted amount

Student Title IV Revenue

1 ........................

Title IV Credit Balance Carried Over from Prior Year ........................

1,000.00

1,000.00

9 ........................

Federal Direct Loan ...........................................................................

1,500.00

1,500.00

7 ........................

Federal Pell Grant ..............................................................................

1,700.00

1,700.00

5........................

FSEOG (federal portion only) ............................................................

375.00

375.00

Total Student Title IV Revenue ...................................................................................

4,575.00

4,575.00

Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution

6 ........................

Federal Funds 1 ...............................................................................

2,000.00

2,000.00

10 ......................

Federal Funds 2 ...............................................................................

3,725.00

3,725.00

Total Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution ............................

5,725.00

5,725.00

Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Student

4 ........................

Federal Funds 3 .................................................................................

500.00

500.00

11 ......................

Federal Funds 4 .................................................................................

3,700.00

3,700.00

13 ......................

Refunds Paid to Student ....................................................................

.............................

̶    200.00

Adjusted Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student .........................................

4,200.00

4,000.00

Adjusted Student Federal Revenue .......................................................................

14,500.00

14,300.00

Student Non-Federal Revenue

12 ......................

Grant funds for the student from non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution.

2,200.00

2,200.00

8 ........................

Institutional scholarships disbursed to the student ..........................

500.00

500.00

3,5,13.................

Student payments ............................................................................

300.00

0

Student Non-Title IV Revenue ..............................................................................

3,000.00

2,700.00

Total Federal and Non-Federal Revenue .......................................................

17,500.00

17,000.00

 

SECTION 2—REVENUE BY SOURCE—CALCULATION

 

Amount disbursed

Adjusted Amount

Student Title IV Revenue

Title IV Credit Balance Carried Over from Prior Year .........................................................

45,000.00

45,000.00

Federal Direct Loan ............................................................................................................

1,500,000.00

1,500,000.00

Federal Pell Grant ..............................................................................................................

400,700.00

400,700.00

FSEOG (subject to matching reduction) .............................................................................

11,500.00

8,625.00

Total Student Title IV Revenue ...................................................................................

1,957,200.00

1,954,325.00

Refunds Paid to Students ...................................................................................................

 

̶    35,500.00

Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student

Federal Funds 3 ..................................................................................................................

50,000.00

50,000.00

Federal Funds 4 ..................................................................................................................

3,700.00

3,700.00

Total Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student ....................................................

53,700.00

53,700.00

Refunds Paid to Student .....................................................................................................

.............................

̶    200.00

Adjusted Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student ..................................................

53,700.00

53,500.00

Adjusted Student Federal Revenue ....................................................................................

3,575,625.00

3,517,050.00

Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue .....................................................................................

1,957,200.00

1,918,825.00

Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution

Federal Funds 1 ..................................................................................................................

200,000.00

200,000.00

Federal Funds 2 ..................................................................................................................

1,355,725.00

1,355,725.00

Federal Portion of Other Funds ..........................................................................................

9,000.00

9,000.00

Total Student Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution ...........................................

1,564,725.00

1,564,725.00

Refunds Paid to Students ……………………………..………………………………………...

.............................

̶    20,000.00

Adjusted Student Title IV Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution ……………………

1,564,725.00

1,544,725.00

Revenue From Other Sources (Totals for the Fiscal Year)

Activities conducted by the institution that are necessary for education and training ……..

25,000.00

25,000.00

Funds paid to the institution by, or on behalf of, students for education and training in qualified non-Title IV eligible programs ……………………………………………………...

143,000.00

143,000.00

Revenue from Other Sources …………………………………..………………….……...

168,000.00

168,000.00

Adjusted Non-Federal Revenue and Revenue from Other Sources ………………………..

587,800.00

559,500.00

Total Federal and Non-Federal Revenue ………………………………………………..

4,163,425.00

4,076,550.00

 

Student non-Federal revenue

Amount

Adjusted amount

Grant funds for the student from non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution.

 

 

—State Grant (9.0451 percent Federal Funds) ..................................................................

99,500.00

90,500.00

—ABC Scholarship .............................................................................................................

500.00

500.00

Funds provided for the student under a contractual arrangement with a Federal, State, or local government agency for the purpose of providing job training to low-income individuals.

 

 

Funds used by a student from savings plan for educational expenses established by or on behalf of the student that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

 

Qualified institutional scholarships disbursed to the student ..............................................

500.00

500.00

Student payments

 

 

—Third Party Loans ............................................................................................................

50,000.00

50,000.00

—Third Party Loans-related Party/Institutional Loans ........................................................

107,000.00

100,000.00

—ISA Institutional or Related Party ....................................................................................

37,000.00

25,000.00

—ISA ..................................................................................................................................

75,000.00

75,000.00

 

Amount

Adjusted amount

—Student Cash ..................................................................................................................

50,300.00

50,300.00

Student Non-Title IV Revenue ....................................................................................

419,800.00

391,800.00

Refunds Paid to Student .....................................................................................................

 

̶    300.00

Adjusted Non-Federal Revenue .................................................................................

419,800.00

391,500.00

Numerator 3,517,050.

Denominator 4,076,550 = 86.27 percent.

 

SECTION 3—CALCULATING THE REVENUE PERCENTAGE

Σ Adjusted Student Federal Revenue * ÷  Σ Adjusted Student Federal Revenue + Σ Adjusted Non-Federal Revenue and Revenue from Other Sources = 90/10 Revenue Percentage.

* Adjusted Student Federal Revenue = Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue + Adjusted Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to the Institution + Adjusted Other Federal Funds Paid Directly to Student

Σ Adjusted Student Federal Revenue = The sum of the amounts of all Federal funds, as adjusted, for each student at the institution during the fiscal year to whom the institution disbursed Title IV Aid and Other Federal Funds and Federal funds that students directly receive.

Σ Adjusted Non-Federal Revenue = The sum of the amounts of items applied first and adjusted cash payments for each student at the institution during the fiscal year whose non-Federal funds were used to pay all or some of those student’s Tuition and Fee charges.

Section 1: Sample Student Account at the Institution/Funds Applied in Priority Order

Item

 

Debit

Credit

Balance

1

Tuition and Fees

$7,000.00

 

 

 

Funds Applied First

 

 

 

 

 

2

Grant funds for the student from non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution

 

 

 

$2,200.00

 

 

$4,800.00

 

 

 

3

Funds provided for the student under a contractual arrangement with a Federal, State, or local government agency for the purpose of providing job training to low-income individuals

 

 

 

 

 

$4,800.00

 

 

 

4

Funds used by a student from savings plans for educational expenses established by or on behalf of the student that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code

 

 

 

 

 

$4,800.00

5

Institutional scholarships disbursed to the student

 

$500.00

$4,300.00

6

Total Funds Applied First

 

$2,700.00

 

 

Title IV Aid

 

 

 

7

Subsidized Loan

 

$1,000.00

$300.00

8

Unsubsidized Loan up to pre-ECASLA Limits

 

$1,500.00

$1,800.00

9

Federal Pell Grant

 

$1,700.00

$100.00

10

FSEOG (subject to matching reduction)

 

$500.00

($400.00)

 

11

Federal Work Study Applied to Tuition and Fees (subject to matching reduction)

 

 

-

 

($400.00)

12

Total Title IV Aid

 

$4,700.00

 

 

Cash and Other Non-Title IV Aid

 

 

 

 

13

Amount of Unsubsidized Loan Over the pre-ESCALA Loan Limits

 

 

$250.00

 

 ($650.00)

14

Student payments

 

 

($650.00)

15

Institutional loan disbursed

 

$300.00

($950.00)

16

Total Cash and Other Non-Title IV Aid

 

$550.00

 

 

Refund to Student

$950.00

 

 

Section 2: Revenue by Source

 

Item

 

Amount Disbursed

Adjusted Amount

 

Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue

 

 

7

Subsidized Loan

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

8

Unsubsidized Loan up to pre-ECASLA Loan Limits

$1,500.00

$1,500.00

9

Federal Pell Grant

$1,700.00

$1,700.00

 

10

FSEOG (subject to matching reduction, see Section 3, Adjustments to Student Title IV Revenue, item 1)

 

$500.00

 

$375.00

 

11

Federal Work Study Applied to Tuition and Fees (subject to matching reduction)

 

  •  

 

  •  

17

Student Title IV Revenue

 

$4,575.00

 

18

Revenue Adjustment

(see Section 3, Adjustments to Student Title IV Revenue, item 2)

 

($275.00)

19

Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue

 

$4,300.00

 

Student Non-Title IV Revenue

 

 

 

2

Grant funds for the student from non-Federal public agencies or private sources independent of the institution

 

$2,200.00

 

 

 

3

Funds provided for the student under a contractual arrangement with a Federal, State, or local government agency for the purpose of providing job training to low-income individuals

 

 

  •  

 

 

 

4

Funds used by a student from savings plans for educational expenses established by or on behalf of the student that qualify for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code

 

 

  •  

 

5

Institutional scholarships disbursed to the student

$500.00

 

13

Amount of Unsubsidized Loan Over the pre-ECASLA Loan Limits

  •  

 

14

Student payments

  •  

 

20

Student Non-Title IV Revenue

$2,700.00

 

 

Revenue From Other Sources (Totals for the Fiscal Year)

 

 

 

21

Activities conducted by the institution that are necessary for education and training

 

$25,000.00

 

22

Funds paid to the institution by, or on behalf of, students for education and training in qualified non-Title IV eligible programs

 

$43,000

 

 

23

The Net Present Value (NPV) of institutional loans disbursed to students

 

$129,818.68

 

24

Revenue from Other Sources

$197,818.68

 

Section 3: Calculating the Revenue Percentage

?Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue

 

?Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue + ?Student Non-Title IV Revenue + Total Revenue from Other Sources

= 90/10 Revenue Percentage

Adjustments to Student Title IV Revenue

1. The amount of FSEOG funds disbursed to a student (Item 10) and the amount of FWS funds credited to the student's account (Item 11) are reduced by the amount of the institutional matching funds (see Item 10 in Section 2 of the example).

2. If the amount of Funds Applied First (Item 6) + Student Title IV Revenue (Item 17) is more than Tuition and Fees (Item 1), then Student Title IV Revenue (Item 17) is reduced by the amount over Tuition and Fees (Item 1) (see Item 18 in Section 2 of the example).

3. If Title IV funds are returned for a student under 34 CFR 668.22, then Student Title IV Revenue is reduced by the amount returned.

?Adjusted Student Title IV Revenue = The sum of the amounts of Item 17, as adjusted, for each student at the institution during the fiscal year to whom the institution disbursed Title IV Aid

Adjustments to Student Non-Title IV Revenue

An Unsubsidized loan over the pre-ECSALA loan limit (Item 13) and any Student Payments (Item 14) count as Student Non-Title IV Revenue only for the amount needed to cover Tuition and Fees (Item 1) that are not paid by Funds Applied First (Item 6) and funds under Student Title IV Revenue (Item 19) (see Items 13 and 14 in Section 2 of the example.

?Student Non-Title IV Revenue = The sum of the amounts of Item 20, as adjusted, for each student at the institution during the fiscal year whose Non-Title IV funds were used to pay all or some of those student's Tuition and Fee charges

Total Revenue from Other Sources

Activities conducted by the institution that are necessary for education and training (Item 21) = Total revenue generated by the institution from these activities during the fiscal year

Funds paid to the institution by, or on behalf of, students for education and training in qualified non-Title IV eligible programs (Item 22) = Total revenue generated by the institution from these programs during the fiscal year

The Net Present Value (NPV) of institutional loans disbursed to students (Item 23)

Total Revenue from Other Sources = The sum of the amounts for Items 21, 22, and 23 for the fiscal year

Section 4: Calculating the Net present Value

NPV = ?Rt/(1+i)t

An institution makes a total of $125,000 in 3-year loans at 8.5% and a total of $75,000 in 4-year loans at 8.5%. The Discount rate is 3%.

 

Year

Expected
Cash Flow*

Actual Cash Flow (R) using 60% Collection Rate

Discounted Cash Flow

 

1

47340.00

28404.00

28404/(1+.03)1 = 27576.70

3-year

2

47340.00

28404.00

28404/(1+.03)2 = 26773.49

Loans

3

47340.00

28404.00

28404/(1+.03)3 = 25993.68

         

NPV or Sum of the discounted cash flows for 3-year loans = 80348.87

 

Year

Expected
Cash Flow*

Actual Cash Flow (R) using 60% Collection Rate

Discounted Cash Flow

 

1

22183.44

13310.06

13310.06/(1+.03)1 = 12922.39

4-year

2

22183.44

13310.06

13310.06/(1+.03)2 = 12546.01

Loans

3

22183.44

13310.06

13310.06/(1+.03)3 = 12180.59

 

4

22183.44

13310.06

13310.06/(1+.03)4 = 11825.82

         

NPV or Sum of the discounted cash flows for 4-year loans = 49474.81

Total NPV for all loans = 129818.68

*Expected cash flow represents the total amount of payments due on the loans for the fiscal year.

Subpart C—Student Eligibility

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.31 Scope.

This subpart contains rules by which a student establishes eligibility for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. In order to qualify as an eligible student, a student must meet all applicable requirements in this subpart.

Sec. 668.32 Student eligibility—general.

A student is eligible to receive Title IV, HEA program assistance if the student either meets all of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (m) of this section or meets the requirement in paragraph (n) of this section as follows:

(a)(1)(i) Is a regular student enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program at an eligible institution;

(ii) For purposes of the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, is enrolled for no longer than one twelve-month period in a course of study necessary for enrollment in an eligible program; or

(iii) For purposes of the Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as at least a half-time student at an eligible institution in a program necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or secondary school in that State; and

(2) For purposes of the ACG, National SMART Grant, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, is at least a half-time student.

(b) Is not enrolled in either an elementary or secondary school.

(c)(1) For purposes of the ACG, National SMART Grant, and FSEOG programs, does not have a baccalaureate or first professional degree;

(2) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program—

(i)(A) Does not have a baccalaureate or first professional degree; or

(B) Is enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate or licensing program as described in 34 CFR 690.6(c); and

(ii) If the student is a confined or incarcerated individual as defined in 34 CFR 600.2, is enrolled in an eligible prison education program as defined in Sec. 668.236; Is not incarcerated in a Federal or State penal institution;

(3) For purposes of the Federal Perkins Loan, FFEL, and Direct Loan programs, is not incarcerated; and

(4) For the purposes of the TEACH Grant program—

(i) For an undergraduate student other than a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program, has not completed the requirements for a first baccalaureate degree; or

(ii) For the purposes of a student in a first post-baccalaureate program, has not completed the requirements for a post-baccalaureate program as described in 34 CFR 686.2(d).

(d) Satisfies the citizenship and residency requirements contained in Sec. 668.33 and subpart I of this part.

(e)(1) Has a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent;

(2) Has obtained a passing score specified by the Secretary on an independently administered test in accordance with subpart J of this part, and either—;

(i) Was first enrolled in an eligible program before July 1, 2012; or

(ii) Is enrolled in an eligible career pathway program as defined in Sec. 668.2;

(3) Is enrolled in an eligible institution that participates in a State "process" approved by the Secretary under subpart J of this part, and either— ;

(i) Was first enrolled in an eligible program before July 1, 2012; or

(ii) Is enrolled in an eligible career pathway program as defined in Sec. 668.2;

(4) Was home-schooled, and either—

(i) Obtained a secondary school completion credential for home school (other than a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent) provided for under State law; or

(ii) If State law does not require a home-schooled student to obtain the credential described in paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this section, has completed a secondary school education in a home school setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under State law; or

(5) Has been determined by the institution to have the ability to benefit from the education or training offered by the institution based on the satisfactory completion of 6 semester hours, 6 trimester hours, 6 quarter hours, or 225 clock hours that are applicable toward a degree or certificate offered by the institution, and either—.

(i) Was first enrolled in an eligible program before July 1, 2012; or

(ii) Is enrolled in an eligible career pathway program as defined in Sec. 668.2;

(f) Maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her course of study according to the institution's published standards of satisfactory academic progress that meet the requirements of Sec. 668.34.

(g) Except as provided in Sec. 668.35—

(1) Is not in default, and certifies that he or she is not in default, on a loan made under any title IV, HEA loan program;

(2) Has not obtained loan amounts that exceed annual or aggregate loan limits made under any title IV, HEA loan program;

(3) Does not have property subject to a judgment lien for a debt owed to the United States; and

(4) Is not liable for a grant or Federal Perkins loan overpayment. A student receives a grant or Federal Perkins loan overpayment if the student received grant or Federal Perkins loan payments that exceeded the amount he or she was eligible to receive; or if the student withdraws, that exceeded the amount he or she was entitled to receive for non-institutional charges.

(h) Files a Statement of Educational Purpose in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary.

(i) Has a correct social security number as determined under Sec. 668.36, except that this requirement does not apply to students who are residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

(j) Satisfies the Selective Service registration requirements contained in Sec. 668.37, and, if applicable, satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.38 and Sec. 668.39 involving enrollment in telecommunication and correspondence courses and a study abroad program, respectively.

(k) Satisfies the program specific requirements contained in—

(1) 34 CFR 674.9 for the Federal Perkins Loan program;

(2) 34 CFR 675.9 for the FWS program;

(3) 34 CFR 676.9 for the FSEOG program;

(4) 34 CFR 682.201 for the FFEL programs;

(5) 34 CFR 685.200 for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan programs;

(6) 34 CFR 690.75 for the Federal Pell Grant program;

(7) 34 CFR 691.75 for the ACG and National SMART Grant programs;

(8) 34 CFR 692.40 for the LEAP program; and

(9) 34 CFR 686.11 for the TEACH Grant program.

(l) Is not ineligible under Sec. 668.40.

(m) In the case of a student who has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving fraud in obtaining title IV, HEA program assistance, has completed the repayment of such assistance to:

(1) The Secretary; or

(2) The holder, in the case of a title IV, HEA program loan.

(n) Is enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program under subpart O of this part and meets the student eligibility criteria in that subpart.

Sec. 668.33 Citizenship and residency requirements.

About the Regulations

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, to be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance, a student must—

(1) Be a citizen or national of the United States; or

(2) Provide evidence from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that he or she—

(i) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or

(ii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident;

(b)(1) A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau is eligible to receive funds under the FWS, FSEOG, and Federal Pell Grant programs if the student attends an eligible institution in a State, or a public or nonprofit private eligible institution of higher education in those jurisdictions.

(2) A student who satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section is eligible to receive funds under the FWS, FSEOG, and Federal Pell Grant programs if the student attends a public or nonprofit private eligible institution of higher education in the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau.

(c)(1) If a student asserts that he or she is a citizen of the United States on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Secretary attempts to confirm that assertion under a data match with the Social Security Administration. If the Social Security Administration confirms the student's citizenship, the Secretary reports that confirmation to the institution and the student.

(2) If the Social Security Administration does not confirm the student's citizenship assertion under the data match with the Secretary, the student can establish U.S. citizenship by submitting documentary evidence of that status to the institution. Before denying title IV, HEA assistance to a student for failing to establish citizenship, an institution must give a student at least 30 days notice to produce evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Sec. 668.34 Satisfactory academic progress.

About the Regulations

(a) Satisfactory academic progress policy. An institution must establish a reasonable satisfactory academic progress policy for determining whether an otherwise eligible student is making satisfactory academic progress in his or her educational program and may receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. The Secretary considers the institution's policy to be reasonable if—

(1) The policy is at least as strict as the policy the institution applies to a student who is not receiving assistance under the title IV, HEA programs;

(2) The policy provides for consistent application of standards to all students within categories of students, e.g., full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and graduate students, and educational programs established by the institution;

(3) The policy provides that a student's academic progress is evaluated—

(i) At the end of each payment period if the educational program is either one academic year in length or shorter than an academic year; or

(ii) For all other educational programs, at the end of each payment period or at least annually to correspond with the end of a payment period;

(4)(i) The policy specifies the grade point average (GPA) that a student must achieve at each evaluation, or if a GPA is not an appropriate qualitative measure, a comparable assessment measured against a norm; and

(ii) If a student is enrolled in an educational program of more than two academic years, the policy specifies that at the end of the second academic year, the student must have a GPA of at least a "C" or its equivalent, or have academic standing consistent with the institution's requirements for graduation;

(5) The policy specifies—

(i) For all programs, the maximum timeframe as defined in paragraph (b) of this section; and

(ii) For a credit hour program using standard or nonstandard terms that is not a subscription-based program, the pace, measured at each evaluation, at which a student must progress through his or her educational program to ensure that the student will complete the program within the maximum timeframe, calculated by either dividing the cumulative number of hours the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of hours the student has attempted or by determining the number of hours that the student should have completed by the evaluation point in order to complete the program within the maximum timeframe. In making this calculation, the institution is not required to include remedial courses.

(6) The policy describes how a student's GPA and pace of completion are affected by course incompletes, withdrawals, or repetitions, or transfers of credit from other institutions. Credit hours from another institution that are accepted toward the student's educational program must count as both attempted and completed hours;

(7) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, the policy provides that, at the time of each evaluation, a student who has not achieved the required GPA, or who is not successfully completing his or her educational program at the required pace, is no longer eligible to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs;

(8) If the institution places students on financial aid warning, or on financial aid probation, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, the policy describes these statuses and that—

(i) A student on financial aid warning may continue to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs for one payment period despite a determination that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress. Financial aid warning status may be assigned without an appeal or other action by the student; and

(ii) A student on financial aid probation may receive title IV, HEA program funds for one payment period. While a student is on financial aid probation, the institution may require the student to fulfill specific terms and conditions such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. At the end of one payment period on financial aid probation, the student must meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards or meet the requirements of the academic plan developed by the institution and the student to qualify for further title IV, HEA program funds;

(9) If the institution permits a student to appeal a determination by the institution that he or she is not making satisfactory academic progress, the policy describes—

(i) How the student may reestablish his or her eligibility to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs;

(ii) The basis on which a student may file an appeal: The death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances; and

(iii) Information the student must submit regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress, and what has changed in the student's situation that will allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation;

(10) If the institution does not permit a student to appeal a determination by the institution that he or she is not making satisfactory academic progress, the policy must describe how the student may reestablish his or her eligibility to receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs; and

(11) The policy provides for notification to students of the results of an evaluation that impacts the student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to the terms used in this section:

Appeal. Appeal means a process by which a student who is not meeting the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards petitions the institution for reconsideration of the student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program assistance.

Financial aid probation. Financial aid probation means a status assigned by an institution to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress and who has appealed and has had eligibility for aid reinstated.

Financial aid warning. Financial aid warning means a status assigned to a student who fails to make satisfactory academic progress at an institution that evaluates academic progress at the end of each payment period.

Maximum timeframe. Maximum timeframe means—

(1) For an undergraduate program measured in credit hours, a period that is no longer than 150 percent of the published length of the educational program, as measured in credit hours, or expressed in calendar time;

(2) For an undergraduate program measured in clock hours, a period that is no longer than 150 percent of the published length of the educational program, as measured by the cumulative number of clock hours the student is required to complete and expressed in calendar time; and

(3) For a graduate program, a period defined by the institution that is based on the length of the educational program.

(c) Institutions that evaluate satisfactory academic progress at the end of each payment period. (1) An institution that evaluates satisfactory academic progress at the end of each payment period and determines that a student is not making progress under its policy may nevertheless disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student under the provisions of paragraph (c)(2), (c)(3), or (c)(4) of this section.

(2) For the payment period following the payment period in which the student did not make satisfactory academic progress, the institution may—

(i) Place the student on financial aid warning, and disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student; or

(ii) Place a student directly on financial aid probation, following the procedures outlined in paragraph (d)(2) of this section and disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student.

(3) For the payment period following a payment period during which a student was on financial aid warning, the institution may place the student on financial aid probation, and disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student if—

(i) The institution evaluates the student's progress and determines that student did not make satisfactory academic progress during the payment period the student was on financial aid warning;

(ii) The student appeals the determination; and

(iii)(A) The institution determines that the student should be able to meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards by the end of the subsequent payment period; or

(B) The institution develops an academic plan for the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time.

(4) A student on financial aid probation for a payment period may not receive title IV, HEA program funds for the subsequent payment period unless the student makes satisfactory academic progress or the institution determines that the student met the requirements specified by the institution in the academic plan for the student.

(d) Institutions that evaluate satisfactory academic progress annually or less frequently than at the end of each payment period. (1) An institution that evaluates satisfactory academic progress annually or less frequently than at the end of each payment period and determines that a student is not making progress under its policy may nevertheless disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student under the provisions of paragraph (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this section.

(2) The institution may place the student on financial aid probation and may disburse title IV, HEA program funds to the student for the subsequent payment period if—

(i) The institution evaluates the student and determines that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress;

(ii) The student appeals the determination; and

(iii)(A) The institution determines that the student should be able to be make satisfactory academic progress during the subsequent payment period and meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards at the end of that payment period; or

(B) The institution develops an academic plan for the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet the institution's satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific point in time.

(3) A student on financial aid probation for a payment period may not receive title IV, HEA program funds for the subsequent payment period unless the student makes satisfactory academic progress or the institution determines that the student met the requirements specified by the institution in the academic plan for the student.

Sec. 668.35 Student debts under the HEA and to the U.S.

About the Regulations

(a) A student who is in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—

(1) Repays the loan in full; or

(2) Except as limited by paragraph (c) of this section—

(i) Makes arrangements, that are satisfactory to the holder of the loan and in accordance with the individual title IV, HEA loan program regulations, to repay the loan balance; and

(ii) Makes at least six consecutive monthly payments under those arrangements.

(b) A student who is subject to a judgment for failure to repay a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—

(1) Repays the debt in full; or

(2) Except as limited by paragraph (c) of this section—

(i) Makes repayment arrangements that are satisfactory to the holder of the debt; and

(ii) Makes at least six consecutive, voluntary monthly payments under those arrangements.  Voluntary payments are those payments made directly by the borrower, and do not include payments obtained by Federal offset, garnishment, or income or asset execution.

(c) A student who reestablishes eligibility under either paragraph (a)(2) of this section or paragraph (b)(2) of this section may not reestablish eligibility again under either of those paragraphs.

(d) A student who is not in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program, but has inadvertently obtained loan funds under a title IV, HEA loan program in an amount that exceeds the annual or aggregate loan limits under that program, may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—

(1) Repays in full the excess loan amount; or

(2) Makes arrangements, satisfactory to the holder of the loan, to repay that excess loan amount.

(e) Except as provided in 34 CFR 668.22(h), a student who receives an overpayment under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, or under a title IV, HEA grant program, may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if

(1) The student pays the overpayment in full;

(2) The student makes arrangements satisfactory to the holder of the overpayment debt to pay the overpayment;

(3) The overpayment amount is less than $25 and is neither a remaining balance nor a result of the application of the overaward threshold in 34 CFR 673.5(d); or

(4) The overpayment is an amount that a student is not required to return under the requirements of Sec. 668.22(h)(3)(ii)(B).

(f) A student who has property subject to a judgement lien for a debt owed to the United States may nevertheless be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if the student—

(1) Pays the debt in full; or

(2) Makes arrangements, satisfactory to the United States, to pay the debt.

(g) (1) A student is not liable for a Federal Pell Grant overpayment received in an award year if the institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent Federal Pell Grant payments in that same award year.

(2) A student is not liable for an ACG overpayment received in an award year if—

(i) The institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent title IV, HEA program (other than Federal Pell Grant, ACG, or National SMART Grant) payments in that same award year; or

(ii) The institution cannot eliminate the overpayment under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section but can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent ACG payments in that same award year.

(3) A student is not liable for a National SMART Grant overpayment received in an award year if—

(i) The institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent title IV, HEA program (other than Federal Pell Grant, ACG, or National SMART Grant) payments in that same award year; or

(ii) The institution cannot eliminate the overpayment under paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section but can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent National SMART Grant payments in that same award year.

(4) A student is not liable for a TEACH Grant overpayment received in an award year if—

(i) The institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent title IV, HEA program (other than Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, or TEACH Grant) payments in that same award year; or

(ii) The institution cannot eliminate the overpayment under paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this section but can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent TEACH Grant payments in that same award year.

(5) A student is not liable for a FSEOG or LEAP overpayment or Federal Perkins loan overpayment received in an award year if the institution can eliminate that overpayment by adjusting subsequent title IV, HEA program (other than Federal Pell Grant) payments in that same award year.

(h) A student who otherwise is in default on a loan made under a title IV, HEA loan program, or who otherwise owes an overpayment on a title IV, HEA program grant or Federal Perkins loan, is not considered to be in default or owe an overpayment if the student—

(1) Obtains a judicial determination that the debt has been discharged or is dischargeable in bankruptcy; or

(2) Demonstrates to the satisfaction of the holder of the debt that—

(i) When the student filed the petition for bankruptcy relief, the loan, or demand for the payment of the overpayment, had been outstanding for the period required under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8)(A), exclusive of applicable suspensions of the repayment period for either debt of the kind defined in 34 CFR 682.402(m); and

(ii) The debt otherwise qualifies for discharge under applicable bankruptcy law; and

(i) In the case of a student who has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to a crime involving fraud in obtaining title IV, HEA program assistance, has completed the repayment of such assistance to:

(1) The Secretary; or

(2) The holder, in the case of a title IV, HEA program loan.

Sec. 668.36 Social security number.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) Except for residents of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, the Secretary attempts to confirm the social security number a student provides on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) under a data match with the Social Security Administration. If the Social Security Administration confirms that number, the Secretary notifies the institution and the student of that confirmation.

(2) If the student's verified social security number is the same number as the one he or she provided on the FAFSA, and the institution has no reason to believe that the verified social security number is inaccurate, the institution may consider the number to be accurate.

(3) If the Social Security Administration does not verify the student's social security number on the FAFSA, or the institution has reason to believe that the verified social security number is inaccurate, the student can provide evidence to the institution, such as the student's social security card, indicating the accuracy of the student's social security number. An institution must give a student at least 30 days, or until the end of the award year, whichever is later, to produce that evidence.

(4) An institution may not deny, reduce, delay, or terminate a student's eligibility for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs because verification of that student's social security number is pending.

(b)(1) An institution may not disburse any title IV, HEA program funds to a student until the institution is satisfied that the student's reported social security number is accurate.

(2) The institution shall ensure that the Secretary is notified of the student's accurate social security number if the student demonstrates the accuracy of a social security number that is not the number the student included on the FAFSA.

(c) If the Secretary determines that the social security number provided to an institution by a student is incorrect, and that student has not provided evidence under paragraph (a)(3) of this section indicating the accuracy of the social security number, and a loan has been guaranteed for the student under the FFEL program, the institution shall notify and instruct the lender and guaranty agency making and guaranteeing the loan, respectively, to cease further disbursements of the loan, until the Secretary or the institution determines that the social security number provided by the student is correct, but the guaranty may not be voided or otherwise nullified before the date that the lender and the guaranty agency receive the notice.

(d) Nothing in this section permits the Secretary to take any compliance, disallowance, penalty or other regulatory action against—

(1) Any institution of higher education with respect to any error in a social security number, unless the error was the result of fraud on the part of the institution; or

(2) Any student with respect to any error in a social security number, unless the error was the result of fraud on the part of the student.

Sec. 668.37 Selective Service registration.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) To be eligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds, a male student who is subject to registration with the Selective Service must register with the Selective Service.

(2) A male student does not have to register with the Selective Service if the student—

(i) Is below the age of 18, or was born before January 1, 1960;

(ii) Is enrolled in an officer procurement program the curriculum of which has been approved by the Secretary of Defense at the following institutions:

(A) The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina;

(B) North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Georgia;

(C) Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont; or

(D) Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia; or

(iii) Is a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or a member of the Reserve of the Public Health Service who is on active duty as provided in section 6(a)(2) of the Military Selective Service Act.

(b)(1) When the Secretary processes a male student's FAFSA, the Secretary determines whether the student is registered with the Selective Service under a data match with the Selective Service.

(2) Under the data match, Selective Service reports to the Secretary whether its records indicate that the student is registered, and the Secretary reports the results of the data match to the student and the institution the student is attending.

(c)(1) If the Selective Service does not confirm through the data match, that the student is registered, the student can establish that he—

(i) Is registered;

(ii) Is not, or was not required to be, registered;

(iii) Has registered since the submission of the FAFSA; or

(iv) Meets the conditions of paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) An institution must give a student at least 30 days, or until the end of the award year, whichever is later, to provide evidence to establish the condition described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

(d) An institution may determine that a student, who was required to, but did not register with the Selective Service, is not ineligible to receive title IV, HEA assistance for that reason, if the student can demonstrate by submitting clear and unambiguous evidence to the institution that—

(1) He was unable to present himself for registration for reasons beyond his control such as hospitalization, incarceration, or institutionalization; or

(2) He is over 26 and when he was between 18 and 26 and required to register—

(i) He did not knowingly and willfully fail to register with the Selective Service; or

(ii) He served as a member of one of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty and received a DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing military service with other than the reserve forces and National Guard.

(e) For purposes of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, an institution may consider that a student did not knowingly and willfully fail to register with the Selective Service only if—

(1) The student submits to the institution an advisory opinion from the Selective Service System that does not dispute the student's claim that he did not knowingly and willfully fail to register; and

(2) The institution does not have uncontroverted evidence that the student knowingly and willfully failed to register.

(f)(1) A student who is required to register with the Selective Service and has been denied title IV, HEA program assistance because he has not proven to the institution that he has registered with Selective Service may seek a hearing from the Secretary by filing a request in writing with the Secretary. The student must submit with that request—

(i) A statement that he is in compliance with registration requirements;

(ii) A concise statement of the reasons why he has not been able to prove that he is in compliance with those requirements; and

(iii) Copies of all material that he has already supplied to the institution to verify his compliance.

(2) The Secretary provides an opportunity for a hearing to a student who—

(i) Asserts that he is in compliance with registration requirements; and

(ii) Files a written request for a hearing in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this section within the award year for which he was denied title IV, HEA program assistance or within 30 days following the end of the payment period, whichever is later.

(3) An official designated by the Secretary shall conduct any hearing held under paragraph (f)(2) of this section. The sole purpose of this hearing is the determination of compliance with registration requirements. At this hearing, the student retains the burden of proving compliance, by credible evidence, with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act. The designated official shall not consider challenges based on constitutional or other grounds to the requirements that a student state and verify, if required, compliance with registration requirements, or to those registration requirements themselves.

(g) Any determination of compliance made under this section is final unless reopened by the Secretary and revised on the basis of additional evidence.

(h) Any determination of compliance made under this section is binding only for purposes of determining eligibility for title IV, HEA program assistance.

Sec. 668.38 Enrollment in telecommunications and correspondence courses.

About the Regulations

(a) If a student is enrolled in correspondence courses, the student is eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance only if the correspondence courses are part of a program that leads to an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree.

(b)(1) For purposes of this section, a student enrolled in a telecommunications course at an institution of higher education is not enrolled in a correspondence course.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an institution of higher education is one that is not an institute or school described in section 3(3)(C) of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1995.

Sec. 668.39 Study abroad programs.

About the Regulations

A student enrolled in a program of study abroad is eligible to receive title IV, HEA program assistance if—

(a) The student remains enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program at an eligible institution during his or her program of study abroad; and

(b) The eligible institution approves the program of study abroad for academic credit. However, the study abroad program need not be required as part of the student's eligible degree program.

Sec. 668.40 Conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) A student is ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds, for the period described in paragraph (b) of this section, if the student has been convicted of an offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs for conduct that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving title IV, HEA program funds. However, the student may regain eligibility before that time period expires under the conditions described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) For purposes of this section, a conviction means only a conviction that is on a student's record. A conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student's record is not relevant for purposes of this section, nor is a determination or adjudication arising out of a juvenile proceeding.

(3) For purposes of this section, an illegal drug is a controlled substance as defined by section 102(6) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801(6)), and does not include alcohol or tobacco.

(b)(1) Possession. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if a student has been convicted—

(i) Only one time for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds for one year after the date of conviction;

(ii) Two times for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds for two years after the date of the second conviction; or

(iii) Three or more times for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds for an indefinite period after the date of the third conviction.

(2) Sale. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if a student has been convicted—

(i) Only one time for sale of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds for two years after the date of conviction; or

(ii) Two or more times for sale of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for an indefinite period after the date of the second conviction.

(c) If a student successfully completes a drug rehabilitation program described in paragraph (d) of this section after the student's most recent drug conviction, the student regains eligibility on the date the student successfully completes the program.

(d) A drug rehabilitation program referred to in paragraph (c) of this section is one which—

(1) Includes at least two unannounced drug tests; and

(2)(i) Has received or is qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under a Federal, State, or local government program;

(ii) Is administered or recognized by a Federal, State, or local government agency or court;

(iii) Has received or is qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a Federally- or State-licensed insurance company; or

(iv) Is administered or recognized by a Federally- or State-licensed hospital, health clinic or medical doctor.

Subpart D—Student Consumer Information Services

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.41 Reporting and disclosure of information.

(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Athletically related student aid means any scholarship, grant, or other form of financial assistance, offered by an institution, the terms of which require the recipient to participate in a program of intercollegiate athletics at the institution. Other student aid, of which a student-athlete simply happens to be the recipient, is not athletically related student aid.

Certificate or degree-seeking student means a student enrolled in a course of credit who is recognized by the institution as seeking a degree or certificate.

First-time undergraduate student means an entering undergraduate who has never attended any institution of higher education. It includes a student enrolled in the fall term who attended a postsecondary institution for the first time in the prior summer term, and a student who entered with advanced standing (college credit earned before graduation from high school).

Normal time is the amount of time necessary for a student to complete all requirements for a degree or certificate according to the institution's catalog. This is typically four years for a bachelor's degree in a standard term-based institution, two years for an associate degree in a standard term-based institution, and the various scheduled times for certificate programs.

Notice means a notification of the availability of information an institution is required by this subpart to disclose, provided to an individual on a one-to-one basis through an appropriate mailing or publication, including direct mailing through the U.S. Postal Service, campus mail, or electronic mail. Posting on an Internet website or an Intranet website does not constitute a notice.

Official fall reporting date means that date (in the fall) on which an institution must report fall enrollment data to either the State, its board of trustees or governing board, or some other external governing body.

On-campus student housing facility: A dormitory or other residential facility for students that is located on an institution's campus, as defined in Sec. 668.46(a).

Prospective employee means an individual who has contacted an eligible institution for the purpose of requesting information concerning employment with that institution.

Prospective student means an individual who has contacted an eligible institution requesting information concerning admission to that institution.

Undergraduate students, for purposes of Secs. 668.45 and 668.48 only, means students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program, an associate degree program, or a vocational or technical program at or below the baccalaureate level.

(b) Disclosure through Internet or Intranet websites. Subject to paragraphs (c)(2), (e)(2) through (4), or (g)(1)(ii) of this section, as appropriate, an institution may satisfy any requirement to disclose information under paragraph (d), (e), or (g) of this section for—

(1) Enrolled students or current employees by posting the information on an Internet website or an Intranet website that is reasonably accessible to the individuals to whom the information must be disclosed; and

(2) Prospective students or prospective employees by posting the information on an Internet website.

(c) Notice to enrolled students. (1) An institution annually must distribute to all enrolled students a notice of the availability of the information required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraphs (d), (e), and (g) of this section, and pursuant to 34 CFR 99.7 (Sec. 99.7 sets forth the notification requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974). The notice must list and briefly describe the information and tell the student how to obtain the information.

(2) An institution that discloses information to enrolled students as required under paragraph (d), (e), or (g), or (h) of this section by posting the information on an Internet website or an Intranet website must include in the notice described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section—

(i) The exact electronic address at which the information is posted; and

(ii) A statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the information on request.

(d) General disclosures for enrolled or prospective students. An institution must make available to any enrolled student or prospective student through appropriate publications, mailings or electronic media, information concerning—

(1) Financial assistance available to students enrolled in the institution (pursuant to Sec. 668.42).

(2) The institution (pursuant to Sec. 668.43).

(3) The institution's retention rate as reported to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). In the case of a request from a prospective student, the information must be made available prior to the student's enrolling or entering into any financial obligation with the institution.

(4) The institution's completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, its transfer-out rate (pursuant to Sec. 668.45). In the case of a request from a prospective student, the information must be made available prior to the student's enrolling or entering into any financial obligation with the institution.

(5) The placement of, and types of employment obtained by, graduates of the institution's degree or certificate programs.

(i) The information provided in compliance with this paragraph may be gathered from—

(A) The institution's placement rate for any program, if it publishes or uses in advertising such a rate;

(B) State data systems;

(C) Alumni or student satisfaction surveys; or

(D) Other relevant sources.

(ii) Reserved.

(6) The types of graduate and professional education in which graduates of the institution's four-year degree programs enroll.

(i) The information provided in compliance with this paragraph may be gathered from—

(A) State data systems;

(B) Alumni or student satisfaction surveys; or

(C) Other relevant sources.

(ii) The institution must identify the source of the information provided in compliance with this paragraph, as well as any time frames and methodology associated with it.

(e) Annual security report and annual fire safety report. (1) Enrolled students and current employees—annual security report and annual fire safety report. By October 1 of each year, an institution must distribute, to all enrolled students and current employees, its annual security report described in Sec. 668.46(b), and, if the institution maintains an on-campus student housing facility, its annual fire safety report described in Sec. 668.49(b), through appropriate publications and mailings, including—

(i) Direct mailing to each individual through the U.S. Postal Service, campus mail, or electronic mail;

(ii) A publication or publications provided directly to each individual; or

(iii) Posting on an Internet Web site or an Intranet Web site, subject to paragraph (e)(2) and (3) of this section.

(2) Enrolled students—annual security report and annual fire safety report. If an institution chooses to distribute either its annual security report or annual fire safety report to enrolled students by posting the disclosure or disclosures on an Internet Web site or an Intranet Web site, the institution must comply with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this section.

(3) Current employees—annual security report and annual fire safety report. If an institution chooses to distribute either its annual security report or annual fire safety report to current employees by posting the disclosure or disclosures on an Internet Web site or an Intranet Web site, the institution must, by October 1 of each year, distribute to all current employees a notice that includes a statement of the report's availability, the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report's contents, and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request.

(4) Prospective students and prospective employees—annual security report and annual fire safety report. For each of the reports, the institution must provide a notice to prospective students and prospective employees that includes a statement of the report's availability, a description of its contents, and an opportunity to request a copy. An institution must provide its annual security report and annual fire safety report, upon request, to a prospective student or prospective employee. If the institution chooses to provide either its annual security report or annual fire safety report to prospective students and prospective employees by posting the disclosure on an Internet Web site, the notice described in this paragraph must include the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report, and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request.

(5) Submission to the Secretary—annual security report and annual fire safety report. Each year, by the date and in a form specified by the Secretary, an institution must submit the statistics required by Secs. 668.46(c) and 668.49(c) to the Secretary.

(6) Publication of the annual fire safety report. An institution may publish its annual fire safety report concurrently with its annual security report only if the title of the report clearly states that the report contains both the annual security report and the annual fire safety report. If an institution chooses to publish the annual fire safety report separately from the annual security report, it must include information in each of the two reports about how to directly access the other report.

(f) Prospective student-athletes and their parents, high school coach and guidance counselor—report on completion or graduation rates for student-athletes.

(1)(i) Except under the circumstances described in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, when an institution offers a prospective student-athlete athletically related student aid, it must provide to the prospective student-athlete, and his or her parents, high school coach, and guidance counselor, the report produced pursuant to Sec. 668.48(a).

(ii) An institution's responsibility under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section with reference to a prospective student athlete's high school coach and guidance counselor is satisfied if—

(A) The institution is a member of a national collegiate athletic association;

(B) The association compiles data on behalf of its member institutions, which data the Secretary determines are substantially comparable to those required by Sec. 668.48(a); and

(C) The association distributes the compilation to all secondary schools in the United States.

(2) By July 1 of each year, an institution must submit to the Secretary the report produced pursuant to Sec. 668.48.

(g) Enrolled students, prospective students, and the public—report on athletic program participation rates and financial support data.

(1)(i) An institution of higher education subject to Sec. 668.47 must, not later than October 15 of each year, make available to enrolled students, prospective students, and the public, the report produced pursuant to Sec. 668.47(c). The institution must make the report easily accessible to students, prospective students, and the public and must provide the report promptly to anyone who requests it.

(ii) The institution must provide notice to all enrolled students, pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and prospective students of their right to request the report described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If the institution chooses to make the report available by posting the disclosure on an Internet website or an Intranet website, it must provide in the notice the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report, and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report on request. For prospective students, the institution may not use an Intranet website for this purpose.

(2) An institution must submit the report described in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section to the Secretary within 15 days of making it available to students, prospective students, and the public.

(h) Enrolled students, prospective students, and the public—disclosure of an institution's use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements and/or class action waivers as a condition of enrollment for students receiving title IV Federal student aid. (1)(i) An institution of higher education that requires students receiving title IV Federal student aid to accept or agree to a pre-dispute arbitration agreement and/or a class action waiver as a condition of enrollment must make available to enrolled students, prospective students, and the public, a written (electronic) plain language disclosure of those conditions of enrollment. This plain language disclosure also must state that: The school cannot require the borrower to participate in arbitration or any internal dispute resolution process offered by the institution prior to filing a borrower defense to repayment application with the Department pursuant to Sec. 685.206(e); the school cannot, in any way, require students to limit, relinquish, or waive their ability to pursue filing a borrower defense claim, pursuant to Sec. 685.206(e) at any time; and any arbitration, required by a pre-dispute arbitration agreement, tolls the limitations period for filing a borrower defense to repayment application pursuant to Sec. 685.206(e)(6)(ii).

(ii) All statements in the plain language disclosure must be in 12-point font on the institution's admissions information web page and in the admissions section of the institution's catalogue. The institution may not rely solely on an intranet website for the purpose of providing this notice to prospective students or the public.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph (h), the following definitions apply:

(i) Class action means a lawsuit or an arbitration proceeding in which one or more parties seeks class treatment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 or any State process analogous to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.

(ii) Class action waiver means any agreement or part of an agreement, regardless of its form or structure, between a school, or a party acting on behalf of a school, and a student that relates to the making of a Direct Loan or the provision of educational services for which the student received title IV funding and prevents an individual from filing or participating in a class action that pertains to those services.

(iii) Pre-dispute arbitration agreement means any agreement or part of an agreement, regardless of its form or structure, between a school, or a party acting on behalf of a school, and a student requiring arbitration of any future dispute between the parties relating to the making of a Direct Loan or provision of educational services for which the student received title IV funding.

Sec. 668.42 Financial assistance information.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) Information on financial assistance that the institution must publish and make readily available to current and prospective students under this subpart includes, but is not limited to, a description of all the Federal, State, local, private and institutional student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at that institution.

(2) These programs include both need-based and non-need-based programs.

(3) The institution may describe its own financial assistance programs by listing them in general categories.

(4) The institution must describe the terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

(b) For each program referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, the information provided by the institution must describe—

(1) The procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance;

(2) The student eligibility requirements;

(3) The criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants; and

(4) The criteria for determining the amount of a student's award.

(c) The institution must describe the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance and, specifically, assistance under the title IV, HEA programs. This description must include specific information regarding—

(1) Criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;

(2)(i) Standards which the student must maintain in order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress in his or her course of study for the purpose of receiving financial assistance; and

(ii) Criteria by which the student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may re-establish his or her eligibility for financial assistance;

(3) The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to the students and the frequency of those disbursements;

(4) The terms of any loan received by a student as part of the student's financial assistance package, a sample loan repayment schedule for sample loans and the necessity for repaying loans;

(5) The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided to a student as part of the student's financial assistance package; and

(6) The exit counseling information the institution provides and collects as required by 34 CFR 674.42 for borrowers under the Federal Perkins Loan Program, by 34 CFR 685.304 for borrowers under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and by 34 CFR 682.604 for borrowers under the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

Sec. 668.43 Institutional Information.

About the Regulations

(a) Institutional information that the institution must make readily available to enrolled and prospective students under this subpart includes, but is not limited to—

(1) The cost of attending the institution, including—

(i) Tuition and fees charged to full-time and part-time students;

(ii) Estimates of costs for necessary books and supplies;

(iii) Estimates of typical charges for room and board;

(iv) Estimates of transportation costs for students; and

(v) Any additional cost of a program in which the student is enrolled or expresses a specific interest;

(2) Any refund policy with which the institution is required to comply for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of costs paid to the institution;

(3) The requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from the institution;

(4) A summary of the requirements under Sec. 668.22 for the return of title IV grant or loan assistance;

(5) The academic program of the institution, including—

(i) The current degree programs and other educational and training programs;

(ii) The instructional, laboratory, and other physical facilities which relate to the academic program;

(iii) The institution's faculty and other instructional personnel;

(iv) Any plans by the institution for improving the academic program of the institution, upon a determination by the institution that such a plan exists; and

(v) If an educational program is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation, or is advertised as meeting such requirements, a list of all States where the institution has determined, including as part of the institution’s obligation under Sec. 668.14(b)(32), that the program does and does not meet such requirements; information regarding whether completion of that program would be sufficient to meet licensure requirements in a State for that occupation, including—

(A) A list of all States for which the institution has determined that its curriculum meets the State educational requirements for licensure or certification;

(B) A list of all States for which the institution has determined that its curriculum does not meet the State educational requirements for licensure or certification; and

(C) A list of all States for which the institution has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the State educational requirements for licensure or certification; and

(vi) If a prison education program, as defined in Sec. 668.236, is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation (as described in Sec. 668.236(a)(7) and (8)), information regarding whether that occupation typically involves State or Federal prohibitions on the licensure or employment of formerly confined or incarcerated individuals in any other State for which the institution has made a determination about State prohibitions on the licensure or certification of formerly confined or incarcerated individuals;

(6) The names of associations, agencies or governmental bodies that accredit, approve or license the institution and its programs and the procedures by which documents describing that activity may be reviewed under paragraph (b) of this section;

(7) A description of the services and facilities available to students with disabilities, including students with intellectual disabilities as defined in subpart O of this part;

(8) The titles of persons designated under Sec. 668.44 and information regarding how and where those persons may be contacted;

(9) A statement that a student's enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the Title IV, HEA programs;

(10) Institutional policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement, including—

(i) A statement that explicitly informs its students that unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject the students to civil and criminal liabilities;

(ii) A summary of the penalties for violation of Federal copyright laws;

(iii) A description of the institution's policies with respect to unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, including disciplinary actions that are taken against students who engage in illegal downloading or unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution's information technology system;

(11) A description of the transfer of credit policies established by the institution which must include a statement of the institution's current transfer of credit policies that includes, at a minimum—

(i) Any established criteria the institution uses regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution; and any types of institutions or sources from which the institution will not accept credits;

(ii) A list of institutions with which the institution has established an articulation agreement; and

(iii) Written criteria used to evaluate and award credit for prior learning experience including, but not limited to, service in the armed forces, paid or unpaid employment, or other demonstrated competency or learning;

(12) A description in the program description of written arrangements the institution has entered into in accordance with Sec. 668.5, including, but not limited to, information on—

(i) The portion of the educational program that the institution that grants the degree or certificate is not providing;

(ii) The name and location of the other institutions or organizations that are providing the portion of the educational program that the institution that grants the degree or certificate is not providing;

(iii) The method of delivery of the portion of the educational program that the institution that grants the degree or certificate is not providing; and

(iv) Estimated additional costs students may incur as the result of enrolling in an educational program that is provided, in part, under the written arrangement.

(13) The percentage of those enrolled, full-time students at the institution who—

(i) Are male;

(ii) Are female;

(iii) Receive a Federal Pell Grant; and

(iv) Are a self-identified member of a racial or ethnic group;

(14) If the institution's accrediting agency or State requires the institution to calculate and report a placement rate, the institution's placement in employment of, and types of employment obtained by, graduates of the institution's degree or certificate programs, gathered from such sources as alumni surveys, student satisfaction surveys, the National Survey of Student Engagement, the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, State data systems, or other relevant sources approved by the institution's accrediting agency as applicable;

(15) The types of graduate and professional education in which graduates of the institution's four-year degree programs enrolled, gathered from such sources as alumni surveys, student satisfaction surveys, the National Survey of Student Engagement, State data systems, or other relevant sources;

(16) The fire safety report prepared by the institution pursuant to Sec. 668.49;

(17) The retention rate of certificate or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time, undergraduate students entering the institution;

(18) Institutional policies regarding vaccinations;

(19) If the institution is required to maintain a teach-out plan by its accrediting agency, notice that the institution is required to maintain such teach-out plan and the reason that the accrediting agency required such plan under Sec. 602.24(c)(1); and

(20) If an enforcement action or prosecution is brought against the institution by a State or Federal law enforcement agency in any matter where a final judgment against the institution, if rendered, would result in an adverse action by an accrediting agency against the institution, revocation of State authorization, or limitation, suspension, or termination of eligibility under title IV, notice of that fact.

(b) The institution must make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution's accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student's complaint.

(c)(1) If the institution has made a determination under paragraph (a)(5)(v) of this section that the program's curriculum does not meet the State educational requirements for licensure or certification in the State in which a prospective student is located, or if the institution has not made a determination regarding whether the program's curriculum meets the State educational requirements for licensure or certification, the institution must provide notice to that effect to the student prior to the student's enrollment in the institution in accordance with Sec. 668.14(b)(32). in the program.

(2) If the institution makes a determination under paragraph (a)(5)(v)(B) of this section that a program's curriculum does not meet the State educational requirements for licensure or certification in a State in which a student who is currently enrolled in such program is located, the institution must provide notice to that effect to the student within 14 calendar days of making such determination.

(3)(i) Disclosures under paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section must be made directly to the student in writing, which may include through email or other electronic communication.

(ii)(A) For purposes of this paragraph (c), an institution must make a determination regarding the State in which a student is located in accordance with the institution's policies or procedures, which must be applied consistently to all students.

(B) The institution must, upon request, provide the Secretary with written documentation of its determination of a student's location under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, including the basis for such determination.

(C) An institution must make a determination regarding the State in which a student is located at the time of the student's initial enrollment in an educational program and, if applicable, upon formal receipt of information from the student, in accordance with the institution's procedures under paragraph (c)(3)(ii)(A) of this section, that the student's location has changed to another State.

(d)(1) Program information website. Beginning on July 1, 2026, the Secretary will establish and maintain a website with information about institutions and their educational programs. For this purpose, an institution must provide to the Department such information about the institution and its programs as the Secretary prescribes through a notice published in the Federal Register. The Secretary may conduct consumer testing to inform the design of the website.

(i) The website must include, but is not limited to, the following items, to the extent reasonably available:

(A) The published length of the program in calendar time (i.e., weeks, months, years).

(B) The total number of individuals enrolled in the program during the most recently completed award year.

(C) The total cost of tuition and fees, and the total cost of books, supplies, and equipment, that a student would incur for completing the program within the published length of the program.

(D) Of the individuals enrolled in the program during the most recently completed award year, the percentage who received a Direct Loan Program loan, a private loan, or both for enrollment in the program.

(E) As calculated by the Secretary, the median loan debt of students who completed the program during the most recently completed award year or for all students who completed or withdrew from the program during that award year.

(F) As provided by the Secretary, the median earnings of students who completed the program or of all students who completed or withdrew from the program, during a period determined by the Secretary.

(G) Whether the program is programmatically accredited and the name of the accrediting agency, as reported to the Secretary.

(H) As calculated by the Secretary, the program’s debt-to-earnings rates.

(I) As calculated by the Secretary, the program’s earnings premium measure.

(ii) The website may also include other information deemed appropriate by the Secretary, such as the following items:

(A) The primary occupations (by name, SOC code, or both) that the program prepares students to enter, along with links to occupational profiles on O*NET (www.onetonline.org) or its successor site.

(B) As reported to or calculated by the Secretary, the program or institution’s completion rates and withdrawal rates for full-time and less-than-full-time students.

(C) As calculated by the Secretary, the medians of the total cost of tuition and fees, and the total cost of books, supplies, and equipment, and the total net cost of attendance paid by students completing the program.

(D) As calculated by the Secretary, the loan repayment rate for students or graduates who entered repayment on Direct Loan Program loans during a period determined by the Secretary.

(E) Whether students who graduate from a program are required to complete postgraduation training program to obtain licensure before eligible for independent practice.

(2) Program web pages. The institution must provide a prominent link to, and any other needed information to access, the website maintained by the Secretary on any web page containing academic, cost, financial aid, or admissions information about the program or institution. The Secretary may require the institution to modify a web page if the information is not sufficiently prominent, readily accessible, clear, conspicuous, or direct.

(3) Distribution to prospective students. The institution must provide the relevant information to access the website maintained by the Secretary to any prospective student, or a third party acting on behalf of the prospective student, before the prospective student signs an enrollment agreement, completes registration, or makes a financial commitment to the institution.

(4) Distribution to enrolled students. The institution must provide the relevant information to access the website maintained by the Secretary to any enrolled title IV, HEA recipient prior to the start date of the first payment period associated with each subsequent award year in which the student continues enrollment at the institution. 

Sec. 668.44 Availability of employees for information dissemination purposes.

About the Regulations

(a) Availability. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section each institution shall designate an employee or group of employees who shall be available on a full-time basis to assist enrolled or prospective students in obtaining the information specified in Sec. 668.42, 668.43, 668.45, and 668.46.

(2) If the institution designates one person, that person shall be available, upon reasonable notice, to any enrolled or prospective student throughout the normal administrative working hours of that institution.

(3) If more than one person is designated, their combined work schedules must be arranged so that at least one of them is available, upon reasonable notice, throughout the normal administrative working hours of that institution.

(b) Waiver. (1) The Secretary may waive the requirement that the employee or group of employees designated under paragraph (a) of this section be available on a full-time basis if the institution's total enrollment, or the portion of the enrollment participating in the Title IV, HEA programs, is too small to necessitate an employee or group of employees being available on a full-time basis.

(2) In determining whether an institution's total enrollment or the number of Title IV, HEA program recipients is too small, the Secretary considers whether there will be an insufficient demand for information dissemination services among its enrolled or prospective students to necessitate the full-time availability of an employee or group of employees.

