Session # 79
The Changing Data Landscape of
Cohort Default Rates
Patrick KennedyCynthia Battle
U.S. Department of Education
Session Agenda
The Landscape
Changes in Cohort Default Regulations
Cohort Default Rate Review
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
The Take-A-Ways
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The Landscape
• Loan default rates increasing for most schools
• Educational costs continue to rise
• More students borrowing more money
• One-in-five households hold student loan debt
• Increasing loan delinquency rates
• Regulatory transition to 3-year Cohort Default Rate (CDR) calculation
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National Cohort Default Rates
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Session Agenda
The Landscape
Changes in Cohort Default Regulations
Cohort Default Rate Review
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
The Take-A-Ways
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