(3) To receive a waiver, the institution shall apply to the Secretary at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.

(c) The granting of a waiver under paragraph (b) of this section does not exempt an institution from designating a specific employee or group of employees to carry out on a part-time basis the information dissemination requirements.

Sec. 668.45 Information on completion or graduation rates.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) An institution annually must prepare the completion or graduation rate of its certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time undergraduate students, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) An institution that determines that its mission includes providing substantial preparation for students to enroll in another eligible institution must prepare the transfer-out rate of its certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time undergraduate students, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.

(3)(i) An institution that offers a predominant number of its programs based on semesters, trimesters, or quarters must base its completion or graduation rate, retention rate, and, if applicable, transfer-out rate calculations, on the cohort of certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time undergraduate students who enter the institution during the fall term of each year.

(ii) An institution not covered by the provisions of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section must base its completion or graduation rate, retention rate, and, if applicable, transfer-out rate calculations, on the cohort of certificate- or degree-seeking, first-time, full-time undergraduate students who enter the institution between September 1 of one year and August 31 of the following year.

 (4)(i) An institution covered by the provisions of paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section must count as an entering student a first-time undergraduate student who is enrolled as of October 15, the end of the institution's drop-add period, or another official reporting date as defined in Sec. 668.41(a).

(ii) An institution covered by paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section must count as an entering student a first-time undergraduate student who is enrolled for at least—

(A) 15 days, in a program of up to, and including, one year in length; or

(B) 30 days, in a program of greater than one year in length.

(5) An institution must make available its completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate, no later than the July 1 immediately following the 12-month period ending August 31 during which 150 percent of the normal time for completion or graduation has elapsed for all of the students in the group on which the institution bases its completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate calculations.

(6)(i) Completion or graduation rate information must be disaggregated by gender, by each major racial and ethnic subgroup (as defined in IPEDS), by recipients of a Federal Pell Grant, by recipients of a Federal Family Education Loan or a Federal Direct Loan (other than an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan made under the Federal Family Education Loan Program or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan) who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant, and by recipients of neither a Federal Pell Grant nor a Federal Family Education Loan or a Federal Direct Loan (other than an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan made under the Federal Family Education Loan Program or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan) if the number of students in such group or with such status is sufficient to yield statistically reliable information and reporting will not reveal personally identifiable information about an individual student. If such number is not sufficient for such purpose, i.e., is too small to be meaningful, then the institution shall note that the institution enrolled too few of such students to so disclose or report with confidence and confidentiality.

(ii) With respect to the requirement in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section to disaggregate the completion or graduation rate information by the receipt or nonreceipt of Federal student aid, students shall be considered to have received the aid in question only if they received such aid for the period specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

(iii) The requirement in paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section shall not apply to two-year, degree-granting institutions of higher education until academic year 2011–2012.

(b) In calculating the completion or graduation rate under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an institution must count as completed or graduated—

(1) Students who have completed or graduated by the end of the 12-month period ending August 31 during which 150 percent of the normal time for completion or graduation from their program has lapsed; and

(2) Students who have completed a program described in Sec. 668.8(b)(1)(ii), or an equivalent program, by the end of the 12-month period ending August 31 during which 150 percent of normal time for completion from that program has lapsed.

(c) In calculating the transfer-out rate under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, an institution must count as transfers-out students who by the end of the 12-month period ending August 31 during which 150 percent of the normal time for completion or graduation from the program in which they were enrolled has lapsed, have not completed or graduated but have subsequently enrolled in any program of an eligible institution for which its program provided substantial preparation.

(d) For the purpose of calculating a completion or graduation rate and a transfer-out rate, an institution may—

(1) Exclude students who—

(i) Have left school to serve in the Armed Forces;

(ii) Have left school to serve on official church missions;

(iii) Have left school to serve with a foreign aid service of the Federal Government, such as the Peace Corps;

(iv) Are totally and permanently disabled; or

(v) Are deceased.

(2) In cases where the students described in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section represent 20 percent or more of the certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time, undergraduate students at the institution, recalculate the completion or graduation rates of those students by adding to the 150 percent time-frame they normally have to complete or graduate, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, the time period the students were not enrolled due to their service in the Armed Forces, on official church missions, or with a recognized foreign aid service of the Federal Government.

(e)(1) The Secretary grants a waiver of the requirements of this section dealing with completion and graduation rate data to any institution that is a member of an athletic association or conference that has voluntarily published completion or graduation rate data, or has agreed to publish data, that the Secretary determines are substantially comparable to the data required by this section.

(2) An institution that receives a waiver of the requirements of this section must still comply with the requirements of Sec. 668.41(d)(3) and (f).

(3) An institution, or athletic association or conference applying on behalf of an institution, that seeks a waiver under paragraph (e)(1) of this section must submit a written application to the Secretary that explains why it believes the data the athletic association or conference publishes are accurate and substantially comparable to the information required by this section.

(f) In addition to calculating the completion or graduation rate required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an institution may, but is not required to—

(1) Calculate a completion or graduation rate for students who transfer into the institution;

(2) Calculate a completion or graduation rate for students described in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section; and

(3) Calculate a transfer-out rate as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if the institution determines that its mission does not include providing substantial preparation for its students to enroll in another eligible institution.

Sec. 668.46 Institutional security policies and crime statistics.

About the Regulations

(a) Definitions. Additional definitions that apply to this section:

Business day: Monday through Friday, excluding any day when the institution is closed.

Campus: (i) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution's educational purposes, including residence halls; and

(ii) Any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the area identified in paragraph (i) of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).

Campus security authority: (i) A campus police department or a campus security department of an institution.

(ii) Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department under paragraph (i) of this definition, such as an individual who is responsible for monitoring entrance into institutional property.

(iii) Any individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses.

(iv) An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. If such an official is a pastoral or professional counselor as defined below, the official is not considered a campus security authority when acting as a pastoral or professional counselor.

Clery geography. (i)For the purposes of collecting statistics on the crimes listed in paragraph (c) of this section for submission to the Department and inclusion in an institution's annual security report, Clery geography includes—

(A) Buildings and property that are part of the institution's campus;

(B) The institution's noncampus buildings and property; and

(C) Public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

(ii) For the purposes of maintaining the crime log required in paragraph (f) of this section, Clery geography includes, in addition to the locations in paragraph (i) of this definition, areas within the patrol jurisdiction of the campus police or the campus security department.

Dating violence. Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.

(i) The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party's statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

(ii) For the purposes of this definition—

(A) Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.

(B) Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

(iii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and Sec. 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Domestic violence. (i) A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed—

(A) By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;

(B) By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;

(C) By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;

(D) By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or

(E) By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

(ii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and Sec. 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. A nationwide, cooperative statistical effort in which city, university and college, county, State, Tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies voluntarily report data on crimes brought to their attention. The UCR program also serves as the basis for the definitions of crimes in Appendix A to this subpart and the requirements for classifying crimes in this subpart.

Hate crime. A crime reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator's bias against the victim. For the purposes of this section, the categories of bias include the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and disability.

Hierarchy Rule. A requirement in the FBI's UCR program that, for purposes of reporting crimes in that system, when more than one criminal offense was committed during a single incident, only the most serious offense be counted.

Noncampus building or property: (i) Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or

(ii) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.

Pastoral counselor: A person who is associated with a religious order or denomination, is recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling, and is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.

Professional counselor: A person whose official responsibilities include providing mental health counseling to members of the institution's community and who is functioning within the scope of the counselor's license or certification.

Programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. (i)">Comprehensive, intentional, and integrated programming, initiatives, strategies, and campaigns intended to end dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking that—

(A) Are culturally relevant, inclusive of diverse communities and identities, sustainable, responsive to community needs, and informed by research or assessed for value, effectiveness, or outcome; and

(B) Consider environmental risk and protective factors as they occur on the individual, relationship, institutional, community, and societal levels.

(ii) Programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking include both primary prevention and awareness programs directed at incoming students and new employees and ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns directed at students and employees, as defined in paragraph (j)(2) of this section.

Public property: All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Referred for campus disciplinary action: The referral of any person to any campus official who initiates a disciplinary action of which a record is kept and which may result in the imposition of a sanction.

Sexual assault. An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI's UCR program and included in Appendix A of this subpart.

Stalking. (i) Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—

(A) Fear for the person's safety or the safety of others; or

(B) Suffer substantial emotional distress.

(ii) For the purposes of this definition—

(A) Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person's property.

(B) Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.

(C) Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

(iii) For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and section 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Test: Regularly scheduled drills, exercises, and appropriate follow-through activities, designed for assessment and evaluation of emergency plans and capabilities.

(b) Annual security report. An institution must prepare an annual security report that contains, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) The crime statistics described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) A statement of policies regarding procedures for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus. This statement must include the institution's policies concerning its response to these reports, including—

(i) Policies for making timely warning reports to members of the campus community, as required by paragraph (e) of this section, regarding the occurrence of crimes described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section;

(ii) Policies for preparing the annual disclosure of crime statistics;

(iii) A list of the titles of each person or organization to whom students and employees should report the criminal offenses described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section for the purpose of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure; and

(iv) Policies or procedures for victims or witnesses to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

(3) A statement of policies concerning security of and access to campus facilities, including campus residences, and security considerations used in the maintenance of campus facilities.

(4) A statement of policies concerning campus law enforcement that—

(i) Addresses the enforcement authority and jurisdiction of security personnel;

(A) and Whether those security personnel have the authority to make arrests; and

(B) Any agreements, such as written memoranda of understanding between the institution and such agencies, for the investigation of alleged criminal offenses.

(ii) Addresses the working relationship of campus security with State and local police agencies, including—

(iii) Encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the campus police and the appropriate police agencies, when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report; and

(iv) Describes procedures, if any, that encourage pastoral counselors and professional counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling of any procedures to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

(5) A description of the type and frequency of programs designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.

(6) A description of programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of crimes.

(7) A statement of policy concerning the monitoring and recording through local police agencies of criminal activity by students at noncampus locations of student organizations officially recognized by the institution, including student organizations with noncampus housing facilities.

(8) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and enforcement of State underage drinking laws.

(9) A statement of policy regarding the possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs and enforcement of Federal and State drug laws.

(10) A description of any drug or alcohol-abuse education programs, as required under section 120(a) through (d) of the HEA, otherwise known as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, an institution may cross-reference the materials the institution uses to comply with section 120(a) through (d) of the HEA.

(11) A statement of policy regarding the institution's programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section, and of procedures that the institution will follow when one of these crimes is reported. The statement must include—

(i) A description of the institution's educational programs and campaigns to promote the awareness of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as required by paragraph (j) of this section;

(ii) Procedures should follow if a crime of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking has occurred, including written information about—

(A) The importance of preserving evidence that may assist in proving that the alleged criminal offense> occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protection order;

(B) How and to whom the alleged offense should be reported;

(C) Options about the involvement of law enforcement and campus authorities, including notification of the victim's option to—

(1) Notify proper law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police;

(2) Be assist by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement authoritiesif the victim so chooses; and

(3) Decline to notify such authorities; and

(D) Where applicable, the rights of victims and the institution's responsibilities for orders of protection, "no-contact" orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court or by the institution;

(iii) Information about how the institution will protect the confidentiality of victims and other necessary parties, including how the institution will—

(A) Complete publicly available recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without the inclusion of personally identifying information about the victim, as defined in section 40002(a)(20) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)(20)); and

(B) Maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide the accommodations or protective measures;

(iv) A statement that the institution will provide written notification to students and employees about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, or other services for victims, both within the institution and in the community;

(v) A statement that the institution will provide written notification to victims about options for, available assistance in, and how to request changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations or protective measures. The institution must make such accommodations or provide such protective measures if the victim requests them and if they are reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus police or local law enforcement;

(vi) An explanation of the procedures for institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as required by paragraph (k) of this section; and

(vii) A statement that, when a student or employee reports to the institution that the student or employee has been a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, whether the offense occurred on or off campus, the institution will provide the student or employee a written explanation of the student's or employee's rights and options, as described in paragraphs (b)(11)(ii) through (vi) of this section.

(12) A statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State under section 121 of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16921), concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained, such as the law enforcement office of the institution, a local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the campus, or a computer network address.

(13) A statement of policy regarding emergency response and evacuation procedures, as required by paragraph (g) of this section.

(14) A statement of policy regarding missing student notification procedures, as required by paragraph (h) of this section.

(c) Crime statistics—(1) Crimes that must be reported and disclosed. An institution must report to the Department and disclose in its annual security report statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning the number of each of the following crimes that occurred on or within its Clery geography and that are reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority:

(i) Primary crimes, including—

(A) Criminal homicide:

(1) Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter; and

(2)Negligent manslaughter.

(B) Sex offenses:

(1) Rape;

(2) Fondling;

(3) Incest; and

(4) Statutory rape.

(C) Robbery.

(D) Aggravated assault.

(E) Burglary.

(F) Motor vehicle theft.

(G) Arson.

(ii) Arrests and referrals for disciplinary actions, including—

(A) Arrests for liquor law violations, drug law violations, and illegal weapons possession.

(B) Persons not included in paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(A) of this section who were referred for campus disciplinary action for liquor law violations, drug law violations, and illegal weapons possession.

(iii) Hate crimes, including—

(A) The number of each type of crime in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section that are determined to be hate crimes; and

(B) The number of the following crimes that are determined to be hate crimes:

(1) Larceny-theft.

(2) Simple assault.

(3) Intimidation.

(4) Destruction/damage/vandalism of property.

(iv) Dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking as defined in paragraph (a) of this section.

(2) All reported crimes must be recorded. (i) An institution must include in its crime statistics all crimes listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section occurring on or within its Clery geography that are reported to a campus security authority for purposes of Clery Act reporting. Clery Act reporting does not require initiating an investigation or disclosing personally identifying information about the victim, as defined in section 40002(a)(20) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)(20)).

(ii) An institution may not withhold, or subsequently remove, a reported crime from its crime statistics based on a decision by a court, coroner, jury, prosecutor, or other similar noncampus official.

(iii) An institution may withhold, or subsequently remove, a reported crime from its crime statistics in the rare situation where sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel have fully investigated the reported crime and, based on the results of this full investigation and evidence, have made a formal determination that the crime report is false or baseless and therefore "unfounded." Only sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel may "unfound" a crime report for purposes of reporting under this section. The recovery of stolen property, the low value of stolen property, the refusal of the victim to cooperate with the prosecution, and the failure to make an arrest do not "unfound" a crime report.

(A) An institution must report to the Department and disclose in its annual security report statistics the total number of crime reports listed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section that were "unfounded" and subsequently withheld from its crime statistics pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section during each of the three most recent calendar years.

(B) [Reserved]

(3) Crimes must be recorded by calendar year. (i) An institution must record a crime statistic for the calendar year in which the crime was reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority.

(ii) When recording crimes of stalking by calendar year, an institution must follow the requirements in paragraph (c)(6) of this section.

(4) Hate crimes must be recorded by category of bias. For each hate crime recorded under paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section, an institution must identify the category of bias that motivated the crime. For the purposes of this paragraph, the categories of bias include the victim's actual or perceived—

(i) Race;

(ii) Gender;

(iii) Gender identity;

(iv) Religion;

(v) Sexual orientation;

(vi) Ethnicity;

(vii) National origin; and

(viii) Disability.

(5) Crimes must be recorded by location. (i) An institution must specify whether each of the crimes recorded under paragraph (c)(1) of this section occurred—

(A) On campus

(B) In or on a noncampus building or property; or

(C) On public property.

(ii) An institution must identify, of the crimes that occurred on campus, the number that took place in dormitories or other residential facilities for students on campus.

(iii) When recording stalking by location, an institution must follow the requirements in paragraph (c)(6) of this section.

(6) Recording reports of stalking. (i) When recording reports of stalking that include activities in more than one calendar year, an institution must record a crime statistic for each and every year in which the course of conduct is reported to a local police agency or to a campus security authority.

(ii) An institution must record each report of stalking as occurring at only the first location within the institution's Clery geography in which:

(A) A perpetrator engaged in the stalking course of conduct; or

(B) A victim first became aware of the stalking.

(7) Identification of the victim or the accused. The statistics required under paragraph (c) of this section may not include the identification of the victim or the person accused of committing the crime.

(8) Pastoral and professional counselor. An institution is not required to report statistics under paragraph (c) of this section for crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor.

(9) Using the FBI's UCR program and the Hierarchy Rule. (i) An institution must compile the crime statistics for murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, liquor law violations, drug law violations, and illegal weapons possession using the definitions of those crimes from the “Summary Reporting System (SRS) User Manual” from the FBI's UCR Program, as provided in Appendix A to this subpart

(ii) An institution must compile the crime statistics for fondling, incest, and statutory rape using the definitions of those crimes from the "National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) User Manual" from the FBI's UCR Program, as provided in Appendix A to this subpart.

(iii) An institution must compile the crime statistics for the hate crimes of larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation, and destruction/damage/vandalism of property using the definitions provided in the "Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines and Training Manual" from the FBI's UCR Program, as provided in Appendix A to this subpart.

(iv) An institution must compile the crime statistics for dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking using the definitions provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

(v) In counting crimes when more than one offense was committed during a single incident, an institution must conform to the requirements of the Hierarchy Rule in the "Summary Reporting System (SRS) User Manual.

(vi) If arson is committed, an institution must always record the arson in its statistics, regardless of whether or not it occurs in the same incident as another crime.

(vii) If rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape occurs in the same incident as a murder, an institution must record both the sex offense and the murder in its statistics.

(10) Use of a map. In complying with the statistical reporting requirements under this paragraph (c) of this section, an institution may provide a map to current and prospective students and employees that depicts its campus, noncampus buildings or property, and public property areas if the map accurately depicts its campus, noncampus buildings or property, and public property areas.

(11) Statistics from police agencies. (i) In complying with the statistical reporting requirements under paragraph (c)of this section, an institution must make a reasonable, good-faith effort to obtain statistics for crimes that occurred on or within the institution's Clery geography and may rely on the information supplied by a local or State police agency.

(ii) If the institution makes such a reasonable, good-faith effort, it is not responsible for the failure of the local or State police agency to supply the required statistics.

(d) Separate campus. An institution must comply with the requirements of this section for each separate campus.

(e) Timely warning and emergency notification. (1) An institution must, in a manner that is timely  and that withholds as confidential the names and other identifying information of victims, as defined in section 40002(a)(20) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)(20)), and that will aid in the prevention of similar crimes, report to the campus community on crimes that are—

(i) Described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section;

(ii) Reported to campus security authorities as identified under the institution's statement of current campus policies pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section or local police agencies; and

(iii) Considered by the institution to represent a threat to students and employees.

(2) An institution is not required to provide a timely warning with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor.

(3) If there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus, as described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, an institution must follow its emergency notification procedures. An institution that follows its emergency notification procedures is not required to issue a timely warning based on the same circumstances; however, the institution must provide adequate follow-up information to the community as needed.

(f) Crime log. (1) An institution that maintains a campus police or a campus security department must maintain a written, easily understood daily crime log that records, by the date the crime was reported, any crime that occurred within its Clery geography, as described in paragraph (ii) of the definition of Clery geography in paragraph (a) of this section, and that is reported to the campus police or the campus security department. This log must include—

(i) The nature, date, time, and general location of each crime; and

(ii) The disposition of the complaint, if known.

(2) The institution must make an entry or an addition to an entry to the log within two business days, as defined under paragraph (a) of this section, of the report of the information to the campus police or the campus security department, unless that disclosure is prohibited by law or would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim.

(3)(i) An institution may withhold information required under paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this section if there is clear and convincing evidence that the release of the information would—

(A) Jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual;

(B) Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection; or

(C) Result in the destruction of evidence.

(ii) The institution must disclose any information withheld under paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section once the adverse effect described in that paragraph is no longer likely to occur.

(4) An institution may withhold under paragraph (f)(2) and (3) of this section only that information that would cause the adverse effects described in those paragraphs.

(5) The institution must make the crime log for the most recent 60-day period open to public inspection during normal business hours. The institution must make any portion of the log older than 60 days available within two business days of a request for public inspection.

(g) Emergency response and evacuation procedures. An institution must include a statement of policy regarding its emergency response and evacuation procedures in the annual security report. This statement must include—

(1) The procedures the institution will use to immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on the campus;

(2) A description of the process the institution will use to—

(i) Confirm that there is a significant emergency or dangerous situation as described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section;

(ii) Determine the appropriate segment or segments of the campus community to receive a notification;

(iii) Determine the content of the notification; and

(iv) Initiate the notification system.

(3) A statement that the institution will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency;

(4) A list of the titles of the person or persons or organization or organizations responsible for carrying out the actions described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section;

(5) The institution's procedures for disseminating emergency information to the larger community; and

(6) The institution's procedures to test the emergency response and evacuation procedures on at least an annual basis, including—

(i) Tests that may be announced or unannounced;

(ii) Publicizing its emergency response and evacuation procedures in conjunction with at least one test per calendar year; and

(iii) Documenting, for each test, a description of the exercise, the date, time, and whether it was announced or unannounced.

(h) Missing student notification policies and procedures. (1) An institution that provides any on-campus student housing facility must include a statement of policy regarding missing student notification procedures for students who reside in on-campus student housing facilities in its annual security report. This statement must—

(i) Indicate a list of titles of the persons or organizations to which students, employees, or other individuals should report that a student has been missing for 24 hours;

(ii) Require that any missing student report must be referred immediately to the institution's police or campus security department, or, in the absence of an institutional police or campus security department, to the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction in the area;

(iii) Contain an option for each student to identify a contact person or persons whom the institution shall notify within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, if the student has been determined missing by the institutional police or campus security department, or the local law enforcement agency;

(iv) Advise students that their contact information will be registered confidentially, that this information will be accessible only to authorized campus officials, and that it may not be disclosed, except to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation;

(v) Advise students that if they are under 18 years of age and not emancipated, the institution must notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student; and

(vi) Advise students that the institution will notify the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, unless the local law enforcement agency was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing.

(2) The procedures that the institution must follow when a student who resides in an on-campus student housing facility is determined to have been missing for 24 hours include—

(i) If the student has designated a contact person, notifying that contact person within 24 hours that the student is missing;

(ii) If the student is under 18 years of age and is not emancipated, notifying the student's custodial parent or guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours that the student is missing; and

(iii) Regardless of whether the student has identified a contact person, is above the age of 18, or is an emancipated minor, informing the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction in the area within 24 hours that the student is missing.

(i) [Reserved]

(j) Programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As required by paragraph (b)(11) of this section, an institution must include in its annual security report a statement of policy that addresses the institution's programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

(1) The statement must include—

(i) A description of the institution's primary prevention and awareness programs for all incoming students and new employees, which must include—

(A) A statement that the institution prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as those terms are defined in paragraph (a) of this section;

(B) The definition of "dating violence," "domestic violence," "sexual assault," and "stalking" in the applicable jurisdiction;

(C) The definition of "consent," in reference to sexual activity, in the applicable jurisdiction;

(D) A description of safe and positive options for bystander intervention;

(E) Information on risk reduction; and

(F) The information described in paragraphs (b)(11) and (k)(2) of this section; and

(ii) A description of the institution's ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees, including information described in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) through (F) of this section.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph (j)—

(i) Awareness programs means community-wide or audience-specific programming, initiatives, and strategies that increase audience knowledge and share information and resources to prevent violence, promote safety, and reduce perpetration.

(ii) Bystander intervention means safe and positive options that may be carried out by an individual or individuals to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Bystander intervention includes recognizing situations of potential harm, understanding institutional structures and cultural conditions that facilitate violence, overcoming barriers to intervening, identifying safe and effective intervention options, and taking action to intervene.

(iii) Ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns means programming, initiatives, and strategies that are sustained over time and focus on increasing understanding of topics relevant to and skills for addressing dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, using a range of strategies with audiences throughout the institution and including information described in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) through (F) of this section.

(iv) Primary prevention programs means programming, initiatives, and strategies informed by research or assessed for value, effectiveness, or outcome that are intended to stop dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking before they occur through the promotion of positive and healthy behaviors that foster healthy, mutually respectful relationships and sexuality, encourage safe bystander intervention, and seek to change behavior and social norms in healthy and safe directions.

(v) Risk reduction means options designed to decrease perpetration and bystander inaction, and to increase empowerment for victims in order to promote safety and to help individuals and communities address conditions that facilitate violence.

(3) An institution's programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking must include, at a minimum, the information described in paragraph (j)(1) of this section.

(k) Procedures for institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. As required by paragraph (b)(11)(vi) of this section, an institution must include in its annual security report a clear statement of policy that addresses the procedures for institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section, and that—

(1)(i) Describes each type of disciplinary proceeding used by the institution; the steps, anticipated timelines, and decision-making process for each type of disciplinary proceeding; how to file a disciplinary complaint; and how the institution determines which type of proceeding to use based on the circumstances of an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;

(ii) Describes the standard of evidence that will be used during any institutional disciplinary proceeding arising from an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;

(iii) Lists all of the possible sanctions that the institution may impose following the results of any institutional disciplinary proceeding for an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and

(iv) Describes the range of protective measures that the institution may offer to the victim following an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;

(2) Provides that the proceedings will—

(i) Include a prompt, fair, and impartial process from the initial investigation to the final result;

(ii) Be conducted by officials who, at a minimum, receive annual training on the issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and on how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability;

(iii) Provide the accuser and the accused with the same opportunities to have others present during any institutional disciplinary proceeding, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by the advisor of their choice;

(iv) Not limit the choice of advisor or presence for either the accuser or the accused in any meeting or institutional disciplinary proceeding; however, the institution may establish restrictions regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceedings, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties; and

(v) Require simultaneous notification, in writing, to both the accuser and the accused, of—

(A) The result of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;

(B) The institution's procedures for the accused and the victim to appeal the result of the institutional disciplinary proceeding, if such procedures are available;

(C) Any change to the result; and

(D) When such results become final.

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph (k)—

(i) A prompt, fair, and impartial proceeding includes a proceeding that is—

(A) Completed within reasonably prompt timeframes designated by an institution's policy, including a process that allows for the extension of timeframes for good cause with written notice to the accuser and the accused of the delay and the reason for the delay;

(B) Conducted in a manner that—

(1) Is consistent with the institution's policies and transparent to the accuser and accused;

(2) Includes timely notice of meetings at which the accuser or accused, or both, may be present; and

(3) Provides timely and equal access to the accuser, the accused, and appropriate officials to any information that will be used during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings; and

(C) Conducted by officials who do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the accuser or the accused.

(ii) Advisor< means any individual who provides the accuser or accused support, guidance, or advice.

(iii) Proceeding means all activities related to a non-criminal resolution of an institutional disciplinary complaint, including, but not limited to, factfinding investigations, formal or informal meetings, and hearings. Proceeding does not include communications and meetings between officials and victims concerning accommodations or protective measures to be provided to a victim.

(iv) Result means any initial, interim, and final decision by any official or entity authorized to resolve disciplinary matters within the institution. The result must include any sanctions imposed by the institution. Notwithstanding section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g), commonly referred to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the result must also include the rationale for the result and the sanctions.

(l) Compliance with paragraph (k) of this section does not constitute a violation of FERPA.

(m) Prohibition on retaliation. An institution, or an officer, employee, or agent of an institution, may not retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under any provision in this section.

Sec. 668.47 Report on athletic program participation rates and financial support data.

About the Regulations

(a) Applicability. This section applies to a co-educational institution of higher education that—

(1) Participates in any title IV, HEA program; and

(2) Has an intercollegiate athletic program.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply for purposes of this section only.

(1) Expenses.—(i) Expenses means expenses attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities. This includes appearance guarantees and options, athletically related student aid, contract services, equipment, fundraising activities, operating expenses, promotional activities, recruiting expenses, salaries and benefits, supplies, travel, and any other expenses attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities.

(ii) Operating expenses means all expenses an institution incurs attributable to home, away, and neutral-site intercollegiate athletic contests (commonly known as "game-day expenses"), for—

(A) Lodging, meals, transportation, uniforms, and equipment for coaches, team members, support staff (including, but not limited to team managers and trainers), and others; and

(B) Officials.

(iii) Recruiting expenses means all expenses an institution incurs attributable to recruiting activities. This includes, but is not limited to, expenses for lodging, meals, telephone use, and transportation (including vehicles used for recruiting purposes) for both recruits and personnel engaged in recruiting, any other expenses for official and unofficial visits, and all other expenses related to recruiting.

(2) Institutional salary means all wages and bonuses an institution pays a coach as compensation attributable to coaching.

(3)(i) Participants means students who, as of the day of a varsity team's first scheduled contest—

(A) Are listed by the institution on the varsity team's roster;

(B) Receive athletically related student aid; or

(C) Practice with the varsity team and receive coaching from one or more varsity coaches.

(ii) Any student who satisfies one or more of the criteria in paragraphs (b)(3)(i)(A) through (C) of this section is a participant, including a student on a team the institution designates or defines as junior varsity, freshman, or novice, or a student withheld from competition to preserve eligibility (i.e., a redshirt), or for academic, medical, or other reasons.

(4) Reporting year means a consecutive twelve-month period of time designated by the institution for the purposes of this section.

(5) Revenues means revenues attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities. This includes revenues from appearance guarantees and options, an athletic conference, tournament or bowl games, concessions, contributions from alumni and others, institutional support, program advertising and sales, radio and television, royalties, signage and other sponsorships, sports camps, State or other government support, student activity fees, ticket and luxury box sales, and any other revenues attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities.

(6) Undergraduate students means students who are consistently designated as such by the institution.

(7) Varsity team means a team that—

(i) Is designated or defined by its institution or an athletic association as a varsity team; or

(ii) Primarily competes against other teams that are designated or defined by their institutions or athletic associations as varsity teams.

(c) Report. An institution described in paragraph (a) of this section must annually, for the preceding reporting year, prepare a report that contains the following information:

(1) The number of male and the number of female full-time undergraduate students that attended the institution.

(2) A listing of the varsity teams that competed in intercollegiate athletic competition and for each team the following data:

(i) The total number of participants as of the day of its first scheduled contest of the reporting year, the number of participants who also participated on another varsity team, and the number of other varsity teams on which they participated.

(ii) Total operating expenses attributable to the team, except that an institution may report combined operating expenses for closely related teams, such as track and field or swimming and diving. Those combinations must be reported separately for men's and women's teams.

(iii) In addition to the data required by paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, an institution may report operating expenses attributable to the team on a per-participant basis.

(iv)(A) Whether the head coach was male or female, was assigned to the team on a full-time or part-time basis, and, if assigned on a part-time basis, whether the head coach was a full-time or part-time employee of the institution.

(B) The institution must consider graduate assistants and volunteers who served as head coaches to be head coaches for the purposes of this report.

(v)(A) The number of assistant coaches who were male and the number of assistant coaches who were female, and, within each category, the number who were assigned to the team on a full-time or part-time basis, and, of those assigned on a part-time basis, the number who were full-time and part-time employees of the institution.

(B) The institution must consider graduate assistants and volunteers who served as assistant coaches to be assistant coaches for purposes of this report.

(3) The unduplicated head count of the individuals who were listed under paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section as a participant on at least one varsity team, by gender.

(4)(i) Revenues derived by the institution according to the following categories (Revenues not attributable to a particular sport or sports must be included only in the total revenues attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities, and, if appropriate, revenues attributable to men's sports combined or women's sports combined. Those revenues include, but are not limited to, alumni contributions to the athletic department not targeted to a particular sport or sports, investment interest income, and student activity fees.):

(A) Total revenues attributable to its intercollegiate athletic activities.

(B) Revenues attributable to all men's sports combined.

(C) Revenues attributable to all women's sports combined.

(D) Revenues attributable to football.

(E) Revenues attributable to men's basketball.

(F) Revenues attributable to women's basketball.

(G) Revenues attributable to all men's sports except football and basketball, combined.

(H) Revenues attributable to all women's sports except basketball, combined.

(ii) In addition to the data required by paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section, an institution may report revenues attributable to the remainder of the teams, by team.

(5) Expenses incurred by the institution, according to the following categories (Expenses not attributable to a particular sport, such as general and administrative overhead, must be included only in the total expenses attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities.):

(i) Total expenses attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities.

(ii) Expenses attributable to football.

(iii) Expenses attributable to men's basketball.

(iv) Expenses attributable to women's basketball.

(v) Expenses attributable to all men's sports except football and basketball, combined.

(vi) Expenses attributable to all women's sports except basketball, combined.

(6) The total amount of money spent on athletically related student aid, including the value of waivers of educational expenses, aggregately for men's teams, and aggregately for women's teams.

(7) The ratio of athletically related student aid awarded male athletes to athletically related student aid awarded female athletes.

(8) The total amount of recruiting expenses incurred, aggregately for all men's teams, and aggregately for all women's teams.

(9)(i) The average annual institutional salary of the non-volunteer head coaches of all men's teams, across all offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary of the non-volunteer head coaches of all women's teams, across all offered sports, on a per person and a per full-time equivalent position basis. These data must include the number of persons and full-time equivalent positions used to calculate each average.

(ii) If a head coach has responsibilities for more than one team and the institution does not allocate that coach's salary by team, the institution must divide the salary by the number of teams for which the coach has responsibility and allocate the salary among the teams on a basis consistent with the coach's responsibilities for the different teams.

(10)(i) The average annual institutional salary of the non-volunteer assistant coaches of men's teams, across all offered sports, and the average annual institutional salary of the non-volunteer assistant coaches of women's teams, across all offered sports, on a per person and a full-time equivalent position basis. These data must include the number of persons and full-time equivalent positions used to calculate each average.

(ii) If an assistant coach had responsibilities for more than one team and the institution does not allocate that coach's salary by team, the institution must divide the salary by the number of teams for which the coach has responsibility and allocate the salary among the teams on a basis consistent with the coach's responsibilities for the different teams.

Sec. 668.48 Report on completion or graduation rates for student-athletes.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) Annually, by July 1, an institution that is attended by students receiving athletically-related student aid must produce a report containing the following information:

(i) The number of students, categorized by race and gender, who attended that institution during the year prior to the submission of the report.

(ii) The number of students described in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section who received athletically-related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport.

(iii) The completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of all the entering, certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time, undergraduate students described in Sec. 668.45(a)(1), categorized by race and gender.

(iv) The completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of the entering students described in Sec. 668.45(a)(1) who received athletically-related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport.

(v) The average completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate for the four most recent completing or graduating classes of entering students described in Sec. 668.45(a)(1) categorized by race and gender. If an institution has completion or graduation rates and, if applicable, transfer-out rates for fewer than four of those classes, it must disclose the average rate of those classes for which it has rates.

(vi) The average completion or graduation rate and, if applicable, transfer-out rate of the four most recent completing or graduating classes of entering students described in Sec. 668.45(a)(1) who received athletically-related student aid, categorized by race and gender within each sport. If an institution has completion or graduation rates and, if applicable, transfer-out rates for fewer than four of those classes, it must disclose the average rate of those classes for which it has rates.

(2) For purposes of this section, sport means—

(i) Basketball;

(ii) Football;

(iii) Baseball;

(iv) Cross-country and track combined; and

(v) All other sports combined.

(3) If a category of students identified in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) above contains five or fewer students, the institution need not disclose information on that category of students.

(b) The provisions of Sec. 668.45 (a), (b), (c) and (d) apply for purposes of calculating the completion or graduation rates and, if applicable, transfer-out rates required under paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) through (vi) of this section.

(c) Each institution of higher education described in paragraph (a) of this section may also provide to students and the Secretary supplemental information containing—

(1) The graduation or completion rate of the students who transferred into the institution; and

(2) The number of students who transferred out of the institution.

(d) The provisions of Section 668.45(e) apply for purposes of this section.

Sec. 668.49 Institutional fire safety policies and fire statistics.

About the Regulations

(a) Additional definitions that apply to this section.

Cause of fire: The factor or factors that give rise to a fire. The causal factor may be, but is not limited to, the result of an intentional or unintentional action, mechanical failure, or act of nature.

Fire: Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.

Fire drill: A supervised practice of a mandatory evacuation of a building for a fire.

Fire-related injury: Any instance in which a person is injured as a result of a fire, including an injury sustained from a natural or accidental cause, while involved in fire control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers of the fire. The term "person" may include students, employees, visitors, firefighters, or any other individuals.

Fire-related death: Any instance in which a person—

(1) Is killed as a result of a fire, including death resulting from a natural or accidental cause while involved in fire control, attempting rescue, or escaping from the dangers of a fire; or

(2) Dies within one year of injuries sustained as a result of the fire.

Fire safety system: Any mechanism or system related to the detection of a fire, the warning resulting from a fire, or the control of a fire. This may include sprinkler systems or other fire extinguishing systems, fire detection devices, stand-alone smoke alarms, devices that alert one to the presence of a fire, such as horns, bells, or strobe lights; smoke-control and reduction mechanisms; and fire doors and walls that reduce the spread of a fire.

Value of property damage: The estimated value of the loss of the structure and contents, in terms of the cost of replacement in like kind and quantity. This estimate should include contents damaged by fire, and related damages caused by smoke, water, and overhaul; however, it does not include indirect loss, such as business interruption.

(b) Annual fire safety report. Beginning by October 1, 2010, an institution that maintains any on-campus student housing facility must prepare an annual fire safety report that contains, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) The fire statistics described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) A description of each on-campus student housing facility fire safety system.

(3) The number of fire drills held during the previous calendar year.

(4) The institution's policies or rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames in a student housing facility.

(5) The institution's procedures for student housing evacuation in the case of a fire.

(6) The policies regarding fire safety education and training programs provided to the students and employees. In these policies, the institution must describe the procedures that students and employees should follow in the case of a fire.

(7) For purposes of including a fire in the statistics in the annual fire safety report, a list of the titles of each person or organization to which students and employees should report that a fire occurred.

(8) Plans for future improvements in fire safety, if determined necessary by the institution.

(c) Fire statistics. (1) An institution must report statistics for each on-campus student housing facility, for the three most recent calendar years for which data are available, concerning—

(i) The number of fires and the cause of each fire;

(ii) The number of persons who received fire-related injuries that resulted in treatment at a medical facility, including at an on-campus health center;

(iii) The number of deaths related to a fire; and

(iv) The value of property damage caused by a fire.

(2) An institution is required to submit a copy of the fire statistics in paragraph (c)(1) of this section to the Secretary on an annual basis.

(d) Fire log. (1) An institution that maintains on-campus student housing facilities must maintain a written, easily understood fire log that records, by the date that the fire was reported, any fire that occurred in an on-campus student housing facility. This log must include the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire.

(2) An institution must make an entry or an addition to an entry to the log within two business days, as defined under Sec. 668.46(a), of the receipt of the information.

(3) An institution must make the fire log for the most recent 60-day period open to public inspection during normal business hours. The institution must make any portion of the log older than 60 days available within two business days of a request for public inspection.

(4) An institution must make an annual report to the campus community on the fires recorded in the fire log. This requirement may be satisfied by the annual fire safety report described in paragraph (b) of this section.

Sec. 668.50 Severability.

About the Regulations

In any provision of the subpart of its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice shall not be affected thereby.

Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 668—Crime Definitions in Accordance With the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program

About the Regulations

Note: This appendix previously appeared in the General Provisions regulations as Appendix E to Part 668. Effective 7/1/01, it is redesignated as shown here.

The following definitions are to be used for reporting the crimes listed in Sec. 668.46, in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The definitions for murder, rape, robbery,aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, weapons: carrying, possessing, etc., law violations, drug abuse violations, and liquor law violations are from the “Summary Reporting System (SRS) User Manual” from the FBI's UCR Program. The definitions of fondling, incest, and statutory rape are excerpted from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) User Manual” from the FBI's UCR Program. The definitions of larceny-theft (except motor vehicle theft), simple assault, intimidation, and destruction/damage/vandalism of property are from the Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines and Training Manual” from the FBI's UCR Program.

Crime Definitions From the Summary Reporting System (SRS) User Manual From the FBI's UCR Program

Arson

Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Criminal Homicide—Manslaughter by Negligence

The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Criminal Homicide—Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter

The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another.

Rape

The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

Robbery

The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Aggravated Assault

An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.)

Burglary

The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Motor Vehicle Theft

The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandonedincluding joyriding.)

Weapons: Carrying, Possessing, Etc.

The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.

Drug Abuse Violations

The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use. The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance. Arrests for violations of State and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs.

Liquor Law Violations

The violation of State or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.

Crime Definitions From the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) User Manual from the FBI's UCR Program

Sex Offenses

Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

A Fondling—The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

B. Incest—Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

C. Statutory Rape— Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Crime Definitions From the Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines and Training Manual From the FBI's UCR Program

Larceny-Theft (Except Motor Vehicle Theft)

The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Attempted larcenies are included. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, worthless checks, etc., are excluded.

Simple Assault

An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.

Intimidation

To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property

To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Subpart E—Verification and Updating of Student Aid Application Information

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.51 General.

(a) Scope and purpose. The regulations in this subpart govern the verification by institutions of information submitted by applicants for student financial assistance under the subsidized financial assistance programs.

(b) Applicant responsibility. If the Secretary or the institution requests documents or information from an applicant under this subpart, the applicant must provide the specified documents or information.

(c) Foreign schools. The Secretary exempts from the provisions of this subpart participating institutions that are not located in a State.

Sec. 668.52 Definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Specified year: (1) The calendar year preceding the first calendar year of an award year, i.e., the base year; or

(2) The year preceding the year described in paragraph (1) of this definition.

Subsidized student financial assistance programs: Title IV, HEA programs for which eligibility is determined on the basis of an applicant's EFC. These programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Perkins Loan, and Direct Subsidized Loan programs.

Unsubsidized student financial assistance programs: Title IV, HEA programs for which eligibility is not based on an applicant's EFC. These programs include the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and Direct PLUS Loan programs.

Sec. 668.53 Policies and procedures.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution must establish and use written policies and procedures for verifying an applicant's FAFSA information in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. These policies and procedures must include—

(1) The time period within which an applicant must provide any documentation requested by the institution in accordance with Sec. 668.57;

(2) The consequences of an applicant's failure to provide the requested documentation within the specified time period;

(3) The method by which the institution notifies an applicant of the results of its verification if, as a result of verification, the applicant's EFC changes and results in a change in the applicant's assistance under the title IV, HEA programs;

(4) The procedures the institution will follow itself or the procedures the institution will require an applicant to follow to correct FAFSA information determined to be in error; and

(5) The procedures for making referrals under Sec. 668.16(g).

(b) An institution's procedures must provide that it will furnish, in a timely manner, to each applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification a clear explanation of—

(1) The documentation needed to satisfy the verification requirements; and

(2) The applicant's responsibilities with respect to the verification of FAFSA information, including the deadlines for completing any actions required under this subpart and the consequences of failing to complete any required action.

(c) An institution's procedures must provide that an applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification is required to complete verification before the institution exercises any authority under section 479A(a) of the HEA to make changes to the applicant's cost of attendance or to the values of the data items required to calculate the EFC.

Sec. 668.54 Selection of an applicant's FAFSA information for verification.

About the Regulations

(a) General requirements. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an institution must require an applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification by the Secretary, to verify the information specified by the Secretary pursuant to Sec. 668.56.

(2) If an institution has reason to believe that an applicant's FAFSA information is inaccurate, it must verify the accuracy of that information.

(3) An institution may require an applicant to verify any FAFSA information that it specifies.

(4) If an applicant is selected to verify FAFSA information under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the institution must require the applicant to verify the information as specified in Sec. 668.56 if the applicant is selected for a subsequent verification of FAFSA information, except that the applicant is not required to provide documentation for the FAFSA information previously verified for the applicable award year to the extent that the FAFSA information previously verified remains unchanged.

(b) Exclusions from verification. (1) An institution need not verify an applicant's FAFSA information if

(i) The applicant dies;

(ii) The applicant does not receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs for reasons other than failure to verify FAFSA information;

(iii) The applicant is eligible to receive only unsubsidized student financial assistance; or

(iv) The applicant who transfers to the institution, had previously completed verification at the institution from which he or she transferred, and applies for assistance based on the same FAFSA information used at the previous institution, if the current institution obtains a letter from the previous institution

(A) Stating that it has verified the applicant's information; and

(B) Providing the transaction number of the applicable valid ISIR.

(2) Unless the institution has reason to believe that the information reported by a dependent student is incorrect, it need not verify the applicant's parents' FAFSA information if

(i) The parents are residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication;

(ii) The parents cannot be located because their contact information is unknown and cannot be obtained by the applicant; or

(iii) Both of the applicant's parents are mentally incapacitated.

(3) Unless the institution has reason to believe that the information reported by an independent student is incorrect, it need not verify the applicant's spouse's information if—

(i) The spouse is deceased;

(ii) The spouse is mentally incapacitated;

(iii) The spouse is residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication; or

(iv) The spouse cannot be located because his or her contact information is unknown and cannot be obtained by the applicant.

Sec. 668.55 Updating information.

About the Regulations

(a) If an applicant's dependency status changes at any time during the award year, the applicant must update FAFSA information, except when the update is due to a change in his or her marital status.

(b)(1) An applicant who is selected for verification of the number of persons in his or her household (household size) or the number of those in the household who are attending postsecondary institutions (number in college) must update those items to be correct as of the date of verification, except when the update is due to a change in his or her marital status.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an applicant is not required to provide documentation of household size or number in college during a subsequent verification of either item if the information has not changed.

(c) An institution may require an applicant to update FAFSA information under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section for a change in the applicant's marital status if the institution determines the update is necessary to address an inequity or to reflect more accurately the applicant's ability to pay.

Sec. 668.56 Information to be verified.

About the Regulations

(a) For each award year the Secretary publishes in the Federal Register notice the FAFSA information that an institution and an applicant may be required to verify.

(b) For each applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification by the Secretary, the Secretary specifies the specific information under paragraph (a) of this section that the applicant must verify.

Sec. 668.57 Acceptable documentation.

About the Regulations

If an applicant is selected to verify any of the following information, an institution must obtain the specified documentation.

(a) Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income earned from work, or U.S. income tax paid. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this section, an institution must require an applicant selected for verification of AGI, income earned from work or U.S. income tax paid to submit to it—

(i) A copy of the income tax return or an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form that lists tax account information of the applicant, his or her spouse, or his or her parents, as applicable for the specified year. The copy of the return must include the signature (which need not be an original) of the filer of the return or of one of the filers of a joint return;

(ii) For a dependent student, a copy of each IRS Form W–2 for the specified year received by the parent whose income is being taken into account if—

(A) The parents filed a joint return; and

(B) The parents are divorced or separated or one of the parents has died; and

(iii) For an independent student, a copy of each IRS Form W–2 he or she received if the independent student—

(A) Filed a joint return; and

(B) Is a widow or widower, or is divorced or separated.

(2) An institution may accept, in lieu of an income tax return or an IRS form that lists tax account information, the information reported for an item on the applicant's FAFSA for the specified year if the Secretary has identified that item as having been obtained from the IRS and having not been changed.

(3) An institution must accept, in lieu of an income tax return or an IRS form that lists tax account information, the documentation set forth in paragraph (a)(4) of this section if the individual for the specified year—

(i) Has not filed and, under IRS rules, or other applicable government agency rules, is not required to file an income tax return;

(ii) Is required to file a U.S. tax return and has been granted a filing extension by the IRS; or

(iii) Has requested a copy of the tax return or an IRS form that lists tax account information, and the IRS or a government of a U.S. territory or commonwealth or a foreign central government cannot locate the return or provide an IRS form that lists tax account information.

(4) An institution must accept—

(i) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section, a statement signed by that individual certifying that he or she has not filed and is not required to file an income tax return for the specified year and certifying for that year that individual's—

(A) Sources of income earned from work as stated on the FAFSA; and

(B) Amounts of income from each source. In lieu of a certification of these amounts of income, the applicant may provide a copy of his or her IRS Form W–2 for each source listed under paragraph (a)(4)(i)(A) of this section;

(ii) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section—

(A) A copy of the IRS Form 4868, "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return," that the individual filed with the IRS for the specified year, or a copy of the IRS's approval of an extension beyond the automatic six-month extension if the individual requested an additional extension of the filing time; and

(B) A copy of each IRS Form W–2 that the individual received for the specified year, or for a self-employed individual, a statement signed by the individual certifying the amount of the AGI for the specified year; and

(iii) For an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(iii) of this section—

(A) A copy of each IRS Form W–2 that the individual received for the specified year; or

(B) For an individual who is self-employed or has filed an income tax return with a government of a U.S. territory or commonwealth, or a foreign central government, a statement signed by the individual certifying the amount of AGI and taxes paid for the specified year.

(5) An institution may require an individual described in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section to provide to it a copy of his or her completed income tax return when filed. If an institution receives the copy of the return, it must reverify the AGI and taxes paid by the applicant and his or her spouse or parents.

(6) If an individual who is required to submit an IRS Form W–2, under paragraph (a) of this section, is unable to obtain one in a timely manner, the institution may permit that individual to set forth, in a statement signed by the individual, the amount of income earned from work, the source of that income, and the reason that the IRS Form W–2 is not available in a timely manner.

(7) For the purpose of this section, an institution may accept in lieu of a copy of an income tax return signed by the filer of the return or one of the filers of a joint return, a copy of the filer's return that includes the preparer's Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number or the Preparer Tax Identification Number and has been signed, stamped, typed, or printed with the name and address of the preparer of the return.

(b) Number of family members in household. An institution must require an applicant selected for verification of the number of family members in the household to submit to it a statement signed by both the applicant and one of the applicant's parents if the applicant is a dependent student, or only the applicant if the applicant is an independent student, listing the name and age of each family member in the household and the relationship of that household member to the applicant.

(c) Number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions. (1) An institution must require an applicant selected for verification of the number of household members in the applicant's family enrolled on at least a half-time basis in eligible postsecondary institutions to submit a statement signed by both the applicant and one of the applicant's parents, if the applicant is a dependent student, or by only the applicant if the applicant is an independent student, listing—

(i) The name of each family member who is or will be attending an eligible postsecondary educational institution as at least a half-time student in the award year;

(ii) The age of each student; and

(iii) The name of the institution that each student is or will be attending.

(2) If the institution has reason to believe that an applicant's FAFSA information or the statement provided under paragraph (c)(1) of this section regarding the number of family household members enrolled in eligible postsecondary institutions is inaccurate, the institution must obtain a statement from each institution named by the applicant in response to the requirement of paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section that the household member in question is or will be attending the institution on at least a half-time basis, unless—

 (i) The institution the student is attending determines that such a statement is not available because the household member in question has not yet registered at the institution he or she plans to attend; or

(ii) The institution has information indicating that the student will be attending the same institution as the applicant.

(d) Other information. If an applicant is selected to verify other information specified in the annual Federal Register notice, the applicant must provide the documentation specified for that information in the Federal Register notice.

Sec. 668.58 Interim disbursements.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) If an institution has reason to believe that an applicant's FAFSA information is inaccurate, until the information is verified and any corrections are made in accordance with Sec. 668.59(a), the institution may not—

(i) Disburse any Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or Federal Perkins Loan Program funds to the applicant;

(ii) Employ or allow an employer to employ the applicant in its FWS Program; or

 (iii) Originate a Direct Subsidized Loan, or disburse any such loan proceeds for any previously originated Direct Subsidized Loan to the applicant.

(2) If an institution does not have reason to believe that an applicant's FAFSA information is inaccurate prior to verification, the institution may—

(i)(A) Withhold payment of Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or FSEOG Program funds for the applicant; or

(B) Make one disbursement from each of Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or FSEOG Program funds for the applicant's first payment period of the award year; and

(ii) Employ or allow an employer to employ that applicant, once he or she is an eligible student, under the FWS Program for the first 60 consecutive days after the student's enrollment in that award year; or

(iii)(A) Withhold origination of the applicant's Direct Subsidized Loan; or

(B) Originate the Direct Subsidized Loan provided that the institution does not disburse Direct Subsidized Loan proceeds.

(3) If, after verification, an institution determines that changes to an applicant's information will not change the amount the applicant would receive under a title IV, HEA program, the institution—

(i) Must ensure corrections are made in accordance with Sec. 668.59(a); and

(ii) May prior to receiving the corrected valid SAR or valid ISIR—

(A) Make one disbursement from each of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or FSEOG Program funds for the applicant's first payment period of the award year;

(B) Employ or allow an employer to employ the applicant, once he or she is an eligible student, under the FWS Program for the first 60 consecutive days after the student's enrollment in that award year; or

(C) Originate the Direct Subsidized Loan and disburse the Direct Subsidized Loan proceeds for the applicant.

(b) If an institution chooses to make disbursement under—

(1) Paragraph (a)(2)(i)(B) of this section, it—

(i) Is liable for any overpayment discovered as a result of verification to the extent that the overpayment is not recovered through reducing subsequent disbursements in the award year or from the student; and

(ii) Must recover the overpayment in accordance with Sec. 668.61(a);

(2) Paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, it—

(i) Is liable for any overpayment discovered as a result of verification to the extent that the overpayment is not eliminated by adjusting other financial assistance; and

(ii) Must recover the overpayment in accordance with Sec. 668.61(b); or

(3) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section, it—

(i) Is liable for any subsidized student financial assistance disbursed if it does not receive the valid SAR or valid ISIR reflecting corrections within the deadlines established under Sec. 668.60; and

(ii) Must recover the funds in accordance with Sec. 668.61(c).

Sec. 668.59 Consequences of a change in an applicant's FAFSA information.

About the Regulations

(a) For the subsidized student financial assistance programs, if an applicant's FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, the applicant or the institution must submit to the Secretary any changes to—

(1) A nondollar item; or

(2) A single dollar item of $25 or more.

(b) For the Federal Pell Grant Program, if an applicant's FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, an institution must—

(1) Recalculate the applicant's Federal Pell Grant on the basis of the EFC on the corrected valid SAR or valid ISIR; and

(2)(i) Disburse any additional funds under that award only if the institution receives a corrected valid SAR or valid ISIR for the applicant and only to the extent that additional funds are payable based on the recalculation;

(ii) Comply with the procedures specified in Sec. 668.61 for an interim disbursement if, as a result of verification, the Federal Pell Grant award is reduced; or—

(iii) Comply with the procedures specified in 34 CFR 690.79 for an overpayment that is not an interim disbursement if, as a result of verification, the Federal Pell Grant award is reduced.

(c) For the subsidized student financial assistance programs, excluding the Federal Pell Grant Program, if an applicant's FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, the institution must—

(1) Adjust the applicant's financial aid package on the basis of the EFC on the corrected valid SAR or valid ISIR; and

(2)(i) Comply with the procedures specified in Sec. 668.61 for an interim disbursement if, as a result of verification, the financial aid package must be reduced;

(ii) Comply with the procedures specified in 34 CFR 673.5(f) for a Federal Perkins loan or an FSEOG overpayment that is not the result of an interim disbursement if, as a result of verification, the financial aid package must be reduced; and

(iii) Comply with the procedures specified in 34 CFR 685.303(e) for Direct Subsidized Loan excess loan proceeds that are not the result of an interim disbursement if, as a result of verification, the financial aid package must be reduced.

Sec. 668.60 Deadlines for submitting documentation and the consequences of failing to provide documentation.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution must require an applicant selected for verification to submit to it, within the period of time it or the Secretary specifies, the documentation set forth in Sec. 668.57 that is requested by the institution.

(b) For purposes of the subsidized student financial assistance programs, excluding the Federal Pell Grant Program—

(1) If an applicant fails to provide the requested documentation within a reasonable time period established by the institution—

(i) The institution may not—

(A) Disburse any additional Federal Perkins Loan or FSEOG Program funds to the applicant;

(B) Employ, continue to employ or allow an employer to employ the applicant under FWS; or

(C) Originate the applicant's Direct Subsidized Loan or disburse any additional Direct Subsidized Loan proceeds for the applicant; and

(ii) The applicant must repay to the institution any Federal Perkins Loan or FSEOG received for that award year;

(2) If the applicant provides the requested documentation after the time period established by the institution, the institution may, at its option, disburse aid to the applicant notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section; and

(3) If an institution has received proceeds for a Direct Subsidized Loan on behalf of an applicant, the institution must return all or a portion of those funds as provided under Sec. 668.166(b) if the applicant does not complete verification within the time period specified.

(c) For purposes of the Federal Pell Grant Program—

(1) An applicant may submit a valid SAR to the institution or the institution may receive a valid ISIR after the applicable deadline specified in 34 CFR 690.61 but within an established additional time period set by the Secretary through publication of a notice in the Federal Register; and

(2) If the applicant does not provide to the institution the requested documentation and, if necessary, a valid SAR or the institution does not receive a valid ISIR, within the additional time period referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the applicant—

(i) Forfeits the Federal Pell Grant for the award year; and

(ii) Must return any Federal Pell Grant payments previously received for that award year.

(d) The Secretary may determine not to process FAFSA information of an applicant who has been requested to provide documentation until the applicant provides the documentation or the Secretary decides that there is no longer a need for the documentation.

(e) If an applicant selected for verification for an award year dies before the deadline for completing verification without completing that process, the institution may not—

(1) Make any further disbursements on behalf of the applicant;

(2) Originate that applicant's Direct Subsidized Loan, or disburse that applicant's Direct Subsidized Loan proceeds; or

(3) Consider any funds it disbursed to that applicant under Sec. 668.58 (a)(2) as an overpayment.

Sec. 668.61 Recovery of funds from interim disbursements.

About the Regulations

(a) If an institution discovers, as a result of verification, that an applicant received under Sec. 668.58 (a)(2)(i)(B) more financial aid than the applicant was eligible to receive, the institution must eliminate the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or FSEOG overpayment by—

(1) Adjusting subsequent disbursements in the award year in which the overpayment occurred; or

(2) Reimbursing the appropriate program account by—

(i) Requiring the applicant to return the overpayment to the institution if the institution cannot correct the overpayment under paragraph (a)(1) of this section; or

(ii) Making restitution from its own funds, by the earlier of the following dates, if the applicant does not return the overpayment:

(A) Sixty days after the applicant's last day of attendance.

(B) The last day of the award year in which the institution disbursed Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, or FSEOG Program funds to the applicant.

(b) If an institution discovers, as a result of verification, that an applicant received under Sec. 668.58(a)(2)(ii) more financial aid than the applicant was eligible to receive, the institution must eliminate the FWS overpayment by—

(1) Adjusting the applicant's other financial aid; or

(2) Reimbursing the FWS program account by making restitution from its own funds, if the institution cannot correct the overpayment under paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The applicant must still be paid for all work performed under the institution's own payroll account.

(c) If an institution disbursed subsidized student financial assistance to an applicant under Sec. 668.58(a)(3), and did not receive the valid SAR or valid ISIR reflecting corrections within the deadlines established under Sec. 668.60, the institution must reimburse the appropriate program account by making restitution from its own funds. The applicant must still be paid for all work performed under the institution's own payroll account.

Subpart F—Misrepresentation

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.71 Scope and special definitions.

(a) If the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has engaged in substantial misrepresentation, the Secretary may—

(1) Revoke the eligible institution's program participation agreement, if the institution is provisionally certified under Sec. 668.13(c);

(2) Impose limitations on the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs, if the institution is provisionally certified under Sec. 668.13(c);

(3) Deny participation applications made on behalf of the institution; or

(4) Initiate a proceeding against the eligible institution under subpart G of this part.

(b) This subpart establishes the types of activities that constitute substantial misrepresentation by an eligible institution. An eligible institution is deemed to have engaged in substantial misrepresentation when the institution itself, one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services, makes a substantial misrepresentation about the nature of its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates. Substantial misrepresentations are prohibited in all forms, including those made in any advertising, promotional materials, or in the marketing or sale of courses or programs of instruction offered by the institution.

(c) The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Misrepresentation.: Any false, erroneous or misleading statement an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or an ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, or to provide marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services makes directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student or any member of the public, or to an accrediting agency, to a State state agency, or to the Secretary. A misleading statement includes any statement that has the likelihood or tendency to mislead under the circumstances. A misleading statement may be included in the institution's marketing materials, website, or any other communication to students or prospective students. A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. Misrepresentation includes any statement that omits information in such a way as to make the statement false, erroneous, or misleading. Misrepresentation includes the dissemination of a student endorsement or testimonial that a student gives either under duress or because the institution required the student to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program. Misrepresentation also includes the omission of facts as defined under Sec. 668.75. any statement that omits information in such a way as to make the statement false, erroneous, or misleading.

Prospective student.: Any individual who has contacted an eligible institution for the purpose of requesting information about enrolling at the institution or who has been contacted directly by the institution or indirectly through advertising about enrolling at the institution.

Substantial misrepresentation.: Any misrepresentation, including omission of facts as defined under Sec. 668.75, on which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's detriment.

Sec. 668.72 Nature of educational program or institution.

About the Regulations

Misrepresentation concerning the nature of an eligible institution's educational program includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous or misleading statements concerning—

(a) The particular type(s), specific source(s), nature and extent of its institutional, programmatic, or specialized accreditation;

(b)(1) The general or specific transferability of Whether a student may transfer course credits earned at the institution to any other institution;

(2) Acceptance of credits earned through prior work or at another institution toward the educational program at the institution. Conditions under which the institution will accept transfer credits earned at another institution;

(c) Whether successful completion of a course of instruction qualifies a student—

(1) For acceptance to a labor union or similar organization; or

(2) To receive, to apply to take, or to take the examination required to receive, a local, State, or Federal license or a nongovernmental certification required as a precondition for employment, or to perform certain functions in the States in which the educational program is offered, or to meet additional conditions that the institution knows or reasonably should know are generally needed to secure employment in a recognized occupation for which the program is represented to prepare students;

(d) The requirements for successfully completing the course of study or program and the circumstances that would constitute grounds for terminating the student's enrollment;

(e) Whether its courses are recommended or have been the subject of unsolicited testimonial or endorsements by:

(1) Vocational counselors, high schools, colleges, educational organizations, employment agencies, members of a particular industry, students, former students, or others; or

(2) Governmental officials for governmental employment;

(f) Its size, location, facilities, or equipment, or institutionally-provided equipment, software technology, books, or supplies;

(g) The availability, frequency, and appropriateness of its courses and programs in relation to the employment objectives that it states its programs are designed to meet;

(h) The number nature, age, and availability, and qualifications, including the training and experience, of its faculty, instructors, and other personnel; of its training devices or equipment and their appropriateness to the employment objectives that it states its programs and courses are designed to meet;

(i) The nature number, and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance it will provide to its students before, during or after the completion of a course; , and qualifications, including the training and experience, of its faculty and other personnel;

(j) The nature or extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in a course; availability of part-time employment or other forms of financial assistance;

(k) The subject matter, content of the course of study, or any other fact related to the degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document that the student is to be, or is, awarded upon completion of the course of study; nature and availability of any tutorial or specialized instruction, guidance and counseling, or other supplementary assistance it will provide its students before, during or after the completion of a course;

(l) Whether the academic, professional, or occupational degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of study has been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency; The nature or extent of any prerequisites established for enrollment in any course; or

(m) Institutional or program admissions selectivity if the institution or program actually employs an open enrollment policy; The subject matter, content of the course of study, or any other fact related to the degree, diploma, certificate of completion, or any similar document that the student is to be, or is, awarded upon completion of the course of study;

(n) The classification of the institution (nonprofit, public or proprietary) for purposes of its participation in the title IV, HEA programs, if that is different from the classification determined by the Secretary; Whether the academic, professional, or occupational degree that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of study has been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency. This type of misrepresentation includes, in the case of a degree that has not been authorized by the appropriate State educational agency or that requires specialized accreditation, any failure by an eligible institution to disclose these facts in any advertising or promotional materials that reference such degree; or

(o) Specialized, programmatic, or institutional certifications, accreditation, or approvals that were not actually obtained, or that the institution fails to remove from marketing materials, websites, or other communications to students within a reasonable period of time after such certifications or approvals are revoked or withdrawn; Any matters required to be disclosed to prospective students under Secs. 668.42 and 668.43 of this part.

(p) Assistance that will be provided in securing required externships or the existence of contracts with specific externship sites;

(q) Assistance that will be provided to obtain a high school diploma or General Educational Development Certificate (GED);

(r) The pace of completing the program or the time it would take to complete the program contrary to the stated length of the educational program; or

(s) Any matters required to be disclosed to prospective students under Secs. 668.42, 668.43, and 668.45.

Sec. 668.73 Nature of financial charges or financial assistance.

About the Regulations

Misrepresentation concerning the nature of an eligible institution's financial charges, or the financial assistance provided includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous, or misleading statements concerning—

(a) Offers of scholarships to pay all or part of a course charge;

(b) Whether a particular charge is the customary charge at the institution for a course;

(c) The cost of the program and the institution's refund policy if the student does not complete the program;

(d) The availability, amount, or nature of any financial assistance available offered to students from the institution or any other entity, including any government agency, to pay the costs of attendance at the institution, including part-time employment, housing, and transportation assistance; a student's responsibility to repay any loans, regardless of whether the student is successful in completing the program and obtaining employment; or

(e) A student's responsibility to repay any loans provided, regardless of whether the student is successful in completing the program and obtaining employment;

(f) (e) The student's right to reject any particular type of financial aid or other assistance, or whether the student must apply for a particular type of financial aid, such as financing offered by the institution; or.

(g) The amount, method, or timing of payment of tuition and fees that the student would be charged for the program.

Sec. 668.74 Employability of graduates.

About the Regulations

Misrepresentation regarding the employability of an eligible institution's graduates includes, but is not limited to, false, erroneous, or misleading statements concerning—

(a) The institution's relationship with any organization, employment agency, or other agency providing authorized training leading directly to employment;

(b) The institution's intentions plans to maintain a placement service for graduates or to will otherwise assist its graduates to obtain employment, including any requirements to receive such assistance; or

(c) The institution's knowledge about the current or likely future conditions, compensation, or employment opportunities in the industry or occupation for which the students are being prepared;

(d) Whether employment is being offered by the institution exclusively for graduates of the institution, or that a talent hunt or contest is being conducted, including, but not limited to, through the use of phrases such as "Men/women wanted to train for . . . , * * *," "Help Wanted," "Employment," or "Business Opportunities";

(e) Government job market statistics in relation to the potential placement of its graduates; or

(f) Actual licensure passage rates, if they are materially lower than those included in the institution’s marketing materials, website, or other communications made to the student or prospective student; or Other requirements that are generally needed to be employed in the fields for which the training is provided, such as requirements related to commercial driving licenses or permits to carry firearms, and failing to disclose factors that would prevent an applicant from qualifying for such requirements, such as prior criminal records or preexisting medical conditions.

(g)(1) Actual employment rates, if they are materially lower than those included in the institution's marketing materials, website, or other communications made to the student or prospective student, including but not limited to:

(i) Rates that are calculated in a manner that is inconsistent with the standards or methodology set forth by the institution's accreditor or a State agency that regulates the institution, or in its institutional policy.

(ii) Rates that the institution discloses to students are inflated by means such as:

(A) Counting individuals as employed who are not bona fide employees, such as individuals placed on a one -day job fair, an internship, externship, or in employment subsidized by the institution;

(B) Counting individuals as employed who were employed in the field prior to graduation; or

(C) Excluding students from an employment rate calculation due to assessments of employability or difficulty with placement.

(2) Upon request, the institution must furnish to the Secretary documentation and other information used to calculate the institution's employment rate calculations.

Sec. 668.75 Omission of fact.

About the Regulations

An omission of fact is a misrepresentation under Sec. 668.71 if a reasonable person would have considered the omitted information in making a decision to enroll or continue attendance at the institution. An omission of fact includes, but is not limited to, the concealment, suppression, or absence of material information or statement concerning—

(a) The entity that is actually providing the educational instruction, or implementing the institution's recruitment, admissions, or enrollment process;

(b) The availability of enrollment openings in the student’s desired program;

(c) The factors that would prevent an applicant from meeting the legal or other requirements to be employed in the field for which the training is provided, for reasons such as prior criminal record or preexisting medical conditions;

(d) The factors that would prevent an applicant from meeting the legal or other requirements to be employed, licensed, or certified in the field for which the training is provided because the academic, professional, or occupational degree or credential that the institution will confer upon completion of the course of study has not been authorized by the appropriate State educational or licensure agency, or requires specialized accreditation that the institution does not have; or

(e) The nature of the institution's educational programs, the institution's financial charges, or the employability of the institution's graduates as defined in Sec. 668.72-74.

Sec. 668.79 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

Subpart G—Fine, Limitation, Suspension and Termination Proceedings

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.81 Scope and special definitions.

(a) This subpart establishes regulations for the following actions with respect to a participating institution or third-party servicer:

(1) An emergency action.

(2) The imposition of a fine.

(3) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the participation of the institution in a title IV, HEA program.

(4) The limitation, suspension, or termination of the eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.

(5) The determination of—

(i) Borrower defense to repayment claims that are brought by the Department against an institution under Sec. 685.206, or Sec. 685.222 or part 685, subpart D, of this chapter; and

(ii) Liability of an institution to the Secretary for losses to the Secretary arising from these claims.

(b) This subpart applies to an institution or a third-party servicer that violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA.

(c) This subpart does not apply to a determination that—

(1) An institution or any of its locations or educational programs fails to qualify for initial designation as an eligible institution, location, or educational program because the institution, location, or educational program fails to satisfy the statutory and regulatory provisions that define an eligible institution or educational program with respect to the Title IV, HEA program for which a designation of eligibility is sought;

(2) An institution fails to qualify for initial certification or provisional certification to participate in any Title IV, HEA program because the institution does not meet the factors of financial responsibility and standards of administrative capability contained in subpart B of this part;

(3) A participating institution's or a provisionally certified participating institution's period of participation, as specified under Sec. 668.13, has expired; or

(4) A participating institution's provisional certification is revoked under the procedures in Sec. 668.13.

(d) This subpart does not apply to a determination by the Secretary of the system to be used to disburse Title IV, HEA program funds to a participating institution (i.e., advance payments and payments by way of reimbursements).

(e) The proceedings described in this subpart provide the institution's sole opportunity for a hearing on the existence and amount of the debt that is required by applicable law prior to the Department collecting the debt from any available funds, including but not limited to offsetting the debt or any liability against funds to be provided to an institution pursuant to any Title IV, HEA program in which that institution participates.

(f) Nothing contained in this subpart limits the right of the Department to gather information, including by subpoena, or conduct any examination, audit, program review, investigation, or other review authorized by other applicable law.

(g) Unless directed by a court of competent jurisdiction, the hearing official, or the Secretary for good cause, if a collateral attack is brought in any court concerning all or any part of any proceeding under this subpart, the challenged proceeding shall continue without regard to the pendency of that court proceeding. No default or other failure to timely act as directed in a proceeding authorized by this subpart shall be excused based on the pendency of such court proceeding.

Sec. 668.82 Standard of conduct.

About the Regulations

(a) A participating institution or a third-party servicer that contracts with that institution acts in the nature of a fiduciary in the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs. To participate in any Title IV, HEA program, the institution or servicer must at all times act with the competency and integrity necessary to qualify as a fiduciary.

(b) In the capacity of a fiduciary—

(1) A participating institution is subject to the highest standard of care and diligence in administering the programs and in accounting to the Secretary for the funds received under those programs; and

(2) A third-party servicer is subject to the highest standard of care and diligence in administering any aspect of the programs on behalf of the institutions with which the servicer contracts and in accounting to the Secretary and those institutions for any funds administered by the servicer under those programs.

(c) The failure of a participating institution or any of the institution's third-party servicers to administer a Title IV, HEA program, or to account for the funds that the institution or servicer receives under that program, in accordance with the highest standard of care and diligence required of a fiduciary, constitutes grounds for—

(1) An emergency action against the institution, a fine on the institution, or the limitation, suspension, or termination of the institution's participation in that program; or

(2) An emergency action against the servicer, a fine on the servicer, or the limitation, suspension, or termination of the servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in that program.

(d)(1) A participating institution or a third-party servicer with which the institution contracts violates its fiduciary duty if—

(i)(A) The servicer has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds;

(B) A person who exercises substantial control over the servicer, as determined according to 668.15, has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds;

(C) The servicer employs a person in a capacity that involves the administration of Title IV, HEA programs or the receipt of Title IV, HEA program funds who has been convicted of, or has pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds, or who has been administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving those funds; or

(D) The servicer uses or contracts in a capacity that involves any aspect of the administration of the Title IV, HEA programs with any other person, agency, or organization that has been or whose officers or employees have been—

(1) Convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of Federal, State, or local government funds; or

(2) Administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving Federal, State, or local government funds; and

(ii) Upon learning of a conviction, plea, or administrative or judicial determination described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, the institution or servicer, as applicable, does not promptly remove the person, agency, or organization from any involvement in the administration of the institution's participation in Title IV, HEA programs, or, as applicable, the removal or elimination of any substantial control, as determined according to 668.15, over the servicer.

(2) A violation for a reason contained in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is grounds for terminating—

(i) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program; and

(ii) The participation in any Title IV, HEA program of any institution under whose contract the servicer committed the violation, if that institution had been aware of the violation and had failed to take the appropriate action described in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section.

(e)(1) A participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, violates its fiduciary duty if—

(i)(A) The institution or servicer, as applicable, is debarred or suspended under Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p.189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or

(B) Cause exists under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405 for debarring or suspending the institution, servicer, or any principal or affiliate of the institution or servicer under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; and

(ii) Upon learning of the debarment, suspension, or cause for debarment or suspension, the institution or servicer, as applicable, does not promptly—

(A) Discontinue the affiliation; or

(B) Remove the principal from responsibility for any aspect of the administration of an institution's or servicer's participation in the Title IV, HEA programs.

(2) A violation for a reason contained in paragraph (e)(1) of this section is grounds for terminating—

(i) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and

(ii) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program. The violation is also grounds for terminating, under this subpart, the participation in any Title IV, HEA program of any institution under whose contract the servicer committed the violation, if that institution knew or should have known of the violation.

(f)(1) The debarment of a participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, by the Secretary or another Federal agency from participation in Federal programs, under procedures that comply with 5 U.S.C. 554-557 (formal adjudication requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act), terminates, for the duration of the debarment—

(i) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and

(ii) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

(2)(i) The suspension of a participating institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, under E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the FAR, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, by the Secretary or another Federal agency from participation in Federal programs, under procedures that comply with 5 U.S.C. 554-557, suspends—

(A) The institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; and

(B) The servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

(ii) A suspension under this paragraph lasts for a period of 60 days, beginning on the date of the suspending official's decision, except that the suspension may last longer if—

(A) The institution or servicer, as applicable, and the Secretary, agree to an extension of the suspension; or

(B) The Secretary begins a limitation or termination proceeding against the institution or servicer, as applicable, under this subpart before the 60th day of the suspension.

Sec. 668.83 Emergency action.

About the Regulations

(a) Under an emergency action, the Secretary may—

(1) Withhold Title IV, HEA program funds from a participating institution or its students, or from a third-party servicer, as applicable;

(2)(i) Withdraw the authority of the institution or servicer, as applicable, to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds; or

(ii) Withdraw the authority of the institution or servicer, as applicable, to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds except in accordance with a particular procedure; and

(3)(i) Withdraw the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program; or

(ii) Withdraw the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program except in accordance with a particular procedure.

(b)(1) An initiating official begins an emergency action against an institution or third-party servicer by sending the institution or servicer a notice by registered mail, return receipt requested. In an emergency action against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The official also may transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical.

(2) The emergency action takes effect on the date the initiating official mails the notice to the institution or servicer, as applicable.

(3) The notice states the grounds on which the emergency action is based, the consequences of the emergency action, and that the institution or servicer, as applicable, may request an opportunity to show cause why the emergency action is unwarranted.

(c)(1) An initiating official takes emergency action against an institution or third-party servicer only if that official—

(i) Receives information, determined by the official to be reliable, that the institution or servicer, as applicable, is violating any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA;

(ii) Determines that immediate action is necessary to prevent misuse of Title IV, HEA program funds; and

(iii) Determines that the likelihood of loss from that misuse outweighs the importance of awaiting completion of any proceeding that may be initiated to limit, suspend, or terminate, as applicable—

(A) The participation of the institution in one or more Title IV, HEA programs; or

(B) The eligibility of the servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program.

(2) Examples of violations of a Title IV, HEA program requirement that cause misuse and the likely loss of Title IV, HEA program funds include—

(i) Causing the commitment, disbursement, or delivery by any party of Title IV, HEA program funds in an amount that exceeds—

(A) The amount for which students are eligible; or

(B) The amount of principal, interest, or special allowance payments that would have been payable to the holder of a Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS loan if a refund allocable to that loan had been made in the amount and at the time required;

(ii) Using, offering to make available, or causing the use or availability of Title IV, HEA program funds for educational services if—

(A) The institution, servicer, or agents of the institution or servicer have made a substantial misrepresentation as described in Sec. 668.72, 668.73, or 668.74 related to those services;

(B) The institution lacks the administrative or financial ability to provide those services in full; or

(C) The institution, or servicer, as applicable, lacks the administrative or financial ability to make all required payments under Sec. 668.22; and

(iii) Engaging in fraud involving the administration of a Title IV, HEA program. Examples of fraud include—

(A) Falsification of any document received from a student or pertaining to a student's eligibility for assistance under a Title IV, HEA program;

(B) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted by the institution or servicer to the Secretary;

(C) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document used for or pertaining to—

(1) The legal authority of an institution to provide postsecondary education in the State in which the institution is located; or

(2) The accreditation or preaccreditation of an institution or any of the institution's educational programs or locations;

(D) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document submitted to a guaranty agency under the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS programs or an independent auditor;

(E) Falsification of any document submitted to a third-party servicer by an institution or to an institution by a third-party servicer pertaining to the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program; and

(F) Falsification, including false certifications, of any document pertaining to the performance of any loan collection activity, including activity that is not required by the HEA or applicable program regulations.

(3) If the Secretary begins an emergency action against a third-party servicer, the Secretary may also begin an emergency action against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.

(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, after an emergency action becomes effective, an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, may not—

(i) Make or increase awards or make other commitments of aid to a student under the applicable Title IV, HEA program;

(ii) Disburse either program funds, institutional funds, or other funds as assistance to a student under that Title IV, HEA program;

(iii) In the case of an emergency action pertaining to participation in the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS programs—

(A) Certify an application for a loan under that program;

(B) Deliver loan proceeds to a student under that program; or

(C) Retain the proceeds of a loan made under that program that are received after the emergency action takes effect; or

(iv) In the case of an emergency action against a third-party servicer, administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

(2) If the initiating official withdraws, by an emergency action, the authority of the institution or servicer to commit, disburse, deliver, or cause the commitment, disbursement, or delivery of Title IV, HEA program funds, or the authority of the servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, except in accordance with a particular procedure specified in the notice of emergency action, the institution or servicer, as applicable, may not take any action described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section except in accordance with the procedure specified in the notice.

(e)(1) Upon request by the institution or servicer, as applicable, the Secretary provides the institution or servicer, as soon as practicable, with an opportunity to show cause that the emergency action is unwarranted or should be modified.

(2) An opportunity to show cause consists of an opportunity to present evidence and argument to a show-cause official. The initiating official does not act as the show-cause official for any emergency action that the initiating official has begun. The show-cause official is authorized to grant relief from the emergency action. The institution or servicer may make its presentation in writing or, upon its request, at an informal meeting with the show-cause official.

(3) The show-cause official may limit the time and manner in which argument and evidence may be presented in order to avoid unnecessary delay or the presentation of immaterial, irrelevant, or repetitious matter.

(4) The institution or servicer, as applicable, has the burden of persuading the show-cause official that the emergency action imposed by the notice is unwarranted or should be modified because—

(i) The grounds stated in the notice did not, or no longer, exist;

(ii) The grounds stated in the notice will not cause loss or misuse of Title IV, HEA program funds; or

(iii) The institution or servicer, as applicable, will use procedures that will reliably eliminate the risk of loss from the misuse described in the notice.

(5) The show-cause official continues, modifies, or revokes the emergency action promptly after consideration of any argument and evidence presented by the institution or servicer, as applicable, and the initiating official.

(6) The show-cause official notifies the institution or servicer, as applicable, of that official's determination promptly after the completion of the show-cause meeting or, if no meeting is requested, after the official receives all the material submitted by the institution in opposition to the emergency action. In the case of a notice to a third-party servicer, the official also notifies each institution that contracts with the servicer of that determination. The show-cause official may explain that determination by adopting or modifying the statement of reasons provided in the notice of emergency action.

(f)(1) An emergency action does not extend more than 30 days after initiated unless the Secretary initiates a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding under this part or under 34 CFR part 600 against the institution or servicer, as applicable, within that 30-day period, in which case the emergency action continues until a final decision is issued in that proceeding, as provided in 668.91(c), as applicable.

(2) Until a final decision is issued by the Secretary in a proceeding described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, any action affecting the emergency action is at the sole discretion of the initiating official, or, if a show-cause proceeding is conducted, the show-cause official.

(3) If an emergency action extends beyond 180 days by virtue of paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the institution or servicer, as applicable, may then submit written material to the show-cause official to demonstrate that because of facts occurring after the later of the notice by the initiating official or the show-cause meeting, continuation of the emergency action is unwarranted and the emergency action should be modified or ended. The show-cause official considers any written material submitted and issues a determination that continues, modifies, or revokes the emergency action.

(g) The expiration of an emergency action, or its modification or revocation by the show-cause official, does not bar subsequent emergency action on a ground other than one specifically identified in the notice imposing the prior emergency action. Separate grounds may include violation of an agreement or limitation imposed or resulting from the prior emergency action.

Sec. 668.84 Fine proceedings.

About the Regulations

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may impose a fine of up to $67,544 per violation on a participating institution or third-party servicer that—

(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or

(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—

(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or

(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.

(2) If the Secretary begins a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.

(b) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a fine proceeding by sending the institution or servicer, as applicable, a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that is affected by the alleged violations identified as the basis for the fine action, and, to the extent possible, to each institution that contracts with the servicer for the same service affected by the violation. This notice—

(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the Secretary's intent to fine the institution or servicer, as applicable, and the amount of the fine and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action;

(ii) Specifies the proposed effective date of the fine, which is at least 20 days from mailing of the notice of intent;

(iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the fine will not be effective on the date specified in the notice if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a written request for a hearing or written material indicating why the fine should not be imposed; and

(iv) In the case of a fine proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that is affected by the alleged violations of the consequences of the action to the institution.

(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution affected by the alleged violations that—

(i) The fine will not be imposed; or

(ii) The fine is imposed as of a specified date, and in a specified amount.

(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and the place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request.

(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceedings. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened.

Sec. 668.85 Suspension proceedings.

About the Regulations

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may suspend an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the institution or servicer—

(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or

(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—

(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or

(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.

(2) If the Secretary begins a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.

(3) The suspension may not exceed 60 days unless—

(i) The institution or servicer and the Secretary agree to an extension if the institution or servicer, as applicable, has not requested a hearing; or

(ii) The designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding under Sec. 668.86.

(b) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a suspension proceeding by sending a notice to an institution or third-party servicer by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The designated department official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical. The notice—

(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the intent of the Secretary to suspend the institution's participation or the servicer's eligibility, as applicable, cites the consequences of that action, and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action;

(ii) Specifies the proposed effective date of the suspension, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice of intent;

(iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the suspension will not be effective on the date specified in the notice, except as provided in Sec. 668.91(b)(2), if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a request for a hearing or written material indicating why the suspension should not take place; and

(iv) In the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that contracts with the servicer of the consequences of the action to the institution.

(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing, but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution that contracts with the servicer that—

(i) The proposed suspension is dismissed; or

(ii) The suspension is effective as of a specified date.

(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. The suspension does not take place until after the requested hearing is held.

(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with Sec. 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceedings. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, as applicable, any time period specified in this section may be shortened.

Sec. 668.86 Limitation or termination proceedings.

About the Regulations

(a) Scope and consequences. (1) The Secretary may limit or terminate an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the institution or servicer—

(i) Violates any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or

(ii) Substantially misrepresents the nature of—

(A) In the case of an institution, its educational program, its financial charges, or the employability of its graduates; or

(B) In the case of a third-party servicer, as applicable, the educational program, financial charges, or employability of the graduates of any institution that contracts with the servicer.

(2) If the Secretary begins a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, the Secretary also may begin a fine, limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding against any institution under whose contract a third-party servicer commits the violation.

(3) The consequences of the limitation or termination of the institution's participation or the servicer's eligibility are described in Secs. 668.94 and 668.95, respectively.

(b) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding by sending an institution or third-party servicer a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. In the case of a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, the official also sends the notice to each institution that contracts with the servicer. The designated department official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical. This notice—

(i) Informs the institution or servicer of the intent of the Secretary to limit or terminate the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, cites the consequences of that action, and identifies the alleged violations that constitute the basis for the action, and, in the case of a limitation proceeding, states the limits to be imposed;

(ii) Specifies the proposed effective date of the limitation or termination, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice of intent;

 (iii) Informs the institution or servicer that the limitation or termination will not be effective on the date specified in the notice if the designated department official receives from the institution or servicer, as applicable, by that date a request for a hearing or written material indicating why the limitation or termination should not take place; and

(iv) In the case of a limitation or termination proceeding against a third-party servicer, informs each institution that contracts with the servicer of the consequences of the action to the institution.

(2) If the institution or servicer does not request a hearing but submits written material, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer and each institution that contracts with the servicer that—

(i) The proposed action is dismissed;

(ii) Limitations are effective as of a specified date; or

(iii) The termination is effective as of a specified date.

(3) If the institution or servicer requests a hearing by the time specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official transmits the request for hearing and response to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and the place. The date is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. The limitation or termination does not take place until after the requested hearing is held.

(4) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with Sec. 668.89.

(c) Expedited proceeding. With the approval of the hearing official and the consent of the designated department official and the institution or servicer, as applicable, any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened.

Sec. 668.87 [Removed and reserved.] Borrower defense and recovery proceedings

About the Regulations

(a) Procedures. (1) A designated department official begins a borrower defense and recovery proceeding against an institution by sending the institution a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. This notice—

(i) Informs the institution of the Secretary's intent—

(A) To determine the validity of borrower defense claims on behalf of a group under Sec. 685.222(h), to demonstrate the validity of borrower defense claims already approved, or both, as applicable; and

(B) To recover from the institution by offset, by claim on a letter of credit or other protection provided by the institution, or otherwise, for losses on account of borrower defense claims asserted on behalf of the group and borrower defense claims already approved, as applicable;

(ii) Includes a statement of facts and law sufficient to show that the Department is entitled to grant any borrower defense relief asserted within the statement, and recover for the amount of losses to the Secretary caused by the granting of such relief;

(iii) Specifies the date on which the Secretary intends to take action to recover the amount of losses arising from the granting of such relief, which date will be at least 20 days from mailing of the notice of intent and informs the institution that the Secretary will not take action to recover the amount of such loss on the date specified if the designated department official receives, by that date, a written response from the institution indicating why the Secretary should not recover. The notice shall also inform the institution that if it wishes to request a hearing pursuant to this subpart, the institution must include such a request with its written response; and

(iv) Informs the institution whether the designated Department official intends to proceed with—

(A) A single action; or

(B) An action in two phases—

(1) The determination whether the institution's act or omission gave rise to valid borrower defense claims; and

(2) The determination of the amount of borrower defense relief.

(2) Although the hearing official shall have the discretion to bifurcate proceedings with, or without, a motion of either party, any decision by the designated department official to bifurcate the proceeding in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(iv)(B) of this section may only be modified on motion with good cause shown.

(3) A hearing official conducts a hearing in accordance with Sec. 668.89.

(b) Effect of a response by the institution. (1) If the institution submits a written response, but does not therein request a hearing, the designated department official, after considering that material, notifies the institution whether the Secretary will take the proposed recovery action for borrower defense claims and, if so, the date of such action and the amount of losses.

(2) If the institution submits a response and requests a hearing by the time specified in the notice under paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section, the designated department official may, in that official's sole discretion, withdraw the notice or transmit the response and request for hearing to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, which sets the date and the place for the hearing. The date of the hearing is at least 15 days after the designated department official receives the request. No liability shall be imposed on the institution prior to the hearing.

(c) Limitations on participation. The parties in any borrower defense and recovery proceeding are the Department and the institution(s) against which the Department seeks to recover losses caused to the Department as a result of borrower defense relief. Borrowers are not permitted to intervene or appear in this proceeding, either on their own behalf or on behalf of any purported group, except as witnesses put forth by either party. However, nothing in this section limits the rights available to borrowers under other regulations, including 34 CFR 685.206 and 685.222.

(d) Effect on the borrower. No proceeding under this subpart imposes liability on any borrower who has already obtained a discharge in an individual proceeding under 34 CFR 685.206(c) or 34 CFR 685.222(e). A borrower defense and recovery proceeding may determine whether and how much relief is due to, and whether and how much of a loan remains owing by, a borrower participating in a group process proceeding as defined in 34 CFR 685.222(f) through (h).

Sec. 668.88 Prehearing conference and motion practice.

About the Regulations

(a) A hearing official may convene a prehearing conference if he or she thinks that the conference would be useful, or if the conference is requested by—

(1) The designated department official who brought a proceeding against an institution or third-party servicer under this subpart; or

(2) The institution or servicer, as applicable.

(b) The purpose of a prehearing conference is to allow the parties to settle or narrow the dispute.

(c) If the hearing official, the designated department official, and the institution, or servicer, as applicable, agree, a prehearing conference may consist of—

(1) A conference telephone call;

(2) An informal meeting; or

(3) The submission and exchange of written material.

(d) A non-dispositive motion shall be made, if at all, consistent with any procedures set forth by the hearing official. In the absence of such procedures, non-dispositive motions shall be permitted, and responses to such motions shall be permitted though not required.

(e)(1) A party may make a motion for summary disposition asserting that the undisputed facts, admissions, affidavits, stipulations, documentary evidence, matters as to which official notice may be taken, and any other evidentiary materials properly submitted in connection with a motion for summary disposition establish that—

(i) There is no genuine issue as to any material fact; and

(ii) The moving party is entitled to a decision in its favor as a matter of law.

(2) A motion for summary disposition must be accompanied by a statement of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue. Such motion must be supported by evidence that the moving party contends support his or her position. The motion must be accompanied by a brief containing the points and authorities supporting the motion.

Any party may oppose such a motion by filing a response setting forth those material facts as to which he or she contends a genuine dispute exists. Such response must be supported by evidence of the same type as may be submitted in support of a motion for summary disposition and a brief containing the points and authorities in support of the contention that summary disposition would be inappropriate.

(f) A motion under consideration by the Secretary or the hearing official shall not stay proceedings before the hearing official unless the Secretary or the hearing official, as appropriate, so orders.

Sec. 668.89 Hearing.

About the Regulations

(a) A hearing is an orderly presentation of arguments and evidence conducted by a hearing official. At the discretion of the hearing official, any right to a hearing may be satisfied by one or more of the following: Summary disposition pursuant to Sec. 668.88(e), with or without oral argument; an oral evidentiary hearing conducted in person, by telephone, by video conference, or any combination thereof; or a review limited to written evidence.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the hearing official sets the procedures to be used in the hearing, and may take steps to expedite the proceeding as appropriate.

(2) The formal rules of evidence and procedures applicable to proceedings in a court of law are not applicable. However, discussions of settlement between the parties or the terms of settlement offers are not admissible to prove the validity or invalidity of any claim or defense.

(3) A stipulation by the parties to facts and legal authorities not in dispute; or (i) The proponent of any factual proposition has the burden of proof with respect thereto.

(ii) The designated department official has the burden of persuasion in any fine, suspension, limitation, or termination proceeding under this subpart.

(iii) For borrower defenses under Secs. 685.206(c) and (e) and 685.222 of this chapter, the The designated department official has the burden of persuasion in a borrower defense and recovery action; however, for a borrower defense claim based on a substantial misrepresentation under Sec. 682.222(d) of this chapter, the designated department official has the burden of persuasion regarding the substantial misrepresentation, and the institution has the burden of persuasion in establishing any offsetting value of the education under Sec. 685.222(i)(2)(i).

(4) Discovery, as provided for under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, is not permitted.

(5) The hearing official accepts only evidence that is relevant and material to the proceeding and is not unduly repetitious.

(6) The hearing official may restrict the number of witnesses or exclude witnesses to avoid undue delay or presentation of cumulative evidence. Any witness permitted to appear may do so via telephonic, video, or other means, with the approval of the hearing official.

(7) Either party may call qualified expert witnesses. Each party will be limited to calling three expert witnesses, as a matter of right, including any rebuttal or surrebuttal witnesses. Additional expert witnesses shall be allowed only by order of the hearing official, granted only upon a showing of good cause.

(i) At a date set by the hearing official, each party shall serve the other with any report prepared by each of its expert witnesses. Each party shall serve the other party with a list of any rebuttal expert witnesses and a rebuttal report prepared by each such witness not later than 60 days after the deadline for service of expert reports, unless another date is set by the hearing official. A rebuttal report shall be limited to rebuttal of matters set forth in the expert report for which it is offered in rebuttal. If material outside the scope of fair rebuttal is presented, a party may file a motion not later than five days after the deadline for service of rebuttal reports, seeking appropriate relief with the hearing official, including striking all or part of the report, leave to submit a surrebuttal report by the party's own experts, or leave to call a surrebuttal witness and to submit a surrebuttal report by that witness.

(ii) No party may call an expert witness at the hearing unless the party has listed the expert and has provided reports as required by this section.

(iii) Each report shall be signed by the expert and contain a complete statement of all opinions to be expressed and the basis and reasons therefor; the data, materials, or other information considered by the witness in forming the opinions; any exhibits to be used as a summary of or support for the opinions; the qualifications of the witness, including a list of all publications authored or co-authored by the witness within the preceding ten years; the compensation to be paid for the study and testimony; and a listing of any other cases in which the witness has testified or sought to testify as an expert at trial or hearing, or by deposition, within the preceding four years. A rebuttal or surrebuttal report need not include any information already included in the initial report of the witness.

(8)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(8)(ii) of this section, if an institution has been required through compulsory process under section 490A of the HEA or other applicable law to submit to the United States or to the Department material regarding an express or an implied representation, the institution cannot thereafter, in any proceeding under this subpart in which it is alleged that the representation was false, erroneous, or misleading, and for any purpose relating to the defense of such allegation, introduce into the record, either directly or indirectly through references contained in documents or oral testimony, any material of any type that was required to be but was not timely submitted in response to that compulsory process.

(ii) The hearing official shall, upon motion at any stage, exclude all material that was required to be but was not timely submitted in response to a compulsory process described in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this section, or any reference to such material, unless the institution demonstrates, and the hearing official finds, that by the exercise of due diligence the material could not have been timely submitted in response to the compulsory process, and the institution notified the Department or such other party that issued the order to produce, of the existence of the material immediately upon its discovery. The hearing official shall specify with particularity the evidence relied upon.

(9) When issues not raised in the notice of proposed action are tried without objection at the hearing, they will be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the notice of proposed action, and no formal amendments are required.

(c) The hearing official makes a transcribed record of the proceeding and makes a copy of the record available to the designated Department official and to the institution or servicer.

Sec. 668.90 Authority and responsibilities of the hearing official.

About the Regulations

(a) The hearing official regulates the course of a hearing and the conduct of the parties during the hearing. The hearing official takes all necessary steps to conduct a fair and impartial hearing.

(b)(1) The hearing official is not authorized to issue subpoenas.

(2) If requested by the hearing official, the parties to a hearing shall provide available personnel who have knowledge about the matter under review for oral or written examination.

(c) The hearing official takes whatever measures are appropriate to expedite a hearing. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the following—

(1) Scheduling of conferences;

(2) Setting time limits for hearings and submission of written documents; and

(3) Terminating the hearing and issuing a decision against a party if that party does not meet those time limits.

(d) The hearing official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations. The hearing official may not—

(1) Waive applicable statutes and regulations; or

(2) Rule them invalid.

Sec. 668.91 Initial and final decisions.

About the Regulations

(a)(1)(i) A hearing official issues a written initial decision in a hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested to—

(A) The designated department official who began a proceeding against an institution or third-party servicer;

(B) The institution or servicer, as applicable; and

(C) In the case of a proceeding against a third-party servicer, each institution that contracts with the servicer.

(ii) The hearing official may also transmit the notice by other, more expeditious means if practical.

(iii) The hearing official issues the decision within the latest of the following dates:

(A) The 30th day after the last submission is filed with the hearing official.

(B) The 60th day after the last submission is filed with the hearing official if the Secretary, upon request of the hearing official, determines that the unusual complexity of the case requires additional time for preparation of the decision.

(C) The 50th day after the last day of the hearing, if the hearing official does not request the parties to make any posthearing submission.

(2)(i) The hearing official's initial decision states whether the imposition of the fine, limitation, suspension, or termination sought by the designated department official is warranted, in whole or in part. If the designated department official brought a termination action against the institution or servicer, the hearing official may, if appropriate, issue an initial decision to fine the institution or servicer, as applicable, or, rather than terminating the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, impose one or more limitations on the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility.

(ii) In a borrower defense and recovery proceeding conducted in two phases under Sec. 668.87(a)(1)(iv)(B), the hearing official's initial decision determines whether the institution is liable for the act or omission described in the notice of intent to recover, and the hearing official issues an initial decision on liability only.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)(2) of this section—

(i) If, in a termination action against an institution, the hearing official finds that the institution has violated the provisions of Sec. 668.14(b)(18), the hearing official also finds that termination of the institution's participation is warranted;

(ii) If, in a termination action against a third-party servicer, the hearing official finds that the servicer has violated the provisions of Sec. 668.14(b)(18), the hearing official also finds that termination of the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, as applicable, is warranted;

(iii) In an action brought against an institution or third-party servicer that involves its failure to provide a letter of credit, or financial protection under Sec. 668.15 or Sec.668.171(c) or (d), the hearing official finds that the amount of the letter of credit or other financial protection established by the Secretary under Sec. 668.175 is appropriate, unless the institution demonstrates that the amount was not warranted because—

(A) For financial protection demanded based on events or conditions described in Sec. 668.171(c) or (d), the events or conditions no longer exist have been resolved, or the institution demonstrates that it has insurance that will cover all potential debts and liabilities that arise from the triggering event or condition. The institution can demonstrate it has insurance that covers risk by presenting the Department with a copy of the insurance policy that makes clear the institution's coverage.

(B) For financial protection demanded based on the grounds identified in Sec. 668.171(d), the action or event does not and will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business, or results of operations of the institution;

(C) The institution has proffered alternative financial protection that provides students and the Department adequate protection against losses resulting from the risks identified by the Secretary. Adequate protection may consist of one or more of the following—

(1) An agreement with the Secretary that a portion of the funds due to the institution under a reimbursement or heightened cash monitoring funding arrangement will be temporarily withheld in such amounts as will meet, no later than the end of a six to 12 month period, the amount of the required financial protection demanded; or

(2) Other form of financial protection specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(iv) In a termination action taken against an institution or third-party servicer based on the grounds that the institution or servicer failed to comply with the requirements of Sec. 668.23(c)(3), if the hearing official finds that the institution or servicer failed to meet those requirements, the hearing official finds that the termination is warranted;

(v)(A) In a termination action against an institution based on the grounds that the institution is not financially responsible under Sec. 668.15(c)(1), the hearing official finds that the termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all applicable conditions described in Sec. 668.15(d)(4) have been met; and

(B) In a termination or limitation action against an institution based on the grounds that the institution is not financially responsible—

(1) Upon proof of the conditions in Sec. 668.174(a), the hearing official finds that the limitation or termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all the conditions in Sec. 668.175(h)(2) have been met; and

(2) Upon proof of the conditions in Sec. 668.174(b)(1), the hearing official finds that the limitation or termination is warranted unless the institution demonstrates that all applicable conditions described in Sec. 668.174(b)(2) or Sec. 668.175(h)(2) have been met.

(vi) In a termination action against a GE program based upon the program’s failure to meet the requirements in Sec. 668.403 or Sec. 668.404, the hearing official must terminate the program’s eligibility unless the hearing official concludes that the Secretary erred in the applicable calculation.

(4) The hearing official bases findings of fact only on evidence considered at the hearing and on matters given judicial notice. 

(b)(1) In a suspension proceeding, the Secretary reviews the hearing official's initial decision and issues a final decision within 20 days after the initial decision. The Secretary adopts the initial decision unless it is clearly unsupported by the evidence presented at the hearing.

(2) The Secretary notifies the institution or servicer and, in the case of a suspension proceeding against a third-party servicer, each institution that contracts with the servicer of the final decision. If the Secretary suspends the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility, the suspension takes effect on the later of—

(i) The day that the institution or servicer receives the notice; or

(ii) The date specified in the designated department official's original notice of intent to suspend the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility.

(3) A suspension may not exceed 60 days unless a designated department official begins a limitation or termination proceeding under this subpart before the expiration of that period. In that case, the period may be extended until a final decision is issued in that proceeding according to paragraph (c) of this section.

 

(c)(1) In a fine, limitation, or termination proceeding, the hearing official's initial decision automatically becomes the Secretary's final decision 30 days after the initial decision is issued and received by both parties unless, within that 30-day period, the institution or servicer, as applicable, or the designated department official appeals the initial decision to the Secretary.

(2)(i) A party may appeal the hearing official's initial decision by submitting to the Secretary, within 30 days after the party receives the initial decision, a brief or other written statement that explains why the party believes that the Secretary should reverse or modify the decision of the hearing official.

(ii) At the time the party files its appeal submission, the party shall provide a copy of that submission to the opposing party.

(iii) The opposing party shall submit its brief or other responsive statement to the Secretary, with a copy to the appellant, within 30 days after the opposing party receives the appellant's brief or written statement.

(iv) The appealing party may submit proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law. However, the proposed findings of fact must be supported by—

(A) The evidence introduced into the record at the hearing;

(B) Stipulations of the parties if the hearing consisted of written submissions; or

(C) Matters that may be judicially noticed.

(v) Neither party may introduce new evidence on appeal.

(vi) The initial decision of the hearing official imposing a fine or limiting or terminating the institution's participation or servicer's eligibility does not take effect pending the appeal.

(vii) The Secretary renders a final decision. The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraph (c)(2) (vii) through (ix) of this section.

(viii) In rendering a final decision, the Secretary considers only evidence introduced into the record at the hearing and facts agreed to by the parties if the hearing consisted only of written submissions and matters that may be judicially noticed.

(ix) If the hearing official finds that a termination is warranted pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the initial decision, or may remand the case to the hearing official for further proceedings consistent with the Secretary's decision. If the Secretary affirms the initial decision without issuing a statement of reasons, the Secretary adopts the opinion of the hearing official as the decision of the Secretary. If the Secretary modifies, remands, or reverses the initial decision, in whole or in part, the Secretary's decision states the reasons for the action taken.

(x) In a borrower defense and recovery proceeding conducted in two phases under Sec. 668.87(a)(1)(iv)(B), if a party appeals an initial decision of the hearing official in the first phase, the Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the initial decision, or may remand the case to the hearing official for further proceedings consistent with the Secretary's decision.

Sec. 668.92 Filing of requests for hearings and appeals; confirmation of mailing and receipt dates.

About the Regulations

(a) Filing of request for hearing, show-cause opportunity, or appeal.

(1)(i) A request by an institution or third-party servicer for a hearing or show-cause opportunity, or other material submitted by an institution or third-party servicer in response to a notice of proposed action under this subpart, must be filed with the designated department official by hand-delivery, mail, or facsimile transmission.

(ii) An appeal to the Secretary by a party must be filed with the designated department official by hand-delivery, mail, facsimile transmission, or by use of the Office of Hearings and Appeals Electronic Filing System (OES).

(2) Documents filed by facsimile transmission must be transmitted to the designated department official identified, either in the notice initiating the action, or, for an appeal, in instructions provided by the hearing official, as the individual responsible to receive them. A party filing a document by facsimile transmission must confirm that a complete and legible copy of the document was received by the Department of Education, and may be required by the designated department official to provide a hard copy of the document.

(3) The Secretary discourages the use of facsimile transmission for documents longer than five pages.

(4)(i) A party may file an appeal to the Secretary, and any other pleading or other document submitted in a proceeding under this subpart, by use of the Office of Hearings and Appeals Electronic Filing System (OES), by hand-delivery, by mail, or by facsimile transmission.

(ii) A party must serve a copy on the other party of any pleading or other document it files, including an appeal to the Secretary, in a proceeding under this subpart. A party must do so by certified mail, return receipt requested; by hand-delivery; or, if agreed upon by the parties, service may also be made by use of the OES or any other means agreed to by the parties.

(iii) A party who agrees to receive a document by any means other than service by certified mail, return receipt requested or hand-delivery may limit that agreement to one or more particular documents.

(iv) A party who agrees to service of a document through the OES thereby agrees that the notice of such filing provided to the party by the OES suffices to meet any obligation of the filing party under these regulations to provide a copy of that document.

(5) Documents filed using the OES must be transmitted to the designated department official identified in instructions provided by the hearing official as the individual responsible to receive them. A party filing a document using the OES must ensure that the party has received an electronic confirmation that the document was accepted and approved for filing by the OES, and may be required by the designated department official to provide a hard copy of the document.

(6) Electronic documents must be in formatted Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at www.adobe.com.

(b) Confirmation of mailing and receipt dates. (1) The mailing date of a notice from a designated department official initiating an action under this subpart is the date evidenced on the original receipt of mailing from the U.S. Postal Service.

(2) The date on which a request for a show-cause opportunity, a request for a hearing, other material submitted in response to a notice of action under this subpart, a decision by a hearing official, or a notice of appeal is received is, as applicable—

(i) The date of receipt evidenced on the original receipt for a document sent by certified mail.

(ii) The date following the date recorded by the delivery service as the date material was sent for a document sent by next-day delivery service.

(iii) The date a document sent by regular mail is recorded, according to the regular business practice of the office receiving the document, as received.

(iv) The date a document sent by facsimile transmission is recorded as received by the facsimile equipment that receives the transmission.

(v) The date a document is sent electronically via the OES is recorded as received by the OES as indicated in the confirmation of receipt email for E-filing.

(c) Refusals. If an institution or third-party servicer refuses to accept a notice mailed under this subpart, the Secretary considers the notice as being received on the date that the institution or servicer refuses to accept the notice.

Sec. 668.93 Fines.

About the Regulations

(a) In determining the amount of a fine, the designated department official, hearing official, and Secretary take into account—

(1)(i) The gravity of an institution's or third-party servicer's violation or failure to carry out the relevant statutory provision, regulatory provision, special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA; or

(ii) The gravity of the institution's or servicer's misrepresentation;

(2) The size of the institution;

(3) The size of the servicer's business, including the number of institutions and students served by the servicer;

(4) In the case of a violation by a third-party servicer, the extent to which the servicer can document that the institution contributed to that violation; and

(5) For purposes of assessing a fine on a third-party servicer, the extent to which—

(i) Violations are caused by repeated mechanical systemic unintentional errors. The Secretary counts the total of violations caused by a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error as a single violation, unless the servicer has been cited for a similar violation previously and had failed to make the appropriate corrections to the system; and

(ii) The financial loss of Title IV, HEA program funds was attributable to a repeated mechanical systemic unintentional error.

(b) In determining the gravity of the institution's or servicer's violation, failure, or misrepresentation under paragraph (a) of this section, the designated department official, hearing official, and Secretary take into account the amount of any liability owed by the institution and any third-party servicer that contracts with the institution, and the number of students affected as a result of that violation, failure, or misrepresentation on—

(1) Improperly expended or unspent Title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution or servicer, as applicable; or

(2) Required refunds, including the treatment of title IV, HEA program funds when a student withdraws under Sec. 668.22.

(c) Upon the request of the institution or third-party servicer, the Secretary may compromise the fine.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of statute or regulation, any individual described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, in addition to other penalties provided by law, is liable to the Secretary for amounts that should have been refunded or returned under Sec. 668.22 of the title IV program funds not returned, to the same extent with respect to those funds that such an individual would be liable as a responsible person for a penalty under section 6672(a) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the nonpayment of taxes.

(2) The individual subject to the penalty described in paragraph (d)(1) is any individual who—

(i) The Secretary determines, in accordance with Sec. 668.174(c), exercises substantial control over an institution participating in, or seeking to participate in, a program under this title;

(ii) Is required under Sec. 668.22 to return title IV program funds to a lender or to the Secretary on behalf of a student or borrower, or was required under Sec. 668.22 in effect on June 30, 2000 to return title IV program funds to a lender or to the Secretary on behalf of a student or borrower; and

(iii) Willfully fails to return those funds or willfully attempts in any manner to evade that payment.

Sec. 668.94 Limitation.

About the Regulations

A limitation may include, as appropriate to the Title IV, HEA program in question—

(a) A limit on the number or percentage of students enrolled in an institution who may receive Title IV, HEA program funds;

(b) A limit, for a stated period of time, on the percentage of an institution's total receipts from tuition and fees derived from Title IV, HEA program funds;

(c) A limit on the number or size of institutions with which a third-party servicer may contract;

(d) A limit on the number of borrower or loan accounts that a third-party servicer may service under a contract with an institution;

(e) A limit on the responsibilities that a third-party servicer may perform under a contract with an institution;

(f) A requirement for a third-party servicer to perform additional responsibilities under a contract with an institution;

(g) A requirement that an institution obtain surety, in a specified amount, to assure its ability to meet its financial obligations to students who receive Title IV, HEA program funds;

(h) A change in the participation status of the institution from fully certified to participate to provisionally certified to participate under Sec. 668.13(c).

(i) A requirement that a third-party servicer obtain surety, in a specified amount, to assure the servicer's ability to meet the servicer's financial obligations under a contract; or

(j) Other conditions as may be determined by the Secretary to be reasonable and appropriate.

Sec. 668.95 Termination.

About the Regulations

(a) A termination—

(1) Ends an institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program or ends a third-party servicer's eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program;

(2) Ends the authority of a third-party servicer to administer any aspect of any institution's participation in that program;

(3) Prohibits an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, or the Secretary from making or increasing awards under that program;

(4) Prohibits an institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, from making any other new commitments of funds under that program; and

(5) If an institution's participation in the Federal Stafford Loan Program or Federal PLUS programs has been terminated, prohibits further guarantee commitments by the Secretary for loans under that program to students to attend that institution, and, if the institution is a lender under that program, prohibits further disbursements by the institution (whether or not guarantee commitments have been issued by the Secretary or a guaranty agency for those disbursements).

(b) After its participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated, an institution may disburse or deliver funds under that Title IV, HEA program to students enrolled at the institution only in accordance with 668.26 and with any additional requirements imposed under this part.

(c) If a third-party servicer's eligibility is terminated, the servicer must return to each institution that contracts with the servicer any funds received by the servicer under the applicable Title IV, HEA program on behalf of the institution or the institution's students or otherwise dispose of those funds under instructions from the Secretary. The servicer also must return to each institution that contracts with the servicer all records pertaining to the servicer's administration of that program on behalf of that institution.

Sec. 668.96 Reimbursements, refunds and offsets.

About the Regulations

(a) In an action to fine an institution or servicer, or to limit, suspend, or terminate the participation of an institution or the eligibility of a servicer, the designated department official, hearing official, or Secretary may require an institution or third-party servicer to take reasonable and appropriate corrective action to remedy the institution's or servicer's violation, as applicable, of any statutory provision of or applicable to Title IV of the HEA, any regulatory provision prescribed under that statutory authority, or any applicable special arrangement, agreement, or limitation entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA.

(b) The corrective action under paragraph (a) of this section may include payment of any funds to the Secretary, or to designated recipients, that the institution or servicer, as applicable, improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed. Corrective action may, for example, relate to—

(1) With respect to the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS, and Federal SLS programs—

(i) Ineligible interest benefits, special allowances, or other claims paid by the Secretary; and

(ii) Discounts, premiums, or excess interest paid in violation of 34 CFR part 682; and

(2) With respect to all Title IV, HEA programs—

(i) Refunds or returns of title IV, HEA program funds required under program regulations when a student withdraws.

(ii) Any grants, work-study assistance, or loans made in violation of program regulations.

(c) If any final decision in any action under this subpart requires an institution or third-party servicer to reimburse or make any other payment to the Secretary, the Secretary may offset these claims against any benefits or claims due to the institution or servicer.

(d) If an institution's violation in paragraph (a) of this section results from an administrative, accounting, or recordkeeping error, and that error was not part of a pattern of error, and there is no evidence of fraud or misconduct related to the error, the Secretary permits the institution to correct or cure the error. If the institution corrects or cures the error, the Secretary does not limit, suspend, terminate, or fine the institution for that error.

Sec. 668.97 Reinstatement after termination.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) An institution whose participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated may file a request for reinstatement of that participation.

(2) A third-party servicer whose eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been terminated may file a request for reinstatement of that eligibility.

(b) An institution whose participation has been terminated or a third-party servicer whose eligibility has been terminated may request reinstatement only after the later of the expiration of—

(1) Eighteen months from the effective date of the termination; or

(2) A debarment or suspension under Executive Order 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.

(c) To be reinstated, an institution or third-party servicer must submit its request for reinstatement in writing to the Secretary and must—

(1) Demonstrate to the Secretary's satisfaction that it has corrected the violation or violations on which its termination was based, including payment in full to the Secretary or to other recipients of funds that the institution or servicer, as applicable, has improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed;

(2) Meet all applicable requirements of this part; and

(3) In the case of an institution, enter into a new program participation agreement with the Secretary.

(d) The Secretary, within 60 days of receiving the reinstatement request—

(1) Grants the request;

(2) Denies the request; or

(3) Grants the request subject to a limitation or limitations.

Sec. 668.98 Removal of limitation.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution whose participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been limited may not apply for removal of the limitation before the expiration of 12 months from the effective date of the limitation.

(b) A third-party servicer whose eligibility to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in a Title IV, HEA program has been limited may request removal of the limitation.

(c) The institution or servicer may not apply for removal of the limitation before the later of the expiration of—

(1) Twelve months from the effective date of the limitation; or

(2) A debarment or suspension under Executive Order 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) or the Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4.

(d) If the institution or servicer requests removal of the limitation, the request must be in writing and show that the institution or servicer, as applicable, has corrected the violation or violations on which the limitation was based.

(e) No later than 60 days after the Secretary receives the request, the Secretary responds to the institution or servicer—

(1) Granting its request;

(2) Denying its request; or

(3) Granting the request subject to other limitation or limitations.

(f) If the Secretary denies the request or establishes other limitations, the Secretary grants the institution or servicer, upon the institution's or servicer's request, an opportunity to show cause why the participation or eligibility, as applicable, should be fully reinstated.

(g) The institution's or servicer's request for an opportunity to show cause does not waive—

(1) The institution's right to participate in any or all Title IV, HEA programs if it complies with the continuing limitation or limitations pending the outcome of the opportunity to show cause; and

(2) The servicer's right to contract with any institution to administer any aspect of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program, if the servicer complies with the continuing limitation pending the outcome of the opportunity to show cause.

Sec. 668.99 Interlocutory appeals to the Secretary from rulings of a hearing official.

About the Regulations

(a) A ruling by a hearing official may not be appealed to the Secretary until the issuance of an initial decision, except that the Secretary may, at any time prior to the issuance of the initial decision, grant a review of a ruling upon either a certification by a hearing official of the ruling to the Secretary for review or the filing of a petition for review of a ruling by one or both of the parties if—

(1) That ruling involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law; and

(2) The immediate resolution of the question will materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding or subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.

(b)(1) A petition for interlocutory review of an interim ruling must include the following:

(i) A brief statement of the facts necessary to an understanding of the issue on which review is sought.

(ii) A statement of the issue.

(iii) A statement of the reasons showing that the ruling complained of involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law and why immediate review of the ruling will materially advance the disposition of the case, or why subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.

(2) A petition may not exceed ten pages, double-spaced, and must be filed with a copy of the ruling and any findings and opinions relating to the ruling.

(c) A copy of the petition must be provided to the hearing official at the time of filing with the Secretary, and a copy of a petition or any certification must be served upon the parties as provided in Sec. 668.912(a)(4). The petition or certification must reflect this service.

(d) If a party files a petition under this section, the hearing official may state to the Secretary a view as to whether review is appropriate or inappropriate by submitting a brief statement addressing the party's petition within 10 days of the receipt of that petition by the hearing official. A copy of the statement must be served on all parties in the manner provided in Sec. 668.91(a)(4)(ii).

(e) A party's response to a petition or certification for interlocutory review must be filed within 7 days after service of the petition or statement, as applicable, and may not exceed 10 pages, double-spaced, in length. The response must be filed, and a copy served on the other party, as provided in Sec. 668.91(a)(4).

(f) The filing of a petition for interlocutory review does not automatically stay the proceedings. A stay during consideration of a petition for review may be granted by the hearing official if that official has certified or stated to the Secretary that review of the ruling is appropriate. The Secretary may order a stay of proceedings at any time after the filing of a request for interlocutory review.

(g) The Secretary notifies the parties if a petition or certification for interlocutory review is accepted, and may provide the parties a reasonable time within which to submit written argument with regard to the merit of the petition or certification.

(h) If the Secretary takes no action on a petition or certification for review within 15 days of receipt of it, the request is deemed to be denied.

(i) The Secretary may affirm, modify, set aside, or remand the interim ruling of the hearing official.

(j) The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraphs (f) through (i) of this section.

Sec. 668.100 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice shall not be affected thereby.

Subpart H—Appeal Procedures for Audit Determinations and Program Review Determinations

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.111 Scope and purpose.

(a) This subpart establishes rules governing issuance by the Department of and the appeal by an institution or third-party servicer from a final audit determination or a final program review determination arising from an audit or program review of the institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program or of the servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

(b) This subpart applies to any participating institution or third-party servicer that appeals a final audit determination or final program review determination.

(c) This subpart does not apply to proceedings governed by Subpart G of this part or to a determination that—

(1) An institution fails to meet the applicable statutory definition set forth in sections 435, 481, or 1201 of the HEA, except to the extent that such a determination forms the basis of a final audit determination or a final program review determination; or

(2) An institution fails to qualify for certification to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs because it does not meet the fiscal and administrative standards set forth in Subpart B of this part, except to the extent that such a determination forms the basis of a final audit determination or a program review determination.

Sec. 668.112 Definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

(a) Final audit determination means the written notice of a determination issued by a designated department official based on an audit of—

(1) An institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs; or

(2) A third-party servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs.

(b) Final program review determination means the written notice of a determination issued by a designated department official and resulting from a program compliance review of—

(1) An institution's participation in any or all of the Title IV, HEA programs; or

(2) A third-party servicer's administration of any aspect of an institution's participation in any Title IV, HEA program.

Sec. 668.113 Request for review.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution or third-party servicer seeking the Secretary's review of a final audit determination or a final program review determination shall file a written request for review with the designated department official.

(b) The institution or servicer must file its request for review no later than 45 days from the date that the institution or servicer receives the final audit determination or final program review determination.

(c) The institution or servicer must attach to the request for review a copy of the final audit determination or final program review determination, and must —

(1) Identify the issues and facts in dispute; and

(2) State the institution's or servicer's position, as applicable, together with the pertinent facts and reasons supporting that position.

(d)(1) If the final audit determination or final program review determination in paragraph (a) of this section results from the institution's classification of a course or program as distance education, or the institution's assignment of credit hours, the Secretary relies upon the requirements of the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency regarding qualifications for instruction and whether the amount of work associated with the institution's credit hours is consistent with commonly accepted practice in postsecondary education, in applying the definitions of "distance education" and "credit hour" in 34 CFR 600.2.

(2) If an institution's violation that resulted in the final audit determination or final program review determination in paragraph (a) of this section results from an administrative, accounting, or recordkeeping error, and that error was not part of a pattern of error, and there is no evidence of fraud or misconduct related to the error, the Secretary permits the institution to correct or cure the error.

(3) If the institution is charged with a liability as a result of an error described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the institution cures or corrects that error with regard to that liability if the cure or correction eliminates the basis for the liability.

Sec. 668.114 Notification of hearing.

About the Regulations

(a) Upon receipt of an institution's or third-party servicer's request for review, the designated department official arranges for a hearing before a hearing official.

(b) Within 30 days of the designated department official's receipt of an institution's or third-party servicer's request for review, the hearing official notifies the designated department official and the parties to the proceeding of the schedule for the submission of briefs by both the designated department official and, as applicable, the institution or servicer.

(c) The hearing official schedules the submission of briefs and of accompanying evidence admissible under the terms of Sec. 668.116 (e) and (f) to occur no later than 120 days from the date that the hearing official notifies the institution or servicer.

Sec. 668.115 Prehearing conference.

About the Regulations

(a) In the event that the hearing official considers a prehearing conference necessary, he may convene a prehearing conference.

(b) The purpose of a prehearing conference is to allow the parties to settle or narrow the dispute. A prehearing conference consists of—

(1) A telephone conference call;

(2) An informal meeting of the parties with the hearing official; or

(3) The submission and exchange of written materials by the parties.

(c) All prehearing conferences requiring appearances by the parties shall take place in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Sec. 668.116 Hearing.

About the Regulations

(a) A hearing is a process conducted by the hearing official whereby an orderly presentation of arguments and evidence is made by the parties.

(b) The hearing process consists of the submission of written briefs to the hearing official by the institution or third-party servicer, as applicable, and by the designated department official, unless the hearing official determines, under paragraph (g) of this section, that an oral hearing is also necessary.

(c) Each party shall provide a copy of its brief and any accompanying materials to the opposing party simultaneously with the filing of its brief and materials with the hearing official.

(d) An institution or third-party servicer requesting review of the final audit determination or final program review determination issued by the designated department official shall have the burden of proving the following matters, as applicable:

(1) That expenditures questioned or disallowed were proper.

(2) That the institution or servicer complied with program requirements.

(e)(1) A party may submit as evidence to the hearing official only materials within one or more of the following categories:

(i) Department of Education audit reports and audit work papers for audits performed by the department's Office of Inspector General.

(ii) In the case of an institution, institutional audit work papers, records, and other materials.

(iii) In the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer's audit work papers and the records and other materials of the servicer or any institution that contracts with the servicer.

(iv) Department of Education program review reports and work papers for program reviews.

(v) Institutional or servicer records and other materials (including records and other materials of any institution that contracts with the servicer) provided to the Department of Education in response to a program review.

(vi) Other Department of Education records and materials if the records and materials.

(2) A party desiring to submit as evidence any materials described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall submit that evidence with its initial brief.

(f) The hearing official accepts only evidence that is both admissible and timely under the terms of paragraph (e) of this section, and relevant and material to the appeal. Examples of evidence that shall be deemed irrelevant and immaterial except upon a clear showing of probative value respecting the matters described in paragraph (d) of this section include—

(1) Evidence relating to a period of time other than the period of time covered by the audit or program review;

(2) Evidence relating to an audit or program review of an institution or third-party servicer other than the institution or servicer bringing the appeal, or the resolution thereof; and

(3) Evidence relating to the current practice of the institution or servicer bringing the appeal in the program areas at issue in the appeal.

(g)(1) The hearing official may schedule an oral argument if he or she determines that an oral argument is necessary to clarify the issues and the positions of the parties as presented in the parties' written submissions.

(2) In the event that an oral argument is conducted, the designated department official makes a transcribed record of the proceedings and makes one copy of that record available to each of the parties to the proceeding.

(h) Any oral argument shall take place in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

(i) Either party may be represented by counsel.

Sec. 668.117 Authority and responsibilities of the hearing official.

About the Regulations

(a) The hearing official regulates the course of the proceedings and the conduct of the parties following a request for review and takes all steps necessary to conduct fair and impartial proceedings.

(b) The hearing official is not authorized to issue subpoenas or compel discovery, as provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

(c) The hearing official shall take whatever measures are appropriate to expedite the proceedings. These measures may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

(1) Scheduling of conferences.

(2) Setting time limits for oral arguments and the submission of briefs.

(3) Terminating the hearing process and issuing a decision against a party if that party does not meet time limits established by the hearing official.

(d) The hearing official is bound by all applicable statutes and regulations. The hearing official may not—

(1) Waive applicable statutes and regulations; or

(2) Rule them invalid.

Sec. 668.118 Decision of the hearing official.

About the Regulations

(a) Upon review of the parties' written submissions and termination of the oral argument if one is held, the hearing official issues a written decision.

(b) The hearing official's decision states and explains whether the final audit determination or final program review determination issued by the designated ED official was supportable, in whole or in part.

(c) The hearing official bases any findings of fact only on evidence properly presented before him, on matters given official notice, or on facts stipulated to by the parties.

Sec. 668.119 Appeal to the Secretary.

About the Regulations

(a) Within 30 days of its receipt of the initial decision of the hearing official, a party wishing to appeal the decision shall submit a brief or other written material to the Secretary explaining why the decision of the hearing official should be overturned or modified.

(b) The party appealing the initial decision shall, simultaneously with its filing of the appeal, provide the opposing party with a copy of its brief or other written material.

(c) In its brief to the Secretary, the party appealing the initial decision may submit proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law. However, the proposed findings of fact must be supported by—

(1) The admissible evidence already in the record;

(2) Matters that may be given official notice; or

(3) Stipulations of the parties

(d) The opposing party shall file its response to the appeal, if any, with the Secretary within 30 days of that party's receipt of the appeal to the Secretary.

(e) The opposing party shall, simultaneously with the filing of any response, provide a copy of its response to the appeal to the party appealing the initial decision.

(f) Neither party may introduce new evidence on appeal.

Sec. 668.120 Decision of the Secretary.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) The Secretary issues a final decision. The Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the hearing official, or may remand the case to the hearing official for further proceedings consistent with the Secretary's decision.

(2) The Secretary may delegate the performance of functions under this section to a designated department official.

(b) If the Secretary modifies, remands, or overturns the initial decision of the hearing official, the Secretary issues a decision that—

(1) Includes a statement of the reasons for this action;

(2) Is provided to both parties; and

(3) Unless the decision is remanded to the hearing official for further review or determination of fact, becomes final upon its issuance.

Sec. 668.121 Final decision of the Department.

About the Regulations

(a) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is appealed, the decision of the Secretary is the final decision of the Department, unless the hearing official's decision is remanded by the Secretary.

(b) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is not appealed within the time limit specified in Sec. 668.119 (a), the initial decision automatically becomes the final decision of the Department.

Sec. 668.122 Determination of filing, receipt, and submission dates.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) Appeals and written submissions to a hearing official referred to in this subpart may be hand-delivered, mailed, or filed electronically by use of the Office of Hearings and Appeals Electronic Filing System (OES ).

(2)(i) Service on the other party of a document required to be served on another party may be made by mail or by hand delivery, or, if agreed upon by the parties, by use of the OES or by any other means agreed to by the parties. A party who agrees to receive a document filed by another party by any means other than service by mail or hand-delivery may limit that agreement to one or more particular documents.

(ii) A party who agrees to service of a document through the OES thereby agrees that the notice of such filing provided to the party by the OES suffices to meet any obligation of the filing party under these regulations to provide a copy of that document.

(b) All mailed written submissions referred to in this subpart shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(c) Determination of filing, receipt, or submission dates is based on the date of hand-delivery , the date of receipt recorded by the U.S. Postal Service, the date a document sent electronically by using the OES is recorded as received as indicated in the confirmation of receipt email for E-filing, or for other means, the date on which the delivery is recorded in the medium used for delivery.

Sec. 668.123 Collection.

About the Regulations

To the extent that the decision of the Secretary sustains the final audit determination or program review determination, subject to the provisions of Sec. 668.24(c)(3), the Department of Education will take steps to collect the debt at issue or otherwise effect the determination that was subject to the request for review.

Sec. 668.124 Interlocutory appeals to the Secretary from rulings of a hearing official.

About the Regulations

(a) A ruling by a hearing official may not be appealed to the Secretary until the issuance of an initial decision, except that the Secretary may, at any time prior to the issuance of the initial decision, grant a review of a ruling upon either a certification by a hearing official of the ruling to the Secretary for review or the filing of a petition for review of a ruling by one or both of the parties if—

(1) That ruling involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law; and

(2) The immediate resolution of the question will materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding or subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.

(b)(1) A petition for interlocutory review of an interim ruling must include the following:

(i) A brief statement of the facts necessary to an understanding of the issue on which review is sought.

(ii) A statement of the issue.

(iii) A statement of the reasons showing that the ruling complained of involves a controlling question of substantive or procedural law and why immediate review of the ruling will materially advance the disposition of the case, or why subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.

(2) A petition may not exceed ten pages, double-spaced, and must be filed with a copy of the ruling and any findings and opinions relating to the ruling.

(c) A copy of the petition must be provided to the hearing official at the time of filing with the Secretary, and a copy of a petition or any certification must be served upon the parties as provided in Sec. 668.122(a)(2). The petition or certification must reflect this service.

(d) If a party files a petition under this section, the hearing official may state to the Secretary a view as to whether review is appropriate or inappropriate by submitting a brief statement addressing the party's petition within 10 days of the receipt of that petition by the hearing official. A copy of the statement must be served on all parties in the manner provided in Sec. 668.122(a)(2).

(e) A party's response to a petition or certification for interlocutory review must be filed within 7 days after service of the petition or statement, as applicable, and may not exceed 10 pages, double-spaced, in length. A copy of the response must be served on the parties and the hearing official as provided in Sec. 668.122(a)(2).

(f) The filing of a petition for interlocutory review does not automatically stay the proceedings. A stay during consideration of a petition for review may be granted by the hearing official if that official has certified or stated to the Secretary that review of the ruling is appropriate. The Secretary may order a stay of proceedings at any time after the filing of a request for interlocutory review.

(g) The Secretary notifies the parties if a petition or certification for interlocutory review is accepted, and may provide the parties a reasonable time within which to submit written argument with regard to the merit of the petition or certification.

(h) If the Secretary takes no action on a petition or certification for review within 15 days of receipt of it, the request is deemed to be denied.

(i) The Secretary may affirm, modify, set aside, or remand the interim ruling of the hearing official.

(j) The Secretary may delegate to a designated department official the functions described in paragraphs (f) through (i) of this section.

Sec. 668.125 Proceedings to recover liabilities owed related to approved borrower defense claims.

About the Regulations

(a) If the Department determines that the institution is liable for any amounts discharged or reimbursed to borrowers under the discharge process described in Sec. 685.408, it will provide the institution with written notice of the determination and the amount and basis of the liability.

(b) An institution may request review of the determination that it is liable for the amounts discharged or reimbursed by filing a written request for review with the designated department official no later than 45 days from the date that the institution receives the written notice.

(c) Upon receipt of an institution's request for review, the designated official arranges for a hearing before a hearing official.

(d) Except as provided in this section, the proceedings will be conducted in accordance with Secs. 668.115 to 668.124 of this subpart. For purposes of this section references in Secs. 668.115 to 668.124 to a final audit determination or a final program review determination will be read to refer to the written notice provided under paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) In place of the provisions in Sec. 668.116(d), the following requirements shall apply:

(1) The Department has the burden of production to demonstrate that loans made to students to attend the institution were discharged on the basis of a borrower defense to repayment claim.

(2) The institution has the burden of proof to demonstrate that the decision to discharge the loans was incorrect or inconsistent with law and that the institution is not liable for the loan amounts discharged or reimbursed.

(3) A party may submit as evidence to the hearing official only materials within one or more of the following categories:

(i) Materials submitted to the Department during the process of adjudicating claims by borrowers relating to alleged acts or omissions of the institution, including materials submitted by the borrowers, the institution or any third parties;

(ii) Any material on which the Department relied in adjudicating claims by borrowers relating to alleged acts or omissions of the institution and provided by the Department to the institution; and

(iii) The institution may submit any other relevant documentary evidence that relates to the bases cited by the Department in approving the borrower defense claims and pursuing recoupment from the institution.

Subpart I—Immigration-Status Confirmation

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.130 General.

(a) Scope and purpose. The regulations in this subpart govern the responsibilities of institutions and students in determining the eligibility of those noncitizen applicants for Title IV, HEA assistance who must, under Sec. 668.33(a)(2), produce evidence from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) that they are permanent residents of the United States or in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming citizens or permanent residents.

(b) Student responsibility. At the request of the Secretary or the institution at which an applicant for Title IV, HEA financial assistance is enrolled or accepted for enrollment, an applicant who asserts eligibility under Sec. 668.33(a)(2) shall provide documentation from the INS of immigration status.

Sec. 668.131 Definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Eligible noncitizen: An individual possessing an immigration status that meets the requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2).

Immigration status: The status conferred on a noncitizen under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended, 8 U.S.C. 1182.

Primary confirmation: A process by which the Secretary, by means of a matching program conducted with the INS, compares the information contained in an Application for Federal Student Aid or a multiple data entry application regarding the immigration status of a noncitizen applicant for Title IV, HEA assistance with records of that status maintained by the INS in its Alien Status Verification Index (ASVI) system for the purpose of determining whether a student's immigration status meets the requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2) and reports the results of this comparison on an output document.

Secondary confirmation: A process by which the INS, in response to the submission of INS Document Verification Form G-845 by an institution, searches pertinent paper and automated INS files, other than the ASVI database, for the purpose of determining a student's immigration status and the validity of the submitted INS documents, and reports the results of this search to the institution.

Sec. 668.132 Institutional determinations of eligibility based on primary confirmation.

About the Regulations

(a) Except as provided in Sec. 668.133(a)(1)(ii), the institution shall determine a student to be an eligible noncitizen if the institution receives an output document for that student establishing that—

(1) The INS has confirmed the student's immigration status; and

(2) The student's immigration status meets the noncitizen eligibility requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2).

(b) If an institution determines a student to be an eligible noncitizen in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the institution may not require the student to produce the documentation otherwise required under Sec. 668.33(a)(2).

Sec. 668.133 Conditions under which an institution shall require documentation and request secondary confirmation.

About the Regulations

(a) General requirements. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an institution shall require the student to produce the documentation required under Sec. 668.33(a)(2) and request the INS to perform secondary confirmation for a student claiming eligibility under Sec. 668.33(a)(2), in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sec. 668.135, if—

(1) The institution—

(i) Receives an output document indicating that the student must provide the institution with evidence of the student's immigration status required under Sec. 668.33(a)(2); or

(ii) Receives an output document that satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.132(a) (1) and (2), but the institution—

(A) Has documentation that conflicts with immigration-status documents submitted by the student or the immigration status reported on the output document; or

(B) Has reason to believe that the immigration status reported by the student or on the output document is incorrect; and

(2) The institution determines that the immigration-status documents submitted by the student constitute reasonable evidence of the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen.

(b) Exclusions from secondary confirmation. (1) An institution may not require the student to produce the documentation requested under Sec. 668.33(a)(2) and may not request that INS perform secondary confirmation, if the student—

(i) Demonstrates eligibility under the provisions of Sec. 668.33 (a)(1) or (b); or

(ii) Demonstrated eligibility under the provisions of Sec. 668.33(a)(2) in a previous award year as a result of secondary confirmation and the documents used to establish that eligibility have not expired; and

(iii) The institution does not have conflicting documentation or reason to believe that the student's claim of citizenship or immigration status is incorrect.

Sec. 668.134 Institutional policies and procedures for requesting documentation and receiving secondary confirmation.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution shall establish and use written policies and procedures for requesting proof and securing confirmation of the immigration status of applicants for Title IV, HEA student financial assistance who claim to meet the eligibility requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2). These policies and procedures must include—

(1) Providing the student a deadline by which to provide the documentation that the student wishes to have considered to support the claim that the student meets the requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2);

(2) Providing to the student information concerning the consequences of a failure to provide the documentation by the deadline set by the institution; and

(3) Providing that the institution will not make a determination that the student is not an eligible noncitizen until the institution has provided the student the opportunity to submit the documentation in support of the student's claim of eligibility under Sec. 668.33(a)(2).

(b) An institution shall furnish, in writing, to each student required to undergo secondary confirmation—

(1) A clear explanation of the documentation the student must submit as evidence that the student satisfies the requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2); and

(2) A clear explanation of the student's responsibilities with respect to the student's compliance with Sec. 668.33(a)(2), including the deadlines for completing any action required under this subpart and the consequences of failing to complete any required action, as specified in Sec. 668.137.

Sec. 668.135 Institutional procedures for completing secondary confirmation.

About the Regulations

Within 10 business days after an institution receives the documentary evidence of immigration status submitted by a student required to undergo secondary confirmation, the institution shall—

(a) Complete the request portion of the INS Document Verification Request Form G-845;

(b) Copy front and back sides of all immigration-status documents received from the student and attach copies to the Form G-845; and

(c) Submit Form G-845 and attachments to the INS District Office.

Sec. 668.136 Institutional determinations of eligibility based on INS responses to secondary confirmation requests.

About the Regulations

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an institution that has requested secondary confirmation under Sec. 668.133(a) shall make its determination concerning a student's eligibility under Sec. 668.33(a)(2) by relying on the INS response to the Form G-845.

(b) An institution shall make its determination concerning a student's eligibility under Sec. 668.33(a)(2) pending the institution's receipt of an INS response to the institution's Form G-845 request concerning the student, if—

(1) The institution has given the student an opportunity to submit documents to the institution to support the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen;

(2) The institution possesses sufficient documentation concerning a student's immigration status to make that determination;

(3) At least 15 business days have elapsed from the date that the institution sent the Form G-845 request to the INS;

(4) The institution has no documentation that conflicts with the immigration-status documentation submitted by the student; and

(5) The institution has no reason to believe that the immigration status reported by the applicant is incorrect.

(c) An institution shall establish and use policies and procedures to ensure that, if the institution has disbursed or released Title IV, HEA funds to the student in the award year or employed the student under the Federal Work-Study Program, and the institution determines, in reliance on the INS response to the institution's request for secondary confirmation regarding that student, that the student was in fact not an eligible noncitizen during that award year, the institution provides the student with notice of the institution's determination, an opportunity to contest the institution's determination, and notice of the institution's final determination.

Sec. 668.137 Deadlines for submitting documentation and the consequences of failure to submit documentation.

About the Regulations

(a) A student shall submit before a deadline specified by the institution all documentation the student wishes to have considered to support a claim that the student meets the requirements of Sec. 668.33(a)(2). The deadline, set by the institution, must be not less than 30 days from the date the institution receives the student's output document.

(b) If a student fails to submit the documentation by the deadline established in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the institution may not disburse to the student, or certify the student as eligible for, any Title IV, HEA program funds for that period of enrollment or award year; employ the student under the Federal Work-Study Program; certify a Federal Stafford or Federal PLUS loan application, or originate a Direct Loan Program loan application for the student for that period of enrollment.

Sec. 668.138 Liability.

About the Regulations

(a) A student is liable for any LEAP, FSEOG, Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, or TEACH Grant payment and for any Federal Stafford, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized or Federal Perkins loan made to him or her if the student was ineligible for the Title IV, HEA assistance.

(b) A Federal PLUS or Direct PLUS Loan borrower is liable for any Federal PLUS or Direct PLUS Loan made to him or her on behalf of an ineligible student.

(c) The Secretary does not take any action against an institution with respect to an error in the institution's determination that a student is an eligible noncitizen if, in making that determination, the institution followed the provisions in this subpart and relied on—

(1) An output document for that student indicating that the INS has confirmed that the student's immigration status meets the eligibility requirements for Title IV, HEA assistance;

(2) An INS determination of the student's immigration status and the authenticity of the student's immigration documents provided in response to the institution's request for secondary confirmation; or

(3) Immigration-status documents submitted by the student and the institution did not have reason to believe that the documents did not support the student's claim to be an eligible noncitizen.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if an institution makes an error in its determination that a student is an eligible noncitizen, the institution is liable for any Title IV, HEA disbursements made to this student during the award year or period of enrollment for which the student applied for Title IV, HEA assistance.

Sec. 668.139 Recovery of payments and loan disbursements to ineligible students.

About the Regulations

(a) If an institution makes a payment of a grant or a disbursement of a Federal Perkins loan to an ineligible student for which it is not liable in accordance with Sec. 668.138, it shall assist the Secretary in recovering the funds by—

(1) Making a reasonable effort to contact the student; and

(2) Making a reasonable effort to collect the payment or Federal Perkins loan.

(b) If an institution causes a Federal Stafford, Federal PLUS, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan to be disbursed to or on behalf of an ineligible student for which it is not liable in accordance with Sec. 668.138, it shall assist the Secretary in recovering the funds by notifying the lender in the case of an FFEL Program loan or the Secretary in the case of a Direct Loan Program loan that the student has failed to establish eligibility under the requirements of Sections 668.201 or 685.200, as appropriate.

(c) If an institution is liable for payment of a grant or Federal Perkins loan to an ineligible student, the institution shall restore the amount equal to the payment or disbursement to the institution's Federal Perkins loan fund or Federal Pell Grant, ACG, National SMART Grant, TEACH Grant, FSEOG, or LEAP amount, even if the institution cannot collect the payment or disbursement from the student.

(d) If an institution is liable for a Federal Stafford, Federal PLUS, Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Direct PLUS Loan disbursement to an ineligible student, the institution shall repay an amount equal to the disbursement to the lender in the case of an FFEL Program loan or the Secretary in the case of a Direct Loan Program loan, and provide written notice to the borrower.

Subpart J—Approval of Independently Administered Tests; Specification of Passing Score; Approval of State Process

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.141 Scope.

(a) This subpart sets forth the provisions under which a student who has neither a high school diploma nor its recognized equivalent may become eligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds by—

(1) Achieving a passing score, specified by the Secretary, on an independently administered test approved by the Secretary under this subpart; or

(2) Being enrolled in an eligible institution that participates in a State process approved by the Secretary under this subpart.

(b) Under this subpart, the Secretary sets forth—

(1) The procedures and criteria the Secretary uses to approve tests;

(2) The basis on which the Secretary specifies a passing score on each approved test;

(3) The procedures and conditions under which the Secretary determines that an approved test is independently administered;

(4) The information that a test publisher or a State must submit, as part of its test submission, to explain the methodology it will use for the test anomaly studies as described in Sec. 668.144(c)(17) and (d)(8), as appropriate;

(5) The requirements that a test publisher or a State, as appropriate—

(i) Have a process to identify and follow up on test score irregularities;

(ii) Take corrective action—up to and including decertification of test administrators—if the test publisher or the State determines that test score irregularities have occurred; and

(iii) Report to the Secretary the names of any test administrators it decertifies and any other action taken as a result of test score analyses; and

(6) The procedures and conditions under which the Secretary determines that a State process demonstrates that students in the process have the ability to benefit from the education and training being offered to them.

Sec. 668.142 Special definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Assessment center: A facility that—

(1) Is located at an eligible institution that provides two-year or four-year degrees, or is a postsecondary vocational institution;

(2) Is responsible for gathering and evaluating information about individual students for multiple purposes, including appropriate course placement;

(3) Is independent of the admissions and financial aid processes at the institution at which it is located;

(4) Is staffed by professionally trained personnel;

(5) Uses test administrators to administer tests approved by the Secretary under this subpart; and

(6) Does not have as its primary purpose the administration of ability-to-benefit tests.

ATB test irregularity: An irregularity that results from an ATB test being administered in a manner that does not conform to the established rules for test administration consistent with the provisions of subpart J of part 668 and the test administrator's manual.

Computer-based test: A test taken by a student on a computer and scored by a computer.

General learned abilities: Cognitive operations, such as deductive reasoning, reading comprehension, or translation from graphic to numerical representation, that may be learned in both school and non-school environments.

Independent test administrator: A test administrator who administers tests at a location other than an assessment center and who—

(1) Has no current or prior financial or ownership interest in the institution, its affiliates, or its parent corporation, other than the fees earned for administering approved ATB tests through an agreement with the test publisher or State and has no controlling interest in any other institution;

(2) Is not a current or former employee of or consultant to the institution, its affiliates, or its parent corporation, a person in control of another institution, or a member of the family of any of these individuals;

(3) Is not a current or former member of the board of directors, a current or former employee of or a consultant to a member of the board of directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer of the institution, its affiliates, or its parent corporation or of any other institution, or a member of the family of any of these individuals; and

(4) Is not a current or former student of the institution.

Individual with a disability: A person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Non-native speaker of English: A person whose first language is not English and who is not fluent in English.

Secondary school level: As applied to "content," "curricula," or "basic verbal and quantitative skills," the basic knowledge or skills generally learned in the 9th through 12th grades in United States secondary schools.

Test: A standardized test, assessment or instrument that has formal protocols on how it is to be administered in order to be valid. These protocols include, for example, the use of parallel, equated forms; testing conditions; time allowed for the test; and standardized scoring. Tests are not limited to traditional paper and pencil (or computer-administered) instruments for which forms are constructed prior to administration to examinees. Tests may also include adaptive instruments that use computerized algorithms for selecting and administering items in real time; however, for such instruments, the size of the item pool and the method of item selection must ensure negligible overlap in items across retests.

Test administrator: An individual who is certified by the test publisher (or the State, in the case of an approved State test or assessment) to administer tests approved under this subpart in accordance with the instructions provided by the test publisher or the State, as applicable, which includes protecting the test and the test results from improper disclosure or release, and who is not compensated on the basis of test outcomes.

Test item: A question on a test.

Test publisher: An individual, organization, or agency that owns a registered copyright of a test, or has been authorized by the copyright holder to represent the copyright holder's interests regarding the test.

Sec. 668.144 Application for test approval.

About the Regulations

(a) The Secretary only reviews tests under this subpart that are submitted by the publisher of that test or by the State.

(b) A test publisher or a State that wishes to have its test approved by the Secretary under this subpart must submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. The application must contain all the information necessary for the Secretary to approve the test under this subpart, including but not limited to, the information contained in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as applicable.

(c) A test publisher must include with its application—

(1) A summary of the precise editions, forms, levels, and (if applicable) sub-tests for which approval is being sought;

(2) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of a contact person to whom the Secretary may address inquiries;

(3) Each edition, form, level, and sub-test of the test for which the test publisher requests approval;

(4) The distribution of test scores for each edition, form, level, or sub-test for which approval is sought, that allows the Secretary to prescribe the passing score for each test in accordance with Sec. 668.147;

(5) Documentation of test development, including a history of the test's use;

(6) Norming data and other evidence used in determining the distribution of test scores;

(7) Material that defines the content domains addressed by the test;

(8) Documentation of periodic reviews of the content and specifications of the test to ensure that the test reflects secondary school level verbal and quantitative skills;

(9) If a test being submitted is a revision of the most recent edition approved by the Secretary, an analysis of the revisions, including the reasons for the revisions, the implications of the revisions for the comparability of scores on the current test to scores on the previous test, and data from validity studies of the test undertaken subsequent to the revisions;

(10) A description of the manner in which test-taking time was determined in relation to the content representativeness requirements in Sec. 668.146(b)(3), and an analysis of the effects of time on performance. This description may also include the manner in which test-taking time was determined in relation to the other requirements in Sec. 668.146(b);

(11) A technical manual that includes—

(i) An explanation of the methodology and procedures for measuring the reliability of the test;

(ii) Evidence that different forms of the test, including, if applicable, short forms, are comparable in reliability;

(iii) Other evidence demonstrating that the test permits consistent assessment of individual skill and ability;

(iv) Evidence that the test was normed using—

(A) Groups that were of sufficient size to produce defensible standard errors of the mean and were not disproportionately composed of any race or gender; and

(B) A contemporary sample that is representative of the population of persons who have earned a high school diploma in the United States;

(v) Documentation of the level of difficulty of the test;

(vi) Unambiguous scales and scale values so that standard errors of measurement can be used to determine statistically significant differences in performance; and

(vii) Additional guidance on the interpretation of scores resulting from any modifications of the test for individuals with temporary impairments, individuals with disabilities and guidance on the types of accommodations that are allowable;

(12) The manual provided to test administrators containing procedures and instructions for test security and administration, and the forwarding of tests to the test publisher;

(13) An analysis of the item-content of each edition, form, level, and (if applicable) sub-test to demonstrate compliance with the required secondary school level criterion specified in Sec. 668.146(b);

(14) A description of retesting procedures and the analysis upon which the criteria for retesting are based;

(15) Other evidence establishing the test's compliance with the criteria for approval of tests as provided in Sec. 668.146;

(16) A description of its test administrator certification process that provides—

(i) How the test publisher will determine that the test administrator has the necessary training, knowledge, skill, and integrity to test students in accordance with this subpart and the test publisher's requirements; and

(ii) How the test publisher will determine that the test administrator has the ability and facilities to keep its test secure against disclosure or release;

(17) A description of the test anomaly analysis the test publisher will conduct and submit to the Secretary that includes—

(i) An explanation of how the test publisher will identify potential test irregularities and make a determination that test irregularities have occurred;

(ii) An explanation of the process and procedures for corrective action (up to and including decertification of a certified test administrator) when the test publisher determines that test irregularities have occurred; and

(iii) Information on when and how the test publisher will notify a test administrator, the Secretary, and the institutions for which the test administrator had previously provided testing services for that test publisher, that the test administrator has been decertified; and

(18)(i) An explanation of any accessible technologies that are available to accommodate individuals with disabilities, and

(ii) A description of the process for a test administrator to identify and report to the test publisher when accommodations for individuals with disabilities were provided, for scoring and norming purposes.

(d) A State must include with its application—

(1) The information necessary for the Secretary to determine that the test the State uses measures a student's skills and abilities for the purpose of determining whether the student has the skills and abilities the State expects of a high school graduate in that State;

(2) The passing scores on that test;

(3) Any guidance on the interpretation of scores resulting from any modifications of the test for individuals with disabilities;

(4) A statement regarding how the test will be kept secure;

(5) A description of retesting procedures and the analysis upon which the criteria for retesting are based;

(6) Other evidence establishing the test's compliance with the criteria for approval of tests as provided in Sec. 668.146;

(7) A description of its test administrator certification process that provides—

(i) How the State will determine that the test administrator has the necessary training, knowledge, skill, and integrity to test students in accordance with the State's requirements; and

(ii) How the State will determine that the test administrator has the ability and facilities to keep its test secure against disclosure or release;

(8) A description of the test anomaly analysis that the State will conduct and submit to the Secretary that includes—

(i) An explanation of how the State will identify potential test irregularities and make a determination that test irregularities have occurred;

(ii) An explanation of the process and procedures for corrective action (up to and including decertification of a test administrator) when the State determines that test irregularities have occurred; and

(iii) Information on when and how the State will notify a test administrator, the Secretary, and the institutions for which the test administrator had previously provided testing services for that State, that the test administrator has been decertified;

(9)(i) An explanation of any accessible technologies that are available to accommodate individuals with disabilities; and

(ii) A description of the process for a test administrator to identify and report to the test publisher when accommodations for individuals with disabilities were provided, for scoring and norming purposes; and

(10) The name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of a contact person to whom the Secretary may address inquiries.

(11) A technical manual that includes—

(i) An explanation of the methodology and procedures for measuring the reliability of the test;

(ii) Evidence that different forms of the test, including, if applicable, short forms, are comparable in reliability;

(iii) Other evidence demonstrating that the test permits consistent assessment of individual skill and ability;

(iv) Evidence that the test was normed using—

(A) Groups that were of sufficient size to produce defensible standard errors of the mean and were not disproportionately composed of any race or gender; and

(B) A contemporary sample that is representative of the population of persons who have earned a high school diploma in the United States;

(v) Documentation of the level of difficulty of the test;

(vi) Unambiguous scales and scale values so that standard errors of measurement can be used to determine statistically significant differences in performance; and

(vii) Additional guidance on the interpretation of scores resulting from any modifications of the test for individuals with temporary impairments, individuals with disabilities and guidance on the types of accommodations that are allowable;

(12) The manual provided to test administrators containing procedures and instructions for test security and administration, and the forwarding of tests to the State.

Sec. 668.145 Test approval procedures.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) When the Secretary receives a complete application from a test publisher or a State, the Secretary selects one or more experts in the field of educational testing and assessment, who possess appropriate advanced degrees and experience in test development or psychometric research, to determine whether the test meets the requirements for test approval contained in Secs. 668.146, 668.147, 668.148, or 668.149, as appropriate, and to advise the Secretary of their determinations.

(2) If the test involves a language other than English, the Secretary selects at least one individual who is fluent in the language in which the test is written to collaborate with the testing expert or experts described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and to advise the Secretary on whether the test meets the additional criteria, provisions, and conditions for test approval contained in Secs. 668.148 and 668.149.

(3) For test batteries that contain multiple sub-tests measuring content domains other than verbal and quantitative domains, the Secretary reviews only those sub-tests covering the verbal and quantitative domains.

(b)(1) If the Secretary determines that a test satisfies the criteria and requirements for test approval, the Secretary notifies the test publisher or the State, as applicable, of the Secretary's decision, and publishes the name of the test and the passing scores in the Federal Register.

(2) If the Secretary determines that a test does not satisfy the criteria and requirements for test approval, the Secretary notifies the test publisher or the State, if applicable, of the Secretary's decision, and the reasons why the test did not meet those criteria and requirements.

(3) If the Secretary determines that a test does not satisfy the criteria and requirements for test approval, the test publisher or the State that submitted the test for approval may request that the Secretary reevaluate the Secretary's decision. Such a request must be accompanied by—

(i) Documentation and information that address the reasons for the non-approval of the test; and

(ii) An analysis of why the information and documentation submitted meet the criteria and requirements for test approval notwithstanding the Secretary's earlier decision to the contrary.

(c)(1) The Secretary approves a test for a period not to exceed five years from the date the notice of approval of the test is published in the Federal Register.

(2) The Secretary extends the approval period of a test to include the period of review if the test publisher or the State, as applicable, re-submits the test for review and approval under Sec. 668.144 at least six months before the date on which the test approval is scheduled to expire.

(d)(1) The Secretary's approval of a test may be revoked if the Secretary determines that the test publisher or the State violated any terms of the agreement described in Sec. 668.150, that the information the test publisher or the State submitted as a basis for approval of the test was inaccurate, or that the test publisher or the State substantially changed the test and did not resubmit the test, as revised, for approval.

(2) If the Secretary revokes approval of a previously approved test, the Secretary publishes a notice of that revocation in the Federal Register. The revocation becomes effective—

(i) One hundred and twenty days from the date the notice of revocation is published in the Federal Register; or

(ii) An earlier date specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register.

Sec. 668.146 Criteria for approving tests.

About the Regulations

(a) Except as provided in Sec. 668.148, the Secretary approves a test under this subpart if—

(1) The test meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section;

(2) The test publisher or the State satisfies the requirements set forth in paragraph (c) of this section; and

(3) The Secretary makes a determination that the information the test publisher or State submitted in accordance with Sec. 668.144(c)(17) or (d)(8), as applicable, provides adequate assurance that the test publisher or State will conduct rigorous test anomaly analyses and take appropriate action if test administrators do not comply with testing procedures.

(b) To be approved under this subpart, a test must—

(1) Assess secondary school level basic verbal and quantitative skills and general learned abilities;

(2) Sample the major content domains of secondary school level verbal and quantitative skills with sufficient numbers of questions to—

(i) Adequately represent each domain; and

(ii) Permit meaningful analysis of item-level performance by students who are representative of the contemporary population beyond the age of compulsory school attendance and have earned a high school diploma;

(3) Require appropriate test-taking time to permit adequate sampling of the major content domains described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section;

(4) Have all forms (including short forms) comparable in reliability;

(5) Have, in the case of a test that is revised, new scales, scale values, and scores that are demonstrably comparable to the old scales, scale values, and scores;

(6) Meet all standards for test construction provided in the 1999 edition of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, prepared by a joint committee of the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education incorporated by reference in this section. Incorporation by reference of this document has been approved by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register pursuant to the Director's authority under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The incorporated document is on file at the Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, room 113E2, 830 First Street, NE., Washington, D.C. 20202, phone (202) 377–4026, and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 1–866–272–6272, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.
html
. The document also may be obtained from the American Educational Research Association at: http://www.aera.net; and

(7) Have the test publisher's or the State's guidelines for retesting, including time between test-taking, be based on empirical analysis that are part of the studies of test reliability.

(c) In order for a test to be approved under this subpart, a test publisher or a State must—

(1) Include in the test booklet or package—

(i) Clear, specific, and complete instructions for test administration, including information for test takers on the purpose, timing, and scoring of the test; and

(ii) Sample questions representative of the content and average difficulty of the test;

(2) Have two or more secure, equated, alternate forms of the test;

(3) Except as provided in Secs. 668.148 and 668.149, provide tables of distributions of test scores which clearly indicate the mean score and standard deviation for high school graduates who have taken the test within three years prior to the date that the test is submitted to the Secretary for approval under Sec. 668.144;

(4) Norm the test with—

(i) Groups that are of sufficient size to produce defensible standard errors of the mean and were not disproportionately composed of any race or gender; and

(ii) A contemporary sample that is representative of the population of persons who have earned a high school diploma in the United States; and

(5) If test batteries include sub-tests assessing different verbal and/or quantitative skills, a distribution of test scores as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section that allows the Secretary to prescribe either—

(i) A passing score for each sub-test; or

(ii) One composite passing score for verbal skills and one composite passing score for quantitative skills.

Sec. 668.147 Passing scores.

About the Regulations

Except as provided in Secs. 668.144(d), 668.148, and 668.149, to demonstrate that a test taker has the ability to benefit from the education and training offered by the institution, the Secretary specifies that the passing score on each approved test is one standard deviation below the mean score of a sample of individuals who have taken the test within the three years before the test is submitted to the Secretary for approval. The sample must be representative of the population of high school graduates in the United States.

Sec. 668.148 Additional criteria for the approval of certain tests.

About the Regulations

(a) In addition to satisfying the criteria in Sec. 668.146, to be approved by the Secretary, a test must meet the following criteria, if applicable:

(1) In the case of a test developed for a non-native speaker of English who is enrolled in a program that is taught in his or her native language, the test must be—

(i) Linguistically accurate and culturally sensitive to the population for which the test is designed, regardless of the language in which the test is written;

(ii) Supported by documentation detailing the development of normative data;

(iii) If translated from an English version, supported by documentation of procedures to determine its reliability and validity with reference to the population for which the translated test was designed;

(iv) Developed in accordance with guidelines provided in the 1999 edition of the "Testing Individuals of Diverse Linguistic Backgrounds" section of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing prepared by a joint committee of the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education incorporated by reference in this section. Incorporation by reference of this document has been approved by the Director of the Office of the Federal Register pursuant to the Director's authority under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The incorporated document is on file at the Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, room 113E2, 830 First Street, NE., Washington, D.C. 20202, phone (202) 377–4026, and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 1–866–272–6272, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
. The document also may be obtained from the American Educational Research Association at: http://www.aera.net; and

(v)(A) If the test is in Spanish, accompanied by a distribution of test scores that clearly indicates the mean score and standard deviation for Spanish-speaking students with high school diplomas who have taken the test within five years before the date on which the test is submitted to the Secretary for approval.

(B) If the test is in a language other than Spanish, accompanied by a recommendation for a provisional passing score based upon performance of a sample of test takers representative of non-English speaking individuals who speak a language other than Spanish and who have a high school diploma. The sample upon which the recommended provisional passing score is based must be large enough to produce stable norms.

(2) In the case of a test that is modified for use for individuals with disabilities, the test publisher or State must—

(i) Follow guidelines provided in the "Testing Individuals with Disabilities" section of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing; and

(ii) Provide documentation of the appropriateness and feasibility of the modifications relevant to test performance.

(3) In the case of a computer-based test, the test publisher or State, as applicable, must—

(i) Provide documentation to the Secretary that the test complies with the basic principles of test construction and standards of reliability and validity as promulgated in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing;

(ii) Provide test administrators with instructions for familiarizing test takers with computer hardware prior to test-taking; and

(iii) Provide two or more parallel, equated forms of the test, or, if parallel forms are generated from an item pool, provide documentation of the methods of item selection for alternate forms.

(b) If a test is designed solely to measure the English language competence of non-native speakers of English—

(1) The test must meet the criteria set forth in Sec. 668.146(b)(6), (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(4); and

(2) The test publisher must recommend a passing score based on the mean score of test takers beyond the age of compulsory school attendance who completed U.S. high school equivalency programs, formal training programs, or bilingual vocational programs.

Sec. 668.149 Special provisions for the approval of assessment procedures for individual with disabilities.

About the Regulations

If no test is reasonably available for individuals with disabilities so that no test can be approved under Secs. 668.146 or 668.148 for these individuals, the following procedures apply:

(a) The Secretary considers a modified test or testing procedure, or instrument that has been scientifically developed specifically for the purpose of evaluating the ability to benefit from postsecondary training or education of individuals with disabilities to be an approved test for purposes of this subpart provided that the testing procedure or instrument measures both basic verbal and quantitative skills at the secondary school level.

(b) The Secretary considers the passing scores for these testing procedures or instruments to be those recommended by the test publisher or State, as applicable.

(c) The test publisher or State, as applicable must—

(1) Maintain appropriate documentation, including a description of the procedures or instruments, their content domains, technical properties, and scoring procedures; and

(2) Require the test administrator to—

(i) Use the procedures or instruments in accordance with instructions provided by the test publisher or State, as applicable; and

(ii) Use the passing scores recommended by the test publisher or State, as applicable.

Sec. 668.150 Agreement between the Secretary and a test publisher or a State.

About the Regulations

(a) If the Secretary approves a test under this subpart, the test publisher or the State that submitted the test must enter into an agreement with the Secretary that contains the provisions set forth in paragraph (b) of this section before an institution may use the test to determine a student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds.

(b) The agreement between a test publisher or a State, as applicable, and the Secretary provides that the test publisher or the State, as applicable, must—

(1) Allow only test administrators that it certifies to give its test;

(2) Require each test administrator it certifies to—

(i) Provide the test publisher or the State, as applicable, with a certification statement that indicates he or she is not currently decertified; and

(ii) Notify the test publisher or the State, as applicable, immediately if any other test publisher or State decertifies the test administrator;

(3) Only certify test administrators who—

(i) Have the necessary training, knowledge, and skill to test students in accordance with the test publisher's or the State's testing requirements;

(ii) Have the ability and facilities to keep its test secure against disclosure or release; and

(iii) Have not been decertified within the last three years by any test publisher or State;

(4) Decertify a test administrator for a period of three years if the test publisher or the State finds that the test administrator—

(i) Has failed to give its test in accordance with the test publisher's or the State's instructions;

(ii) Has not kept the test secure;

(iii) Has compromised the integrity of the testing process; or

(iv) Has given the test in violation of the provisions contained in Sec. 668.151;

(5) Reevaluate the qualifications of a test administrator who has been decertified by another test publisher or State and determine whether to continue the test administrator's certification or to decertify the test administrator;

(6) Immediately notify the test administrator, the Secretary, and the institutions where the test administrator previously administered approved tests when the test publisher or the State decertifies a test administrator;

(7)(i) Review the test results of the tests administered by a decertified test administrator and determine which tests may have been improperly administered during the five (5) year period preceding the date of decertification;

(ii) Immediately notify the affected institutions and students or prospective students; and

(iii) Provide a report to the Secretary on the results of the review and the notifications provided to institutions and students or prospective students;

(8) Report to the Secretary if the test publisher or the State certifies a previously decertified test administrator after the three year period specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section;

(9) Score a test answer sheet that it receives from a test administrator;

(10) If a computer-based test is used, provide the test administrator with software that will—

(i) Immediately generate a score report for each test taker;

(ii) Allow the test administrator to send to the test publisher or the State, as applicable, a record of the test taker's performance on each test item and the test taker's test scores using a data transfer method that is encrypted and secure; and

(iii) Prohibit any changes in test taker responses or test scores.

(11) Promptly send to the student and the institution the student indicated he or she is attending or scheduled to attend a notice stating the student's score for the test and whether or not the student passed the test;

(12) Keep each test answer sheet or electronic record forwarded for scoring and all other documents forwarded by the test administrator with regard to the test for a period of three years from the date the analysis of the tests results, described in paragraph (b)(13) of this section, was sent to the Secretary;

(13) Analyze the test scores of students to determine whether the test scores and data produce any irregular pattern that raises an inference that the tests were not being properly administered, and provide the Secretary with a copy of this analysis within 18 months after the test was approved and every 18 months thereafter during the period of test approval;

(14) Upon request, give the Secretary, a State agency, an accrediting agency, and law enforcement agencies access to test records or other documents related to an audit, investigation, or program review of the institution, test publisher, or test administrator.

(15) Immediately report to the Secretary if the test publisher or the State finds any credible information indicating that a test has been compromised;

(16) Immediately report to the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education for investigation if the test publisher or the State finds any credible information indicating that a test administrator or institution may have engaged in civil or criminal fraud, or other misconduct; and

(17) Require a test administrator who provides a test to an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation in the test's administration to report to the test publisher or the State within the time period specified in Sec. 668.151(b)(2) or Sec. 668.152(b)(2), as applicable, the nature of the disability and the accommodations that were provided.

(c)(1) The Secretary may terminate an agreement with a test publisher or a State, as applicable, if the test publisher or the State fails to carry out the terms of the agreement described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Before terminating the agreement, the Secretary gives the test publisher or the State, as applicable, the opportunity to show that it has not failed to carry out the terms of its agreement.

(3) If the Secretary terminates an agreement with a test publisher or a State under this section, the Secretary publishes a notice in the Federal Register specifying when institutions may no longer use the publisher's or the State's test(s) for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds.

Sec. 668.151 Administration of tests.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) To establish a student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart, an institution must select a certified test administrator to give an approved test.

(2) An institution may use the results of an approved test it received from an approved test publisher or assessment center to determine a student's eligibility to receive title IV, HEA program funds if the test was independently administered and properly administered in accordance with this subpart.

(b) The Secretary considers that a test is independently administered if the test is—

(1) Given at an assessment center by a certified test administrator who is an employee of the center; or

(2) Given by an independent test administrator who maintains the test at a secure location and submits the test for scoring by the test publisher or the State or, for a computer-based test, a record of the test scores, within two business days of administering the test.

(c) The Secretary considers that a test is not independently administered if an institution—

(1) Compromises test security or testing procedures;

(2) Pays a test administrator a bonus, commission, or any other incentive based upon the test scores or pass rates of its students who take the test; or

(3) Otherwise interferes with the test administrator's independence or test administration.

(d) The Secretary considers that a test is properly administered if the test administrator—

(1) Is certified by the test publisher or the State, as applicable, to give the test publisher's or the State's test;

(2) Administers the test in accordance with instructions provided by the test publisher or the State, as applicable, and in a manner that ensures the integrity and security of the test;

(3) Makes the test available only to a test-taker, and then only during a regularly scheduled test;

(4) Secures the test against disclosure or release; and

(5) Submits the completed test or, for a computer-based test, a record of test scores, to the test publisher or the State, as applicable, within the time period specified in Sec. 668.152(b) or paragraph (b)(2) of this section, as appropriate, and in accordance with the test publisher's or the State's instructions.

(e) An independent test administrator may not score a test.

(f) An individual who fails to pass a test approved under this subpart may not retake the same form of the test for the period prescribed by the test publisher or the State responsible for the test.

(g) An institution must maintain a record for each individual who took a test under this subpart. The record must include—

(1) The test taken by the individual;

(2) The date of the test; and

(3) The individual's scores as reported by the test publisher, assessment center, or the State;

(4) The name and address of the test administrator who administered the test and any identifier assigned to the test administrator by the test publisher or the State; and

(5) If the individual who took the test is an individual with a disability and was unable to be evaluated by the use of an approved ATB test or the individual requested or required testing accommodations, documentation of the individual's disability and of the testing arrangements provided in accordance with Sec. 668.153(b).

Sec. 668.152 Administration of tests by assessment centers.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) If a test is given by an assessment center, the assessment center must properly administer the test as described in Sec. 668.151(d), and Sec. 668.153, if applicable.

(b)(1) Unless an agreement between a test publisher or a State, as applicable, and an assessment center indicates otherwise, an assessment center scores the tests it gives and promptly notifies the institution and the student of the student's score on the test and whether the student passed the test.

(2) If the assessment center scores the test, it must provide weekly to the test publisher or the State, as applicable—

(i) All copies of the completed test, including the name and address of the test administrator who administered the test and any identifier assigned to the test administrator by the test publisher or the State, as applicable; or

(ii) A report listing all test-takers' scores and institutions to which the scores were sent and the name and address of the test administrator who administered the test and any identifier assigned to the test administrator by the test publisher or the State, as applicable.

Sec. 668.153 Administration of tests for individuals whose native language is not English or for individuals with disabilities.

About the Regulations

(a) Individuals whose native language is not English. For an individual whose native language is not English and who is not fluent in English, the institution must use the following tests, as applicable:

(1) If the individual is enrolled or plans to enroll in a program conducted entirely in his or her native language, the individual must take a test approved under Secs. 668.146 and 668.148(a)(1).

(2) If the individual is enrolled or plans to enroll in a program that is taught in English with an ESL component, the individual must take an English language proficiency assessment approved under Sec. 668.148(b) and, before beginning the portion of the program taught in English, a test approved under Sec. 668.146.

(3) If the individual is enrolled or plans to enroll in a program that is taught in English without an ESL component, or the individual does not enroll in the ESL component offered, the individual must take a test in English approved under Sec. 668.146.

(4) If the individual enrolls in an ESL program, the individual must take an ESL test approved under Sec. 668.148(b).

(5) If the individual enrolls or plans to enroll in a program that is taught in the student's native language that either has an ESL component or a portion of the program will be taught in English, the individual must take an English proficiency test approved under Sec. 668.148(b) prior to beginning the portion of the program taught in English.

(b) Individuals with disabilities. (1) For an individual with a disability who has neither a high school diploma nor its equivalent and who is applying for title IV, HEA program funds and seeks to show his or her ability to benefit through the testing procedures in this subpart, an institution must use a test described in Sec. 668.148(a)(2) or Sec. 668.149(a).

(2) The test must reflect the individual's skills and general learned abilities.

(3) The test administrator must ensure that there is documentation to support the determination that the individual is an individual with a disability and requires accommodations—such as extra time or a quiet room—for taking an approved test, or is unable to be evaluated by the use of an approved ATB test.

(4) Documentation of an individual's disability may be satisfied by—

(i) A written determination, including a diagnosis and information about testing accommodations, if such accommodation information is available, by a licensed psychologist or physician; or

(ii) A record of the disability from a local or State educational agency or other government agency, such as the Social Security Administration or a vocational rehabilitation agency, that identifies the individual's disability. This record may, but is not required to, include a diagnosis and recommended testing accommodations.

Sec. 668.154 Institutional accountability.

About the Regulations

An institution is liable for the title IV, HEA program funds disbursed to a student whose eligibility is determined under this subpart only if—

(a) The institution used a test that was not administered independently, in accordance with Sec. 668.151(b);

(b) The institution or an employee of the institution compromised the testing process in any way; or

(c) The institution is unable to document that the student received a passing score on an approved test.

Sec. 668.156 Approved State process.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) A State that wishes the Secretary to consider its State process as an alternative to achieving a passing score on an approved, independently administered test or satisfactory completion of at least six credit hours or its recognize equivalent coursework for the purpose of determining a student's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds must apply to the Secretary for approval of that process.

(2) A State’s application for approval of its State process must include— To be an approved State process, the State process does not have to include all the institutions located in that State, but must indicate which institutions are included.

(i) The institutions located in the State included in the proposed process, which need not be all of the institutions located in the State;

(ii) The requirements that participating institutions must meet to offer eligible career pathway programs through the State process;

(iii) A certification that, as of the date of the application, each proposed career pathway program intended for use through the State process constitutes an ‘‘eligible career pathway program’’ as defined in Sec. 668.2 and as documented pursuant to Sec. 668.157;

(iv) The criteria used to determine student eligibility for participation in the State process; and

(v) For an institution listed for the first time on the application, an assurance that not more than 33 percent of the institution’s undergraduate regular students withdrew from the institution during the institution’s latest completed award year. For purposes of calculating this rate, the institution must count all regular students who were enrolled during the latest completed award year, except those students who, during that period—

(A) Withdrew from, dropped out of, or were expelled from the institution; and

(B) Were entitled to and actually received in a timely manner, a refund of 100 percent of their tuition and fees.

(b) For a State applying for approval for the first time, the Secretary may approve the State process for a two-year initial period if— The Secretary approves a State's process if—

(1) The State’s process satisfies the requirements contained in paragraphs (a), (c), and (d) of this section; and The State administering the process can demonstrate that the students it admits under that process without a high school diploma or its equivalent, who enroll in participating institutions have a success rate as determined under paragraph (h) of this section that is within 95 percent of the success rate of students with high school diplomas; and

(2) The State agrees that the total number of students who enroll through the State process during the initial period will total no more than the greater of 25 students or 1.0 percent of enrollment at each institution participating in the State process. The State's process satisfies the requirements contained in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.

(c) A State process must require institutions participating in the process to provide each student they admit without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent with the following services:

(1) Allow the participation of only those students eligible under Sec. 668.32(e)(3); Orientation regarding the institution's academic standards and requirements, and student rights.

(2) Monitor on an annual basis each participating institution’s compliance with the requirements and standards contained in the State’s process, including the success rate as calculated in paragraph (f) of this section; Assessment of each student's existing capabilities through means other than a single standardized test.

(3) Require corrective action if an institution is found to be in noncompliance with the State process requirements; Tutoring in basic verbal and quantitative skills, if appropriate.

(4) Provide a participating institution that has failed to achieve the success rate required under paragraphs (e)(1) and (f) up to three years to achieve compliance; Assistance in developing educational goals.

(5) Terminate an institution from the State process if the institution refuses or fails to comply with the State process requirements, including exceeding the total number of students referenced in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and Counseling, including counseling regarding the appropriate class level for that student given the student's individual's capabilities.

(6) Prohibit an institution from participating in the State process for at least five years after termination. Follow-up by teachers and counselors regarding the student's classroom performance and satisfactory progress toward program completion.

(d)(1) The Secretary responds to a State’s request for approval of its State process within six months after the Secretary’s receipt of that request. If the Secretary does not respond by the end of six months, the State’s process is deemed to be approved. A State process must—

(1) Monitor on an annual basis each participating institution's compliance with the requirements and standards contained in the State's process;

(2) An approved State process becomes effective for purposes of determining student eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart— Require corrective action if an institution is found to be in noncompliance with the State process requirements; and

(i) On the date the Secretary approves the process; or

(ii) Six months after the date on which the State submits the process to the Secretary for approval, if the Secretary neither approves nor disapproves the process during that six-month period.

(3) Terminate an institution from the State process if the institution refuses or fails to comply with the State process requirements.

(e) After the initial two-year period described in paragraph (b) of this section, the State must reapply for continued participation and, in its application—

(1) Demonstrate that the students it admits under that process at each participating institution have a success rate as determined under paragraph (f) of this section that is within 85 percent of the success rate of students with high school diplomas; The Secretary responds to a State's request for approval of its State's process within six months after the Secretary's receipt of that request. If the Secretary does not respond by the end of six months, the State's process is deemed to be approved.

(2) Demonstrate that the State’s process continues to satisfy the requirements in paragraphs (a), (c), and (d) of this section; and An approved State process becomes effective for purposes of determining student eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart—

(i) On the date the Secretary approves the process; or

(ii) Six months after the date on which the State submits the process to the Secretary for approval, if the Secretary neither approves nor disapproves the process during that six month period.

(f)  The State must calculate the success rate for each participating institution as referenced in paragraph (e)(1) of this section by— The Secretary approves a State process for a period not to exceed five years.

(1) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas or equivalent who, during the applicable award year described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, enrolled in the same programs as students participating in the State process at each participating institution and—

(i) Successfully completed education or training programs;

(ii) Remained enrolled in education or training programs at the end of that award year; or

(iii) Successfully transferred to and remained enrolled in another institution at the end of that award year;

(2) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas or equivalent who, during the applicable award year described in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, enrolled in the same programs as students participating in the State process at each participating institution;

(3) Determining the number of students calculated in paragraph (f)(2) of this section who remained enrolled after subtracting the number of students who subsequently withdrew or were expelled from each participating institution and received a 100 percent refund of their tuition under the institution’s refund policies;

(4) Dividing the number of students determined under paragraph (f)(1) of this section by the number of students determined under paragraph (f)(3) of this section; and

(5) Making the calculations described in paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this section for students who enrolled through a State process in each participating institution.

(g)(1) For purposes of paragraph (f) of this section, the applicable award year is the latest complete award year for which information is available. The Secretary withdraws approval of a State process if the Secretary determines that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.

(2) If no students are enrolled in an eligible career pathway program through a State process, then the State will receive a one-year extension to its initial approval of its State process. The Secretary provides a State with the opportunity to contest a finding that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.

(h) A State must submit reports on its State process, in accordance with deadlines and procedures established and published by the Secretary in the Federal Register, with such information as the Secretary requires. The State must calculate the success rates as referenced in paragraph (b) of this section by—

(1) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas who, during the applicable award year described in paragraph (i) of this section, enrolled in participating institutions and—

(i) Successfully completed education or training programs;

(ii) Remained enrolled in education or training programs at the end of that award year; or

(iii) Successfully transferred to and remained enrolled in another institution at the end of that award year;

(2) Determining the number of students with high school diplomas who enrolled in education or training programs in participating institutions during that award year;

(3) Determining the number of students calculated in paragraph (h)(2) of this section who remained enrolled after subtracting the number of students who subsequently withdrew or were expelled from participating institutions and received a 100 percent refund of their tuition under the institutions' refund policies;

(4) Dividing the number of students determined in paragraph (h)(1) of this section by the number of students determined in paragraph (h)(3) of this section;

(5) Making the calculations described in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this section for students without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent who enrolled in participating institutions.

(i) The Secretary approves a State process as described in paragraph (e) of this section for a period not to exceed five years. For purposes of paragraph (h) of this section, the applicable award year is the latest complete award year for which information is available that immediately precedes the date on which the State requests the Secretary to approve its State process, except that the award year selected must be one of the latest two completed award years preceding that application date.

(j)(1) The Secretary withdraws approval of a State process if the Secretary determines that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.

(i) If a State has not terminated an institution from the State process under paragraph (c)(5) of this section for failure to meet the success rate, then the Secretary withdraws approval of the State process, except in accordance with paragraph (j)(1)(ii) of this section.

(ii) At the Secretary’s discretion, under exceptional circumstances, the State process may be approved once for a two-year period.

(iii) If 50 percent or more participating institutions across all States do not meet the success rate in a given year, then the Secretary may lower the success rate to no less than 75 percent for two years.

(2) The Secretary provides a State with the opportunity to contest a finding that the State process violated any terms of this section or that the information that the State submitted as a basis for approval of the State process was inaccurate.

(3) If the Secretary upholds the withdrawal of approval of a State process, then the State cannot reapply to the Secretary for a period of five years.

Sec. 668.157 Eligible career pathway program.

(a) An institution demonstrates to the Secretary that a student is enrolled in an eligible career pathway program by documenting that—

(1) The student has enrolled in or is receiving all three of the following elements simultaneously—

(i) An eligible postsecondary program as defined in Sec. 668.8;

(ii) Adult education and literacy activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act as described in 34 CFR 463.30 that assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and in the transition to postsecondary education and training; and

(iii) Workforce preparation activities as described in 34 CFR 463.34;

(2) The program aligns with the skill needs of industries in the State or regional labor market in which the institution is located, based on research the institution has conducted, including—

(i) Government reports identifying in demand occupations in the State or regional labor market;

(ii) Surveys, interviews, meetings, or other information obtained by the institution regarding the hiring needs of employers in the State or regional labor market; and

(iii) Documentation that demonstrates direct engagement with industry;

(3) The skill needs described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section align with the specific coursework and postsecondary credential provided by the postsecondary program or other required training;

(4) The program provides academic and career counseling services that assist students in pursuing their credential and obtaining jobs aligned with skill needs described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, and identifies the individuals providing the career counseling services;

(5) The appropriate education is offered, concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster through an agreement, memorandum of understanding, or some other evidence of alignment of postsecondary and adult education providers that ensures the education is aligned with the students’ career objectives; and

(6) The program is designed to lead to a valid high school diploma as defined in Sec. 668.16(p) or its recognized equivalent.

(b) For a postsecondary institution that offered an eligible career pathway program prior to July 1, 2024, the institution must

(1) Apply to the Secretary to have one of its career pathway programs determined to be eligible for title IV, HEA program purposes by a date as specified by the Secretary; and

(2) Affirm that any career pathway program offered by the institution meets the documentation standards in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) For a postsecondary institution that does not offer an eligible career pathway program prior to July 1, 2024, the institution must—

(1) Apply to the Secretary to have its program determined to be an initial eligible career pathway program; and

(2) Affirm that any subsequent career pathway program offered by the institution, initiated only after the approval of the initial eligible career pathway program, will meet the documentation standards outlined in paragraph (a) of this section.

(d) The Secretary provides an institution with the opportunity to appeal an adverse eligibility decision under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.

(e) The Secretary maintains the authority to require the approval of additional eligible career pathway programs offered by a postsecondary institution beyond the requirements outlined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section for any reason, including but not limited to—

(1) A rapid increase, as determined by the Secretary, of eligible career pathway programs at the institution; or

(2) The Secretary determines that other eligible career pathway programs at the postsecondary institution do not meet the documentation standards outlined in this section. 

Subpart K—Cash Management

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.161 Scope and institutional responsibility.

(a) General. (1) This subpart establishes the rules under which a participating institution requests, maintains, disburses, and otherwise manages title IV, HEA program funds.

(2) As used in this subpart—

(i) Access device means a card code or other means of access to a financial account, or any combination thereof, that may be used by a student to initiate electronic fund transfers;

(ii) Day means a calendar day, unless otherwise specified;

(iii) Depository account means an account at a depository institution described in 12 U.S.C. 461(b)(1)(A), or an account maintained by a foreign institution at a comparable depository institution that meets the requirements of Sec. 668.163(a)(1);

(iv) EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) means a transaction electronically instructing the crediting or debiting of a financial account, or an institution's depository account. For purposes of transactions initiated by the Secretary, the term "EFT" includes all transactions covered by 31 CFR 208.2(f). For purposes of transactions initiated by or on behalf of an institution, the term "EFT" includes, from among the transactions covered by 31 CFR 208.2(f), only Automated Clearinghouse transactions;

(v) Financial account means a student's or parent's checking or savings account, prepaid card account, or other consumer asset account held directly or indirectly by a financial institution;

(vi) Financial institution means a bank, savings association, credit union, or any other person or entity that directly or indirectly holds a financial account belonging to a student, issues to a student an access device associated with a financial account, and agrees with the student to provide EFT services;

(vii) Parent means the parent borrower of a Direct PLUS Loan;

(viii) Student ledger account means a bookkeeping account maintained by an institution to record the financial transactions pertaining to a student's enrollment at the institution; and

(ix) Title IV, HEA programs means the Federal Pell Grant, Iraq-Afghanistan Service Grant, TEACH Grant, FSEOG, Federal Perkins Loan, FWS, and Direct Loan programs, and any other program designated by the Secretary.

(b) Federal interest in title IV, HEA program funds. Except for funds provided by the Secretary for administrative expenses, and for funds used for the Job Location and Development Program under 20 CFR part 675, Subpart B, funds received by an institution under the title IV, HEA programs are held in trust for the intended beneficiaries or the Secretary. The institution, as a trustee of those funds, may not use or hypothecate (i.e., use as collateral) the funds for any other purpose or otherwise engage in any practice that risks the loss of those funds.

(c) Standard of conduct. An institution must exercise the level of care and diligence required of a fiduciary with regard to managing title IV, HEA program funds under this subpart.

Sec. 668.162 Requesting funds.

About the Regulations

(a) General. The Secretary has sole discretion to determine the method under which the Secretary provides title IV, HEA program funds to an institution. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, the Secretary may provide funds to an institution under the advance payment method, reimbursement payment method, or heightened cash monitoring payment method.

(b) Advance payment method. (1) Under the advance payment method, an institution submits a request for funds to the Secretary. The institution's request for funds may not exceed the amount of funds the institution needs immediately for disbursements the institution has made or will make to eligible students and parents.

(2) If the Secretary accepts that request, the Secretary initiates an EFT of that amount to the depository account designated by the institution.

(3) The institution must disburse the funds requested as soon as administratively feasible but no later than three business days following the date the institution received those funds.

(c) Reimbursement payment method. (1) Under the reimbursement payment method, an institution must credit a student's ledger account for the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that the student or parent is eligible to receive, and pay the amount of any credit balance due under Sec. 668.164(h), before the institution seeks reimbursement from the Secretary for those disbursements.

(2) An institution seeks reimbursement by submitting to the Secretary a request for funds that does not exceed the amount of the disbursements the institution has made to students or parents included in that request;

(3) As part of its reimbursement request, the institution must—

(i) Identify the students or parents for whom reimbursement is sought; and

(ii) Submit to the Secretary, or an entity approved by the Secretary documentation that shows that each student or parent included in the request was—

(A) Eligible to receive and has received the title IV, HEA program funds for which reimbursement is sought; and

(B) Paid directly any credit balance due under Sec. 668.164(h).

(4) The Secretary will not approve the amount of the institution's reimbursement request for a student or parent and will not initiate an EFT of that amount to the depository account designated by the institution, if the Secretary determines with regard to that student or parent, and in the judgment of the Secretary, that the institution has not—

(i) Accurately determined the student's or parent's eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;

(ii) Accurately determined the amount of title IV, HEA program funds disbursed, including the amount paid to the student or parent; and

(iii) Submitted the documentation required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(d) Heightened cash monitoring payment method. Under the heightened cash monitoring payment method, an institution must credit a student's ledger account for the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that the student or parent is eligible to receive, and pay the amount of any credit balance due under Sec. 668.164(h), before the institution—

(1) Submits a request for funds under the provisions of the advance payment method described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, except that the institution's request may not exceed the amount of the disbursements the institution has made to the students included in that request; or

(2) Seeks reimbursement for those disbursements under the provisions of the reimbursement payment method described in paragraph (c) of this section, except that the Secretary may modify the documentation requirements and review procedures used to approve the reimbursement request.

Sec. 668.163 Maintaining and accounting for funds.

About the Regulations

(a)(1) Institutional depository account. An institution must maintain title IV, HEA program funds in a depository account. For an institution located in a State, the depository account must be insured by the FDIC or NCUA. For a foreign institution, the depository account may be insured by the FDIC or NCUA, or by an equivalent agency of the government of the country in which the institution is located. If there is no equivalent agency, the Secretary may approve a depository account designated by the foreign institution.

(2) For each depository account that includes title IV, HEA program funds, an institution located in a State must clearly identify that title IV, HEA program funds are maintained in that account by—

(i) Including in the name of each depository account the phrase "Federal Funds"; or

(ii)(A) Notifying the depository institution that the depository account contains title IV, HEA program funds that are held in trust and retaining a record of that notice; and

(B) Except for a public institution located in a State or foreign institution, filing with the appropriate State or municipal government entity a UCC-1 statement disclosing that the depository account contains Federal funds and maintaining a copy of that statement.

(b) Separate depository account. The Secretary may require an institution to maintain title IV, HEA program funds in a separate depository account that contains no other funds if the Secretary determines that the institution failed to comply with—

(1) The requirements in this subpart;

(2) The recordkeeping and reporting requirements in subpart B of this part; or

(3) Applicable program regulations.

(c) Interest-bearing depository account. (1) An institution located in a State is required to maintain its title IV, HEA program funds in an interest-bearing depository account, except as provided in 2 CFR 200.305(b)(8).

(2) Any interest earned on Federal Perkins Loan program funds is retained by the institution as provided under 34 CFR 674.8(a).

(3) An institution may keep the initial $500 in interest it earns during the award year on other title IV, HEA program funds it maintains in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section. No later than 30 days after the end of that award year, the institution must remit to the Department of Health and Human Services, Payment Management System, Rockville, MD 20852, any interest over $500.

(d) Accounting and fiscal records. An institution must—

(1) Maintain accounting and internal control systems that identify the cash balance of the funds of each title IV, HEA program that are included in the institution's depository account or accounts as readily as if those funds were maintained in a separate depository account;

(2) Identify the earnings on title IV, HEA program funds maintained in the institution's depository account or accounts; and

(3)Maintain its financial records in accordance with the provisions in Sec. 668.24.

Sec. 668.164 Disbursing funds.

About the Regulations

(a) Disbursement. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a disbursement of title IV, HEA program funds occurs on the date that the institution credits a student's ledger account or pays the student or parent directly with—

(i) Funds received from the Secretary; or

(ii) Institutional funds used in advance of receiving title IV, HEA program funds.

(2)(i) For a Direct Loan for which the student is subject to the delayed disbursement requirements under 34 CFR 685.303(b)(5), if an institution credits a student's ledger account with institutional funds earlier than 30 days after the beginning of a payment period, the Secretary considers that the institution makes that disbursement on the 30th day after the beginning of the payment period; or

(ii) If an institution credits a student's ledger account with institutional funds earlier than 10 days before the first day of classes of a payment period, the Secretary considers that the institution makes that disbursement on the 10th day before the first day of classes of a payment period.

(b) Disbursements by payment period. (1) Except for paying a student under the FWS program or unless 34 CFR 685.303(d)(4)(i) applies, an institution must disburse during the current payment period the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that a student enrolled at the institution, or the student's parent, is eligible to receive for that payment period.

(2) An institution may make a prior year, late, or retroactive disbursement, as provided under paragraph (c)(3), (j), or (k) of this section, respectively, during the current payment period as long as the student was enrolled and eligible during the payment period covered by that prior year, late, or retroactive disbursement.

(3) At the time a disbursement is made to a student for a payment period, an institution must confirm that the student is eligible for the type and amount of title IV, HEA program funds identified by that disbursement. A third-party servicer is also responsible for confirming the student's eligibility if the institution engages the servicer to perform activities or transactions that lead to or support that disbursement. Those activities and transactions include but are not limited to—

(i) Determining the type and amount of title IV, HEA program funds that a student is eligible to receive;

(ii) Requesting funds under a payment method described in Sec. 668.162; or

(iii) Accounting for funds that are originated, requested, or disbursed, in reports or data submissions to the Secretary.

(c) Crediting a student's ledger account. (1) An institution may credit a student's ledger account with title IV, HEA program funds to pay for allowable charges associated with the current payment period. Allowable charges are—

(i) The amount of tuition, fees, and institutionally provided room and board assessed the student for the payment period or, as provided in paragraph (c)(5) of this section, the prorated amount of those charges if the institution debits the student's ledger account for more than the charges associated with the payment period; and

(ii)The amount incurred by the student for the payment period for purchasing books, supplies, and other educationally related goods and services provided by the institution for which the institution obtains the student's or parent's authorization under Sec. 668.165(b).

(2) An institution may include the costs of books and supplies as part of tuition and fees under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section if—

(i) The institution—

(A) Has an arrangement with a book publisher or other entity that enables it to make those books or supplies available to students below competitive market rates;

(B) Provides a way for a student to obtain those books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period; and

(C) Has a policy under which the student may opt out of the way the institution provides for the student to obtain books and supplies under this paragraph (c)(2). A student who opts out under this paragraph (c)(2) is considered to also opt out under paragraph (m)(3) of this section;

(ii) The institution documents on a current basis that the books or supplies, including digital or electronic course materials, are not available elsewhere or accessible by students enrolled in that program from sources other than those provided or authorized by the institution; or

(iii) The institution demonstrates there is a compelling health or safety reason.

(3)(i) An institution may include in one or more payment periods for the current year, prior year charges of not more than $200 for—

(A) Tuition, fees, and institutionally provided room and board, as provided under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, without obtaining the student's or parent's authorization; and

(B) Educationally related goods and services provided by the institution, as described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, if the institution obtains the student's or parent's authorization under Sec. 668.165(b).

(ii) For purposes of this section—

(A) The current year is—

(1) The current loan period for a student or parent who receives only a Direct Loan;

(2) The current award year for a student who does not receive a Direct Loan but receives funds under any other title IV, HEA program; or

(3) At the discretion of the institution, either the current loan period or the current award year if a student receives a Direct Loan and funds from any other title IV, HEA program.

(B) A prior year is any loan period or award year prior to the current loan period or award year, as applicable.

(4) An institution may include in the current payment period unpaid allowable charges from any previous payment period in the current award year or current loan period for which the student was eligible for title IV, HEA program funds.

(5) For purposes of this section, an institution determines the prorated amount of charges associated with the current payment period by—

(i) For a program with substantially equal payment periods, dividing the total institutional charges for the program by the number of payment periods in the program; or

(ii) For other programs, dividing the number of credit or clock hours in the current payment period by the total number of credit or clock hours in the program, and multiplying that result by the total institutional charges for the program.

(d) Direct payments. (1) Except as provided under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, an institution makes a direct payment—

(i) To a student, for the amount of the title IV, HEA program funds that a student is eligible to receive, including Direct PLUS Loan funds that the student's parent authorized the student to receive, by—

(A) Initiating an EFT of that amount to the student's financial account;

(B) Issuing a check for that amount payable to, and requiring the endorsement of, the student; or

(C) Dispensing cash for which the institution obtains a receipt signed by the student;

(ii) To a parent, for the amount of the Direct PLUS Loan funds that a parent does not authorize the student to receive, by—

(A) Initiating an EFT of that amount to the parent's financial account;

(B) Issuing a check for that amount payable to and requiring the endorsement of the parent; or

(C) Dispensing cash for which the institution obtains a receipt signed by the parent.

(2) Issuing a check. An institution issues a check on the date that it—

(i) Mails the check to the student or parent; or

(ii) Notifies the student or parent that the check is available for immediate pick-up at a specified location at the institution. The institution may hold the check for no longer than 21 days after the date it notifies the student or parent. If the student or parent does not pick up the check, the institution must immediately mail the check to the student or parent, pay the student or parent directly by other means, or return the funds to the appropriate title IV, HEA program.

(3) Payments by the Secretary. The Secretary may pay title IV, HEA credit balances under paragraphs (h) and (m) of this section directly to a student or parent using a method established or authorized by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register.

(4) Student choice. (i) An institution located in a State that makes direct payments to a student by EFT and that enters into an arrangement described in paragraph (e) or (f) of this section, including an institution that uses a third-party servicer to make those payments, must establish a selection process under which the student chooses one of several options for receiving those payments.

(A) In implementing its selection process, the institution must—

(1) Inform the student in writing that he or she is not required to open or obtain a financial account or access device offered by or through a specific financial institution;

(2) Ensure that the student's options for receiving direct payments are described and presented in a clear, fact-based, and neutral manner;

(3) Ensure that initiating direct payments by EFT to a student's existing financial account is as timely and no more onerous to the student as initiating an EFT to an account provided under an arrangement described in paragraph (e) or (f) of this section;

(4) Allow the student to change, at any time, his or her previously selected payment option, as long as the student provides the institution with written notice of the change within a reasonable time;

(5) Ensure that no account option is preselected; and

(6) Ensure that a student who does not make an affirmative selection is paid the full amount of the credit balance within the appropriate time-period specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this section, using a method specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

(B) In describing the options under its selection process, the institution—

(1) Must present prominently as the first option, the financial account belonging to the student;

(2) Must list and identify the major features and commonly assessed fees associated with each financial account offered under the arrangements described in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, as well as a URL for the terms and conditions of each account. For each account, if an institution by July 1, 2017 follows the format, content, and update requirements specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register following consultation with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, it will be in compliance with the requirements of this paragraph with respect to the major features and assessed fees associated with the account; and

(3) May provide, for the benefit of the student, information about available financial accounts other than those described in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section that have deposit insurance under 12 CFR part 330, or share insurance in accordance with 12 CFR part 745.

(ii) An institution that does not offer or use any financial accounts offered under paragraph (e) or (f) of this section may make direct payments to a student's or parent's existing financial account, or issue a check or disburse cash to the student or parent without establishing the selection process described in paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section.

(e) Tier one arrangement. (1) In a Tier one (T1) arrangement—

(i) An institution located in a State has a contract with a third-party servicer under which the servicer performs one or more of the functions associated with processing direct payments of title IV, HEA program funds on behalf of the institution; and

(ii) The institution or third-party servicer makes payments to—

(A) One or more financial accounts that are offered to students under the contract;

(B) A financial account where information about the account is communicated directly to students by the third-party servicer, or the institution on behalf of or in conjunction with the third-party servicer; or

(C) A financial account where information about the account is communicated directly to students by an entity contracting with or affiliated with the third-party servicer.

(2) Under a T1 arrangement, the institution must—

(i) Ensure that the student's consent to open the financial account is obtained before an access device, or any representation of an access device, is sent to the student, except that an institution may send the student an access device that is a card provided to the student for institutional purposes, such as a student ID card, so long as the institution or financial institution obtains the student's consent before validating the device to enable the student to access the financial account;

(ii) Ensure that any personally identifiable information about a student that is shared with the third-party servicer before the student makes a selection under paragraph (d)(4)(i) of this section—

(A) Does not include information about the student, other than directory information under 34 CFR 99.3 that is disclosed pursuant to 34 CFR 99.31(a)(11) and 99.37, beyond—

(1) A unique student identifier generated by the institution that does not include a Social Security number, in whole or in part;

(2) The disbursement amount;

(3) A password, PIN code, or other shared secret provided by the institution that is used to identify the student; or

(4) Any additional items specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register;

(B) Is used solely for activities that support making direct payments of title IV, HEA program funds and not for any other purpose; and

(C) Is not shared with any other affiliate or entity except for the purpose described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii)(B) of this section;

(iii) Inform the student of the terms and conditions of the financial account, as required under paragraph (d)(4)(i)(B)(2) of this section, before the financial account is opened;

(iv) Ensure that the student—

(A) Has convenient access to the funds in the financial account through a surcharge-free national or regional Automated Teller Machine (ATM) network that has ATMs sufficient in number and housed and serviced such that title IV funds are reasonably available to students, including at the times the institution or its third-party servicer makes direct payments into the financial accounts of those students;

(B) Does not incur any cost—

(1) For opening the financial account or initially receiving an access device;

(2) Assessed by the institution, third-party servicer, or a financial institution associated with the third-party servicer, when the student conducts point-of-sale transactions in a State; and

(3) For conducting a balance inquiry or withdrawal of funds at an ATM in a State that belongs to the surcharge-free regional or national network;

(v) Ensure that—

(A) The financial account or access device is not marketed or portrayed as, or converted into, a credit card;

(B) No credit is extended or associated with the financial account, and no fee is charged to the student for any transaction or withdrawal that exceeds the balance in the financial account or on the access device, except that a transaction or withdrawal that exceeds the balance may be permitted only for an inadvertently authorized overdraft, so long as no fee is charged to the student for such inadvertently authorized overdraft; and

(C) The institution, third-party servicer, or third-party servicer's associated financial institution provides a student accountholder convenient access to title IV, HEA program funds in part and in full up to the account balance via domestic withdrawals and transfers without charge, during the student's entire period of enrollment following the date that such title IV, HEA program funds are deposited or transferred to the financial account;

(vi) No later than September 1, 2016, and then no later than 60 days following the most recently completed award year thereafter, disclose conspicuously on the institution's Web site the contract(s) establishing the T1 arrangement between the institution and third-party servicer or financial institution acting on behalf of the third-party servicer, as applicable, except for any portions that, if disclosed, would compromise personal privacy, proprietary information technology, or the security of information technology or of physical facilities;

(vii) No later than September 1, 2017, and then no later than 60 days following the most recently completed award year thereafter, disclose conspicuously on the institution's Web site and in a format established by the Secretary—

(A) The total consideration for the most recently completed award year, monetary and non-monetary, paid or received by the parties under the terms of the contract; and

(B) For any year in which the institution's enrolled students open 30 or more financial accounts under the T1 arrangement, the number of students who had financial accounts under the contract at any time during the most recently completed award year, and the mean and median of the actual costs incurred by those account holders;

(viii) Provide to the Secretary an up-to- date URL for the contract for publication in a centralized database accessible to the public;

(ix) Ensure that the terms of the accounts offered pursuant to a T1 arrangement are not inconsistent with the best financial interests of the students opening them. The Secretary considers this requirement to be met if—

(A) The institution documents that it conducts reasonable due diligence reviews at least every two years to ascertain whether the fees imposed under the T1 arrangement are, considered as a whole, consistent with or below prevailing market rates; and

(B) All contracts for the marketing or offering of accounts pursuant to T1 arrangements to the institution's students make provision for termination of the arrangement by the institution based on complaints received from students or a determination by the institution under paragraph (e)(2)(ix)(A) of this section that the fees assessed under the T1 arrangement are not consistent with or are higher than prevailing market rates; and

(x) Take affirmative steps, by way of contractual arrangements with the third-party servicer as necessary, to ensure that requirements of this section are met with respect to all accounts offered pursuant to T1 arrangements.

(3) Except for paragraphs (e)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section, the requirements of paragraph (e)(2) of this section no longer apply to a student who has an account described under paragraph (e)(1) of this section when the student is no longer enrolled at the institution and there are no pending title IV disbursements for that student, except that nothing in this paragraph (e)(3) should be construed to limit the institution's responsibility to comply with paragraph (e)(2)(vii) of this section with respect to students enrolled during the award year for which the institution is reporting. To effectuate this provision, an institution may share information related to title IV recipients' enrollment status with the servicer or entity that is party to the arrangement.

(f) Tier two arrangement. (1) In a Tier two (T2) arrangement, an institution located in a State has a contract with a financial institution, or entity that offers financial accounts through a financial institution, under which financial accounts are offered and marketed directly to students enrolled at the institution.

(2) Under a T2 arrangement, an institution must—

(i) Comply with the requirements described in paragraphs (d)(4)(i), (f)(4)(i) through (iii), (vii), and (ix) through (xi), and (f)(5) of this section if it has at least one student with a title IV credit balance in each of the three most recently completed award years, but has less than the number and percentage of students with credit balances as described in paragraphs (f)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section; and

(ii) Comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs (d)(4)(i), (f)(4), and (f)(5) of this section if, for the three most recently completed award years—

(A) An average of 500 or more of its students had a title IV credit balance; or

(B) An average of five percent or more of the students enrolled at the institution had a title IV credit balance. The institution calculates this percentage as follows:

The average number of students with credit balances for the three most recently completed award years

The average number of students enrolled at the institution at any time during the three most recently completed award years.

(3) The Secretary considers that a financial account is marketed directly if—

(i) The institution communicates information directly to its students about the financial account and how it may be opened;

(ii) The financial account or access device is cobranded with the institution's name, logo, mascot, or other affiliation and is marketed principally to students at the institution; or

(iii) A card or tool that is provided to the student for institutional purposes, such as a student ID card, is validated, enabling the student to use the device to access a financial account.

(4) Under a T2 arrangement, the institution must—

(i) Ensure that the student's consent to open the financial account has been obtained before—

(A) The institution provides, or permits a third-party servicer to provide, any personally identifiable information about the student to the financial institution or its agents, other than directory information under 34 CFR 99.3 that is disclosed pursuant to 34 CFR 99.31(a)(11) and 99.37;

(B) An access device, or any representation of an access device, is sent to the student, except that an institution may send the student an access device that is a card provided to the student for institutional purposes, such as a student ID card, so long as the institution or financial institution obtains the student's consent before validating the device to enable the student to access the financial account;

(ii) Inform the student of the terms and conditions of the financial account as required under paragraph (d)(4)(i)(B)(2) of this section, before the financial account is opened;

(iii) No later than September 1, 2016, and then no later than 60 days following the most recently completed award year thereafter—

(A) Disclose conspicuously on the institution's Web site the contract(s) establishing the T2 arrangement between the institution and financial institution in its entirety, except for any portions that, if disclosed, would compromise personal privacy, proprietary information technology, or the security of information technology or of physical facilities; and

(B) Provide to the Secretary an up-to-date URL for the contract for publication in a centralized database accessible to the public;

(iv) No later than September 1, 2017, and then no later than 60 days following the most recently completed award year thereafter, disclose conspicuously on the institution's Web site and in a format established by the Secretary—

(A) The total consideration for the most recently completed award year, monetary and non-monetary, paid or received by the parties under the terms of the contract; and

(B) For any year in which the institution's enrolled students open 30 or more financial accounts marketed under the T2 arrangement, the number of students who had financial accounts under the contract at any time during the most recently completed award year, and the mean and median of the actual costs incurred by those account holders;

(v) Ensure that the items under paragraph (f)(4)(iv) of this section are posted at the URL that is sent to the Secretary under paragraph (f)(4)(iii)(B) of this section for publication in a centralized database accessible to the public;

(vi) If the institution is located in a State, ensure that the student accountholder can execute balance inquiries and access funds deposited in the financial accounts through surcharge-free in-network ATMs sufficient in number and housed and serviced such that the funds are reasonably available to the accountholder, including at the times the institution or its third-party servicer makes direct payments into them;

(vii) Ensure that the financial accounts are not marketed or portrayed as, or converted into, credit cards;

(viii) Ensure that the terms of the accounts offered pursuant to a T2 arrangement are not inconsistent with the best financial interests of the students opening them. The Secretary considers this requirement to be met if—

(A) The institution documents that it conducts reasonable due diligence reviews at least every two years to ascertain whether the fees imposed under the T2 arrangement are, considered as a whole, consistent with or below prevailing market rates; and

(B) All contracts for the marketing or offering of accounts pursuant to T2 arrangements to the institution's students make provision for termination of the arrangement by the institution based on complaints received from students or a determination by the institution under paragraph (f)(4)(viii)(A) of this section that the fees assessed under the T2 arrangement are not consistent with or are above prevailing market rates;

(ix) Take affirmative steps, by way of contractual arrangements with the financial institution as necessary, to ensure that requirements of this section are met with respect to all accounts offered pursuant to T2 arrangements; and

(x) Ensure students incur no cost for opening the account or initially receiving or validating an access device.

(xi) If the institution enters into an agreement for the cobranding of a financial account with the institution's name, logo, mascot, or other affiliation but maintains that the account is not marketed principally to its enrolled students and is not otherwise marketed directly within the meaning of paragraph (f)(3) of this section, the institution must retain the cobranding contract and other documentation it believes establishes that the account is not marketed directly to its enrolled students, including documentation that the cobranded financial account or access device is offered generally to the public.

(xii) Institutions falling below the thresholds described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section are encouraged to comply voluntarily with the applicable provisions of paragraphs (d)(4)(i), (f)(4), and (f)(5) of this section.

(5) The requirements of paragraph (f)(4) of this section no longer apply with respect to a student who has an account described under paragraph (f)(1) of this section when the student is no longer enrolled at the institution and there are no pending title IV disbursements, except that nothing in this paragraph should be construed to limit the institution's responsibility to comply with paragraph (f)(4)(iv) of this section with respect to students enrolled during the award year for which the institution is reporting. To effectuate this provision, an institution may share information related to title IV recipients' enrollment status with the financial institution or entity that is party to the arrangement.

(g) Ownership of financial accounts opened through outreach to an institution's students. Any financial account offered or marketed pursuant to an arrangement described in paragraph (e) or (f) of this section must meet the requirements of 31 CFR 210.5(a) or (b)(5), as applicable.

(h) Title IV, HEA credit balances. (1) A title IV, HEA credit balance occurs whenever the amount of title IV, HEA program funds credited to a student's ledger account for a payment period exceeds the amount assessed the student for allowable charges associated with that payment period as provided under paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) A title IV, HEA credit balance must be paid directly to the student or parent as soon as possible, but no later than—

(i) Fourteen (14) days after the balance occurred if the credit balance occurred after the first day of class of that payment period; or

(ii) Fourteen (14) days after the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before the first day of class of that payment period.

(i) Early disbursements. (1) Except as provided under paragraph (i)(2) of this section, the earliest an institution may disburse title IV, HEA funds to an eligible student or parent is—

(i) If the student is enrolled in a credit-hour program offered in terms that are substantially equal in length that is not a subscription-based program, 10 days before the first day of classes of a payment period;

(ii) If the student is enrolled in a credit-hour program offered in terms that are not substantially equal in length that is not a subscription-based program, a non-term credit-hour program, or a clock-hour program, the later of—

(A) Ten days before the first day of classes of a payment period; or

(B) The date the student completed the previous payment period for which he or she received title IV, HEA program funds; or

(iii) If the student is enrolled in a subscription-based program, the later of—

(A) Ten days before the first day of classes of a payment period; or

(B) The date the student completed the cumulative number of credit hours associated with the student's enrollment status in all prior terms that the student attended under the definition of a subscription-based program in Sec. 668.2.

(2) An institution may not—

(i) Make an early disbursement of a Direct Loan to a first-year, first-time borrower who is subject to the 30-day delayed disbursement requirements in 34 CFR 685.303(b)(5). This restriction does not apply if the institution is exempt from the 30-day delayed disbursement requirements under 34 CFR 685.303(b)(5)(i)(A) or (B); or

(ii) Compensate a student employed under the FWS program until the student earns that compensation by performing work, as provided in 34 CFR 675.16(a)(5).

(j) Late disbursements— (1) Ineligible student. For purposes of this paragraph (j), an otherwise eligible student becomes ineligible to receive title IV, HEA program funds on the date that—

(i) For a Direct Loan, the student is no longer enrolled at the institution as at least a half-time student for the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended; or

(ii) For an award under the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Perkins Loan, Iraq-Afghanistan Service Grant, and TEACH Grant programs, the student is no longer enrolled at the institution for the award year.

(2) Conditions for a late disbursement. Except as limited under paragraph (j)(4) of this section, a student who becomes ineligible, as described in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, qualifies for a late disbursement (and the parent qualifies for a parent Direct PLUS Loan disbursement) if, before the date the student became ineligible—

(i) The Secretary processed a SAR or ISIR with an official expected family contribution for the student for the relevant award year; and

(ii)(A) For a loan under the Direct Loan program or for an award made under the TEACH Grant program, the institution originated the loan or award; or

(B) For an award under the Federal Perkins Loan or FSEOG programs, the institution made that award to the student.

(3) Making a late disbursement. Provided that the conditions described in paragraph (j)(2) of this section are satisfied—

(i) If the student withdrew from the institution during a payment period or period of enrollment, the institution must make any post-withdrawal disbursement required under Sec. 668.22(a)(4) in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 668.22(a)(5);

(ii) If the student completed the payment period or period of enrollment, the institution must provide the student or parent the choice to receive the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that the student or parent was eligible to receive while the student was enrolled at the institution. For a late disbursement in this circumstance, the institution may credit the student's ledger account as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, but must pay or offer any remaining amount to the student or parent; or

(iii) If the student did not withdraw but ceased to be enrolled as at least a half-time student, the institution may make the late disbursement of a loan under the Direct Loan programs to pay for educational costs that the institution determines the student incurred for the period in which the student or parent was eligible.

(4) Limitations. (i) An institution may not make a late disbursement later than 180 days after the date the institution determines that the student withdrew, as provided in Sec. 668.22, or for a student who did not withdraw, 180 days after the date the student otherwise became ineligible, pursuant to paragraph (j)(1) of this section.

(ii) An institution may not make a late second or subsequent disbursement of a loan under the Direct Loan program unless the student successfully completed the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended.

(iii) An institution may not make a late disbursement of a Direct Loan if the student was a first-year, first-time borrower as described in 34 CFR 685.303(b)(5) unless the student completed the first 30 days of his or her program of study. This limitation does not apply if the institution is exempt from the 30-day delayed disbursement requirements under 34 CFR 685.303(b)(5)(i)(A) or (B).

(iv) An institution may not make a late disbursement of any title IV, HEA program assistance unless it received a valid SAR or a valid ISIR for the student by the deadline date established by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(k) Retroactive payments. If an institution did not make a disbursement to an enrolled student for a payment period the student completed (for example, because of an administrative delay or because the student's ISIR was not available until a subsequent payment period), the institution may pay the student for all prior payment periods in the current award year or loan period for which the student was eligible. For Pell Grant payments under this paragraph (k), the student's enrollment status must be determined according to work already completed, as required by 34 CFR 690.76(b).

(l) Returning funds. (1) Notwithstanding any State law (such as a law that allows funds to escheat to the State), an institution must return to the Secretary any title IV, HEA program funds, except FWS program funds, that it attempts to disburse directly to a student or parent that are not received by the student or parent. For FWS program funds, the institution is required to return only the Federal portion of the payroll disbursement.

(2) If an EFT to a student's or parent's financial account is rejected, or a check to a student or parent is returned, the institution may make additional attempts to disburse the funds, provided that those attempts are made not later than 45 days after the EFT was rejected or the check returned. In cases where the institution does not make another attempt, the funds must be returned to the Secretary before the end of this 45-day period.

(3) If a check sent to a student or parent is not returned to the institution but is not cashed, the institution must return the funds to the Secretary no later than 240 days after the date it issued the check.

(m) Provisions for books and supplies. (1) An institution must provide a way for a student who is eligible for title IV, HEA program funds to obtain or purchase, by the seventh day of a payment period, the books and supplies applicable to the payment period if, 10 days before the beginning of the payment period—

(i) The institution could disburse the title IV, HEA program funds for which the student is eligible; and

(ii) Presuming the funds were disbursed, the student would have a credit balance under paragraph (h) of this section.

(2) The amount the institution provides to the student to obtain or purchase books and supplies is the lesser of the presumed credit balance under this paragraph or the amount needed by the student, as determined by the institution.

(3) The institution must have a policy under which the student may opt out of the way the institution provides for the student to obtain or purchase books and supplies under this paragraph (m). A student who opts out under this paragraph is considered to also opt out under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(C) of this section;

(4) If a student uses the method provided by the institution to obtain or purchase books and supplies under this paragraph, the student is considered to have authorized the use of title IV, HEA funds and the institution does not need to obtain a written authorization under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section and Sec. 668.165(b) for this purpose.

Sec. 668.165 Notices and authorizations.

About the Regulations

(a) Notices. (1) Before an institution disburses title IV, HEA program funds for any award year, the institution must notify a student of the amount of funds that the student or his or her parent can expect to receive under each title IV, HEA program, and how and when those funds will be disbursed. If those funds include Direct Loan program funds, the notice must indicate which funds are from subsidized loans, which are from unsubsidized loans, and which are from PLUS loans.

(2) Except in the case of a post-withdrawal disbursement made in accordance with Sec. 668.22(a)(5), if an institution credits a student's account at the institution with Direct Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, or TEACH Grant program funds, the institution must notify the student or parent of—

(i) The anticipated date and amount of the disbursement;

(ii) The student's or parent's right to cancel all or a portion of that loan, loan disbursement, TEACH Grant, or TEACH Grant disbursement and have the loan proceeds or TEACH Grant proceeds returned to the Secretary; and

(iii) The procedures and the time by which the student or parent must notify the institution that he or she wishes to cancel the loan, loan disbursement, TEACH Grant, or TEACH Grant disbursement.

(3) The institution must provide the notice described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section in writing

(i) No earlier than 30 days before, and no later than 30 days after, crediting the student's ledger account at the institution, if the institution obtains affirmative confirmation from the student under paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section; or

(ii) No earlier than 30 days before, and no later than seven days after, crediting the student's ledger account at the institution, if the institution does not obtain affirmative confirmation from the student under paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section.

(4)(i) A student or parent must inform the institution if he or she wishes to cancel all or a portion of a loan, loan disbursement, TEACH Grant, or TEACH Grant disbursement.

(ii) The institution must return the loan or TEACH Grant proceeds, cancel the loan or TEACH Grant, or do both, in accordance with program regulations provided that the institution receives a loan or TEACH Grant cancellation request—

(A) By the later of the first day of a payment period or 14 days after the date it notifies the student or parent of his or her right to cancel all or a portion of a loan or TEACH Grant, if the institution obtains affirmative confirmation from the student under paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section; or

(B)  Within 30 days of the date the institution notifies the student or parent of his or her right to cancel all or a portion of a loan, if the institution does not obtain affirmative confirmation from the student under paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section.

(iii) If a student or parent requests a loan cancellation after the period set forth in paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section, the institution may return the loan or TEACH Grant proceeds, cancel the loan or TEACH Grant, or do both, in accordance with program regulations.

(5) An institution must inform the student or parent in writing regarding the outcome of any cancellation request.

(6) For purposes of this section—

(i) Affirmative confirmation is a process under which an institution obtains written confirmation of the types and amounts of title IV, HEA program loans that a student wants for the period of enrollment before the institution credits the student's account with those loan funds. The process under which the TEACH Grant program is administered is considered to be an affirmative confirmation process; and

(ii) An institution is not required by this section to return any loan or TEACH Grant proceeds that it disbursed directly to a student or parent.

(b) Student or parent authorizations. (1) If an institution obtains written authorization from a student or parent, as applicable, the institution may—

(i) Use the student's or parent's title IV, HEA program funds to pay for charges described in Sec. 668.164(c)(1)(ii) or (c)(3)(i)(B) that are included in that authorization; and

(ii) Unless the Secretary provides funds to the institution under the reimbursement payment method or the heightened cash monitoring payment method described in Sec. 668.162(c) or (d), respectively, hold on behalf of the student or parent any title IV, HEA program funds that would otherwise be paid directly to the student or parent as a credit balance under Sec. 668.164(h).

(2) In obtaining the student's or parent's authorization to perform an activity described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an institution—

(i) May not require or coerce the student or parent to provide that authorization;

(ii) Must allow the student or parent to cancel or modify that authorization at any time; and

(iii) Must clearly explain how it will carry out that activity.

(3) A student or parent may authorize an institution to carry out the activities described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section for the period during which the student is enrolled at the institution.

(4)(i) If a student or parent modifies an authorization, the modification takes effect on the date the institution receives the modification notice.

(ii) If a student or parent cancels an authorization to use title IV, HEA program funds to pay for authorized charges under paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the institution may use title IV, HEA program funds to pay only those authorized charges incurred by the student before the institution received the notice.

(iii) If a student or parent cancels an authorization to hold title IV, HEA program funds under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the institution must pay those funds directly to the student or parent as soon as possible but no later than 14 days after the institution receives that notice.

(5) If an institution holds excess student funds under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the institution must—

(i) Identify the amount of funds the institution holds for each student or parent in a subsidiary ledger account designed for that purpose;

(ii) Maintain, at all times, cash in its depository account in an amount at least equal to the amount of funds the institution holds on behalf of the student or the parent; and

(iii) Notwithstanding any authorization obtained by the institution under this paragraph, pay any remaining balance on loan funds by the end of the loan period and any remaining other title IV, HEA program funds by the end of the last payment period in the award year for which they were awarded.

Sec. 668.166 Excess cash.

About the Regulations

(a) General. The Secretary considers excess cash to be any amount of title IV, HEA program funds, other than Federal Perkins Loan Program funds, that an institution does not disburse to students by the end of the third business day following the date the institution

(1) Received those funds from the Secretary; or

(2) Deposited or transferred to its Federal account previously disbursed title IV, HEA program funds, such as those resulting from award adjustments, recoveries, or cancellations.

(b) Excess cash tolerance. An institution may maintain for up to seven days an amount of excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds the institution drew down in the prior award year. The institution must return immediately to the Secretary any amount of excess cash over the one-percent tolerance and any amount of excess cash remaining in its account after the seven-day tolerance period.

(c) Consequences for maintaining excess cash. Upon a finding that an institution maintained excess cash for any amount or time over that allowed in the tolerance provisions in paragraph (b) of this section, the actions the Secretary may take include, but are not limited to—

(1) Requiring the institution to reimburse the Secretary for the costs the Federal government incurred in providing that excess cash to the institution; and

(2) Providing funds to the institution under the reimbursement payment method or heightened cash monitoring payment method described in Sec. 668.162(c) and (d), respectively.

Sec. 668.167 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the section or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice shall not be affected thereby.

Subpart L—Financial Responsibility

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.171 General.

(a) Purpose. To begin and to continue to participate in any title IV, HEA program, an institution must demonstrate to the Secretary that it is financially responsible under the standards established in this subpart. As provided under section 498(c)(1) of the HEA, the Secretary determines whether an institution is financially responsible based on the institution's ability to—

(1) Provide the services described in its official publications and statements;

(2) Meet all of its financial obligations; and

(3) Provide the administrative resources necessary to comply with title IV, HEA program requirements.

(b) General standards of financial responsibility. Except as provided under paragraphs (c), (d), and (h) of this section, the Department Secretary considers an institution to be financially responsible if the Department Secretary determines that—

(1) The institution's Equity, Primary Reserve, and Net Income ratios yield a composite score of at least 1.5, as provided under Sec. 668.172 and appendices A and B to this subpart;

(2) The institution has sufficient cash reserves to make required returns of unearned title IV HEA program funds as provided under Sec. 668.173;

(3) The institution is able to meet all of its financial obligations and provide the administrative resources necessary to comply with title IV, HEA program requirements. An institution is not deemed able to meet its financial or administrative obligations if—

(i) It fails to make refunds under its refund policy, or return title IV, HEA program funds for which it is responsible under Sec. 668.22, or pay title IV, HEA credit balances as required under Sec. 668.164(h)(2);

(ii) It fails to make repayments to the Department Secretary for any debt or liability arising from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; or

(iii) It fails to make a payment in accordance with an existing undisputed financial obligation for more than 90 days; It is subject to an action or event described in paragraph (c) of this section (mandatory triggering events), or an action or event that the Secretary determines is likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution under paragraph (d) of this section (discretionary triggering events); and

(iv) It fails to satisfy payroll obligations in accordance with its published payroll schedule;

(v) It borrows funds from retirement plans or restricted funds without authorization; or

(vi) It is subject to an action or event described in paragraph (c) of this section (mandatory triggering events), or an action or event that the Department has determined to have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution under paragraph (d) of this section (discretionary triggering events); and

(4) The institution or persons affiliated with the institution are not subject to a condition of past performance under Sec. 668.174(a) or (b).

(c) Mandatory triggering events. (1) Except for the mandatory triggers that require a recalculation of the institution’s composite score, the mandatory triggers in this paragraph (c) constitute automatic failures of financial responsibility. For any mandatory triggers under this paragraph (c) that result in a recalculated composite score of less than 1.0, and for those mandatory triggers that constitute automatic failures of financial responsibility, the Department will require the institution to provide financial protection as set forth in this subpart, unless the institution demonstrates that the event is resolved or that insurance covers the loss in accordance with paragraph (f)(3) of this section. The financial protection required under this paragraph is not less than 10 percent of the total title IV, HEA funding in the prior fiscal year. If the Department requires financial protection as a result of more than one mandatory or discretionary trigger, the Department will require separate financial protection for each individual trigger. For automatic triggers, the Department will consider whether the financial protection can be released following the institution’s submission of two full fiscal years of audited financial statements following the Department’s notice that requires the posting of the financial protection. In making this determination, the Department considers whether the administrative or financial risk caused by the event has ceased or been resolved, including full payment of all damages, fines, penalties, liabilities, or other financial relief. For triggers that require a recalculation of the composite score, the Department will consider whether the financial protection can be released if subsequent annual submissions pass the Department’s requirements for financial responsibility. An institution is not able to meet its financial or administrative obligations under paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section if—

(1) After the end of the fiscal year for which the Secretary has most recently calculated an institution's composite score, one or more of the following occurs:

(i)(A) The institution incurs a liability from a settlement, final judgment, or final determination arising from an administrative or judicial action or proceeding initiated by a Federal or State entity. A determination arising from an administrative action or proceeding initiated by a Federal or State entity means the determination was made only after an institution had notice and an opportunity to submit its position before a hearing official. A final determination arising from an administrative action or proceeding initiated by a Federal entity includes a final determination arising from any administrative action or proceeding initiated by the Secretary. For purposes of this section, the liability is the amount stated in the final judgment or final determination. A judgment or determination becomes final when the institution does not appeal or when the judgment or determination is not subject to further appeal; or

(B) For a proprietary institution whose composite score is less than 1.5, there is a withdrawal of owner's equity from the institution by any means (e.g., a capital distribution that is the equivalent of wages in a sole proprietorship or partnership, a distribution of dividends or return of capital, or a related party receivable), unless the withdrawal is a transfer to an entity included in the affiliated entity group on whose basis the institution's composite score was calculated; and

(ii) As a result of that liability or withdrawal, the institution's recalculated composite score is less than 1.0, as determined by the Secretary under paragraph (e) of this section.

(2) The following are mandatory triggers: For a publicly traded institution—

(i) Legal and administrative actions. (A) For an institution or entity with a composite score of less than 1.5, other than a composite score calculated under 34 CFR 600.20(g) and Sec. 668.176, that has entered against it a final monetary judgment or award, or enters into a monetary settlement which results from a legal proceeding, including from a lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation, whether or not the judgment, award or settlement has been paid, and as a result, the recalculated composite score for the institution or entity is less than 1.0, as determined by the Department under paragraph (e) of this section; The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issues an order suspending or revoking the registration of the institution's securities pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") or suspends trading of the institution's securities on any national securities exchange pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Exchange Act; or

(B) On or after July 1, 2024, the institution or any entity whose financial statements were submitted in the prior fiscal year to meet the requirements of 34 CFR 600.20(g) or this subpart, is sued by a Federal or State authority to impose an injunction, establish fines or penalties, or to obtain financial relief such as damages, or in a qui tam action in which the United States has intervened, but only if the Federal or State action has been pending for 120 days, or a qui tam action has been pending for 120 days following intervention by the United States, and—

(1) No motion to dismiss, or its equivalent under State law has been filed within the applicable 120-day period; or

(2) If a motion to dismiss or its equivalent under State law, has been filed within the applicable 120-day period and denied, upon such denial;

(C) The Department has initiated action to recover from the institution the cost of adjudicated claims in favor of borrowers under the borrower defense to repayment provisions in 34 CFR part 685 and, the recalculated composite score for the institution or entity as a result of the adjudicated claims is less than 1.0, as determined by the Department under paragraph (e) of this section; or

(D) For an institution or entity that has submitted an application for a change in ownership under 34 CFR 600.20 that has entered against it a final monetary judgment or award, or enters into a monetary settlement which results from a legal proceeding, including from a lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation, or a monetary determination arising from an administrative proceeding described in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) or (C) of this section, at any point through the end of the second full fiscal year after the change in ownership has occurred, and as a result, the recalculated composite score for the institution or entity is less than 1.0, as determined by the Department under paragraph (e) of this section. This trigger applies whether the judgment, award, settlement, or monetary determination has been paid.

(ii) Withdrawal of owner’s equity. (A) For a proprietary institution whose composite score is less than 1.5, or for any proprietary institution through the end of the first full fiscal year following a change in ownership, and there is a withdrawal of owner’s equity by any means, including by declaring a dividend, unless the withdrawal is a transfer to an entity included in the affiliated entity group on whose basis the institution’s composite score was calculated; or is the equivalent of wages in a sole proprietorship or general partnership or a required dividend or return of capital; and The national securities exchange on which the institution's securities are traded notifies the institution that it is not in compliance with the exchange"s listing requirements and, as a result, the institution's securities are delisted, either voluntarily or involuntarily, pursuant to the rules of the relevant national securities exchange.

(B) As a result of that withdrawal, the institution’s recalculated composite score for the entity whose financial statements were submitted to meet the requirements of Sec. 668.23 for the annual submission, or 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h) for a change in ownership, is less than 1.0, as determined by the Department under paragraph (e) of this section.

(iii) Gainful employment. As determined annually by the Department, the institution received at least 50 percent of its title IV, HEA program funds in its most recently completed fiscal year from gainful employment (GE) programs that are ‘‘failing’’ under subpart S of this part. The SEC is not in timely receipt of a required report and did not issue an extension to file the report.

(iv) Institutional teach-out plans or agreements. The institution is required to submit a teachout plan or agreement, by a State, the Department or another Federal agency, an accrediting agency, or other oversight body for reasons related in whole or in part to financial concerns.

(v) [Reserved]

(vi) Publicly listed entities. For an institution that is directly or indirectly owned at least 50 percent by an entity whose securities are listed on a domestic or foreign exchange, the entity is subject to one or more of the following actions or events:

(A) SEC actions. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issues an order suspending or revoking the registration of any of the entity’s securities pursuant to section 12(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) or suspends trading of the entity’s securities pursuant to section 12(k) of the Exchange Act.

(B) Other SEC actions. The SEC files an action against the entity in district court or issues an order instituting proceeding pursuant to section 12(j) of the Exchange Act.

(C) Exchange actions. The exchange on which the entity’s securities are listed notifies the entity that it is not in compliance with the exchange’s listing requirements, or its securities are delisted.

(D) SEC reports. The entity failed to file a required annual or quarterly report with the SEC within the time period prescribed for that report or by any extended due date under 17 CFR 240.12b–25.

(E) Foreign exchanges or oversight authority. The entity is subject to an event, notification, or condition by a foreign exchange or oversight authority that the Department determines is equivalent to those identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(vi)(A) through (D) of this section.

(vii) Non-Federal educational assistance funds. For its most recently completed fiscal year, a proprietary institution did not receive at least 10 percent of its revenue from sources other than Federal educational assistance, as provided under Sec. 668.28(c). The financial protection provided under this paragraph (c)(3)(viii) will remain in place until the institution passes the 90/10 revenue requirement under Sec. 668.28(c) for two consecutive years.

(viii) Cohort default rates. The institution’s two most recent official cohort default rates are 30 percent or greater, as determined under subpart N of this part, unless—

(A) The institution files a challenge, request for adjustment, or appeal under subpart N of this part with respect to its rates for one or both of those fiscal years; and

(B) That challenge, request, or appeal remains pending, results in reducing below 30 percent the official cohort default rate for either or both of those years or precludes the rates from either or both years from resulting in a loss of eligibility or provisional certification.

(ix) [Reserved]

(x) Contributions and distributions. (A) An institution’s financial statements required to be submitted under Sec. 668.23 reflect a contribution in the last quarter of the fiscal year, and the entity that is part of the financial statements then made a distribution during the first two quarters of the next fiscal year; and

(B) The offset of such distribution against the contribution results in a recalculated composite score of less than 1.0, as determined by the Department under paragraph (e) of this section.

(xi) Creditor events. As a result of an action taken by the Department, the institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart is subject to a default or other adverse condition under a line of credit, loan agreement, security agreement, or other financing arrangement.

(xii) Declaration of financial exigency. The institution declares a state of financial exigency to a Federal, State, Tribal, or foreign governmental agency or its accrediting agency.

(xiii) Receivership. The institution, or an owner or affiliate of the institution that has the power, by contract or ownership interest, to direct or cause the direction of the management of policies of the institution, files for a State or Federal receivership, or an equivalent proceeding under foreign law, or has entered against it an order appointing a receiver or appointing a person of similar status under foreign law.

(3) For the period described in (c)(1) of this section, when the institution is subject to two or more discretionary triggering events, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section, those events become mandatory triggering events, unless a triggering event is resolved before any subsequent event(s) occurs.

(d) Discretionary triggering events. The Department Secretary may determine that an institution is not able to meet its financial or administrative obligations if the Department determines that a discretionary triggering event is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution. For those discretionary triggers that the Department determines will have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution, the Department will require the institution to provide financial protection as set forth in this subpart. The financial protection required under this paragraph (d) is not less than 10 percent of the total title IV, HEA funding in the prior fiscal year. If the Department requires financial protection as a result of more than one mandatory or discretionary trigger, the Department will require separate financial protection for each individual trigger. The Department will consider whether the financial protection can be released following the institution’s submission of two full fiscal years of audited financial statements following the Department’s notice that requires the posting of the financial protection. In making this determination, the Department considers whether the administrative or financial risk caused by the event has ceased or been resolved, including full payment of all damages, fines, penalties, liabilities, or other financial relief. The following are discretionary triggers: under paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section if any of the following events is likely to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution—

(1) Accrediting agency and government agency actions. The institution’s accrediting agency or a Federal, State, local, or Tribal authority places the institution on probation or issues a show-cause order or places the institution in a comparable status that poses an equivalent or greater risk to its accreditation, authorization, or eligibility. The accrediting agency for the institution issued an order, such as a show cause order or similar action, that, if not satisfied, could result in the withdrawal, revocation or suspension of institutional accreditation for failing to meet one or more of the agency's standards;

(2) Other defaults, delinquencies, creditor events, and judgments.(i) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(xi) of this section, the institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart is subject to a default or other adverse condition under a line of credit, loan agreement, security agreement, or other financing arrangement; The institution violated a provision or requirement in a security or loan agreement with a creditor; and

(ii) Under that line of credit, loan agreement, security agreement, or other financing arrangement, a monetary or nonmonetary default or delinquency or other event occurs that allows the creditor to require or impose on the institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart, an increase in collateral, a change in contractual obligations, an increase in interest rates or payments, or other sanctions, penalties, or fees; As provided under the terms of that security or loan agreement, a monetary or nonmonetary default or delinquency event occurs, or other events occur, that trigger or enable the creditor to require or impose on the of the institution, an increase in collateral, a change in contractual obligations, an increase in interest rates or payments, or other sanctions, penalties, or fees;

(iii) Any creditor of the institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart takes action to terminate, withdraw, limit, or suspend a loan agreement or other financing arrangement or calls due a balance on a line of credit with an outstanding balance;

(iv) The institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart enters into a line of credit, loan agreement, security agreement, or other financing arrangement whereby the institution or entity may be subject to a default or other adverse condition as a result of any action taken by the Department; or

(v) The institution or any entity included in the financial statements submitted in the current or prior fiscal year under 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), Sec. 668.23, or this subpart has a judgment awarding monetary relief entered against it that is subject to appeal or under appeal.

(3) Fluctuations in title IV volume. There is a significant fluctuation between consecutive award years, or a period of award years, in the amount of Direct Loan or Pell Grant funds, or a combination of those funds, received by the institution that cannot be accounted for by changes in those programs. The institution's State licensing or authorizing agency notified the institution that it has violated a State licensing or authorizing agency requirement and that the agency intends to withdraw or terminate the institution's licensure or authorization if the institution does not take the steps necessary to come into compliance with that requirement;

(4) High annual dropout rates. As calculated by the Department, the institution has high annual dropout rates. For its most recently completed fiscal year, a proprietary institution did not receive at least 10 percent of its revenue from sources other than Federal title IV, HEA program funds, as provided under Sec. 668.28(c);

(5) Interim reporting. For an institution required to provide additional financial reporting to the Department due to a failure to meet the financial responsibility standards in this subpart or due to a change in ownership, there are negative cash flows, failure of other financial ratios, cash flows that significantly miss the projections submitted to the Department, withdrawal rates that increase significantly, or other indicators of a significant change in the financial condition of the institution. As calculated by the Secretary, the institution has high annual dropout rates; or

(6) Pending borrower defense claims. There are pending claims for borrower relief discharge under 34 CFR 685.400 from students or former students of the institution and the Department has formed a group process to consider claims under 34 CFR 685.402 and, if approved, those claims could be subject to recoupment. The institution's two most recent official cohort default rates are 30 percent or greater, as determined under subpart N of this part, unless—

(i) The institution files a challenge, request for adjustment, or appeal under that subpart with respect to its rates for one or both of those fiscal years; and

(ii) That challenge, request, or appeal remains pending, results in reducing below 30 percent the official cohort default rate for either or both of those years, or precludes the rates from either or both years from resulting in a loss of eligibility or provisional certification.

(7) Discontinuation of programs. The institution discontinues academic programs that enroll more than 25 percent of its enrolled students who receive title IV, HEA program funds.

(8) Closure of locations. The institution closes locations that enroll more than 25 percent of its students who receive title IV, HEA program funds.

(9) State actions and citations. The institution, or one or more of its programs, is cited by a State licensing or authorizing agency for failing to meet State or agency requirements, including notice that it will withdraw or terminate the institution’s licensure or authorization if the institution does not take the steps necessary to come into compliance with that requirement.

(10) Loss of institutional or program eligibility. The institution or one or more of its programs has lost eligibility to participate in another Federal educational assistance program due to an administrative action against the institution or its programs.

(11) Exchange disclosures. If an institution is directly or indirectly owned at least 50 percent by an entity whose securities are listed on a domestic or foreign exchange, the entity discloses in a public filing that it is under investigation for possible violations of State, Federal or foreign law.

(12) Actions by another Federal agency. The institution is cited and faces loss of education assistance funds from another Federal agency if it does not comply with the agency’s requirements.

(13) Other teach-out plans or agreements not included in paragraph (c) of this section. The institution is required to submit a teach-out plan or agreement, including programmatic teach-outs, by a State, the Department or another Federal agency, an accrediting agency, or other oversight body.

(14) Other events or conditions. Any other event or condition that the Department learns about from the institution or other parties, and the Department determines that the event or condition is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution.

(e) Recalculating the composite score. When a recalculation of an institution’s most recent composite score is required by the mandatory triggering events described in paragraph (c) of this section, the Department makes the recalculation as follows: The Secretary recalculates an institution's most recent composite score by recognizing the actual amount of the liability, or cumulative liabilities, incurred by an institution under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section as an expense or accounting for the actual withdrawal, or cumulative withdrawals, of owner's equity under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(B) of this section as a reduction in equity, and accounts for that expense or withdrawal by—

(1) For a proprietary institution, debts, liabilities, and losses (including cumulative debts, liabilities, and losses for all triggering events) since the end of the prior fiscal year incurred by the entity whose financial statements were submitted in the prior fiscal year to meet the requirements of Sec. 668.23 or this subpart, and debts, liabilities, and losses (including cumulative debts, liabilities, and losses for all triggering events) through the end of the first full fiscal year following a change in ownership incurred by the entity whose financial statements were submitted for 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), will be adjusted as follows: For liabilities incurred by a proprietary institution—

(i) For the primary reserve ratio, increasing expenses and decreasing adjusted equity by that amount;

(ii) For the equity ratio, decreasing modified equity by that amount.; and

(iii) For the net income ratio, decreasing income before taxes by that amount;

(2) For a nonprofit institution, debts, liabilities, and losses (including cumulative debts, liabilities, and losses for all triggering events) since the end of the prior fiscal year incurred by the entity whose financial statements were submitted in the prior fiscal year to meet the requirements of Sec. 668.23 or this subpart, and debts, liabilities, and losses (including cumulative debts, liabilities, and losses for all triggering events) through the end of the first full fiscal year following a change in ownership incurred by the entity whose financial statements were submitted for 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), will be adjusted as follows: For liabilities incurred by a nonprofit institution—

(i) For the primary reserve ratio, increasing expenses and decreasing expendable net assets by that amount.;

(ii) For the equity ratio, decreasing modified net assets by that amount.; and

(iii) For the net income ratio, decreasing change in net assets without donor restrictions by that amount; and

(3) For a proprietary institution, the withdrawal of equity (including cumulative withdrawals of equity) since the end of the prior fiscal year from the entity whose financial statements were submitted in the prior fiscal year to meet the requirements of Sec. 668.23 or this subpart, and the withdrawal of equity (including cumulative withdrawals of equity) through the end of the first full fiscal year following a change in ownership from the entity whose financial statements were submitted for 34 CFR 600.20(g) or (h), will be adjusted as follows: For the amount of owner's equity withdrawn from a proprietary institution—

(i) For the primary reserve ratio, decreasing adjusted equity by that amount.; and

(ii) For the equity ratio, decreasing modified equity by that amount of the distribution.

(f) Reporting requirements. (1) In accordance with procedures established by the Department Secretary, an institution must notify the Department Secretary of the following actions or events:

(i) For a monetary judgment, award, or settlement liability incurred under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section, no later than 21 10 days after either the date of written notification to the institution of the final judgment or award, or the execution of the settlement agreement by the institution or entity. final determination;

(ii) For a lawsuit described in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) of this section, no later than 21 days after the institution or entity is served with the complaint, and an updated notice must be provided 21 days after the suit has been pending for 120 days. For a withdrawal of owner's equity described in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(B) of this section—

(iii) [Reserved] For the provisions relating to a publicly traded institution under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, no later than 10 days after the date that—

(A) The SEC issues an order suspending or revoking the registration of the institution's securities pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Exchange Act or suspends trading of the institution's securities on any national securities exchange pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Exchange Act; or

(B) The national securities exchange on which the institution's securities are traded involuntarily delists its securities, or the institution voluntarily delists its securities, pursuant to the rules of the relevant national securities exchange;

(iv) For a withdrawal of owner’s equity described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section— For an action under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, 10 days after the date on which the institution is notified by its accrediting agency of that action;

(A) For a capital distribution that is the equivalent of wages in a sole proprietorship or general  partnership, no later than 21 10 days after the date the Department Secretary notifies the institution that its composite score is less than 1.5. In response to that notice, the institution must report the total amount of the wage-equivalent distributions it made during its prior fiscal year and any distributions that were made to pay any taxes related to the operation of the institution. During its current fiscal year and the first six months of its subsequent fiscal year (18-month period), the institution is not required to report any distributions to the Department Secretary, provided that the institution does not make wage-equivalent distributions that exceed 150 percent of the total amount of wage-equivalent distributions it made during its prior fiscal year, less any distributions that were made to pay any taxes related to the operation of the institution. However, if the institution makes wage-equivalent distributions that exceed 150 percent of the total amount of wage-equivalent distributions it made during its prior fiscal year less any distributions that were made to pay any taxes related to the operation of the institution at any time during the 18-month period, it must report each of those distributions no later than 21 10 days after they are made, and the Department Secretary recalculates the institution's composite score based on the cumulative amount of the distributions made at that time;

(B) For a distribution of dividends or return of capital, no later than 21 10 days after the dividends are declared or the amount of return of capital is approved; or

(C) For a related party receivable or other assets, no not later than 21 10 days after that receivable /other assets are booked or occurs; 

(v) For a contribution and distribution described in paragraph (c)(2)(x) of this section, no later than 21 days after the distribution. For the loan agreement provisions in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, 10 days after a loan violation occurs, the creditor waives the violation, or the creditor imposes sanctions or penalties in exchange or as a result of granting the waiver;

(vi) For the provisions relating to a publicly listed entity under paragraph (c)(2)(vi) or (d)(11) of this section, no later than 21 days after the date that such event occurs. For a State agency notice relating to terminating an institution's licensure or authorization under paragraph (d)(3) of this section, 10 days after the date on which the institution receives that notice; and

(vii) For any action by an accrediting agency, Federal, State, local, or Tribal authority that is either a mandatory or discretionary trigger, no later than 21 days after the date on which the institution is notified of the action. For the non-Federal non-title IV revenue provision in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, no later than 45 days after the end of the institution's fiscal year, as provided in Sec. 668.28(c)(4)(3).

(viii) For the creditor events described in paragraph (c)(2)(xi) of this section, no later than 21 days after the date on which the institution is notified of the action by its creditor.

(ix) For the other defaults, delinquencies, or creditor events described in paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this section, no later than 21 days after the event occurs, with an update no later than 21 days after the creditor waives the violation, or the creditor imposes sanctions or penalties, including sanctions or penalties imposed in exchange for or as a result of granting the waiver. For a monetary judgment subject to appeal or under appeal described in paragraph (d)(2)(v) of this section, no later than 21 days after the court enters the judgment, with an update no later than 21 days after the appeal is filed or the period for appeal expires without a notice of appeal being filed. If an appeal is filed, no later than 21 days after the decision on the appeal is issued.

(x) For the non-Federal educational assistance funds provision in paragraph (c)(2)(vii) of this section, no later than 45 days after the end of the institution’s fiscal year, as provided in Sec. 668.28(c)(3).

(xi) For an institution or entity that as submitted an application for a change in ownership under 34 CFR 600.20 that is required to pay a debt or incurs a liability from a settlement, arbitration proceeding, final judgment in a judicial proceeding, or a determination arising from an administrative proceeding described in paragraph (c)(2)(i)(B) or (C) of this section, the institution must report this no later than 21 days after the action. The reporting requirement in this paragraph (f)(1)(xi) is applicable to any action described in this section occurring through the end of the second full fiscal year after the change in ownership has occurred.

(xii) For a discontinuation of academic programs described in paragraph (d)(7) of this section, no later than 21 days after the discontinuation of programs.

(xiii) For a failure to meet any of the standards in paragraph (b) of this section, no later than 21 days after the institution ceases to meet the standard.

(xiv) For a declaration of financial exigency, no later than 21 days after the institution communicates its declaration to a Federal, State, Tribal, or foreign governmental agency or its accrediting agency.

(xv) If the institution, or an owner or affiliate of the institution that has the power, by contract or ownership interest, to direct or cause the direction of the management of policies of the institution, files for a State or Federal receivership, or an equivalent proceeding under foreign law, or has entered against it an order appointing a receiver or appointing a person of similar status under foreign law, no later than 21 days after either the filing for receivership or the order appointing a receiver or appointing a person of similar status under foreign law, as applicable.

(xvi) The institution closes locations that enroll more than 25 percent of its students no later than 21 days after the closure that meets or exceeds the thresholds in this paragraph (f)(1)(xvi).

(xvii) If the institution is directly or indirectly owned at least 50 percent by an entity whose securities are listed on a domestic or foreign exchange, and the entity discloses in a public filing that it is under investigation for possible violations of State, Federal, or foreign law, no later than 21 days after the public filing.

(xviii) For any other event or condition that is likely to have a significant adverse condition on the financial condition of the institution, no later than 21 days after the event or condition occurs.

(2) The Department Secretary may take an administrative action under paragraph (i) of this section against an institution, or determine that the institution is not financially responsible, if it fails to provide timely notice to the Department Secretary as provided under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, or fails to respond, within the timeframe specified by the Department Secretary, to any determination made, or request for information, by the Department Secretary under paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(3)(i) In its notice to the Department Secretary under this paragraph (f), or in its response to a preliminary determination by the Department Secretary that the institution is not financially responsible because of a triggering event under paragraph (c) or (d) of this section that does not have a notice requirement set forth in this paragraph (f), in accordance with procedures established by the Department Secretary, the institution may—

(A) Demonstrate that the creditor waived a violation of a loan agreement under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. However, if the creditor imposes additional constraints or requirements as a condition of waiving the violation, or imposes penalties or requirements under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, the institution must identify and describe those penalties, constraints, or requirements and demonstrate that complying with those actions will not significantly affect the institution’s ability to meet its financial obligations; reported withdrawal of owner's equity under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(B) of this section was used exclusively to meet tax liabilities of the institution or its owners for income derived from the institution;

(B) Show that the triggering event has been resolved, or for obligations resulting from monetary judgments, awards, settlements, or administrative determinations that arise under paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) or (D) of this section, that the institution can demonstrate that insurance will cover all of the obligation, or for purposes of recalculation under paragraph (e) of this section, that insurance will cover a portion of the obligation; or creditor waived a violation of a loan agreement under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. However, if the creditor imposes additional constraints or requirements as a condition of waiving the violation, or imposes penalties or requirements under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, the institution must identify and describe those penalties, constraints, or requirements and demonstrate that complying with those actions will not adversely affect the institution's ability to meet its financial obligations;

(C) Explain or provide information about the conditions or circumstances that precipitated a triggering event under paragraph (d) of this section that demonstrates that the triggering event has not had, or will not have, a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution. Show that the triggering event has been resolved, or demonstrate that the institution has insurance that will cover all or part of the liabilities that arise under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this section; or

(D) Explain or provide information about the conditions or circumstances that precipitated a triggering event under paragraph (c) or (d) of this section that demonstrates that the triggering event has not or will not have a material adverse effect on the institution.

(ii) The Department Secretary will consider the information provided by the institution in its notification of the triggering event in determining whether to issue a final determination that the institution is not financially responsible.

(g)Public institutions. (1) The Department Secretary considers a domestic public institution to be financially responsible if the institution—

(i)(A) Notifies the Secretary that it is designated as a public institution by the State, local, or municipal government entity, Tribal tribal authority, or other government entity that has the legal authority to make that designation; and

(ii)(B) Provides a letter or other documentation acceptable to the Department and signed by an from an official of that State or other government entity confirming that the institution is a public institution and is backed by the full faith and credit of the government entity in the following circumstances—; and

(A) Before the institution’s initial certification as a public institution;

(B) Upon a change in ownership and request to be recognized as a public institution; or

(C) Upon request by the Department, which could include during the recertification of a public institution;

(iii)(ii) Is not subject to a condition of past performance under Sec. 668.174; and.

(iv) Is not subject to an automatic mandatory triggering event as described in paragraph (c) of this section or a discretionary triggering event as described in paragraph (d) of this section that the Department determines will have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution.

(2) The Department Secretary considers a foreign public institution to be financially responsible if the institution—

(i)(A) Notifies the Department Secretary that it is designated as a public institution by the country or other government entity that has the legal authority to make that designation; and

(i)(B) Provides a letter or other documentation acceptable to the Department and signed by an official of that country or other government entity confirming that the institution is a public institution and is backed by the full faith and credit of the country or other government entity. This letter or other documentation must be submitted before the institution’s initial certification, upon a change in ownership and request to be recognized as a public institution, and for the first re-certification of a public institution after July 1, 2024. Thereafter, the letter or other documentation must be submitted in the following circumstances—  from an official of that country or other government entity confirming that the institution is a public institution and is backed by the full faith and credit of the country or other government entity; and

(iii)(ii) Is not subject to a condition of past performance under Sec. 668.174; and.

(iv) Is not subject to an automatic mandatory triggering event as described in paragraph (c) of this section or a discretionary triggering event as described in paragraph (d) of this section that the Department determines will have a significant adverse effect on the financial condition of the institution.

(h) Audit opinions and disclosures. Even if an institution satisfies all of the general standards of financial responsibility under paragraph (b) of this section, the Department Secretary does not consider the institution to be financially responsible if the institution’s audited financial statements—, in the institution's audited financial statements, the opinion expressed by the auditor was an adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion, or the financial statements contain a disclosure in the notes to the financial statements that there is substantial doubt about the institution's ability to continue as a going concern as required by accounting standards, unless the Secretary determines that a qualified or disclaimed opinion does not have a significant bearing on the institution's financial condition, or that the substantial doubt about the institution's ability to continue as going concern has been alleviated.

(1) Include an opinion expressed by the auditor that was an adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion, unless the Department determines that the adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion does not have a significant bearing on the institution’s financial condition; or

(2) Include a disclosure in the notes to the institution’s or entity’s audited financial statements about the institution’s or entity’s diminished liquidity, ability to continue operations, or ability to continue as a going concern, unless the Department determines that the diminished liquidity, ability to continue operations, or ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated. The Department may conclude that diminished liquidity, ability to continue operations, or ability to continue as a going concern has not been alleviated even if the disclosure provides that those concerns have been alleviated.

(i) Administrative actions. If the Department Secretary determines that an institution is not financially responsible under the standards and provisions of this section or under an alternative standard in Sec. 668.175, or the institution does not submit its financial statements and compliance audits by the date and in the manner required under Sec. 668.23, the Department Secretary may—

(1) Initiate an action under subpart G of this part to fine the institution, or limit, suspend, or terminate the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs;

(2) For an institution that is provisionally certified, take an action against the institution under the procedures established in Sec. 668.13(d); or

(3) Deny the institution's application for certification or recertification to participate in the title IV, HEA programs.

Sec. 668.172 Financial ratios.

About the Regulations

(a) Appendices A and B, ratio methodology. As provided under appendices A and B to this subpart, the Secretary determines an institution's composite score by—

(1) Calculating the result of its Primary Reserve, Equity, and Net Income ratios, as described under paragraph (b) of this section;

(2) Calculating the strength factor score for each of those ratios by using the corresponding algorithm;

(3) Calculating the weighted score for each ratio by multiplying the strength factor score by its corresponding weighting percentage;

(4) Summing the resulting weighted scores to arrive at the composite score; and

(5) Rounding the composite score to one digit after the decimal point.

(b) Ratios. The Primary Reserve, Equity, and Net Income ratios are defined under appendix A to this subpart for proprietary institutions, and under appendix B to this subpart for private non-profit institutions.

(1) The ratios for proprietary institutions are:

For proprietary institutions:

                                          Adjusted Equity

Primary Reserve ratio  =   Total Expenses

                                           Modified Equity

                  Equity ratio  =   Modified Assets

                                          Income Before Taxes

        Net Income ratio  =   Total Revenues

(2) The ratios for private non-profit institutions are:

                                          Expendable Net Assets

Primary Reserve ratio  =   Total Expenses

                                            Modified Net Assets

                  Equity ratio  =    Modified Assets

                                          Change in Unrestricted Net Assets

        Net Income ratio  =   Total Unrestricted Revenues

(c) Excluded items. In calculating an institution's ratios, the Secretary—

(1) Generally excludes extraordinary gains or losses, income or losses from discontinued operations, prior period adjustments, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, and the effect of changes in accounting estimates;

(2) May include or exclude the effects of questionable accounting treatments, such as excessive capitalization of marketing costs;

(3) Excludes all unsecured or uncollateralized related-party receivables;

(4) Excludes all intangible assets defined as intangible in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and

(5) Excludes from the ratio calculations Federal funds provided to an institution by the Secretary under program authorized by the HEA only if—

(i) In the notes to the institution's audited financial statement, or as a separate attestation, the auditor discloses by name and CFDA number, the amount of HEA program funds reported as expenses in the Statement of Activities for the fiscal year covered by that audit or attestation; and

(ii) The institution's composite score, as determined by the Secretary, is less than 1.5 before the reported expenses arising from those HEA funds are excluded from the ratio calculations.

(d) Accounting for operating leases. The Secretary accounts for operating leases by—

(1) Applying FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016–02, Leases (Topic 842) to all leases the institution has entered into on or after December 15, 2018 (post-implementation operating/financing leases), as specified in the Supplemental Schedule (see Section 2 of Appendix A to this subpart and Section 2 of Appendix B to this subpart);

(2) Treating leases the institution entered into prior to December 15, 2018 (pre-implementation operating/ financing leases), as they would have been treated prior to the requirements of ASU 2016–02, as long as the institution provides information about those leases on the Supplemental Schedule and a note in, or on the face of, its audited financial statements; and

(3) Accounting for any adjustments, such as any options exercised by the institution to extend the life of a pre-implementation operating/finance lease, as post-implementation operating/finance leases.

(e) Incorporation by Reference. (1) The material required in this section is incorporated by reference into this section with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at U.S. Department of Education, Office of the General Counsel, 202–401–6000, and is available from the sources indicated below. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email [email protected] or go to www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

(2) Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, CT 06856–5116, (203) 847–0700, www.fasb.org.

(i) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016–02, Leases (Topic 842), (February 2016).

(ii) [Reserved]

Sec. 668.173 Refund reserve standards.

About the Regulations

(a) General. The Secretary considers that an institution has sufficient cash reserves, as required under Sec. 668.171(b)(2), if the institution —

(1) Satisfies the requirements for a public institution under Sec. 668.171(c)(1);

(2) Is located in a State that has a tuition recovery fund approved by the Secretary and the institution contributes to that fund; or

(3) Returns, in a timely manner as described in paragraph (b) of this section, unearned title IV, HEA program funds that it is responsible for returning under the provisions of Sec. 668.22 for a student that withdrew from the institution.

(b) Timely return of title IV, HEA program funds. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender, an institution returns unearned title IV, HEA funds timely if—

(1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under Sec. 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;

(2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer (EFT) no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew;

(3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction, no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs an FFEL lender to adjust the borrower's loan account for the amount returned; or

(4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if—

(i) The institution's records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew; or

(ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.

(c) Compliance thresholds. (1) An institution does not comply with the reserve standard under Sec. 668.173(a)(3) if, in a compliance audit conducted under Sec. 668.23, an audit conducted by the Office of the Inspector General, or a program review conducted by the Department or guaranty agency, the auditor or reviewer finds—

(i) In the sample of student records audited or reviewed that the institution did not return unearned title IV, HEA program funds within the timeframes described in paragraph (b) of this section for 5% or more of the students in the sample. (For purposes of determining this percentage, the sample includes only students for whom the institution was required to return unearned funds during its most recently completed fiscal year.); or

(ii) A material weakness or reportable condition in the institution's report on internal controls relating to the return of unearned title IV, HEA program funds.  

(2) The Secretary does not consider an institution to be out of compliance with the reserve standard under Sec. 668.173(a)(3) if the institution is cited in any audit or review report because it did not return unearned funds in a timely manner for one or two students, or for less than 5% of the students in the sample referred to in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section.

(d) Letter of credit. (1) Except as provided under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an institution that can satisfy the reserve standard only under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, must submit an irrevocable letter of credit acceptable and payable to the Secretary if a finding in an audit or review shows that the institution exceeded the compliance thresholds in paragraph (c) of this section for either of its two most recently completed fiscal years.

(2) The amount of the letter of credit required under paragraph (d)(1) of this section is 25 percent of the total amount of unearned title IV, HEA program funds that the institution was required to return under Sec. 668.22 during the institution's most recently completed fiscal year. 

(3) An institution that is subject to paragraph (d)(1) of this section must submit to the Secretary a letter of credit no later than 30 days after the earlier of the date that—

(i) The institution is required to submit its compliance audit;

(ii) The Office of the Inspector General issues a final audit report;

(iii) The designated department official issues a final program review determination;

(iv) The Department issues a preliminary program review report or draft audit report, or a guaranty agency issues a preliminary report showing that the institution did not return unearned funds for more than 10% of the sampled students; or

(v) The Secretary sends a written notice to the institution requesting the letter of credit that explains why the institution has failed to return unearned funds in a timely manner.

(e) Exceptions.  With regard to the letter of credit described in paragraph (d) of this section—

(1) An institution does not have to submit the letter of credit if the amount calculated under paragraph (d)(2) of this section is less than $5,000 and the institution can demonstrate that it has cash reserves of at least $5,000 available at all times.

(2) An institution may delay submitting the letter of credit and request the Secretary to reconsider a finding made in its most recent audit or review report that it failed to return unearned title IV, HEA program funds in a timely manner if—

(i)(A) The institution submits documents showing that the unearned title IV, HEA program funds were not returned in a timely manner solely because of exceptional circumstances beyond the institution's control and that the institution would not have exceeded the compliance thresholds under paragraph (c)(1) of this section had it not been for these exceptional circumstances; or

(B) The institution submits documents showing that it did not fail to make timely refunds as provided under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section; and

(ii) The institution's request, along with the documents described in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, is submitted to the Secretary no later than the date it would otherwise be required to submit a letter of credit under paragraph (d)(3).

(3) If the Secretary denies the institution's request under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, the Secretary notifies the institution of the date it must submit the letter of credit.

(f) State tuition recovery funds. In determining whether to approve a State's tuition recovery fund, the Secretary considers the extent to which that fund—

(1) Provides refunds to both in-State and out-of-State students;

(2) Allocates all refunds in accordance with the order required under Sec. 668.22; and

(3) Provides a reliable mechanism for the State to replenish the fund should any claims arise that deplete the fund's assets.

Sec. 668.174 Past performance.

About the Regulations

(a) Past performance of an institution. An institution is not financially responsible if the institution—

(1) Has been limited, suspended, terminated, or entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a limitation, suspension, or termination action initiated by the Secretary or a guaranty agency, as defined in 34 CFR part 682, within the preceding five years;

(2) In either of its two most recent compliance audits had an audit determination or in a Departmentally issued report, including a final program review determination report, issued in finding, or in a report issued by the Secretary had a program review finding for its current fiscal year or either of its preceding two fiscal years, had a program review finding that resulted in the institution's being required to repay an amount greater than five 5 percent of the funds that the institution received under the title IV, HEA programs during the year covered by that audit or program review;

(3) Has been cited during the preceding five years for failure to submit in a timely fashion acceptable compliance and financial statement audits required under this part, or acceptable audit reports required under the individual title IV, HEA program regulations; or

(4) Has failed to resolve satisfactorily any compliance problems identified in audit or program review reports based upon a final decision of the Secretary issued pursuant to subpart G or H of this part.

(b) Past performance of persons affiliated with an institution. (1)(i) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, an institution is not financially responsible if a person or entity who exercises substantial ownership or control over the institution, as described under 34 CFR 600.31, or any member or members of that person's family alone or together—

(A) Exercises or exercised substantial ownership or control over another institution or a third-party servicer that owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement;

(B) Exercised substantial ownership or control over another institution that closed without a viable teach-out plan or agreement approved by the institution's accrediting agency and faithfully executed by the institution; or

(C) Owes a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement; and

(ii) That person, entity, family member, institution, or servicer does not demonstrate that the liability is being repaid in accordance with an agreement with the Secretary.

(2) The Secretary may determine that an institution is financially responsible, even if the institution is not otherwise financially responsible under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if—

(i) The institution notifies the Department Secretary, within the time permitted and in the manner provided under 34 CFR 600.21 600.30, that the person or entity referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section exercises substantial control over the institution; and

(ii) The person or entity referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section repaid to the Secretary a portion of the applicable liability, and the portion repaid equals or exceeds the greater of—

(A) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or third-party servicer that owes the liability by that entity, person or any member or members of that person's family, either alone or in combination with one another;

(B) The total percentage of the ownership interest held in the institution or servicer that owes the liability that the entity, person or any member or members of the person's family, either alone or in combination with one another, represents or represented under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement; or

(C) Twenty-five percent, if the person or any member of the person's family is or was a member of the board of directors, chief executive officer, or other executive officer of the institution or servicer that owes the liability, or of an entity holding at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution that owes the liability; or

(iii) The applicable liability described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is currently being repaid in accordance with a written agreement with the Secretary; or

(iv) The institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary why—

(A) The person or entity who exercises substantial control over the institution should nevertheless be considered to lack that control; or

(B) The person or entity who exercises substantial control over the institution and each member of that person's family nevertheless does not or did not exercise substantial control over the institution or servicer that owes the liability.

(3) An institution is not financially responsible if an owner who exercises substantial control, or the owner’s spouse, has been in default on a Federal student loan, including parent PLUS loans, in the preceding five years, unless—

(i) The defaulted Federal student loan has been fully repaid and five years have elapsed since the repayment in full;

(ii) The defaulted Federal student loan has been approved for, and the borrower is in compliance with, a rehabilitation agreement and has been current for five consecutive years; or

(iii) The defaulted Federal student loan has been discharged, canceled, or forgiven by the Department.

(c) Ownership interest. (1) An ownership interest is defined in 34 CFR 600.31(b). An ownership interest is a share of the legal or beneficial ownership or control of, or a right to share in the proceeds of the operation of, an institution, an institution's parent corporation, a third-party servicer, or a third-party servicer's parent corporation. The term "ownership interest" includes, but is not limited to—

(i) An interest as tenant in common, joint tenant, or tenant by the entireties;

(ii) A partnership; and

(iii) An interest in a trust.

(2) The term "ownership interest" does not include any share of the ownership or control of, or any right to share in the proceeds of the operation of a profit-sharing plan, provided that all employees are covered by the plan.

(3) The Secretary generally considers a person or entity to exercise substantial control over an institution or third-party servicer if the person or entity—

(i) Directly or indirectly holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;

(ii) Holds, together with other members of his or her family, at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer;

(iii) Represents, either alone or together with other persons under a voting trust, power of attorney, proxy, or similar agreement, one or more persons who hold, either individually or in combination with the other persons represented or the person representing them, at least a 25 percent ownership in the institution or servicer; or

(iv) Is a member of the board of directors, a general partner, the chief executive officer, or other executive officer of—

(A) The institution or servicer; or

(B) An entity that holds at least a 25 percent ownership interest in the institution or servicer.

(4)"Family member" is defined in Sec. 600.21(f) of this chapter.

Sec. 668.175 Alternative standards and requirements.

About the Regulations

(a) General. An institution that is not financially responsible under the general standards and provisions in Sec. 668.171, may begin or continue to participate in the title IV, HEA programs by qualifying under an alternate standard set forth in this section.

(b) Letter of credit of cash escrow Credit or surety alternative for new institutions. A new institution that is not financially responsible solely because the Department Secretary determines that its composite score is less than 1.5, qualifies as a financially responsible institution by submitting an irrevocable letter of credit, that is acceptable and payable to the Department Secretary, or providing other financial protection surety described under paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, for an amount equal to at least one-half of the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that the Department Secretary determines the institution will receive during its initial year of participation. A new institution is an institution that seeks to participate for the first time in the title IV, HEA programs.

(c) Financial protection alternative for participating institutions. A participating institution that is not financially responsible either because it does not satisfy one or more of the standards of financial responsibility under Sec. 668.171(b), (c), or (d) or because of an audit opinion or going concern disclosure about the institution’s liquidity, ability to continue operations, or ability to continue as a going concern described under Sec. 668.171(h), qualifies as a financially responsible institution by submitting an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Department Secretary, or providing other financial protection described under paragraph (h) of this section, for an amount determined by the Department Secretary that is not less than one-half of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year, except that this paragraph (c) requirement does not apply to a public institution. For purposes of a failure under Sec. 668.171(b)(2) or (3), the institution must also remedy the issue(s) that gave rise to the failure to the Department’s satisfaction.

(d) Zone alternative. (1) A participating institution that is not financially responsible solely because the Department Secretary determines that its composite score under Sec. 668.172 is less than 1.5 may participate in the title IV, HEA programs as a financially responsible institution for no more than three consecutive years, beginning with the year in which the Department Secretary determines that the institution qualifies under this alternative in this paragraph (d).

(i)(A) An institution qualifies initially under this alternative if, based on the institution's audited financial statement for its most recently completed fiscal year, the Department Secretary determines that its composite score is in the range from 1.0 to 1.4; and

(B) An institution continues to qualify under this alternative if, based on the institution's audited financial statement for each of its subsequent two fiscal years, the Department Secretary determines that the institution's composite score is in the range from 1.0 to 1.4.

(ii) An institution that qualified under this alternative for three consecutive years or for one of those years, may not seek to qualify again under this alternative until the year after the institution achieves a composite score of at least 1.5, as determined by the Department Secretary.

(2) Under this zone alternative, the Department Secretary

(i) Requires the institution to make disbursements to eligible students and parents, and to otherwise comply with the provisions, under either the heightened cash monitoring or reimbursement payment method described in Sec. 668.162;

(ii) Requires the institution to provide timely information regarding any of the following oversight and financial events—

(A) Any event that causes the institution, ore related entity as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 850, to realize any liability that was noted as a contingent liability in the institution's or related entity's most recent audited financial statement; or

(B) In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015–01 and ASC 225 and taking into account the environment in which the entity operates, any losses that are unusual in nature, meaning the underlying event or transaction should possess a high degree of abnormality and be of a type clearly unrelated to, or only incidentally related to, the ordinary and typical activities of the entity, taking into account the environment in which the entity operates; infrequently occur, meaning the underlying event or transaction should be of a type that would not reasonably be expected to recur in the foreseeable future; or both; Any losses that are unusual in nature or infrequently occur, or both, as defined in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015–01 and ASC 225;

(iii) May require the institution to submit its financial statement and compliance audits earlier than the time specified under Sec. 668.23(a)(4); and

(iv) May require the institution to provide information about its current operations and future plans.

(3) Under the zone alternative, the institution must—

(i) For any oversight or financial event described under paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section for which the institution is required to provide information, in accordance with procedures established by the Department Secretary, notify the Department Secretary no later than 10 days after that event occurs; and

(ii) As part of its compliance audit, require its auditor to express an opinion on the institution's compliance with the requirements under the zone alternative in this paragraph (d), including the institution's administration of the payment method under which the institution received and disbursed title IV, HEA program funds.

(4) If an institution fails to comply with the requirements under paragraphs (d)(2) or (3) of this section, the Department Secretary may determine that the institution no longer qualifies under this alternative.

(e) Reserved.

(f) Provisional certification alternative. (1) The Department Secretary may permit an institution that is not financially responsible to participate in the title IV, HEA programs under a provisional certification for no more than three consecutive years if

(i) The institution is not financially responsible because it does not satisfy the general standards under Sec. 668.171(b), its recalculated composite score under Sec. 668.171(e) is less than 1.0, it is subject to an action or event under Sec. 668.171(c), or an action or event under paragraph (d) of this section has a significant adverse that has an adverse material effect on the institution as determined by the Department Secretary, or because of an audit opinion disclosure described in Sec. 668.171(h); or

(ii) The institution is not financially responsible because of a condition of past performance, as provided under Sec. 668.174(a), and the institution demonstrates to the Department Secretary that it has satisfied or resolved that condition; and

(2) Under this alternative in this paragraph (f), the institution must—

(i) Provide to the Department Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary, or provide other financial protection described under paragraph (h) of this section, for an amount determined by the Department Secretary that is not less than 10 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recent completed fiscal year, except that this paragarph (f)(2)(i) requirement does not apply to a public institution that the Department Secretary determines is backed by the full faith and credit of the State or equivalent governmental entity;

(ii) Remedy the issue(s) that gave rise to its failure under Sec. 668.171(b)(2) or (3) to the Department’s satisfaction; and Demonstrate that it was current on its debt payments and has met all of its financial obligations, as required under Sec. 668.171(b)(3), for its two most recent fiscal years; and

(iii) Comply with the provisions under the zone alternative, as provided under paragraph (d)(2) and (3) of this section.

(3) If at the end of the period for which the Secretary provisionally certified the institution, the institution is still not financially responsible, the Secretary may again permit the institution to participate under a provisional certification but the Secretary—

(i) May require the institution, or one or more persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, as determined under Sec. 668.174(b)(1) and (c), or both, to provide to the Secretary financial guarantees for an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy any potential liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs;

(ii) May require one or more of the persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, as determined under Sec. 668.174(b)(1) and (c), to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; and

(iii) May require the institution to provide, or continue to provide, the financial protection resulting from an event described in Sec. 668.171(c) and (d) until the institution meets the requirements of paragraph (f)(4) of this section.

(4) The Secretary maintains the full amount of financial protection provided by the institution under this section until the Secretary first determines that the institution has—

(i) A composite score of 1.0 or greater based on a review of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year in which all liabilities from any event described in Sec. 668.171(c) or (d) on which financial protection was required; or

(ii) A recalculated composite score of 1.0 or greater, and any event or condition described in Sec. 668.171(c) or (d) has ceased to exist.

(g) Provisional certification alternative for persons or entities owing liabilities. (1) The Secretary may permit an institution that is not financially responsible because the persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution owe a liability for a violation of a title IV, HEA program requirement, to participate in the title IV, HEA programs under a provisional certification only if—

(i)(A) The persons or entities that exercise substantial control, as determined under Sec. 668.174(b)(1) and (c), repay or enter into an agreement with the Secretary to repay the applicable portion of that liability, as provided under Sec. 668.174(b)(2)(ii); or

(B) The institution assumes that liability, and repays or enters into an agreement with the Secretary to repay that liability;

(ii) The institution satisfies the general standards and provisions of financial responsibility under Sec. 668.171 (b) and (d)(1), except that institution must demonstrate that it was current on its debt payments and has met all of its financial obligations, as required under Sec. 668.171(b)(3) and (b)(4), for its two most recent fiscal years; and

(iii) The institution submits to the Secretary an irrevocable letter of credit that is acceptable and payable to the Secretary, for an amount determined by the Secretary that is not less than 10 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year.

(2) Under this alternative, the Secretary—

(i) Requires the institution to comply with the provisions under the zone alternative, as provided under paragraph (d)(2) and (3) of this section;

(ii) May require the institution, or one or more persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution, or both, to submit to the Secretary financial guarantees for an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to satisfy any potential liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs; and

(iii) May require one or more of the persons or entities that exercise substantial control over the institution to be jointly or severally liable for any liabilities that may arise from the institution's participation in the title IV, HEA programs.

(h) Financial protection. (1) In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or as part of an agreement with an institution under this section, the Secretary may use the funds from that financial protection to satisfy the debts, liabilities, or reimbursable costs, including costs associated with teach-outs as allowed by the Department, owed to the Secretary that are not otherwise paid directly by the institution.

(2) In lieu of submitting a letter of credit for the amount required by the Secretary under this section, the Secretary may permit an institution to—

(i) Provide the amount required in the form of other surety or financial protection that the Secretary specifies in a document published in the Federal Register;

(ii) Provide cash for the amount required; or

(iii) Enter into an arrangement under which the Secretary offsets the amount of title IV, HEA program funds that an institution has earned in a manner that ensures that, no later than the end of a six to twelve-month period selected by the Secretary, the amount offset equals the amount of financial protection the institution is required to provide. The Secretary provides to the institution any funds not used for the purposes described in paragraph (h)(1) of this section during the period covered by the agreement, or provides the institution any remaining funds if the institution subsequently submits other financial protection for the amount originally required.

(i) Incorporation by reference. The material listed in this paragraph (i) is incorporated by reference into this section with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. This incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at U.S. Department of Education and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact U.S. Department of Education at: Office of the General Counsel, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room 2C–136, Washington, DC 20202; phone: (202) 401–6000; https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ogc/index.html?src=oc. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected]. The material may be obtained from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, CT 06856– 5116; (203) 847–0700; www.fasb.org≤.

(1) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 850, Related Party Disclosures, Updated through September 10, 2018.

(2) [Reserved]

Sec. 668.176 Change in ownership.

About the Regulations

 (a) Purpose. To continue participation in the title IV, HEA programs during and following a change in ownership, institutions must meet the financial responsibility requirements in this section.

(b) Materially complete application. To meet the requirements of a materially complete application under 34 CFR 600.20(g)(3)(iii) and (iv)—

(1) An institution undergoing a change in ownership and control as provided under 34 CFR 600.31 must submit audited financial statements of its two most recently completed fiscal years prior to the change in ownership, at the level of the change in ownership or the level of financial statements required by the Department, that are prepared and audited in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 668.23(d); and

(2) The institution must submit audited financial statements of the institution’s new owner’s two most recently completed fiscal years prior to the change in ownership that are prepared and audited in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 668.23 at the highest level of unfractured ownership or at the level required by the Department.

(i) If the institution’s new owner does not have two years of acceptable audited financial statements, the institution must provide financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash to the Department in the amount of 25 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year;

(ii) If the institution’s new owner only has one year of acceptable financial statements, the institution must provide financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash to the Department in the amount of 10 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year; or

(iii) For an entity where no individual new owner obtains control, but the combined ownership of the new owners is equal to or exceeds the ownership share of the existing ownership, financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash to the Department in the amount of 25 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year, based on the combined ownership share of the new owners, except for any new owner that submits two years or one year of acceptable audited financial statements as described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(3) The institution must meet the financial responsibility requirements in this paragraph (b)(3). In general, the Department considers an institution to be financially responsible only if it—

(i) For a for-profit institution evaluated at the ownership level required by the Department for the new owner—

(A) Has not had operating losses in either or both of its two latest fiscal years that in sum result in a decrease in tangible net worth in excess of 10 percent of the institution’s tangible net worth at the beginning of the first year of the two-year period. The Department may calculate an operating loss for an institution by excluding prior period adjustment and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle. For purposes of this section, the calculation of tangible net worth must exclude all related party accounts receivable/other assets and all assets defined as intangible in accordance with the composite score;

(B) Has, for its two most recent fiscal years, a positive tangible net worth. In applying the standard in this paragraph (b)(3)(ii)(B), a positive tangible net worth occurs when the institution’s tangible assets exceed its liabilities. The calculation of tangible net worth excludes all related party accounts receivable/other assets and all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the composite score; and

(C) Has a passing composite score and meets the other financial requirements of this subpart for its most recently completed fiscal year.

(ii) For a nonprofit institution evaluated at the ownership level required by the Department for the new owner—

(A) Has, at the end of its two most recent fiscal years, positive net assets without donor restrictions. The Department will exclude all related party receivables/other assets from net assets without donor restrictions and all assets classified as intangibles in accordance with the composite score;

(B) Has not had an excess of net assets without donor restriction expenditures over net assets without donor restriction revenues over both of its two latest fiscal years that results in a decrease exceeding 10 percent in either the net assets without donor restrictions from the start to the end of the two-year period or the net assets without donor restriction in either one of the two years. The Department may exclude from net changes in fund balances for the operating loss calculation prior period adjustment and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principle. In calculating the net assets without donor restriction, the Department will exclude all related party accounts receivable/other assets and all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the composite score; and

(C) Has a passing composite score and meets the other financial requirements of this subpart for its most recently completed fiscal year.

(iii) For a public institution, has its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of a State or equivalent governmental entity.

(4) For a for-profit or nonprofit institution that is not financially responsible under paragraph (b)(3) of this section, provide financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash in an amount that is not less than 10 percent of the prior year title IV, HEA funding or an amount determined by the Department, and follow the zone requirements in Sec. 668.175(d).

(c) Acquisition debt. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, the Department may determine that the institution is not financially responsible following a change in ownership if the amount of debt assumed to complete the change in ownership requires payments (either periodic or balloon) that are inconsistent with available cash to service those payments based on enrollments for the period prior to when the payment is or will be due.

(2) For a for-profit or nonprofit institution that is not financially responsible under this section, provide financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash in an amount that is not less than 10 percent of the prior year title IV, HEA funding or an amount determined by the Department, and follow the zone requirements in Sec. 668.175(d).

(d) Terms of the extension. To meet the requirements for a temporary provisional program participation agreement following a change in ownership, as described in 34 CFR 600.20(h)(3)(i), an institution must meet the following requirements:

(1) For a proprietary institution or a nonprofit institution—

(i) The institution must provide the Department a same-day balance sheet for a proprietary institution or a statement of financial position for a nonprofit institution that shows the financial position of the institution under its new owner, as of the day after the change in ownership, and that meets the following requirements:

(A) The same-day balance sheet or statement of financial position must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and audited in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS) published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO);

(B) As part of the same-day balance sheet or statement of financial position, the institution must include a disclosure that includes all related-party transactions, and such details as would enable the Department to identify the related party in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 668.23(d). Such information must include, but is not limited to, the name, location, and description of the related entity, including the nature and amount of any transaction between the related party and the institution, financial or otherwise, regardless of when it occurred;

(C) Such balance sheet or statement of financial position must be a consolidated same-day financial statement at the level of highest unfractured ownership or at a level determined by the Department for an ownership of less than 100 percent;

(D) The same-day balance sheet or statement of financial position must demonstrate an acid test ratio of at least 1:1. The acid test ratio must be calculated by adding cash and cash equivalents to current accounts receivable and dividing the sum by total current liabilities. The calculation of the acid test ratio must exclude all related party receivables/other assets and all assets classified as intangibles in accordance with the composite score;

(E) A proprietary institution’s same day balance sheet must demonstrate a positive tangible net worth the day after the change in ownership. A positive tangible net worth occurs when the tangible assets exceed liabilities. The calculation of tangible net worth must exclude all related party accounts receivable/other assets and all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the composite score; and

(F) A nonprofit institution’s statement of financial position must have positive net assets without donor restriction the day after the change in ownership. The calculation of net assets without donor restriction must exclude all related party accounts receivable/other assets and all assets classified as intangible in accordance with the composite score; and

(ii) If the institution fails to meet the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) of this section, the institution must provide financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or cash to the Department in the amount of at least 25 percent of the title IV, HEA program funds received by the institution during its most recently completed fiscal year, or an amount determined by the Department, and must follow the zone requirements of Sec. 668.175(d); and

(2) For a public institution, the institution must have its liabilities backed by the full faith and credit of a State, or by an equivalent governmental entity, or must follow the requirements of this section for a proprietary or nonprofit institution.

Sec. 668.177 668.176 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

Appendix A to Subpart L of Part 668—Ratio Methodology for Proprietary Institutions

About the Regulations

Appendix A: Ratio Methodology for Propriety Institutions

Please visit Federal Register: https://ifap.ed.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/2019-11/FR110119FinalRegonAccreditStateAuthorization.pdf, pages 49915 to 49919.

Appendix B to Subpart L of Part 668—Ratio Methodology for Private Non-Profit Institutions

Appendix B: Ratio Methodology for Private Non-Profit Institutions

Please visit Federal Register: https://ifap.ed.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/2019-11/FR110119FinalRegonAccreditStateAuthorization.pdf, pages 49919 to 49925.

Appendix C to Subpart L of Part 668

About the Regulations

Please visit Federal Register: https://ifap.ed.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/fregisters/FR110116.pdf, pages 76077 to 76078.

Subpart M—Two Year Cohort Default Rates

About the Regulations

Note: Subpart M was added to part 668 on November 1, 2000, effective July 1, 2001.

Sec. 668.181 Purpose of this subpart.

(a) General. Your cohort default rate is a measure we use to determine your eligibility to participate in various Title IV, HEA programs. We may also use it for determining your eligibility for exemptions, such as those for certain disbursement requirements under the FFEL and Direct Loan Programs. This subpart applies solely to cohorts, as defined in Secs. 668.182(a) and 668.183(b), for fiscal years through 2011. For these cohorts, this subpart describes how cohort default rates are calculated, some of the consequences of cohort default rates, and how you may request changes to your cohort default rates or appeal their consequences. Under this subpart, you submit a “challenge” after you receive your draft cohort default rate, and you request an “adjustment” or “appeal” after your official cohort default rate is published.

(b) Cohort Default Rates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subpart, we will issue annually two sets of draft and official cohort default rates for fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011. For each of these years, you will receive one set of draft and official cohort default rates under this subpart and another set of draft and official cohort default rates under subpart N of this part.

Sec. 668.182 Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

About the Regulations

We use the following definitions in this subpart:

(a) Cohort. Your cohort is a group of borrowers used to determine your cohort default rate. The method for identifying the borrowers in a cohort is provided in Sec. 668.183(b).

(b) Data manager. (1) For FFELP loans held by a guaranty agency or lender, the guaranty agency is the data manager.

(2) For FFELP loans that we hold, we are the data manager.

(3) For Direct Loan Program loans, the Direct Loan Servicer, as defined in 34 CFR 685.102, is the data manager.

(c) Days. In this subpart, “days” means calendar days.

(d) Default. A borrower is considered to be in default for cohort default rate purposes under the rules in Sec. 668.183(c).

(e) Draft cohort default rate. Your draft cohort default rate is a rate we issue, for your review, before we issue your official cohort default rate. A draft cohort default rate is used only for the purposes described in Sec. 668.185.

(f) Entering repayment. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this section, loans are considered to enter repayment on the dates described in 34 CFR 682.200 (under the definition of “repayment period”) and in 34 CFR 685.207.

(2) A Federal SLS loan is considered to enter repayment—

(i) At the same time the borrower's Federal Stafford loan enters repayment, if the borrower received the Federal SLS loan and the Federal Stafford loan during the same period of continuous enrollment; or

(ii) In all other cases, on the day after the student ceases to be enrolled at an institution on at least a half-time basis in an educational program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.

(3) For the purposes of this subpart, a loan is considered to enter repayment on the date that a borrower repays it in full, if the loan is paid in full before the loan enters repayment under paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this section.

(g) Fiscal year. A fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on the following September 30. A fiscal year is identified by the calendar year in which it ends.

(h) Loan record detail report. The loan record detail report is a report that we produce. It contains the data used to calculate your draft or official cohort default rate.

(i) Official cohort default rate. Your official cohort default rate is the cohort default rate that we publish for you under Sec. 668.186. Cohort default rates calculated under this subpart are not related in any way to cohort default rates that are calculated for the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

(j) We. We are the Department, the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee.

(k) You. You are an institution.

Sec. 668.183 Calculating and applying cohort default rates.

About the Regulations

(a) General. This section describes the four steps that we follow to calculate and apply your cohort default rate for a fiscal year:

(1) First, under paragraph (b) of this section, we identify the borrowers in your cohort for the fiscal year. If the total number of borrowers in that cohort is fewer than 30, we also identify the borrowers in your cohorts for the 2 most recent prior fiscal years.

(2) Second, under paragraph (c) of this section, we identify the borrowers in the cohort (or cohorts) who are considered to be in default. If more than one cohort will be used to calculate your cohort default rate, we identify defaulted borrowers separately for each cohort.

(3) Third, under paragraph (d) of this section, we calculate your cohort default rate.

(4) Fourth, we apply your cohort default rate to all of your locations—

(i) As you exist on the date you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate; and

(ii) From the date on which you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate until you receive our notice that the cohort default rate no longer applies.

(b) Identify the borrowers in a cohort. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, your cohort for a fiscal year consists of all of your current and former students who, during that fiscal year, entered repayment on any Federal Stafford loan, Federal SLS loan, Direct Subsidized loan, or Direct Unsubsidized loan that they received to attend your institution, or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program (as defined in 34 CFR 685.102) that is used to repay those loans.

(2) A borrower may be included in more than one of your cohorts and may be included in the cohorts of more than one institution in the same fiscal year.

(3) A TEACH Grant that has been converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not considered for the purpose of calculating and applying cohort default rates.

(c) Identify the borrowers in a cohort who are in default. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, for the purposes of this subpart a borrower in a cohort for a fiscal year is considered to be in default if—

(i) Before the end of the following fiscal year, the borrower defaults on any FFELP loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort or on any Federal Consolidation Loan Program loan that repaid a loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort (however, a borrower is not considered to be in default unless a claim for insurance has been paid on the loan by a guaranty agency or by us);

(ii) Before the end of the following fiscal year, the borrower fails to make an installment payment, when due, on any Direct Loan Program loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort or on any Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program loan that repaid a loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort, and the borrower's failure persists for 360 days (or for 270 days, if the borrower's first day of delinquency was before October 7, 1998);

(iii) Before the end of the following fiscal year, you or your owner, agent, contractor, employee, or any other affiliated entity or individual make a payment to prevent a borrower's default on a loan that is used to include the borrower in that cohort: or

(iv) Before the end of the following fiscal year, the borrower fails to make an installment payment, when due, on a Federal Stafford Loan that is held by the Secretary or a Federal Consolidation Loan that is held by the Secretary and was used to repay a Federal Stafford Loan, if such Federal Stafford Loan or Federal Consolidation Loan was used to include the borrower in the cohort, and the borrower's failure persists for 360 days.

(2) A borrower is not considered to be in default based on a loan that is, before the end of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which it entered repayment—

(i) Rehabilitated under 34 CFR 682.405 or 34 CFR 685.211(e); or

(ii) Repurchased by a lender because the claim for insurance was submitted or paid in error.

(d) Calculate the cohort default rate. Except as provided in Sec. 668.184, if there are—

(1) Thirty or more borrowers in your cohort for a fiscal year, your cohort default rate is the percentage that is derived by dividing—

(i) The number of borrowers in the cohort who are in default, as determined under paragraph (c) of this section; by

(ii) The number of borrowers in the cohort, as determined under paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Fewer than 30 borrowers in your cohort for a fiscal year, your cohort default rate is the percentage that is derived by dividing—

(i) The total number of borrowers in that cohort and in the two most recent prior cohorts who are in default, as determined for each cohort under paragraph (c) of this section; by

(ii) The total number of borrowers in that cohort and the two most recent prior cohorts, as determined for each cohort under paragraph (b) of this section.

Sec. 668.184 Determining cohort default rates for institutionsthat have undergone a change in status.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) Except as provided under 34 CFR 600.32(d), if you undergo a change in status identified in this section, your cohort default rate is determined under this section.

(2) In determining cohort default rates under this section, the date of a merger, acquisition, or other change in status is the date the change occurs.

(3) A change in status may affect your eligibility to participate in Title IV, HEA programs under Sec. 668.187 or Sec. 668.188.

(4) If another institution's cohort default rate is applicable to you under this section, you may challenge, request an adjustment, or submit an appeal for the cohort default rate under the same requirements that would be applicable to the other institution under Secs. 668.185 and 668.189.

(b) Acquisition or merger of institutions. If your institution acquires, or was created by the merger of, one or more institutions that participated independently in the Title IV, HEA programs immediately before the acquisition or merger—

(1) For the cohort default rates published before the date of the acquisition or merger, your cohort default rates are the same as those of your predecessor that had the highest total number of borrowers entering repayment in the two most recent cohorts used to calculate those cohort default rates; and

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the acquisition or merger, your cohort default rates are determined by including the applicable borrowers from each institution involved in the acquisition or merger in the calculation under Sec. 668.183.

(c) Acquisition of branches or locations. If you acquire a branch or a location from another institution participating in the Title IV, HEA programs—

(1) The cohort default rates published for you before the date of the change apply to you and to the newly acquired branch or location;

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the change, your cohort default rates for the next 3 fiscal years are determined by including the applicable borrowers from your institution and the other institution (including all of its locations) in the calculation under Sec. 668.183;

(3) After the period described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, your cohort default rates do not include borrowers from the other institution in the calculation under Sec. 668.183; and

(4) At all times, the cohort default rate for the institution from which you acquired the branch or location is not affected by this change in status.

(d) Branches or locations becoming institutions. If you are a branch or location of an institution that is participating in the Title IV, HEA programs, and you become a separate, new institution for the purposes of participating in those programs—

(1) The cohort default rates published before the date of the change for your former parent institution are also applicable to you;

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the change, your cohort default rates for the next 3 fiscal years are determined by including the applicable borrowers from your institution and your former parent institution (including all of its locations) in the calculation under Sec. 668.183; and

(3) After the period described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, your cohort default rates do not include borrowers from your former parent institution in the calculation under Sec. 668.183.

Sec. 668.185 Draft cohort default rates and your ability to challenge before official cohort default rates are issued.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) We notify you of your draft cohort default rate before your official cohort default rate is calculated. Our notice includes the loan record detail report for the draft cohort default rate.

(2) Regardless of the number of borrowers included in your cohort, your draft cohort default rate is always calculated using data for that fiscal year alone, using the method described in Sec. 668.183(d)(1).

(3) Your draft cohort default rate and the loan record detail report are not considered public information and may not be otherwise voluntarily released to the public by a data manager.

(4) Any challenge you submit under this section and any response provided by a data manager must be in a format acceptable to us. This acceptable format is described in the “Cohort Default Rate Guide” that we provide to you. If your challenge does not comply with the requirements in the “Cohort Default Rate Guide,” we may deny your challenge.

(b) Incorrect data challenges. (1) You may challenge the accuracy of the data included on the loan record detail report by sending a challenge to the relevant data manager, or data managers, within 45 days after you receive the data. Your challenge must include—

(i) A description of the information in the loan record detail report that you believe is incorrect; and

(ii) Documentation that supports your contention that the data are incorrect.

(2) Within 30 days after receiving your challenge, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation that supports the data manager's position.

(3) If your data manager concludes that draft data in the loan record detail report are incorrect, and we agree, we use the corrected data to calculate your cohort default rate.

(4) If you fail to challenge the accuracy of data under this section, you cannot contest the accuracy of those data in an uncorrected data adjustment, under Sec. 668.190, or in an erroneous data appeal, under Sec. 668.192.

(c) Participation rate index challenges. (1)(i) You may challenge an anticipated loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if your participation rate index for that cohort's fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.0832.

(ii) You may challenge an anticipated loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(2), based on three cohort default rates of 25 percent or greater, if your participation rate index is equal to or less than 0.0375 for any of those three cohorts' fiscal years.

(2) For a participation rate index challenge, your participation rate index is calculated as described in Sec. 668.195(b), except that—

(i) The draft cohort default rate is considered to be your most recent cohort default rate; and

(ii) If the cohort used to calculate your draft cohort default rate included fewer than 30 borrowers, you may calculate your participation rate index for that fiscal year using either your most recent draft cohort default rate or the average rate that would be calculated for that fiscal year, using the method described in Sec. 668.183(d)(2).

(3) You must send your participation rate index challenge, including all supporting documentation, to us within 45 days after you receive your draft cohort default rate.

(4) We notify you of our determination on your participation rate index challenge before your official cohort default rate is published.

(5) If we determine that you qualify for continued eligibility based on your participation rate index challenge, you will not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 when your next official cohort default rate is published. A successful challenge that is based on your draft cohort default rate does not excuse you from any other loss of eligibility. However, if your successful challenge of a loss of eligibility under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section is based on a prior, official cohort default rate, and not on your draft cohort default rate, we also excuse you from any subsequent loss of eligibility, under Sec. 668.187(a)(2), that would be based on that official cohort default rate.

Sec. 668.186 Notice of your official cohort default rate.

About the Regulations

(a) We electronically notify you of your cohort default rate after we calculate it, by sending you an eCDR notification package to the destination point you designate. After we send our notice to you, we publish a list of cohort default rates calculated under this subpart for all institutions.

(b) If you have one or more borrowers entering repayment or are subject to sanctions, or if the Department believes you will have an official cohort default rate calculated as an average rate, you will receive a loan record detail report as part of your eCDR notification package.

(c) You have five business days, from the transmission date for eCDR notification packages as posted on the Department's Web site, to report any problem with receipt of the electronic transmission of your eCDR notification package.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, timelines for submitting challenges, adjustments, and appeals begin on the sixth business day following the transmission date for eCDR notification packages that is posted on the Department's Web site.

(e) If you timely report a problem with the receipt of the electronic transmission of your eCDR notification package under paragraph (c) of this section and the Department agrees that the problem with transmission was not caused by you, the Department will extend the challenge, appeal and adjustment deadlines and timeframes to account for a retransmission of your eCDR notification package after the technical problem is resolved.

Sec. 668.187 Consequences of cohort default rates on your ability to participate in Title IV, HEA programs.

About the Regulations

(a) End of participation. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, you lose your eligibility to participate in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs 30 days after you receive our notice that your most recent cohort default rate is greater than 40 percent.

(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, you lose your eligibility to participate in the FFEL, Direct Loan, and Federal Pell Grant programs 30 days after you receive our notice that your three most recent cohort default rates are each 25 percent or greater.

(b) Length of period of ineligibility. Your loss of eligibility under this section continues—

(1) For the remainder of the fiscal year in which we notify you that you are subject to a loss of eligibility; and

(2) For the next 2 fiscal years.

(c) Using a cohort default rate more than once. The use of a cohort default rate as a basis for a loss of eligibility under this section does not preclude its use as a basis for—

(1) Any concurrent or subsequent loss of eligibility under this section; or

(2) Any other action by us.

(d) Continuing participation in Pell. If you are subject to a loss of eligibility under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, based on three cohort default rates of 25 percent or greater, you may continue to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program if we determine that you—

(1) Were ineligible to participate in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs before October 7, 1998, and your eligibility was not reinstated;

(2) Requested in writing, before October 7, 1998, to withdraw your participation in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, and you were not later reinstated; or

(3) Have not certified an FFELP loan or originated a Direct Loan Program loan on or after July 7, 1998.

(e) Requests for adjustments and appeals. (1) A loss of eligibility under this section does not take effect while your request for adjustment or appeal, as listed in section 668.189(a), is pending, provided your request for adjustment or appeal is complete, timely, accurate, and in the required format.

(2) Eligibility continued under paragraph (e)(1) of this section ends if we determine that none of the requests for adjustments and appeals you have submitted qualify you for continued eligibility under Sec. 668.189. Loss of eligibility takes effect on the date that you receive notice of our determination on your last pending request for adjustment or appeal.

(3) You do not lose eligibility under this section if we determine that your request for adjustment or appeal meets all requirements of this subpart and qualifies you for continued eligibility under Sec. 668.189.

(4) To avoid liabilities you might otherwise incur under paragraph (f) of this section, you may choose to suspend your participation in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs during the adjustment or appeal process.

(f) Liabilities during the adjustment or appeal process. If you continued to participate in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, and we determine that none of your requests for adjustments or appeals qualify you for continued eligibility—

(1) For any FFEL or Direct Loan Program loan that you certified and delivered or originated and disbursed more than 30 days after you received the notice of your cohort default rate, we estimate the amount of interest, special allowance, reinsurance, and any related or similar payments we make or are obligated to make on those loans;

(2) We exclude from this estimate any amount attributable to funds that you delivered or disbursed more than 45 days after you submitted your completed appeal to us;

(3) We notify you of the estimated amount; and

(4) Within 45 days after you receive our notice of the estimated amount, you must pay us that amount, unless—

(i) You file an appeal under the procedures established in subpart H of this part (for the purposes of subpart H of this part, our notice of the estimate is considered to be a final program review determination); or

(ii) We permit a longer repayment period.

(g) Regaining eligibility. If you lose your eligibility to participate in a program under this section, you may not participate in that program until—

(1) The period described in paragraph (b) of this section has ended;

(2) You pay any amount owed to us under this section or are meeting that obligation under an agreement acceptable to us;

(3) You submit a new application for participation in the program;

(4) We determine that you meet all of the participation requirements in effect at the time of your application; and

(5) You and we enter into a new program participation agreement.

Sec. 668.188 Preventing evasion of the consequences of cohort default rates.

About the Regulations

(a) General. You are subject to a loss of eligibility that has already been imposed against another institution as a result of cohort default rates if—

(1) You and the ineligible institution are both parties to a transaction that results in a change of ownership, a change in control, a merger, a consolidation, an acquisition, a change of name, a change of address, any change that results in a location becoming a freestanding institution, a purchase or sale, a transfer of assets, an assignment, a change of identification number, a contract for services, an addition or closure of one or more locations or branches or educational programs, or any other change in whole or in part in institutional structure or identity;

(2) Following the change described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, you offer an educational program at substantially the same address at which the ineligible institution had offered an educational program before the change; and

(3) There is a commonality of ownership or management between you and the ineligible institution, as the ineligible institution existed before the change.

(b) Commonality of ownership or management. For the purposes of this section, a commonality of ownership or management exists if, at each institution, the same person (as defined in 34 CFR 600.31) or members of that person's family, directly or indirectly—

(1) Holds or held a managerial role; or

(2) Has or had the ability to affect substantially the institution's actions, within the meaning of 34 CFR 600.21.

(c) Teach-outs. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a commonality of management does not exist if you are conducting a teach-out under a teach-out agreement as defined in 34 CFR 600.2 and administered in accordance with 34 CFR 602.24(c), and—

(1)(i) Within 60 days after the change described in this section, you send us the names of the managers for each facility undergoing the teach-out as it existed before the change and for each facility as it exists after you believe that the commonality of management has ended; and

(ii) We determine that the commonality of management, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, has ended; or

(2)(i) Within 30 days after you receive our notice that we have denied your submission under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, you make the management changes we request and send us a list of the names of the managers for each facility undergoing the teach-out as it exists after you make those changes; and

(ii) We determine that the commonality of management, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, has ended.

(d) Initial determination. We encourage you to contact us before undergoing a change described in this section. If you write to us, providing the information we request, we will provide a written initial determination of the anticipated change's effect on your eligibility.

(e) Notice of accountability. (1) We notify you in writing if, in response to your notice or application filed under 34 CFR 600.20 or 600.21, we determine that you are subject to a loss of eligibility, under paragraph (a) of this section, that has been imposed against another institution.

(2) Our notice also advises you of the scope and duration of your loss of eligibility. The loss of eligibility applies to all of your locations from the date you receive our notice until the expiration of the period of ineligibility applicable to the other institution.

(3) If you are subject to a loss of eligibility under this section that has already been imposed against another institution, you may only request an adjustment or submit an appeal for the loss of eligibility under the same requirements that would be applicable to the other institution under Sec. 668.189.

Sec. 668.189 General requirements for adjusting official cohort default rates and for appealing their consequences.

About the Regulations

(a) Remaining eligible. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if—

(1) We recalculate your cohort default rate, and it is below the percentage threshold for the loss of eligibility as the result of—

(i) An uncorrected data adjustment submitted under this section and Sec. 668.190;

(ii) A new data adjustment submitted under this section and Sec. 668.191;

(iii) An erroneous data appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.192; or

(iv) A loan servicing appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.193; or

(2) You meet the requirements for—

(i) An economically disadvantaged appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.194;

(ii) A participation rate index appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.195;

(iii) An average rates appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.196; or

(iv) A thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.197.

(b) Limitations on your ability to dispute your cohort default rate. (1) You may not dispute the calculation of a cohort default rate except as described in this subpart.

(2) You may not request an adjustment or appeal a cohort default rate, under Sec. 668.190, Sec. 668.191, Sec. 668.192, or Sec. 668.193, more than once.

(3) You may not request an adjustment or appeal a cohort default rate, under Sec. 668.190, Sec. 668.191, Sec. 668.192, or Sec. 668.193, if you previously lost your eligibility to participate in a Title IV, HEA program, under Sec. 668.187, based entirely or partially on that cohort default rate.

(c) Content and format of requests for adjustments and appeals. We may deny your request for adjustment or appeal if it does not meet the following requirements:

(1) All appeals, notices, requests, independent auditor's opinions, management's written assertions, and other correspondence that you are required to send under this subpart must be complete, timely, accurate, and in a format acceptable to us. This acceptable format is described in the “Cohort Default Rate Guide” that we provide to you.

(2) Your completed request for adjustment or appeal must include—

(i) All of the information necessary to substantiate your request for adjustment or appeal; and

(ii) A certification by your chief executive officer, under penalty of perjury, that all the information you provide is true and correct.

(d) Our copies of your correspondence. Whenever you are required by this subpart to correspond with a party other than us, you must send us a copy of your correspondence within the same time deadlines. However, you are not required to send us copies of documents that you received from us originally.

(e) Requirements for data managers' responses. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, if this subpart requires a data manager to correspond with any party other than us, the data manager must send us a copy of the correspondence within the same time deadlines.

(2) If a data manager sends us correspondence under this subpart that is not in a format acceptable to us, we may require the data manager to revise that correspondence's format, and we may prescribe a format for that data manager's subsequent correspondence with us.

(f) Our decision on your request for adjustment or appeal. (1) We determine whether your request for an adjustment or appeal is in compliance with this subpart.

(2) In making our decision for an adjustment, under Sec. 668.190 or Sec. 668.191, or an appeal, under Sec. 668.192 or Sec. 668.193—

(i) We presume that the information provided to you by a data manager is correct unless you provide substantial evidence that shows the information is not correct; and

(ii) If we determine that a data manager did not provide the necessary clarifying information or legible records in meeting the requirements of this subpart, we presume that the evidence that you provide to us is correct unless it is contradicted or otherwise proven to be incorrect by information we maintain.

(3) Our decision is based on the materials you submit under this subpart. We do not provide an oral hearing.

(4) We notify you of our decision—

(i) If you request an adjustment or appeal because you are subject to a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187, within 45 days after we receive your completed request for an adjustment or appeal; or

(ii) In all other cases, except for appeals submitted under Sec. 668.192(a) to avoid provisional certification, before we notify you of your next official cohort default rate.

(5) You may not seek judicial review of our determination of a cohort default rate until we issue our decision on all pending requests for adjustments or appeals for that cohort default rate.

Sec. 668.190 Uncorrected data adjustments.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may request an uncorrected data adjustment for your most recent cohort of borrowers, used to calculate your most recent official cohort default rate, if in response to your challenge under Sec. 668.185(b), a data manager agreed correctly to change the data, but the changes are not reflected in your official cohort default rate.

(b) Deadlines for requesting an uncorrected data adjustment. You must send us a request for an uncorrected data adjustment, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us.

(c) We recalculate your cohort default rate, based on the corrected data, and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released, if we determine that—

(1) In response to your challenge under Sec. 668.185(b), a data manager agreed to change the data;

(2) The changes described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section are not reflected in your official cohort default rate; and

(3) We agree that the data are incorrect.

Sec. 668.191 New data adjustments.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may request a new data adjustment for your most recent cohort of borrowers, used to calculate your most recent official cohort default rate, if—

(1) A comparison of the loan record detail reports that we provide to you for the draft and official cohort default rates shows that the data have been newly included, excluded, or otherwise changed; and

(2) You identify errors in the data described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section that are confirmed by the data manager.

(b) Deadlines for requesting a new data adjustment. (1) You must send to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and us a request for a new data adjustment, including all supporting documentation, within 15 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us.

(2) Within 20 days after receiving your request for a new data adjustment, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation used to support the data manager's position.

(3) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for a new data adjustment for that loan. We respond to your request under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(4) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records or data from a data manager, you must send a request for replacement records or clarification of data to the data manager and us.

(5) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records or clarification of data, the data manager must—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records;

(ii) Provide clarifying information; or

(iii) Notify you and us that no clarifying information or additional or improved records are available.

(6) You must send us your completed request for a new data adjustment, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request or requests; or

(ii) If you are also filing an erroneous data appeal or a loan servicing appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.192(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.193(c)(10)(i).

(c) Determination. If we determine that incorrect data were used to calculate your cohort default rate, we recalculate your cohort default rate based on the correct data and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.192 Erroneous data appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. Except as provided in Sec. 668.189(b), you may appeal the calculation of a cohort default rate upon which a loss of eligibility, under Sec. 668.187, or provisional certification, under Sec. 668.16(m), is based if—

(1) You dispute the accuracy of data that you previously challenged on the basis of incorrect data, under Sec. 668.185(b); or

(2) A comparison of the loan record detail reports that we provide to you for the draft and official cohort default rates shows that the data have been newly included, excluded, or otherwise changed, and you dispute the accuracy of that data.

(b) Deadlines for submitting an appeal. (1) You must send a request for verification of data errors to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and to us within 15 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility or provisional certification. Your request must include a description of the information in the cohort default rate data that you believe is incorrect and all supporting documentation that demonstrates the error.

(2) Within 20 days after receiving your request for verification of data errors, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation used to support the data manager's position.

(3) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for verification of that loan's data errors. Your request must include a description of the information in the cohort default rate data that you believe is incorrect and all supporting documentation that demonstrates the error. We respond to your request under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(4) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records or data, you must send a request for replacement records or clarification of data to the data manager and us.

(5) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records or clarification of data, the data manager must—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records;

(ii) Provide clarifying information; or

(iii) Notify you and us that no clarifying information or additional or improved records are available.

(6) You must send your completed appeal to us, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request; or

(ii) If you are also requesting a new data adjustment or filing a loan servicing appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.191(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.193(c)(10)(i).

(c) Determination. If we determine that incorrect data were used to calculate your cohort default rate, we recalculate your cohort default rate based on the correct data and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.193 Loan servicing appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. Except as provided in Sec. 668.189(b), you may appeal, on the basis of improper loan servicing or collection, the calculation of—

(1) Your most recent cohort default rate; or

(2) Any cohort default rate upon which a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187 is based.

(b) Improper loan servicing. For the purposes of this section, a default is considered to have been due to improper loan servicing or collection only if the borrower did not make a payment on the loan and you prove that the FFEL Program lender or the Direct Loan Servicer, as defined in 34 CFR 685.102, failed to perform one or more of the following activities, if that activity applies to the loan:

(1) Send at least one letter (other than the final demand letter) urging the borrower to make payments on the loan;

(2) Attempt at least one phone call to the borrower;

(3) Send a final demand letter to the borrower;

(4) For a Direct Loan Program loan only, document that skip tracing was performed if the Direct Loan Servicer determined that it did not have the borrower's current address; and

(5) For an FFELP loan only—

(i) Submit a request for preclaims or default aversion assistance to the guaranty agency; and

(ii) Submit a certification or other documentation that skip tracing was performed to the guaranty agency.

(c) Deadlines for submitting an appeal. (1) If the loan record detail report was not included with your official cohort default rate notice, you must request it within 15 days after you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate.

(2) You must send a request for loan servicing records to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and to us within 15 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us. If the data manager is a guaranty agency, your request must include a copy of the loan record detail report.

(3) Within 20 days after receiving your request for loan servicing records, the data manager must—

(i) Send you and us a list of the borrowers in your representative sample, as described in paragraph (d) of this section (the list must be in social security number order, and it must include the number of defaulted loans included in the cohort for each listed borrower);

(ii) Send you and us a description of how your representative sample was chosen; and

(iii) Either send you copies of the loan servicing records for the borrowers in your representative sample and send us a copy of its cover letter indicating that the records were sent, or send you and us a notice of the amount of its fee for providing copies of the loan servicing records.

(4) The data manager may charge you a reasonable fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, but it may not charge more than $10 per borrower file. If a data manager charges a fee, it is not required to send the documents to you until it receives your payment of the fee.

(5) If the data manager charges a fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, you must send payment in full to the data manager within 15 days after you receive the notice of the fee.

(6) If the data manager charges a fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, and—

(i) You pay the fee in full and on time, the data manager must send you, within 20 days after it receives your payment, a copy of all loan servicing records for each loan in your representative sample (the copies are provided to you in hard copy format unless the data manager and you agree that another format may be used), and it must send us a copy of its cover letter indicating that the records were sent; or

(ii) You do not pay the fee in full and on time, the data manager must notify you and us of your failure to pay the fee and that you have waived your right to challenge the calculation of your cohort default rate based on the data manager's records. We accept that determination unless you prove that it is incorrect.

(7) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for the loan servicing records for that loan. We respond to your request under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(8) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records, you must send a request for replacement records to the data manager and us.

(9) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records, the data manager must either—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records; or

(ii) Notify you and us that no additional or improved copies are available.

(10) You must send your appeal to us, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request for loan servicing records; or

(ii) If you are also requesting a new data adjustment or filing an erroneous data appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (c)(10)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.191(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.192(b)(6)(i).

(d) Representative sample of records. (1) To select a representative sample of records, the data manager first identifies all of the borrowers for whom it is responsible and who had loans that were considered to be in default in the calculation of the cohort default rate you are appealing.

(2) From the group of borrowers identified under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the data manager identifies a sample that is large enough to derive an estimate, acceptable at a 95 percent confidence level with a plus or minus 5 percent confidence interval, for use in determining the number of borrowers who should be excluded from the calculation of the cohort default rate due to improper loan servicing or collection.

(e) Loan servicing records. Loan servicing records are the collection and payment history records—

(1) Provided to the guaranty agency by the lender and used by the guaranty agency in determining whether to pay a claim on a defaulted loan; or

(2) Maintained by our Direct Loan Servicer that are used in determining your cohort default rate.

(f) Determination. (1) We determine the number of loans, included in your representative sample of loan servicing records, that defaulted due to improper loan servicing or collection, as described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Based on our determination, we use a statistically valid methodology to exclude the corresponding percentage of borrowers from both the numerator and denominator of the calculation of your cohort default rate, and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.194 Economically disadvantaged appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. As described in this section, you may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if an independent auditor's opinion certifies that your low income rate is two-thirds or more and—

(1) You offer an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, and your completion rate is 70 percent or more; or

(2) You do not offer an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, and your placement rate is 44 percent or more.

(b) Low income rate. (1) Your low income rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, who—

(i) For an award year that overlaps the 12-month period selected under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, have an expected family contribution, as defined in 34 CFR 690.2, that is equal to or less than the largest expected family contribution that would allow a student to receive one-half of the maximum Federal Pell Grant award, regardless of the student's enrollment status or cost of attendance; or

(ii) For a calendar year that overlaps the 12-month period selected under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, have an adjusted gross income that, when added to the adjusted gross income of the student's parents (if the student is a dependent student) or spouse (if the student is a married independent student), is less than the amount listed in the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines for the size of the student's family unit.

(2) The students who are used to determine your low income rate include only students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis in an eligible program at your institution during any part of a 12-month period that ended during the 6 months immediately preceding the cohort's fiscal year.

(c) Completion rate. (1) Your completion rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, who—

(i) Completed the educational programs in which they were enrolled;

(ii) Transferred from your institution to a higher level educational program;

(iii) Remained enrolled and are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their educational programs at the end of the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate; or

(iv) Entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States within 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution.

(2) The students who are used to determine your completion rate include only regular students who were—

(i) Initially enrolled on a full-time basis in an eligible program; and

(ii) Originally scheduled to complete their programs during the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate.

(d) Placement rate. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, your placement rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraphs (d)(3) and (d)(4) of this section, who—

(i) Are employed, in an occupation for which you provided training, on the date following 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution;

(ii) Were employed for at least 13 weeks, in an occupation for which you provided training, between the date they enrolled at your institution and the first date that is more than a year after their last date of attendance at your institution; or

(iii) Entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States within 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a former student is not considered to have been employed based on any employment by your institution.

(3) The students who are used to determine your placement rate include only former students who—

(i) Were initially enrolled in an eligible program on at least a half-time basis;

(ii) Were originally scheduled, at the time of enrollment, to complete their educational programs during the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate; and

(iii) Remained in the program beyond the point at which a student would have received a 100 percent tuition refund from you.

(4) A student is not included in the calculation of your placement rate if that student, on the date that is 1 year after the student's originally scheduled completion date, remains enrolled in the same program and is making satisfactory progress.

(e) Scheduled to complete. In calculating a completion or placement rate under this section, the date on which a student is originally scheduled to complete a program is based on—

(1) For a student who is initially enrolled full-time, the amount of time specified in your enrollment contract, catalog, or other materials for completion of the program by a full-time student; or

(2) For a student who is initially enrolled less than full-time, the amount of time that it would take the student to complete the program if the student remained at that level of enrollment throughout the program.

(f) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility, you must send us your management's written assertion, as described in the Cohort Default Rate Guide.

(2) Within 60 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility, you must send us the independent auditor's opinion described in paragraph (g) of this section.

(g) Independent auditor's opinion. (1) The independent auditor's opinion must state whether your management's written assertion, as you provided it to the auditor and to us, meets the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal and is fairly stated in all material respects.

(2) The engagement that forms the basis of the independent auditor's opinion must be an examination-level compliance attestation engagement performed in accordance with—

(i) The American Institute of Certified Public Accountant's (AICPA) Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements, Compliance Attestation (AICPA, Professional Standards, vol. 1, AT sec. 500), as amended (these standards may be obtained by calling the AICPA's order department, at 1-888-777-7077); and

(ii) Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

(h) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if—

(1) Your independent auditor's opinion agrees that you meet the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal; and

(2) We determine that the independent auditor's opinion and your management's written assertion—

(i) Meet the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal; and

(ii) Are not contradicted or otherwise proven to be incorrect by information we maintain, to an extent that would render the independent auditor's opinion unacceptable.

Sec. 668.195 Participation rate index appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. (1) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if your participation rate index for that cohort's fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.06015.

(2) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(2), based on three cohort default rates of 25 percent or greater, if your participation rate index is equal to or less than 0.0375 for any of those three cohorts' fiscal years.

(b) Calculating your participation rate index. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, your participation rate index for a fiscal year is determined by multiplying your cohort default rate for that fiscal year by the percentage that is derived by dividing—

(i) The number of students who received an FFELP or a Direct Loan Program loan to attend your institution during a period of enrollment, as defined in 34 CFR 682.200 or 685.102, that overlaps any part of a 12-month period that ended during the 6 months immediately preceding the cohort's fiscal year, by

(ii) The number of regular students who were enrolled at your institution on at least a half-time basis during any part of the same 12-month period.

(2) If your cohort default rate for a fiscal year is calculated as an average rate under Sec. 668.183(d)(2), you may calculate your participation rate index for that fiscal year using either that average rate or the cohort default rate that would be calculated for the fiscal year alone using the method described in Sec. 668.183(d)(1).

(c) Deadline for submitting an appeal. You must send us your appeal under this section, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility.

(d) Determination. (1) You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if we determine that you meet the requirements for a participation rate index appeal.

(2) If we determine that your participation rate index for a fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.0375, under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, we also excuse you from any subsequent loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(2) that would be based on the official cohort default rate for that fiscal year.

Sec. 668.196 Average rates appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. (1) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if that cohort default rate is calculated as an average rate under Sec. 668.183(d)(2).

(2) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187(a)(2), based on three cohort default rates of 25 percent or greater, if at least two of those cohort default rates—

(i) Are calculated as average rates under Sec. 668.183(d)(2); and

(ii) Would be less than 25 percent if calculated for the fiscal year alone using the method described in Sec. 668.183(d)(1).

(b) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Before notifying you of your official cohort default rate, we make an initial determination about whether you qualify for an average rates appeal. If we determine that you qualify, we notify you of that determination at the same time that we notify you of your official cohort default rate.

(2) If you disagree with our initial determination, you must send us your average rates appeal, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility.

(c) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if we determine that you meet the requirements for an average rates appeal.

Sec. 668.197 Thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if 30 or fewer borrowers, in total, are included in the 3 most recent cohorts of borrowers used to calculate your cohort default rates.

(b) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Before notifying you of your official cohort default rate, we make an initial determination about whether you qualify for a thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal. If we determine that you qualify, we notify you of that determination at the same time that we notify you of your official cohort default rate.

(2) If you disagree with our initial determination, you must send us your thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility.

(c) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.187 if we determine that you meet the requirements for a thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal.

Sec. 668.198 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice shall not be affected thereby.

Subpart N—Cohort Default Rate

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.200 Purpose of this subpart.

(a) General. Your cohort default rate is a measure we use to determine your eligibility to participate in various Title IV, HEA programs. We may also use it for determining your eligibility for exemptions, such as those for certain disbursement requirements under the FFEL and Direct Loan Programs. This subpart applies solely to cohorts, as defined in Secs. 668.201(a) and 668.202(b), for fiscal years 2009 and later. For these cohorts, this subpart describes how cohort default rates are calculated, some of the consequences of cohort default rates, and how you may request changes to your cohort default rates or appeal their consequences. Under this subpart, you submit a "challenge" after you receive your draft cohort default rate, and you request an "adjustment" or "appeal" after your official cohort default rate is published.

(b) Cohort Default Rates. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subpart, we will issue annually two sets of draft and official cohort default rates for fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011. For each of these years, you will receive one set of draft and official cohort default rates under this subpart and another set of draft and official cohort default rates under subpart M of this part.

Sec. 668.201 Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

About the Regulations

We use the following definitions in this subpart:

(a) Cohort. Your cohort is a group of borrowers used to determine your cohort default rate. The method for identifying the borrowers in a cohort is provided in Sec. 668.202(b).

(b) Data manager. (1) For FFELP loans held by a guaranty agency or lender, the guaranty agency is the data manager.

(2) For FFELP loans that we hold, we are the data manager.

(3) For Direct Loan Program loans, the Direct Loan Servicer, as defined in 34 CFR 685.102, is the data manager.

(c) Days. In this subpart, "days" means calendar days.

(d) Default. A borrower is considered to be in default for cohort default rate purposes under the rules in Sec. 668.202(c).

(e) Draft cohort default rate. Your draft cohort default rate is a rate we issue, for your review, before we issue your official cohort default rate. A draft cohort default rate is used only for the purposes described in Sec. 668.204.

(f) Entering repayment. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this section, loans are considered to enter repayment on the dates described in 34 CFR 682.200 (under the definition of "repayment period") and in 34 CFR 685.207.

(2) A Federal SLS loan is considered to enter repayment—

(i) At the same time the borrower's Federal Stafford loan enters repayment, if the borrower received the Federal SLS loan and the Federal Stafford loan during the same period of continuous enrollment; or

(ii) In all other cases, on the day after the student ceases to be enrolled at an institution on at least a half-time basis in an educational program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.

(3) For the purposes of this subpart, a loan is considered to enter repayment on the date that a borrower repays it in full, if the loan is paid in full before the loan enters repayment under paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this section.

(g) Fiscal year. A fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on the following September 30. A fiscal year is identified by the calendar year in which it ends.

(h) Loan record detail report. The loan record detail report is a report that we produce. It contains the data used to calculate your draft or official cohort default rate.

(i) Official cohort default rate. Your official cohort default rate is the cohort default rate that we publish for you under Sec. 668.205. Cohort default rates calculated under this subpart are not related in any way to cohort default rates that are calculated for the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

(j) We. We are the Department, the Secretary, or the Secretary's designee.

(k) You. You are an institution.

Sec. 668.202 Calculating and applying cohort default rates.

About the Regulations

(a) General. This section describes the four steps that we follow to calculate and apply your cohort default rate for a fiscal year:

(1) First, under paragraph (b) of this section, we identify the borrowers in your cohort for the fiscal year. If the total number of borrowers in that cohort is fewer than 30, we also identify the borrowers in your cohorts for the 2 most recent prior fiscal years.

(2) Second, under paragraph (c) of this section, we identify the borrowers in the cohort (or cohorts) who are considered to be in default by the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year those borrowers entered repayment. If more than one cohort will be used to calculate your cohort default rate, we identify defaulted borrowers separately for each cohort.

(3) Third, under paragraph (d) of this section, we calculate your cohort default rate.

(4) Fourth, we apply your cohort default rate to all of your locations—

(i) As you exist on the date you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate; and

(ii) From the date on which you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate until you receive our notice that the cohort default rate no longer applies.

(b) Identify the borrowers in a cohort. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, your cohort for a fiscal year consists of all of your current and former students who, during that fiscal year, entered repayment on any Federal Stafford loan, Federal SLS loan, Direct Subsidized loan, or Direct Unsubsidized loan that they received to attend your institution, or on the portion of a loan made under the Federal Consolidation Loan Program or the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program (as defined in 34 CFR 685.102) that is used to repay those loans.

(2) A borrower may be included in more than one of your cohorts and may be included in the cohorts of more than one institution in the same fiscal year.

(3) A TEACH Grant that has been converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not considered for the purpose of calculating and applying cohort default rates.

(c) Identify the borrowers in a cohort who are in default. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a borrower in a cohort for a fiscal year is considered to be in default if, before the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year the borrower entered repayment—

(i) The borrower defaults on any FFELP loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort or on any Federal Consolidation Loan Program loan that repaid a loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort (however, a borrower is not considered to be in default unless a claim for insurance has been paid on the loan by a guaranty agency or by us);

(ii) The borrower fails to make an installment payment, when due, on any Direct Loan Program loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort or on any Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Program loan that repaid a loan that was used to include the borrower in the cohort, and the borrower's failure persists for 360 days (or for 270 days, if the borrower's first day of delinquency was before October 7, 1998);

(iii) You or your owner, agent, contractor, employee, or any other affiliated entity or individual make a payment to prevent a borrower's default on a loan that is used to include the borrower in that cohort; or

(iv) The borrower fails to make an installment payment, when due, on a Federal Stafford Loan that is held by the Secretary or a Federal Consolidation Loan that is held by the Secretary and that was used to repay a Federal Stafford Loan, if such Federal Stafford Loan or Federal Consolidation was used to include the borrower in the cohort, and the borrower's failure persists for 360 days.

(2) A borrower is not considered to be in default based on a loan that is, before the end of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in which it entered repayment—

(i) Rehabilitated under 34 CFR 682.405 or 34 CFR 685.211(e); or

(ii) Repurchased by a lender because the claim for insurance was submitted or paid in error.

(d) Calculate the cohort default rate. Except as provided in Sec. 668.203, if there are—

(1)(i) Thirty or more borrowers in your cohort for a fiscal year, your cohort default rate is the percentage that is calculated by—

(ii) Dividing the number of borrowers in the cohort who are in default, as determined under paragraph (c) of this section by the number of borrowers in the cohort, as determined under paragraph (b) of this section.

(2)(i) Fewer than 30 borrowers in your cohort for a fiscal year, your cohort default rate is the percentage that is calculated by—

(ii) Dividing the total number of borrowers in that cohort and in the two most recent prior cohorts who are in default, as determined for each cohort under paragraph (c) of this section by the total number of borrowers in that cohort and the two most recent prior cohorts, as determined for each cohort under paragraph (b) of this section.

Sec. 668.203 Determining cohort default rates for institutions that have undergone a change in status.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) Except as provided under 34 CFR 600.32(d), if you undergo a change in status identified in this section, your cohort default rate is determined under this section.

(2) In determining cohort default rates under this section, the date of a merger, acquisition, or other change in status is the date the change occurs.

(3) A change in status may affect your eligibility to participate in Title IV, HEA programs under Sec. 668.206 or Sec. 668.207.

(4) If another institution's cohort default rate is applicable to you under this section, you may challenge, request an adjustment, or submit an appeal for the cohort default rate under the same requirements that would be applicable to the other institution under Secs. 668.204 and 668.208.

(b) Acquisition or merger of institutions. If your institution acquires, or was created by the merger of, one or more institutions that participated independently in the Title IV, HEA programs immediately before the acquisition or merger—

(1) For the cohort default rates published before the date of the acquisition or merger, your cohort default rates are the same as those of your predecessor that had the highest total number of borrowers entering repayment in the two most recent cohorts used to calculate those cohort default rates; and

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the acquisition or merger, your cohort default rates are determined by including the applicable borrowers from each institution involved in the acquisition or merger in the calculation under Sec. 668.202.

(c) Acquisition of branches or locations. If you acquire a branch or a location from another institution participating in the Title IV, HEA programs—

(1) The cohort default rates published for you before the date of the change apply to you and to the newly acquired branch or location;

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the change, your cohort default rates for the next 3 fiscal years are determined by including the applicable borrowers from your institution and the other institution (including all of its locations) in the calculation under Sec. 668.202;

(3) After the period described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, your cohort default rates do not include borrowers from the other institution in the calculation under Sec. 668.202; and

(4) At all times, the cohort default rate for the institution from which you acquired the branch or location is not affected by this change in status.

(d) Branches or locations becoming institutions. If you are a branch or location of an institution that is participating in the Title IV, HEA programs, and you become a separate, new institution for the purposes of participating in those programs—

(1) The cohort default rates published before the date of the change for your former parent institution are also applicable to you;

(2) Beginning with the first cohort default rate published after the date of the change, your cohort default rates for the next 3 fiscal years are determined by including the applicable borrowers from your institution and your former parent institution (including all of its locations) in the calculation under Sec. 668.202; and

(3)After the period described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, your cohort default rates do not include borrowers from your former parent institution in the calculation under Sec. 668.202.

Sec. 668.204 Draft cohort default rates and your ability to challenge before official cohort default rates are issued.

About the Regulations

(a) General. (1) We notify you of your draft cohort default rate before your official cohort default rate is calculated. Our notice includes the loan record detail report for the draft cohort default rate.

(2) Regardless of the number of borrowers included in your cohort, your draft cohort default rate is always calculated using data for that fiscal year alone, using the method described in Sec. 668.202(d)(1).

(3) Your draft cohort default rate and the loan record detail report are not considered public information and may not be otherwise voluntarily released to the public by a data manager.

(4) Any challenge you submit under this section and any response provided by a data manager must be in a format acceptable to us. This acceptable format is described in the "Cohort Default Rate Guide" that we provide to you. If your challenge does not comply with the requirements in the "Cohort Default Rate Guide," we may deny your challenge.

(b) Incorrect data challenges. (1) You may challenge the accuracy of the data included on the loan record detail report by sending a challenge to the relevant data manager, or data managers, within 45 days after you receive the data. Your challenge must include—

(i) A description of the information in the loan record detail report that you believe is incorrect; and

(ii) Documentation that supports your contention that the data are incorrect.

(2) Within 30 days after receiving your challenge, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation that supports the data manager's position.

(3) If your data manager concludes that draft data in the loan record detail report are incorrect, and we agree, we use the corrected data to calculate your cohort default rate.

(4) If you fail to challenge the accuracy of data under this section, you cannot contest the accuracy of those data in an uncorrected data adjustment, under Sec. 668.209, or in an erroneous data appeal, under Sec. 668.211.

(c) Participation rate index challenges. (1)(i) You may challenge an anticipated loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if your participation rate index for that cohort's fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.0832.

(ii) Subject to Sec. 668.208(b), you may challenge a potential loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(2), based on any cohort default rate that is less than or equal to 40 percent, but greater than or equal to 30 percent, for any of the three most recently calculated fiscal years, if your participation rate index is equal to or less than 0.0625 for that cohort's fiscal years.

(iii) You may challenge a potential placement on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i), based on any cohort default rates that fails to satisfy the standard of administrative capability in Sec. 668.16(m)(1)(ii), if your participation rate index is equal to or less than 0.0625 for that cohort's fiscal years.

(2) For a participation rate index challenge, your participation rate index is calculated as described in Sec. 668.214(b), except that—

(i) The draft cohort default rate is considered to be your most recent cohort default rate; and

(ii) If the cohort used to calculate your draft cohort default rate included fewer than 30 borrowers, you may calculate your participation rate index for that fiscal year using either your most recent draft cohort default rate or the average rate that would be calculated for that fiscal year, using the method described in Sec. 668.202(d)(2).

(3) You must send your participation rate index challenge, including all supporting documentation, to us within 45 days after you receive your draft cohort default rate.

(4) We notify you of our determination on your participation rate index challenge before your official cohort default rate is published.

(5) If we determine that you qualify for continued eligibility or full certification based on your participation rate index challenge, you will not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206 or be placed on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i) when your next official cohort default rate is published. Unless that next official cohort default rate is less than or equal to your draft cohort default rate, a successful challenge that is based on your draft cohort default rate does not excuse you from any other loss of eligibility or placement on provisional certification. However, if your successful challenge under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) or (c)(1)(iii) of this section is based on a prior, official cohort default rate, and not on your draft cohort default rate, or if the next official cohort default rate published is less than or equal to the draft rate you successfully challenged, we also excuse you from any subsequent loss of eligibility, under Sec. 668.206(a)(2) or placement on provisional certification, under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i), that would be based on that official cohort default rate.

Sec. 668.205 Notice of your official cohort default rate.

About the Regulations

(a) We electronically notify you of your cohort default rate after we calculate it, by sending you an eCDR notification package to the destination point you designate. After we send our notice to you, we publish a list of cohort default rates for all institutions.

(b) If you had one or more borrowers entering repayment in the fiscal year for which the rate is calculated, or are subject to sanctions, or if the Department believes you will have an official cohort default rate calculated as an average rate, you will receive a loan record detail report as part of your eCDR notification package.

(c) You have five business days, from the transmission date for eCDR notification packages as posted on the Department's Web site, to report any problem with receipt of the electronic transmission of your eCDR notification package.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, timelines for submitting challenges, adjustments, and appeals begin on the sixth business day following the transmission date for eCDR notification packages that is posted on the Department's Web site.

(e) If you timely report a problem with transmission of your eCDR notification package under paragraph (c) of this section and the Department agrees that the problem with transmission was not caused by you, the Department will extend the challenge, appeal and adjustment deadlines and timeframes to account for a retransmission of your eCDR notification package after the technical problem is resolved.

Sec. 668.206 Consequences of cohort default rates on your ability to participate in Title IV, HEA programs.

About the Regulations

(a) End of participation. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, you lose your eligibility to participate in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs 30 days after you receive our notice that your most recent cohort default rate for fiscal year 2011 or later is greater than 40 percent.

(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, you lose your eligibility to participate in the FFEL, Direct Loan, and Federal Pell Grant programs 30 days after you receive our notice that your three most recent cohort default rates are each 30 percent or greater.

(b) Length of period of ineligibility. Your loss of eligibility under this section continues—

(1) For the remainder of the fiscal year in which we notify you that you are subject to a loss of eligibility; and

(2) For the next 2 fiscal years.

(c) Using a cohort default rate more than once. The use of a cohort default rate as a basis for a loss of eligibility under this section does not preclude its use as a basis for—

(1) Any concurrent or subsequent loss of eligibility under this section; or

(2) Any other action by us.

(d) Continuing participation in Pell. If you are subject to a loss of eligibility under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, based on three cohort default rates of 30 percent or greater, you may continue to participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program if we determine that you—

(1) Were ineligible to participate in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs before October 7, 1998, and your eligibility was not reinstated;

(2) Requested in writing, before October 7, 1998, to withdraw your participation in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs, and you were not later reinstated; or

(3) Have not certified an FFELP loan or originated a Direct Loan Program loan on or after July 7, 1998.

(e) Requests for adjustments and appeals. (1) A loss of eligibility under this section does not take effect while your request for adjustment or appeal, as listed in Sec. 668.208(a), is pending, provided your request for adjustment or appeal is complete, timely, accurate, and in the required format.

(2) Eligibility continued under paragraph (e)(1) of this section ends if we determine that none of the requests for adjustments and appeals you have submitted qualify you for continued eligibility under Sec. 668.208. Loss of eligibility takes effect on the date that you receive notice of our determination on your last pending request for adjustment or appeal.

(3) You do not lose eligibility under this section if we determine that your request for adjustment or appeal meets all requirements of this subpart and qualifies you for continued eligibility under Sec. 668.208.

(4) To avoid liabilities you might otherwise incur under paragraph (f) of this section, you may choose to suspend your participation in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs during the adjustment or appeal process.

(f) Liabilities during the adjustment or appeal process. If you continued to participate in the FFEL or Direct Loan Program under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, and we determine that none of your requests for adjustments or appeals qualify you for continued eligibility—

(1) For any FFEL or Direct Loan Program loan that you certified and delivered or originated and disbursed more than 30 days after you received the notice of your cohort default rate, we estimate the amount of interest, special allowance, reinsurance, and any related or similar payments we make or are obligated to make on those loans;

(2) We exclude from this estimate any amount attributable to funds that you delivered or disbursed more than 45 days after you submitted your completed appeal to us;

(3) We notify you of the estimated amount; and

(4) Within 45 days after you receive our notice of the estimated amount, you must pay us that amount, unless—

(i) You file an appeal under the procedures established in subpart H of this part (for the purposes of subpart H of this part, our notice of the estimate is considered to be a final program review determination); or

(ii) We permit a longer repayment period.

(g) Regaining eligibility. If you lose your eligibility to participate in a program under this section, you may not participate in that program until—

(1) The period described in paragraph (b) of this section has ended;

(2) You pay any amount owed to us under this section or are meeting that obligation under an agreement acceptable to us;

(3) You submit a new application for participation in the program;

(4) We determine that you meet all of the participation requirements in effect at the time of your application; and

(5)You and we enter into a new program participation agreement.

Sec. 668.207 Preventing evasion of the consequences of cohort default rates.

About the Regulations

(a) General. You are subject to a loss of eligibility that has already been imposed against another institution as a result of cohort default rates if—

(1) You and the ineligible institution are both parties to a transaction that results in a change of ownership, a change in control, a merger, a consolidation, an acquisition, a change of name, a change of address, any change that results in a location becoming a freestanding institution, a purchase or sale, a transfer of assets, an assignment, a change of identification number, a contract for services, an addition or closure of one or more locations or branches or educational programs, or any other change in whole or in part in institutional structure or identity;

(2) Following the change described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, you offer an educational program at substantially the same address at which the ineligible institution had offered an educational program before the change; and

(3) There is a commonality of ownership or management between you and the ineligible institution, as the ineligible institution existed before the change.

(b) Commonality of ownership or management. For the purposes of this section, a commonality of ownership or management exists if, at each institution, the same person (as defined in 34 CFR 600.31) or members of that person's family, directly or indirectly—

(1) Holds or held a managerial role; or

(2) Has or had the ability to affect substantially the institution's actions, within the meaning of 34 CFR 600.21.

(c) Teach-outs. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a commonality of management does not exist if you are conducting a teach-out under a teach-out agreement as defined in 34 CFR 602.3 and administered in accordance with 34 CFR 602.24(c), and—

(1)(i) Within 60 days after the change described in this section, you send us the names of the managers for each facility undergoing the teach-out as it existed before the change and for each facility as it exists after you believe that the commonality of management has ended; and

(ii) We determine that the commonality of management, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, has ended; or

(2)(i) Within 30 days after you receive our notice that we have denied your submission under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, you make the management changes we request and send us a list of the names of the managers for each facility undergoing the teach-out as it exists after you make those changes; and

(ii) We determine that the commonality of management, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, has ended.

(d) Initial determination. We encourage you to contact us before undergoing a change described in this section. If you write to us, providing the information we request, we will provide a written initial determination of the anticipated change's effect on your eligibility.

(e) Notice of accountability. (1) We notify you in writing if, in response to your notice or application filed under 34 CFR 600.20 or 600.21, we determine that you are subject to a loss of eligibility, under paragraph (a) of this section, that has been imposed against another institution.

(2) Our notice also advises you of the scope and duration of your loss of eligibility. The loss of eligibility applies to all of your locations from the date you receive our notice until the expiration of the period of ineligibility applicable to the other institution.

(3) If you are subject to a loss of eligibility under this section that has already been imposed against another institution, you may only request an adjustment or submit an appeal for the loss of eligibility under the same requirements that would be applicable to the other institution under Sec. 668.208.

Sec. 668.208 General requirements for adjusting official cohort default rates and for challenging or appealing their consequences.

About the Regulations

(a) Remaining eligible. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206 if—

(1) We recalculate your cohort default rate, and it is below the percentage threshold for the loss of eligibility as the result of—

(i) An uncorrected data adjustment submitted under this section and Sec. 668.209;

(ii) A new data adjustment submitted under this section and Sec. 668.210;

(iii) An erroneous data appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.211; or

(iv) A loan servicing appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.212; or

(2) You meet the requirements for—

(i) An economically disadvantaged appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.213;

(ii) A participation rate index challenge or appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.204 or Sec. 668.214;

(iii) An average rates appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.215; or

(iv) A thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal submitted under this section and Sec. 668.216.

(b) Limitations on your ability to dispute your cohort default rate. (1)You may not dispute the calculation of a cohort default rate except as described in this subpart or in Sec. 668.16(m)(2).

(2) You may not challenge, request an adjustment to, or appeal a draft or official cohort default rate, under Sec. 668.204, Sec. 668.209, Sec. 668.210, Sec. 668.211, Sec. 668.212, or Sec. 668.214, more than once on that cohort default rate.

(3) You may not challenge, request an adjustment to, or appeal a draft or official cohort default rate, under Sec. 668.204, Sec. 668.209, Sec. 668.210, Sec. 668.211, Sec. 668.212, or Sec. 668.14, if you previously lost your eligibility to participate in a Title IV, HEA program, under Sec. 668.206, or were placed on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i), based entirely or partially on that cohort default rate.

(c) Content and format of requests for adjustments and appeals. We may deny your request for adjustment or appeal if it does not meet the following requirements:

(1) All appeals, notices, requests, independent auditor's opinions, management's written assertions, and other correspondence that you are required to send under this subpart must be complete, timely, accurate, and in a format acceptable to us. This acceptable format is described in the "Cohort Default Rate Guide" that we provide to you.

(2) Your completed request for adjustment or appeal must include—

(i) All of the information necessary to substantiate your request for adjustment or appeal; and

(ii) A certification by your chief executive officer, under penalty of perjury, that all the information you provide is true and correct.

(d) Our copies of your correspondence. Whenever you are required by this subpart to correspond with a party other than us, you must send us a copy of your correspondence within the same time deadlines. However, you are not required to send us copies of documents that you received from us originally.

(e) Requirements for data managers' responses. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, if this subpart requires a data manager to correspond with any party other than us, the data manager must send us a copy of the correspondence within the same time deadlines.

(2) If a data manager sends us correspondence under this subpart that is not in a format acceptable to us, we may require the data manager to revise that correspondence's format, and we may prescribe a format for that data manager's subsequent correspondence with us.

(f) Our decision on your request for adjustment or appeal. (1) We determine whether your request for an adjustment or appeal is in compliance with this subpart.

(2) In making our decision for an adjustment, under Sec. 668.209 or Sec. 668.210, or an appeal, under Sec. 668.211 or Sec. 668.212—

(i) We presume that the information provided to you by a data manager is correct unless you provide substantial evidence that shows the information is not correct; and

(ii) If we determine that a data manager did not provide the necessary clarifying information or legible records in meeting the requirements of this subpart, we presume that the evidence that you provide to us is correct unless it is contradicted or otherwise proven to be incorrect by information we maintain.

(3) Our decision is based on the materials you submit under this subpart. We do not provide an oral hearing.

(4) We notify you of our decision—

(i) If you request an adjustment or appeal because you are subject to a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206 or potential placement on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i) or file an economically disadvantaged appeal under Sec. 668.213(a)(2), within 45 days after we receive your completed request for an adjustment or appeal; or

(ii) In all other cases, except for appeals submitted under §668.211(a) following placement on provisional certification, before we notify you of your next official cohort default rate.

(5) You may not seek judicial review of our determination of a cohort default rate until we issue our decision on all pending requests for adjustments or appeals for that cohort default rate.

Sec. 668.209 Uncorrected data adjustments.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may request an uncorrected data adjustment for your most recent cohort of borrowers, used to calculate your most recent official cohort default rate, if in response to your challenge under Sec. 668.204(b), a data manager agreed correctly to change the data, but the changes are not reflected in your official cohort default rate.

(b) Deadlines for requesting an uncorrected data adjustment. You must send us a request for an uncorrected data adjustment, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us.

(c) Determination. We recalculate your cohort default rate, based on the corrected data, and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released if we determine that—

(1) In response to your challenge under Sec. 668.204(b), a data manager agreed to change the data;

(2) The changes described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section are not reflected in your official cohort default rate; and

(3) We agree that the data are incorrect.

Sec. 668.210 New data adjustments.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may request a new data adjustment for your most recent cohort of borrowers, used to calculate your most recent official cohort default rate, if—

(1) A comparison of the loan record detail reports that we provide to you for the draft and official cohort default rates shows that the data have been newly included, excluded, or otherwise changed; and

(2) You identify errors in the data described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section that are confirmed by the data manager.

(b) Deadlines for requesting a new data adjustment. (1) You must send to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and us a request for a new data adjustment, including all supporting documentation, within 15 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us.

(2) Within 20 days after receiving your request for a new data adjustment, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation used to support the data manager's position.

(3) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for a new data adjustment for that loan. We respond to your request as set forth under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(4) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records or data from a data manager, you must send a request for replacement records or clarification of data to the data manager and us.

(5) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records or clarification of data, the data manager must—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records;

(ii) Provide clarifying information; or

(iii) Notify you and us that no clarifying information or additional or improved records are available.

(6) You must send us your completed request for a new data adjustment, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request or requests; or

(ii) If you are also filing an erroneous data appeal or a loan servicing appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.211(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.212(c)(10)(i).

(c) Determination. If we determine that incorrect data were used to calculate your cohort default rate, we recalculate your cohort default rate based on the correct data and make electronic corrections to the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.211 Erroneous data appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. Except as provided in Sec. 668.208(b), you may appeal the calculation of a cohort default rate upon which a loss of eligibility, under Sec. 668.206, or provisional certification, under Sec. 668.16(m), is based if—

(1) You dispute the accuracy of data that you previously challenged on the basis of incorrect data, under Sec. 668.204(b); or

(2) A comparison of the loan record detail reports that we provide to you for the draft and official cohort default rates shows that the data have been newly included, excluded, or otherwise changed, and you dispute the accuracy of that data.

(b) Deadlines for submitting an appeal. (1) You must send a request for verification of data errors to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and to us within 15 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility or provisional certification. Your request must include a description of the information in the cohort default rate data that you believe is incorrect and all supporting documentation that demonstrates the error.

(2) Within 20 days after receiving your request for verification of data errors, the data manager must send you and us a response that—

(i) Addresses each of your allegations of error; and

(ii) Includes the documentation used to support the data manager's position.

(3) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for verification of that loan's data errors. Your request must include a description of the information in the cohort default rate data that you believe is incorrect and all supporting documentation that demonstrates the error. We respond to your request as set forth under paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(4) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records or data, you must send a request for replacement records or clarification of data to the data manager and us.

(5) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records or clarification of data, the data manager must—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records;

(ii) Provide clarifying information; or

(iii) Notify you and us that no clarifying information or additional or improved records are available.

(6) You must send your completed appeal to us, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request; or

(ii) If you are also requesting a new data adjustment or filing a loan servicing appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.210(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.212(c)(10)(i).

(c) Determination. If we determine that incorrect data were used to calculate your cohort default rate, we recalculate your cohort default rate based on the correct data and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.212 Loan servicing appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. Except as provided in Sec. 668.208(b), you may appeal, on the basis of improper loan servicing or collection, the calculation of—

(1) Your most recent cohort default rate; or

(2) Any cohort default rate upon which a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206 is based.

(b) Improper loan servicing. For the purposes of this section, a default is considered to have been due to improper loan servicing or collection only if the borrower did not make a payment on the loan and you prove that the FFEL Program lender or the Direct Loan Servicer, as defined in 34 CFR 685.102, failed to perform one or more of the following activities, if that activity applies to the loan:

(1) Send at least one letter (other than the final demand letter) urging the borrower to make payments on the loan.

(2) Attempt at least one phone call to the borrower.

(3) Send a final demand letter to the borrower.

(4) For a Direct Loan Program loan only, document that skip tracing was performed if the Direct Loan Servicer determined that it did not have the borrower's current address.

(5) For an FFELP loan only—

(i) Submit a request for preclaims or default aversion assistance to the guaranty agency; and

(ii) Submit a certification or other documentation that skip tracing was performed to the guaranty agency.

(c) Deadlines for submitting an appeal. (1) If the loan record detail report was not included with your official cohort default rate notice, you must request it within 15 days after you receive the notice of your official cohort default rate.

(2) You must send a request for loan servicing records to the relevant data manager, or data managers, and to us within 15 days after you receive your loan record detail report from us. If the data manager is a guaranty agency, your request must include a copy of the loan record detail report.

(3) Within 20 days after receiving your request for loan servicing records, the data manager must—

(i) Send you and us a list of the borrowers in your representative sample, as described in paragraph (d) of this section (the list must be in social security number order, and it must include the number of defaulted loans included in the cohort for each listed borrower);

(ii) Send you and us a description of how your representative sample was chosen; and

(iii) Either send you copies of the loan servicing records for the borrowers in your representative sample and send us a copy of its cover letter indicating that the records were sent, or send you and us a notice of the amount of its fee for providing copies of the loan servicing records.

(4) The data manager may charge you a reasonable fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, but it may not charge more than $10 per borrower file. If a data manager charges a fee, it is not required to send the documents to you until it receives your payment of the fee.

(5) If the data manager charges a fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, you must send payment in full to the data manager within 15 days after you receive the notice of the fee.

(6) If the data manager charges a fee for providing copies of loan servicing records, and—

(i) You pay the fee in full and on time, the data manager must send you, within 20 days after it receives your payment, a copy of all loan servicing records for each loan in your representative sample (the copies are provided to you in hard copy format unless the data manager and you agree that another format may be used), and it must send us a copy of its cover letter indicating that the records were sent; or

(ii) You do not pay the fee in full and on time, the data manager must notify you and us of your failure to pay the fee and that you have waived your right to challenge the calculation of your cohort default rate based on the data manager's records. We accept that determination unless you prove that it is incorrect.

(7) Within 15 days after receiving a guaranty agency's notice that we hold an FFELP loan about which you are inquiring, you must send us your request for the loan servicing records for that loan. We respond to your request under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(8) Within 15 days after receiving incomplete or illegible records, you must send a request for replacement records to the data manager and us.

(9) Within 20 days after receiving your request for replacement records, the data manager must either—

(i) Replace the missing or illegible records; or

(ii) Notify you and us that no additional or improved copies are available.

(10) You must send your appeal to us, including all supporting documentation—

(i) Within 30 days after you receive the final data manager's response to your request for loan servicing records; or

(ii) If you are also requesting a new data adjustment or filing an erroneous data appeal, by the latest of the filing dates required in paragraph (c)(10)(i) of this section or in Sec. 668.210(b)(6)(i) or Sec. 668.211(b)(6)(i).

(d) Representative sample of records. (1) To select a representative sample of records, the data manager first identifies all of the borrowers for whom it is responsible and who had loans that were considered to be in default in the calculation of the cohort default rate you are appealing.

(2) From the group of borrowers identified under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the data manager identifies a sample that is large enough to derive an estimate, acceptable at a 95 percent confidence level with a plus or minus 5 percent confidence interval, for use in determining the number of borrowers who should be excluded from the calculation of the cohort default rate due to improper loan servicing or collection.

(e) Loan servicing records. Loan servicing records are the collection and payment history records—

(1) Provided to the guaranty agency by the lender and used by the guaranty agency in determining whether to pay a claim on a defaulted loan; or

(2) Maintained by our Direct Loan Servicer that are used in determining your cohort default rate.

(f) Determination. (1) We determine the number of loans, included in your representative sample of loan servicing records, that defaulted due to improper loan servicing or collection, as described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Based on our determination, we use a statistically valid methodology to exclude the corresponding percentage of borrowers from both the numerator and denominator of the calculation of your cohort default rate, and electronically correct the rate that is publicly released.

Sec. 668.213 Economically disadvantaged appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) General. As provided in this section you may appeal—

(1) A notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206; or

(2) A notice of a second successive official cohort default rate calculated under this subpart that is equal to or greater than 30 percent but less than or equal to 40 percent, potentially subjecting you to provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i).

(b) Eligibility. You may appeal under this section if an independent auditor's opinion certifies that your low income rate is two-thirds or more and—

(1) You offer an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, and your completion rate is 70 percent or more; or

(2) You do not offer an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, and your placement rate is 44 percent or more.

(c) Low income rate. (1) Your low income rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, who—

(i) For an award year that overlaps the 12-month period selected under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, have an expected family contribution, as defined in 34 CFR 690.2, that is equal to or less than the largest expected family contribution that would allow a student to receive one-half of the maximum Federal Pell Grant award, regardless of the student's enrollment status or cost of attendance; or

(ii) For a calendar year that overlaps the 12-month period selected under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, have an adjusted gross income that, when added to the adjusted gross income of the student's parents (if the student is a dependent student) or spouse (if the student is a married independent student), is less than the amount listed in the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines for the size of the student's family unit.

(2) The students who are used to determine your low income rate include only students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis in an eligible program at your institution during any part of a 12-month period that ended during the 6 months immediately preceding the cohort's fiscal year.

(d) Completion rate. (1) Your completion rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, who—

(i) Completed the educational programs in which they were enrolled;

(ii) Transferred from your institution to a higher level educational program;

(iii) Remained enrolled and are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their educational programs at the end of the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate; or

(iv) Entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States within 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution.

(2) The students who are used to determine your completion rate include only regular students who were—

(i) Initially enrolled on a full-time basis in an eligible program; and

(ii) Originally scheduled to complete their programs during the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate.

(e) Placement rate. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, your placement rate is the percentage of your students, as described in paragraphs (e)(3) and (e)(4) of this section, who—

(i) Are employed, in an occupation for which you provided training, on the date following 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution;

(ii) Were employed for at least 13 weeks, in an occupation for which you provided training, between the date they enrolled at your institution and the first date that is more than a year after their last date of attendance at your institution; or

(iii) Entered active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States within 1 year after their last date of attendance at your institution.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a former student is not considered to have been employed based on any employment by your institution.

(3) The students who are used to determine your placement rate include only former students who—

(i) Were initially enrolled in an eligible program on at least a half-time basis;

(ii) Were originally scheduled, at the time of enrollment, to complete their educational programs during the same 12-month period used to calculate the low income rate; and

(iii) Remained in the program beyond the point at which a student would have received a 100 percent tuition refund from you.

(4) A student is not included in the calculation of your placement rate if that student, on the date that is 1 year after the student's originally scheduled completion date, remains enrolled in the same program and is making satisfactory progress.

(f) Scheduled to complete. In calculating a completion or placement rate under this section, the date on which a student is originally scheduled to complete a program is based on—

(1) For a student who is initially enrolled full-time, the amount of time specified in your enrollment contract, catalog, or other materials for completion of the program by a full-time student; or

(2) For a student who is initially enrolled less than full-time, the amount of time that it would take the student to complete the program if the student remained at that level of enrollment throughout the program.

(g) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility or of a rate described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, you must send us your management's written assertion, as described in the Cohort Default Rate Guide.

(2) Within 60 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility or of a rate described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, you must send us the independent auditor's opinion described in paragraph (h) of this section.

(h) Independent auditor's opinion. (1) The independent auditor's opinion must state whether your management's written assertion, as you provided it to the auditor and to us, meets the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal and is fairly stated in all material respects.

(2) The engagement that forms the basis of the independent auditor's opinion must be an examination-level compliance attestation engagement performed in accordance with—

(i) The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements, Compliance Attestation (AICPA, Professional Standards, vol. 1, AT sec. 500), as amended (these standards may be obtained by calling the AICPA's order department, at 1– 888–777–7077); and

(ii) Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

(i) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206, and we do not provisionally certify you under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i), if—

(1) Your independent auditor's opinion agrees that you meet the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal; and

(2) We determine that the independent auditor's opinion and your management's written assertion—

(i) Meet the requirements for an economically disadvantaged appeal; and

(ii) Are not contradicted or otherwise proven to be incorrect by information we maintain, to an extent that would render the independent auditor's opinion unacceptable.

Sec. 668.214 Participation rate index appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. (1) You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if you bring an appeal in accordance with this section that demonstrates that your participation rate index for that cohort's fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.0832.

(2) Subject to Sec. 668.208(b), you do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(2) if you bring an appeal in accordance with this section that demonstrates that your participation rate index for any of the three most recent cohorts' fiscal years is equal to or less than 0.0625.

(3) Subject to Sec. 668.208(b), you are not placed on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i) based on two cohort default rates that fail to satisfy the standard of administrative capability in Sec. 668.16(m)(1)(ii) if you bring an appeal in accordance with this section that demonstrates that your participation rate index for either of those two cohorts' fiscal years is equal to or less than 0.0625.

(b) Calculating your participation rate index. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, your participation rate index for a fiscal year is determined by multiplying your cohort default rate for that fiscal year by the percentage that is derived by dividing—

(i) The number of students who received an FFELP or a Direct Loan Program loan to attend your institution during a period of enrollment, as defined in 34 CFR 682.200 or 685.102, that overlaps any part of a 12-month period that ended during the 6 months immediately preceding the cohort's fiscal year, by

(ii) The number of regular students who were enrolled at your institution on at least a half-time basis during any part of the same 12-month period.

(2) If your cohort default rate for a fiscal year is calculated as an average rate under Sec. 668.202(d)(2), you may calculate your participation rate index for that fiscal year using either that average rate or the cohort default rate that would be calculated for the fiscal year alone using the method described in Sec. 668.202(d)(1).

(c) Deadline for submitting an appeal. You must send us your appeal under this section, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive—

(1) Notice of your loss of eligibility; or

(2) Notice under Sec. 668.205 of a cohort default rate that equals or exceeds 30 percent but is less than or equal to 40 percent.

(d) Determination. (1) You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206 and we do not place you on provisional certification, if we determine that you meet the requirements for a participation rate index appeal.

(2) If we determine that your participation rate index for a fiscal year is equal to or less than 0.0832 or 0.0625, as applicable under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, we also excuse you from any subsequent loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(2) or placement on provisional certification under Sec. 668.16(m)(2)(i) that would be based on the official cohort default rate for that fiscal year.

Sec. 668.215 Average rates appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. (1) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(1), based on one cohort default rate over 40 percent, if that cohort default rate is calculated as an average rate under Sec. 668.202(d)(2).

(2) You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206(a)(2), based on three cohort default rates of 30 percent or greater, if at least two of those cohort default rates—

(i) Are calculated as average rates under Sec. 668.202(d)(2); and

(ii) Would be less than 30 percent if calculated for the fiscal year alone using the method described in Sec. 668.202(d)(1).

(b) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Before notifying you of your official cohort default rate, we make an initial determination about whether you qualify for an average rates appeal. If we determine that you qualify, we notify you of that determination at the same time that we notify you of your official cohort default rate.

(2) If you disagree with our initial determination, you must send us your average rates appeal, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility.

(c) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206 if we determine that you meet the requirements for an average rates appeal.

Sec. 668.216 Thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeals.

About the Regulations

(a) Eligibility. You may appeal a notice of a loss of eligibility under Sec. 668.206 if 30 or fewer borrowers, in total, are included in the 3 most recent cohorts of borrowers used to calculate your cohort default rates.

(b) Deadline for submitting an appeal. (1) Before notifying you of your official cohort default rate, we make an initial determination about whether you qualify for a thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal. If we determine that you qualify, we notify you of that determination at the same time that we notify you of your official cohort default rate.

(2) If you disagree with our initial determination, you must send us your thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal, including all supporting documentation, within 30 days after you receive the notice of your loss of eligibility.

(c) Determination. You do not lose eligibility under Sec. 668.206 if we determine that you meet the requirements for a thirty-or-fewer borrowers appeal.

Sec. 668.217 Default prevention plans.

About the Regulations

(a) First year. (1) If your cohort default rate is equal to or greater than 30 percent you must establish a default prevention task force that prepares a plan to—

(i) Identify the factors causing your cohort default rate to exceed the threshold;

(ii) Establish measurable objectives and the steps you will take to improve your cohort default rate;

(iii) Specify the actions you will take to improve student loan repayment, including counseling students on repayment options; and

(iv) Submit your default prevention plan to us.

(2) We will review your default prevention plan and offer technical assistance intended to improve student loan repayment.

(b) Second year. (1) If your cohort default rate is equal to or greater than 30 percent for two consecutive fiscal years, you must revise your default prevention plan and submit it to us for review.

(2) We may require you to revise your default prevention plan or specify actions you need to take to improve student loan repayment.

Appendix A to Subpart N of Part 668— Sample Default Prevention Plan

About the Regulations

This appendix is provided as a sample plan for those institutions developing a default prevention plan in accordance with Sec. 668.217(a). It describes some measures you may find helpful in reducing the number of students that default on Federally funded loans. These are not the only measures you could implement when developing a default prevention plan.

I. Core Default Reduction Strategies

1. Establish your default prevention team by engaging your chief executive officer and relevant senior executive officials and enlisting the support of representatives from offices other than the financial aid office. Consider including individuals and organizations independent of your institution that have experience in preventing title IV loan defaults.

2. Consider your history, resources, dollars in default, and targets for default reduction to determine which activities will result in the most benefit to you and your students.

3. Define evaluation methods and establish a data collection system for measuring and verifying relevant default prevention statistics, including a statistical analysis of the borrowers who default on their loans.

4. Identify and allocate the personnel, administrative, and financial resources appropriate to implement the default prevention plan.

5. Establish annual targets for reductions in your rate.

6. Establish a process to ensure the accuracy of your rate.

II. Additional Default Reduction Strategies

1. Enhance the borrower's understanding of his or her loan repayment responsibilities through counseling and debt management activities.

2. Enhance the enrollment retention and academic persistence of borrowers through counseling and academic assistance.

3. Maintain contact with the borrower after he or she leaves your institution by using activities such as skip tracing to locate the borrower.

4. Track the borrower's delinquency status by obtaining reports from data managers and FFEL Program lenders.

5. Enhance student loan repayments through counseling the borrower on loan repayment options and facilitating contact between the borrower and the data manager or FFEL Program lender.

6. Assist a borrower who is experiencing difficulty in finding employment through career counseling, job placement assistance, and facilitating unemployment deferments.

7. Identify and implement alternative financial aid award policies and develop alternative financial resources that will reduce the need for student borrowing in the first 2 years of academic study.

III. Statistics for Measuring Progress

1. The number of students enrolled at your institution during each fiscal year.

2. The average amount borrowed by a student each fiscal year.

3. The number of borrowers scheduled to enter repayment each fiscal year.

4. The number of enrolled borrowers who received default prevention counseling services each fiscal year.

5. The average number of contacts that you or your agent had with a borrower who was in deferment or forbearance or in repayment status during each fiscal year.

6. The number of borrowers at least 60 days delinquent each fiscal year.

7. The number of borrowers who defaulted in each fiscal year.

8. The type, frequency, and results of activities performed in accordance with the default prevention plan.

Subpart O—Financial Assistance for Students With Intellectual Disabilities

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.230 Scope and purpose.

This subpart establishes regulations that apply to an institution that offers comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs to students with intellectual disabilities. Students enrolled in these programs are eligible for Federal financial assistance under the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS programs. Except for provisions related to needs analysis, the Secretary may waive any Title IV, HEA program requirement related to the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS programs or institutional eligibility, to ensure that students with intellectual disabilities remain eligible for funds under these assistance programs. However, unless provided in this subpart or subsequently waived by the Secretary, students with intellectual disabilities and institutions that offer comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs are subject to the same regulations and procedures that otherwise apply to Title IV, HEA program participants.

Sec. 668.231 Definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

(a) Comprehensive transition and postsecondary program means a degree, certificate, nondegree, or noncertificate program that—

(1) Is offered by a participating institution;

(2) Is delivered to students physically attending the institution;

(3) Is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking to continue academic, career and technical, and independent living instruction at an institution of higher education in order to prepare for gainful employment;

(4) Includes an advising and curriculum structure;

(5) Requires students with intellectual disabilities to have at least one-half of their participation in the program, as determined by the institution, focus on academic components through one or more of the following activities:

(i) Taking credit-bearing courses with students without disabilities.

(ii) Auditing or otherwise participating in courses with students without disabilities for which the student does not receive regular academic credit.

(iii) Taking non-credit-bearing, nondegree courses with students without disabilities.

(iv) Participating in internships or work-based training in settings with individuals without disabilities; and

(6) Provides students with intellectual disabilities opportunities to participate in coursework and other activities with students without disabilities.

(b) Student with an intellectual disability means a student—

(1) With mental retardation or a cognitive impairment characterized by significant limitations in—

(i) Intellectual and cognitive functioning; and

(ii) Adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and

(2) Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1401), including a student who was determined eligible for special education or related services under the IDEA but was home-schooled or attended private school.

Sec. 668.232 Program eligibility.

About the Regulations

An institution that offers a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program must apply to the Secretary to have the program determined to be an eligible program. The institution applies under the provisions in 34 CFR 600.20 for adding an educational program, and must include in its application—

(a) A detailed description of the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program that addresses all of the components of the program, as defined in Sec. 668.231;

(b) The institution's policy for determining whether a student enrolled in the program is making satisfactory academic progress;

(c) The number of weeks of instructional time and the number of semester or quarter credit hours or clock hours in the program, including the equivalent credit or clock hours associated with noncredit or reduced credit courses or activities;

(d) A description of the educational credential offered (e.g., degree or certificate) or identified outcome or outcomes established by the institution for all students enrolled in the program;

(e) A copy of the letter or notice sent to the institution's accrediting agency informing the agency of its comprehensive transition and postsecondary program. The letter or notice must include a description of the items in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section; and

(f) Any other information the Secretary may require.

Sec. 668.233 Student eligibility.

About the Regulations

A student with an intellectual disability is eligible to receive Federal Pell, FSEOG, and FWS program assistance under this subpart if—

(a) The student satisfies the general student eligibility requirements under Sec. 668.32, except for the requirements in paragraphs (a), (e), and (f) of that section. With regard to these exceptions, a student—

(1) Does not have to be enrolled for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate;

(2) Is not required to have a high school diploma, a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, or have passed an ability to benefit test; and

(3) Is making satisfactory progress according to the institution's published standards for students enrolled in its comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs;

(b) The student is enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program approved by the Secretary; and

(c) The institution obtains a record from a local educational agency that the student is or was eligible for special education and related services under the IDEA. If that record does not identify the student as having an intellectual disability, as described in paragraph (1) of the definition of a student with an intellectual disability in Sec. 668.231, the institution must also obtain documentation establishing that the student has an intellectual disability, such as—

(1) A documented comprehensive and individualized psycho-educational evaluation and diagnosis of an intellectual disability by a psychologist or other qualified professional; or

(2) A record of the disability from a local or State educational agency, or government agency, such as the Social Security Administration or a vocational rehabilitation agency, that identifies the intellectual disability.

Subpart P—Prison Education Programs [Added and Reserved]
Sec. 668.234 Scope and purpose.

About the Regulations

This subpart establishes regulations that apply to an institution that offers prison education programs to confined or incarcerated individuals. A confined or incarcerated individual enrolled in an eligible prison education program is eligible for Federal financial assistance under the Federal Pell Grant program. Unless provided in this subpart, confined or incarcerated individuals and institutions that offer prison education programs are subject to the same regulations and procedures that otherwise apply to title IV, HEA program participants.

Sec. 668.235 Definitions.

About the Regulations

The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Additional location has the meaning given in 34 CFR 600.2.

Advisory committee is a group established by the oversight entity that provides nonbinding feedback to the oversight entity regarding the approval and operation of a prison education program within the oversight entity's jurisdiction.

Confined or incarcerated individual has the meaning given in 34 CFR 600.2.

Feedback process is the process developed by the oversight entity to gather nonbinding input from relevant stakeholders regarding the approval and operation of a prison education program within the oversight entity's jurisdiction. A feedback process may include an advisory committee.

Oversight entity means—

(1) The appropriate State department of corrections or other entity that is responsible for overseeing correctional facilities; or

(2) The Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Relevant stakeholders are individuals and organizations that provide input as part of a feedback process to the oversight entity regarding the approval and operation of a prison education program within the oversight entity's jurisdiction. These stakeholders must include representatives of confined or incarcerated individuals, organizations representing confined or incarcerated individuals, State higher education executive offices, and accrediting agencies and may include additional stakeholders as determined by the oversight entity.

Sec. 668.236 Eligible prison education program.

About the Regulations

(a) An eligible prison education program means an education or training program that—

(1) Is an eligible program under Sec. 668.8 offered by an institution of higher education as defined in 34 CFR 600.4, or a postsecondary vocational institution as defined in 34 CFR 600.6;

(2) Is offered by an eligible institution that has been approved to operate in a correctional facility by the oversight entity;

(3) After an initial two-year approval, is determined by the oversight entity to be operating in the best interest of students as described in Sec. 668.241;

(4) Offers transferability of credits to at least one institution of higher education (as defined in 34 CFR 600.4 and 600.6) in the State where the correctional facility is located, or, in the case of a Federal correctional facility, in the State where most of the individuals confined or incarcerated individuals in such facility will reside upon release as determined by the institution based on information provided by the oversight entity;

(5) Is offered by an institution that has not been subject, during the five years preceding the date of the determination, to—

(i) Any suspension, emergency action, or termination of programs under this title;

(ii) Any final accrediting action that is an adverse action as defined in 34 CFR 602.3 by the institution's accrediting agency; or

(iii) Any action by the State to revoke a license or other authority to operate;

(6) Subject to paragraph (b) of this section, is offered by an institution that is not subject to a current initiated adverse action;

(7) Satisfies any applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, including any requirements to sit for licensure or certification examinations needed to practice or obtain employment in the sectors or occupations for which the program prepares the individual, in the State where the correctional facility is located or, in the case of a Federal correctional facility, in the State where most of the individuals confined or incarcerated individuals in such facility will reside upon release, as determined by the institution not less than annually based on information provided by the oversight entity; and

(8) Does not offer education that is designed to lead to licensure or employment for a specific job or occupation in the State if such job or occupation typically involves prohibitions on the licensure or employment of formerly confined or incarcerated individuals in the State where the correctional facility is located, or, in the case of a Federal correctional facility, in the State where most of the individuals confined or incarcerated individuals in such facility will reside upon release, as determined by the institution not less than annually based on information provided by the oversight entity.

(b) With respect to the criterion in paragraph (a)(6) of this section—

(1) If an accrediting agency initiates an adverse action, the institution cannot begin its first or a subsequent prison education program unless and until the initiated adverse action has been rescinded; and

(2) If the institution currently offers one or more prison education programs and is subject to an initiated adverse action, the institution must submit a teach-out plan and if practicable, a teach-out agreement, as defined in 34 CFR 600.2, to the institution's accrediting agency.

(c) With respect to the criterion in paragraph (a)(8) of this section—

(1) In the case of State and local correctional facilities, the postsecondary institution may not enroll any student in a prison education program if the student is prohibited or barred by any Federal law, or law in the State in which the correctional facility is located, from licensure or employment in the sectors or occupations for which the program prepares the individual based on any criminal conviction or specific types of criminal convictions; or

(2) In the case of a Federal correctional facility, the postsecondary institution may not enroll any student in a prison education program if the student is prohibited or barred by any Federal law, or law in the State in which more than half of the confined or incarcerated individuals in such facility will reside upon release, from licensure or employment in the sectors or occupations for which the program prepares the individual based on any criminal conviction or specific types of criminal convictions.

(3) Prohibitions on licensure or employment do not include local laws, screening requirements for good moral character, or similar provisions; State or Federal laws that have been repealed, even if the repeal has not yet taken effect or if the repeal occurs between assessments of the postsecondary institution by the oversight entity; or other restrictions as determined by the Secretary.

Sec. 668.237 Accreditation requirements.

About the Regulations

(a) To be an eligible program under Sec. 668.236, a prison education program must meet the requirements of the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency.

(b) In order for any prison education program to qualify as an eligible program, the accrediting agency must have—

(1) Evaluated at least the first prison education program at the first two additional locations to ensure the institution's ability to offer and implement the program and that the program meets the agency's accreditation standards, and included it in the institution's grant of accreditation or pre-accreditation;

(2) Evaluated the first additional prison education program offered by a new method of delivery to ensure the institution's ability to offer and implement the program and that the program meets the agency's standards, and included it in the institution's grant of accreditation or pre-accreditation;

(3) Performed a site visit as soon as practicable but no later than one year after initiating the prison education program at the first two additional locations; and

(4) If the requirements under Sec. 668.236(a)(3) are satisfied, reviewed and approved the methodology for how the institution, in collaboration with the oversight entity, made the determination that the prison education program meets the same standards as substantially similar programs that are not prison education programs at the institution.

Sec. 668.238 Application requirements.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution that seeks to offer a prison education program must apply to the Secretary to have its first prison education program at the first two additional locations determined to be eligible programs for title IV, HEA program purposes. Following the Secretary's initial approval of an institution's prison education program, additional prison education programs offered by the same postsecondary institution at the same location may be determined eligible without further approvals from the Secretary except as required by 34 CFR 600.7, 600.10, 600.20(c)(1), or 600.21(a), as applicable, if such programs are consistent with the institution's accreditation or its State approval agency requirements.

(b) The institution's prison education program application must provide information satisfactory to the Secretary that includes—

(1) A description of the educational program, including the educational credential offered (degree level or certificate) and the field of study;

(2) Documentation from the institution's accrediting agency or State approval agency indicating that the agency has evaluated the prison education program and has included the program in the institution's grant of accreditation and approval documentation from the accrediting agency or State approval agency;

(3) The name of the correctional facility and documentation from the oversight entity that the prison education program has been approved to operate in the correctional facility;

(4) Documentation detailing the methodology, including thresholds, benchmarks, standards, metrics, data, and other information, the oversight entity used in approving the prison education program and how all the information was collected;

(5) Information about the types of services offered to admitted students, including orientation, tutoring, and academic and reentry counseling. If reentry counseling is provided by a community-based organization that has partnered with the eligible prison education program, institution, or correctional facility to provide reentry services, the application also must provide information about the types of services offered by that community-based organization;

(6) Affirmative acknowledgement that the Secretary can limit or terminate approval of an institution to provide a prison education program as described in Sec. 668.237;

(7) Affirmative agreement to submit all required reports to the Secretary pursuant to Sec. 668.239;

(8) Documentation that the institution has entered into an agreement with the oversight entity to obtain data about transfer and release dates of confined or incarcerated individuals, which will be reported to the Department of Education; and

(9) Such other information as the Secretary deems necessary.

(c) For the second or subsequent eligible prison education program at a location, to meet the requirements under 34 CFR 600.21, an institution must submit —

(1) Documentation from the institution's accrediting agency noting that the institution complies with Sec. 668.236(a)(6) and was not subject in the last five years to any final accrediting action that is an adverse action by the institution's accrediting agency;

(2) Documentation from the institution confirming that it was not subject in the last five years to any State action to revoke a license or other authority to operate; and

(3) Documentation that the institution has entered into an agreement with the oversight entity to obtain data about transfer and release dates of confined or incarcerated individuals, which will be reported to the Department of Education pursuant to Sec. 668.239.

Sec. 668.239 Reporting requirements.

About the Regulations

(a) An institution must submit reports, in accordance with deadlines established and published by the Secretary in the Federal Register.

(b) The institution reports such information as the Secretary requires, in compliance with procedures the Secretary describes.

(c) The institution reports information about transfer and release dates of confined or incarcerated individuals, as required by the Secretary, through an agreement with the oversight entity.

Sec. 668.240 Limitation or termination of approval.

About the Regulations

(a) The Secretary may limit or terminate or otherwise end the approval of an institution to provide an eligible prison education program if the Secretary determines that the institution violated any terms of this subpart or that the institution submitted materially inaccurate information to the Secretary, accrediting agency, State agency, or oversight entity.

(b) If the Secretary initiates action limiting or terminating an institution's approval to operate an eligible prison education program, the institution must submit a teach-out plan and, if practicable, a teach-out agreements (as defined in 34 CFR 600.2) to its accrediting agency upon occurrence of the event.

Sec. 668.241 Best interest determination.

About the Regulations

(a) An oversight entity's determination that a prison education program is operating in the best interest of students—

(1) Must include an assessment of—

(i) Whether the experience, credentials, and rates of turnover or departure of instructors for the prison education program are substantially similar to other programs at the institution, accounting for the unique geographic and other constraints of prison education programs;

(ii) Whether the transferability of credits for courses available to confined or incarcerated individuals and the applicability of such credits toward related degree or certificate programs is substantially similar to those at other similar programs at the institution, accounting for the unique geographic and other constraints of prison education programs;

(iii) Whether the prison education program's offering of relevant academic and career advising services to participating confined or incarcerated individuals, while they are confined or incarcerated, in advance of reentry, and upon release, is substantially similar to offerings to a student who is not a confined or incarcerated individual and who is enrolled in, and may be preparing to transfer from, the same institution, accounting for the unique geographic and other constraints of prison education programs; and

(iv) Whether the institution ensures that all formerly confined or incarcerated individuals are able to fully transfer their credits and continue their programs at any location of the institution that offers a comparable program, including by the same mode of instruction; and

(2) May include an assessment of—

(i) Whether the rates of recidivism, which do not include any recidivism by the student after a reasonable number of years of release and which only include new felony convictions as defined by United States Sentencing Guideline Sec. 4A1.1(a) as "each sentence of imprisonment exceeding one year and one month," meet thresholds set by the oversight entity;

(ii) Whether the rates of completion reported by the Department, which do not include any students who were transferred across facilities and which account for the status of part-time students, meet thresholds set by the oversight entity with input from relevant stakeholders;

(iii) Whether the rate of confined or incarcerated individuals continuing their education post-release, as determined by the percentage of students who reenroll in higher education reported by the Department, meets thresholds established by the oversight entity with input from relevant stakeholders;

(iv) Whether job placement rates in the relevant field for such individuals meet any applicable standards required by the accrediting agency for the institution or program or a State where the institution is authorized. If no job placement rate standard applies to prison education programs offered by the institution, the oversight entity may define, and the institution may report, a job placement rate, with input from relevant stakeholders;

(v) Earnings for such individuals, which could include measuring such earnings against a threshold established by the oversight entity; and

(vi) Other indicators pertinent to program success as determined by the oversight entity.

(b) An oversight entity makes the best interest determination—

(1) Through a feedback process that considers input from relevant stakeholders; and

(2) In light of the totality of the circumstances.

(c) If the oversight entity does not find a program to be in the best interest of students, it must allow for programs to re-apply within a reasonable timeframe.

(d) After the two years of initial approval under Sec. 668.236, the oversight entity must determine that the prison education program is operating in the best interest of students, under paragraph (a) of this section.

(e)(1) After its initial determination under paragraph (d) of this section that a program is operating in the best interest of confined or incarcerated individuals, the institution must obtain subsequent evaluations of each eligible prison education program from the responsible oversight entity not less than 120 calendar days prior to the expiration of the institution's Program Participation Agreements. The oversight entity may also make a determination between subsequent evaluations based on the oversight entity's regular monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes.

(2) Each subsequent evaluation must—

(i) Include the entire period following the prior determination and be based on the applicable factors in paragraph (a) of this section for all students enrolled in the program since the prior determination;

(ii) Include input from relevant stakeholders through the oversight entity's feedback process; and

(iii) Be submitted to the Secretary no later than 30 days following completion of the evaluation.

(f)(1) The institution must obtain and maintain documentation of the methodology by which the oversight entity made each determination under this section and under Sec. 668.236(a)(2) and (3) for review by the institution's accrediting agency, for submission to the Department for approval of the first program at the first two additional locations, to document input from relevant stakeholders through the oversight entity's feedback process in paragraphs (b)(1) and (e)(2)(ii) of this section, for reporting to the Department, and for public disclosure.

(2) The institution must maintain the documentation described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section for as long as the program is active or, if the program is discontinued, for three years following the date of discontinuance.

Sec. 668.242 Transition to a prison education program.

About the Regulations

For institutions operating eligible prison education programs in a correctional facility that is not a Federal or State penal institution:

(a) A confined or incarcerated individual who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements to receive a Federal Pell Grant and is enrolled in an eligible program that does not meet the requirements under subpart P of this part may continue to receive a Federal Pell Grant until the earlier of—

(1) July 1, 2029;

(2) The student reaches the maximum timeframe for program completion under Sec. 668.34; or

(3) The student has exhausted Pell Grant eligibility under 34 CFR 690.6(e).

(b) An institution is not permitted to enroll a confined or incarcerated individual on or after July 1, 2023, who was not enrolled in an eligible program prior to July 1, 2023, unless the institution first converts the eligible program into an eligible prison education program as defined in Sec. 668.236.

Subpart Q—Financial Value Transparency. Removed and Reserved

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.401 Financial value transparency scope and purpose.

About the Regulations

(a) General. Except as provided under paragraph (b) of this section, this subpart applies to a GE program or eligible non-GE program offered by an eligible institution, and establishes the rules and procedures under which—

(1) An institution reports information about the program to the Secretary; and

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary assesses the program’s debt and earnings outcomes.

(b) Applicability. (1) This subpart does not apply to institutions located in U.S. Territories or freely associated states, except that such institutions are subject to the reporting requirements in Sec. 668.408 and the Secretary will follow the procedures in Secs. 668.403(b) and (d) and 668.405(b) and (c) to calculate median debt and obtain earnings information for their GE programs and eligible non-GE programs.

(2) For each award year that the Secretary calculates D/E rates or the earnings premium measure under Sec. 668.402, this subpart does not apply to an institution if, over the most recently completed four award years, it offered no groups of substantially similar programs, defined as all programs in the same four-digit CIP code at an institution, with 30 or more completers. 

Sec. 668.402 Financial value transparency framework.

About the Regulations

(a) General. The Secretary assesses the program’s debt and earnings outcomes using debt-to-earnings rates (D/E rates) and an earnings premium measure. 

(b) Debt-to-earnings rates. The Secretary calculates for each award year two D/E rates for an eligible program, the discretionary debt-to-earnings rate, and the annual debt-to-earnings rate, using the procedures in Secs. 668.403 and 668.405.

(c) Outcomes of the D/E rates. (1) A program passes the D/E rates if—

(i) Its discretionary debt-to-earnings rate is less than or equal to 20 percent;

(ii) Its annual debt-to-earnings rate is less than or equal to 8 percent; or

(iii) The denominator (median annual or discretionary earnings) of either rate is zero and the numerator (median debt payments) is zero.

(2) A program fails the D/E rates if—

(i) Its discretionary debt-to-earnings rate is greater than 20 percent or the income for the denominator of the rate (median discretionary earnings) is negative or zero and the numerator (median debt payments) is positive; and

(ii) Its annual debt-to-earnings rate is greater than 8 percent or the denominator of the rate (median annual earnings) is zero and the numerator (median debt payments) is positive.

(d) Earnings premium measure. For each award year, the Secretary calculates the earnings premium measure for an eligible program, using the procedures in Secs. 668.404 and 668.405.

(e) Outcomes of the earnings premium measure. (1) A program passes the earnings premium measure if the median annual earnings of the students who completed the program exceed the earnings threshold.

(2) A program fails the earnings premium measure if the median annual earnings of the students who completed the program are equal to or less than the earnings threshold.

Sec. 668.403 Calculating D/E rates. 

About the Regulations

 (a) General. Except as provided under paragraph (f) of this section, for each award year, the Secretary calculates D/E rates for a program as follows:

(1) Discretionary debt-to-earnings rate = annual loan payment/(the median annual earnings—(1.5 x Poverty Guideline)). For the purposes of this paragraph (a)(1), the Secretary applies the Poverty Guideline for the most recent calendar year for which annual earnings are obtained under paragraph (c) of this section.

(2) Annual debt-to-earnings rate = annual loan payment/the median annual earnings.

(b) Annual loan payment. The Secretary calculates the annual loan payment for a program by—

(1)(i) Determining the median loan debt of the students who completed the program during the cohort period, based on the lesser of the loan debt incurred by each student as determined under paragraph (d) of this section or the total amount for tuition and fees and books, equipment, and supplies for each student, less the amount of institutional grant or scholarship funds provided to that student;

(ii) Removing, if applicable, the appropriate number of largest loan debts as described in Sec. 668.405(d)(2); and

(iii) Calculating the median of the remaining amounts; and

(2) Amortizing the median loan debt—

(i)(A) Over a 10-year repayment period for a program that leads to an undergraduate certificate, a postbaccalaureate certificate, an associate degree, or a graduate certificate;

(B) Over a 15-year repayment period for a program that leads to a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree; or

(ii) Using an annual interest rate that is the average of the annual statutory interest rates on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans that were in effect during—

(A) The three consecutive award years, ending in the final year of the cohort period, for undergraduate certificate programs, post-baccalaureate certificate programs, and associate degree programs. For these programs, the Secretary uses the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate applicable to undergraduate students;

(B) The three consecutive award years, ending in the final year of the cohort period, for graduate certificate programs and master’s degree programs. For these programs, the Secretary uses the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate applicable to graduate students;

(C) The six consecutive award years, ending in the final year of the cohort period, for bachelor’s degree programs. For these programs, the Secretary uses the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan interest rate applicable to undergraduate students; and

(c) Annual earnings. (1) The Secretary obtains from a Federal agency with earnings data, under Sec. 668.405, the most currently available median annual earnings of the students who completed the program during the cohort period and who are not excluded under paragraph (e) of this section; and

(2) The Secretary uses the median annual earnings to calculate the D/E rates.

(d) Loan debt and assessed charges. (1) In determining the loan debt for a student, the Secretary includes—

(i) The amount of Direct Loans that the student borrowed (total amount disbursed less any cancellations or adjustments except for those related to false certification, borrower defense discharges, or categorical debt relief initiated under the Secretary’s statutory authority) for enrollment in the program, excluding Direct PLUS Loans made to parents of dependent students and Direct Unsubsidized Loans that were converted from TEACH Grants;

(ii) Any private education loans as defined in 34 CFR 601.2, including private education loans made by the institution, that the student borrowed for enrollment in the program and that are required to be reported by the institution under Sec. 668.408; and

(iii) The amount outstanding, as of the date the student completes the program, on any other credit (including any unpaid charges) extended by or on behalf of the institution for enrollment in any program attended at the institution that the student is obligated to repay after completing the program, including extensions of credit described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the definition of, and excluded from, the term ‘‘private education loan’’ in 34 CFR 601.2;

(2) The Secretary attributes all the loan debt incurred by the student for enrollment in any—

(i) Undergraduate program at the institution to the highest credentialed undergraduate program subsequently completed by the student at the institution as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the D/E rates under this section; and

(ii) Graduate program at the institution to the highest credentialed graduate program subsequently completed by the student at the institution as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the D/E rates under this section; and

(3) The Secretary excludes any loan debt incurred by the student for enrollment in any program at any other institution. However, the Secretary may include loan debt incurred by the student for enrollment in programs at other institutions if the institution and the other institutions are under common ownership or control, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with 34 CFR 600.31.

(e) Exclusions. The Secretary excludes a student from both the numerator and the denominator of the D/E rates calculation if the Secretary determines that—

(1) One or more of the student’s Direct Loan Program loans are under consideration by the Secretary, or have been approved, for a discharge on the basis of the student’s total and permanent disability, under 34 CFR 674.61, 682.402, or 685.212;

(2) The student was enrolled full time in any other eligible program at the institution or at another institution during the calendar year for which the Secretary obtains earnings information under paragraph (c) of this section;

(3) For undergraduate programs, the student completed a higher credentialed undergraduate program at the institution subsequent to completing the program as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the D/E rates under this section;

(4) For graduate programs, the student completed a higher credentialed graduate program at the institution subsequent to completing the program as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the D/E rates under this section;

(5) The student is enrolled in an approved prison education program;

(6) The student is enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program; or

(7) The student died.

(f) D/E rates not issued. The Secretary does not issue D/E rates for a program under Sec. 668.406 if—

(1) After applying the exclusions in paragraph (e) of this section, fewer than 30 students completed the program during the two-year or four-year cohort period; or

(2) The Federal agency with earnings data does not provide the median earnings for the program as provided under paragraph (c) of this section. 

Sec. 668.404 Calculating earnings premium measure.

About the Regulations

(a) General. Except as provided under paragraph (d) of this section, for each award year, the Secretary calculates the earnings premium measure for a program by determining whether the median annual earnings of the students who completed the program exceed the earnings threshold.

(b) Median annual earnings; earnings threshold. (1) The Secretary obtains from a Federal agency with earnings data, under Sec 668.405, the most currently available median annual earnings of the students who completed the program during the cohort period and who are not excluded under paragraph (c) of this section; and

(2) The Secretary uses the median annual earnings of students with a high school diploma or GED using data from the Census Bureau to calculate the earnings threshold described in Sec. 668.2.

(3) The Secretary determines the earnings thresholds and publishes the thresholds annually through a notice in the Federal Register.

(c) Exclusions. The Secretary excludes a student from the earnings premium measure calculation if the Secretary determines that—

(1) One or more of the student’s Direct Loan Program loans are under consideration by the Secretary, or have been approved, for a discharge on the basis of the student’s total and permanent disability, under 34 CFR 674.61, 682.402, or 685.212;

(2) The student was enrolled full-time in any other eligible program at the institution or at another institution during the calendar year for which the Secretary obtains earnings information under paragraph (b)(1) of this section;

(3) For undergraduate programs, the student completed a higher credentialed undergraduate program at the institution subsequent to completing the program as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the earnings premium measure under this section;

(4) For graduate programs, the student completed a higher credentialed graduate program at the institution subsequent to completing the program as of the end of the most recently completed award year prior to the calculation of the earnings premium measure under this section;

(5) The student is enrolled in an approved prison education program;

(6) The student is enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program; or

(7) The student died.

(d) Earnings premium measures not issued. The Secretary does not issue the earnings premium measure for a program under Sec. 668.406 if—

(1) After applying the exclusions in paragraph (c) of this section, fewer than 30 students completed the program during the two-year or four-year cohort period; or

(2) The Federal agency with earnings data does not provide the median earnings for the program as provided under paragraph (b) of this section.

Sec. 668.405 Process for obtaining data and calculating D/E rates and earnings premium measure.

About the Regulations

(a) Administrative data. In calculating the D/E rates and earnings premium measure for a program, the Secretary uses student enrollment, disbursement, and program data, or other data the institution is required to report to the Secretary to support its administration of, or participation in, the title IV, HEA programs. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, the institution must update or otherwise correct any reported data no later than 60 days after the end of an award year. 

(b) Process overview. The Secretary uses the administrative data to—

(1) Compile a list of students who completed each program during the cohort period. The Secretary—

(i) Removes from those lists students who are excluded under Sec. 668.403(e) or Sec. 668.404(c);

(ii) Provides the list to institutions; and

(iii) Allows the institution to correct the information reported by the institution on which the list was based, no later than 60 days after the date the Secretary provides the list to the institution;

(2) Obtain from a Federal agency with earnings data the median annual earnings of the students on each list, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section; and

(3) Calculate the D/E rates and the earnings premium measure and provide them to the institution.

(c) Obtaining earnings data. For each list submitted to the Federal agency with earnings data, the agency returns to the Secretary—

(1) The median annual earnings of the students on the list whom the Federal agency with earnings data has matched to earnings data, in aggregate and not in individual form; and

(2) The number, but not the identities, of students on the list that the Federal agency with earnings data could not match.

(d) Calculating D/E rates and earnings premium measure. (1) If the Federal agency with earnings data includes reports from records of earnings on at least 30 students, the Secretary uses the median annual earnings provided by the Federal agency with earnings data to calculate the D/E rates and earnings premium measure for each program.

(2) If the Federal agency with earnings data reports that it was unable to match one or more of the students on the final list, the Secretary does not include in the calculation of the median loan debt for D/E rates the same number of students with the highest loan debts as the number of students whose earnings the Federal agency with earnings data did not match. For example, if the Federal agency with earnings data is unable to match three students out of 100 students, the Secretary orders by amount the debts of the 100 listed students and excludes from the D/E rates calculation the three largest loan debts. 

Sec. 668.406 Determination of the D/E rates and earnings premium measure.

About the Regulations

(a) For each award year for which the Secretary calculates D/E rates and the earnings premium measure for a program, the Secretary issues a notice of determination.

(b) The notice of determination informs the institution of the following:

(1) The D/E rates for each program as determined under Sec. 668.403.

(2) The earnings premium measure for each program as determined under Sec. 668.404.

(3) The determination by the Secretary of whether each program is passing or failing, as described in Sec. 668.402, and the consequences of that determination.

(4) Whether the student acknowledgment is required under Sec. 668.407.

(5) For GE programs, whether the institution is required to provide the student warning under Sec. 668.605.

(6) For GE programs, whether the program could become ineligible under subpart S of this part based on its final D/E rates or earnings premium measure for the next award year for which D/E rates or the earnings premium measure are calculated for the program. 

Sec. 668.407 Student acknowledgments. [Reserved]

About the Regulations

(a) Beginning on July 1, 2026, if an eligible program, other than an undergraduate degree program, has failing D/E rates, the Secretary notifies the institution under Sec. 668.406(b)(4) that student acknowledgments are required for such program in the manner specified in this section.

(b)(1) If student acknowledgements are required, prospective students must acknowledge that they have viewed the information provided through the program information website established and maintained by the Secretary described in Sec. 668.43(d).

(2) The Department will administer and collect the acknowledgment from students through the program information website.

(3) Prospective students must provide such acknowledgments until:

(i) The Secretary notifies the institution pursuant to Sec. 668.406 that the program has passing D/E rates; or

(ii) Three years after the institution was last notified that the program had failing D/E rates, whichever is earlier.

(c)(1) A prospective student must provide the acknowledgment before the institution enters into an agreement to enroll the student.

(2) The Secretary monitors the institution’s compliance with the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this section through audits, program reviews, or other investigations.

(d) The acknowledgment required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not mitigate the institution’s responsibility to provide accurate information to students concerning program status, nor will it be considered as dispositive evidence against a student’s claim if applying for a loan discharge.

Sec. 668.408 Reporting requirements. [Reserved]

About the Regulations

(a) Data elements. In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, an institution offering any group of substantially similar programs, defined as all programs in the same four-digit CIP code at an institution, with 30 or more completers in total over the four most recent award years must report to the Department—

(1) For each GE program and eligible non-GE program, for its most recently completed award year—

(i) The name, CIP code, credential level, and length of the program;

(ii) Whether the program is programmatically accredited and, if so, the name of the accrediting agency;

(iii) Whether the program meets licensure requirements or prepares students to sit for a licensure examination in a particular occupation for each State in the institution’s metropolitan statistical area;

(iv) The total number of students enrolled in the program during the most recently completed award year, including both recipients and nonrecipients of title IV, HEA funds; and

(v) Whether the program is a qualifying graduate program whose students are required to complete postgraduate training programs, as described in the definition under Sec. 668.2;

(2) For each student—

(i) Information needed to identify the student and the institution;

(ii) The date the student initially enrolled in the program;

(iii) The student’s attendance dates and attendance status (e.g., enrolled, withdrawn, or completed) in the program during the award year;

(iv) The student’s enrollment status (e.g., full time, three-quarter time, half time, less than half time) as of the first day of the student’s enrollment in the program;

(v) The student’s total annual cost of attendance (COA);

(vi) The total tuition and fees assessed to the student for the award year;

(vii) The student’s residency tuition status by State or district;

(viii) The student’s total annual allowance for books, supplies, and equipment from their COA under HEA section 472;

(ix) The student’s total annual allowance for housing and food from their COA under HEA section 472;

(x) The amount of institutional grants and scholarships disbursed to the student;

(xi) The amount of other State, Tribal, or private grants disbursed to the student; and

(xii) The amount of any private education loans disbursed to the student for enrollment in the program that the institution is, or should reasonably be, aware of, including private education loans made by the institution;

(3) If the student completed or withdrew from the program during the award year—

(i) The date the student completed or withdrew from the program;

(ii) The total amount the student received from private education loans, as described in Sec. 668.403(d)(1)(ii), for enrollment in the program that the institution is, or should reasonably be, aware of;

(iii) The total amount of institutional debt, as described in Sec. 668.403(d)(1)(iii), the student owes any party after completing or withdrawing from the program;

(iv) The total amount of tuition and fees assessed the student for the student’s entire enrollment in the program;

(v) The total amount of the allowances for books, supplies, and equipment included in the student’s title IV, HEA COA for each award year in which the student was enrolled in the program, or a higher amount if assessed the student by the institution for such expenses; and

(vi) The total amount of institutional grants and scholarships provided for the student’s entire enrollment in the program; and

(4) As described in a notice published by the Secretary in the Federal Register, any other information the Secretary requires the institution to report.

(b) Initial and annual reporting. (1) Except as provided under paragraph (c) of this section, an institution must report the information required under paragraph (a) of this section no later than—

(i) For programs other than qualifying graduate programs, July 31, following July 1, 2024, for the second through seventh award years prior to July 1, 2024;

(ii) For qualifying graduate programs, July 31, following July 1, 2024, for the second through eighth award years prior to July 1, 2024; and

(iii) For subsequent award years, October 1, following the end of the award year, unless the Secretary establishes different dates in a notice published in the Federal Register.

(2) For any award year, if an institution fails to provide all or some of the information required under paragraph (a) of this section, the institution must provide to the Secretary an explanation, acceptable to the Secretary, of why the institution failed to comply with any of the reporting requirements.

(c) Transitional reporting period and metrics. (1) For the first six years for which D/E rates and the earnings premium are calculated under this part, institutions may opt to report the information required under paragraph (a) of this section for its eligible programs either—

(i) For the time periods described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section; or

(ii) For only the two most recently completed award years.

(2) If an institution provides transitional reporting under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the Department will calculate transitional D/E rates and earnings premium measures using the median debt for the period reported and the earnings for six years.  

Sec. 668.409 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of this part and subpart, and the application of this subpart’s provisions to any other person, act, or practice, will not be affected thereby.

Subpart R—Aggressive and Deceptive Recruitment Tactics or Conduct Removed and Reserved

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.500 Scope and purpose

About the Regulations

(a) This subpart identifies the types of activities that constitute aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct by an eligible institution. An eligible institution has engaged in aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct when the institution itself, one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, advertising, lead generation, recruiting or admissions services, engages in one or more of the prohibited practices in Sec. 668.501. Aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct are prohibited in all forms, including in the institution's advertising or promotional materials, or in the marketing or sale of courses or programs of instruction offered by the institution.

(b) If the Secretary determines that an eligible institution has engaged in aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct, the Secretary may:

(1) Revoke the eligible institution's program participation agreement, if the institution is provisionally certified under Sec. 668.13(c);

(2) Impose limitations on the institution’s participation in the title IV, HEA programs, if the institution is provisionally certified under Sec. 668.13(c);

(3) Deny participation applications made on behalf of the institution; or

(4) Initiate a proceeding against the eligible institution under subpart G of this part.

(c) The following definitions apply to this subpart:

Prospective student: Has the same meaning in 34 CFR 668.71.

Sec. 668.501 Aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct.

About the Regulations

(a) Aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics or conduct include but are not limited to actions by the institution, any of its representatives, or any institution, organization, or person with whom the institution has an agreement to provide educational agreement to provide educational programs, marketing, recruitment, or lead generation that:

(1) Demand or pressure the student or prospective student to make enrollment or loan-related decisions immediately, including falsely claiming that the student or prospective student would lose their opportunity to attend;

(2) Take unreasonable advantage of a student’s or prospective student’s lack of knowledge about, or experience with, postsecondary institutions, postsecondary programs, or financial aid to pressure the student into enrollment or borrowing funds to attend the institution;

(3) Discourage the student or prospective student from consulting an adviser, a family member, or other resource or individual prior to making enrollment or loan-related decisions;

(4) Obtain the student's or prospective student’s contact information through websites or other means that:

(i) Falsely offer assistance to individuals seeking Federal, state or local benefits;

(ii) Falsely advertise employment opportunities; or,

(iii) Present false rankings of the institution or its programs;

(5) Use threatening or abusive language or behavior toward the student or prospective student; or,

(6) Repeatedly engage in unsolicited contact for the purpose of enrolling or reenrolling after the student or prospective student has requested not to be contacted further.

(b) [Reserved]

Sec. 668.506 [Reserved]

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.509 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of the subpart or the application of its provisions to any person, act, or practice will not be affected thereby.

Sec. 668.513 [Reserved]

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.514 [Reserved]

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.515 [Reserved]

About the Regulations

Subpart S—Gainful Employment (GE)

About the Regulations

Sec. 668.601 Gainful employment (GE) scope and purpose.

About the Regulations

(a) General. Except as provided under paragraph (b) of this section, this subpart applies to an educational program offered by an eligible institution that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and establishes rules and procedures under which the Secretary determines that the program is eligible for title IV, HEA program funds.

(b) Applicability. (1) This subpart does not apply to programs offered by institutions located in U.S. Territories or freely associated states.

(2) For each award year that the Secretary calculates D/E rates or the earnings premium measure under Sec. 668.402, this subpart does not apply to an institution if, over the most recently completed four award years, it offered no groups of substantially similar programs, defined as all programs in the same four-digit CIP code at an institution, with 30 or more completers in total.

Sec. 668.602 Gainful employment criteria.

About the Regulations

(a) A GE program provides training that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation if the program—

(1) Satisfies the applicable certification requirements in Sec. 668.604;

(2) Is not a failing program under the D/E rates measure in Sec. 668.402 in two out of any three consecutive award years for which the program’s D/E rates are calculated; and

(3) Is not a failing program under the earnings premium measure in Sec. 668.402 in two out of any three consecutive award years for which the program’s earnings premium measure is calculated.

(b) If the Secretary does not calculate or issue D/E rates for a program for an award year, the program receives no result under the D/E rates for that award year and remains in the same status under the D/E rates as the previous award year.

(c) In determining a program’s eligibility, the Secretary disregards any D/E rates that were calculated more than five calculation years prior.

(d) If the Secretary does not calculate or issue earnings premium measures for a program for an award year, the program receives no result under the earnings premium measure for that award year and remains in the same status under the earnings premium measure as the previous award year.

(e) In determining a program’s eligibility, the Secretary disregards any earnings premium that was calculated more than five years prior.

Sec. 668.603 Ineligible GE programs.

About the Regulations

(a) Ineligible programs. If a GE program is a failing program under the D/E rates measure in Sec. 668.402 in two out of any three consecutive award years for which the program’s D/E rates are calculated, or the earnings premium measure in Sec. 668.402 in two out of any three consecutive award years for which the program’s earnings premium measure is calculated, the program is ineligible and its participation in the title IV, HEA programs ends upon the earliest of—

(1) The issuance of a new Eligibility and Certification Approval Report that does not include that program;

(2) The completion of a termination action of program eligibility, if an action is initiated under subpart G of this part; or

(3) A revocation of program eligibility if the institution is provisionally certified.

(b) Basis for appeal. If the Secretary initiates an action under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the institution may initiate an appeal under subpart G of this part if it believes the Secretary erred in the calculation of the program’s D/E rates under Sec. 668.403 or the earnings premium measure under Sec. 668.404. Institutions may not dispute a program’s ineligibility based upon its D/E rates or the earnings premium measure except as described in this paragraph (b).

(c) Restrictions(1) Ineligible program. Except as provided in Sec. 668.26(d), an institution may not disburse title IV, HEA program funds to students enrolled in an ineligible program.

(2) Period of ineligibility. An institution may not seek to reestablish the eligibility of a failing GE program that it discontinued voluntarily either before or after D/E rates or the earnings premium measure are issued for that program, or reestablish the eligibility of a program that is ineligible under the D/E rates or the earnings premium measure, until three years following the earlier of the date the program loses eligibility under paragraph (a) of this section or the date the institution voluntarily discontinued the failing program. 

Sec. 668.604 Certification requirements for GE programs.

About the Regulations

(a) Transitional certification for existing programs. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, an institution must provide to the Secretary no later than December 31, 2024, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, a certification signed by its most senior executive officer that each of its currently eligible GE programs included on its Eligibility and Certification Approval Report meets the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. The Secretary accepts the certification as an addendum to the institution’s program participation agreement with the Secretary under Sec. 668.14.

(2) If an institution makes the certification in its program participation agreement pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section between July 1 and December 31, 2024, it is not required to provide the transitional certification under this paragraph (a).

(b) Program participation agreement certification. As a condition of its continued participation in the title IV, HEA programs, an institution must certify in its program participation agreement with the Secretary under Sec. 668.14 that each of its currently eligible GE programs included on its Eligibility and Certification Approval Report meets the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. As provided under 34 CFR 600.21(a)(11)(vi), an institution must update the certification within 10 days if there are any changes in the approvals for a program, or other changes for a program that render an existing certification no longer accurate.

(c) Establishing eligibility and disbursing funds. (1) An institution establishes a GE program’s eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds by updating the list of the institution’s eligible programs maintained by the Department to include that program, as provided under 34 CFR 600.21(a)(11)(i). By updating the list of the institution’s eligible programs, the institution affirms that the program satisfies the certification requirements in paragraph (d) of this section. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, after the institution updates its list of eligible programs, the institution may disburse title IV, HEA program funds to students enrolled in that program.

(2) An institution may not update its list of eligible programs to include a GE program, or a GE program that is substantially similar to a failing program that the institution voluntarily discontinued or became ineligible as described in Sec. 668.603(c), that was certifications. An institution certifies for each eligible GE program included on its Eligibility and Certification Approval Report, at the time and in the form specified in this section, that such program is approved by a recognized accrediting agency or is otherwise included in the institution’s accreditation by its recognized accrediting agency, or, if the institution is a public postsecondary vocational institution, the program is approved by a recognized State agency for the approval of public postsecondary vocational education in lieu of accreditation. 

Sec. 668.605 Student warnings.

About the Regulations

(a) Events requiring a warning to students and prospective students. Beginning on July 1, 2026, the institution must provide a warning with respect to a GE program to students and prospective students for any year for which the Secretary notifies an institution that the GE program could become ineligible under this subpart based on its final D/E rates or earnings premium measure for the next award year for which D/E rates or the earnings premium measure are calculated for the GE program. 

(b) Subsequent warning. If a student or prospective student receives a warning under paragraph (a) of this section with respect to a GE program, but does not seek to enroll until more than 12 months after receiving the warning, the institution must again provide the warning to the student or prospective student, unless, since providing the initial warning, the program has passed both the D/E rates and earnings premium measures for the two most recent consecutive award years in which the metrics were calculated for the program.

(c) Content of warning. The institution must provide in the warning—

(1) A warning, as specified by the Secretary in a notice published in the Federal Register, that—

(i) The program has not passed standards established by the U.S. Department of Education based on the amounts students borrow for enrollment in the program and their reported earnings, as applicable; and

(ii) The program could lose access to Federal grants and loans based on the next calculated program metrics;

(2) The relevant information to access the program information website maintained by the Secretary described in Sec. 668.43(d);

(3) A statement that the student must acknowledge having viewed the warning through the program information website before the institution may disburse any title IV, HEA funds to the student;

(4) A description of the academic and financial options available to students to continue their education in another program at the institution, including whether the students could transfer credits earned in the program to another program at the institution and which course credits would transfer, in the event that the program loses eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds;

(5) An indication of whether, in the event that the program loses eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds, the institution will—

(i) Continue to provide instruction in the program to allow students to complete the program; and

(ii) Refund the tuition, fees, and other required charges paid to the institution by, or on behalf of, students for enrollment in the program; and

(6) An explanation of whether, if the program loses eligibility for title IV, HEA program funds, the students could transfer credits earned in the program to another institution in accordance with an established articulation agreement or teach-out plan or agreement.

(d) Alternative languages. In addition to providing the English-language warning, the institution must also provide translations of the English language student warning for those students and prospective students who have limited proficiency in English.

(e) Delivery to enrolled students. An institution must provide the warning required under this section in writing, by hand delivery, mail, or electronic means, to each student enrolled in the program no later than 30 days after the date of the Secretary’s notice of determination under Sec. 668.406 and maintain documentation of its efforts to provide that warning. The warning must be the only substantive content contained in these written communications.

(f) Delivery to prospective students. (1) An institution must provide the warning as required under this section to each prospective student or to each third party acting on behalf of the prospective student at the first contact about the program between the institution and the student or the third party acting on behalf of the student by—

(i) Hand-delivering the warning as a separate document to the prospective student or third party, individually or as part of a group presentation;

(ii) Sending the warning to the primary email address used by the institution for communicating with the prospective student or third party about the program, provided that the warning is the only substantive content in the email and that the warning is sent by a different method of delivery if the institution receives a response that the email could not be delivered; or

(iii) Providing the warning orally to the student or third party if the contact is by telephone.

(2) An institution may not enroll, register, or enter into a financial commitment with the prospective student with respect to the program earlier than three business days after the institution delivers the warning as described in this paragraph (f).

(g) Acknowledgment prior to enrollment and disbursement. An institution may not allow a prospective student seeking title IV, HEA assistance to sign an enrollment agreement, complete registration, or make a financial commitment to the institution, or disburse title IV, HEA funds to the student until the student or prospective student completes the acknowledgment described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.

(h) Discharge claims. The provision of a student warning or the acknowledgment described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section does not mitigate the institution’s responsibility to provide accurate information to students concerning program status, nor will it be considered as dispositive evidence against a student’s claim if applying for a loan discharge. 

Sec. 668.606 Severability.

About the Regulations

If any provision of this subpart or its application to any person, act, or practice is held invalid, the remainder of this part and subpart, and the application of this subpart’s provisions to any other person, act, or practice, will not be affected thereby.

 

Compiled Title IV Regulations includes changes in effect beginning with the 2023-24 award year.  Changes that become effective on July 1, 2023 are shown in red (added text) or black strikeout (deleted text). Changes that become effective on July 1, 2024, are shown in blue (added text) or blue strikeout (deleted text).  Changes with multiple effective dates are shown in purple (multiple effective dates text).

View the Compiled Title IV Regulations Table of Contents.

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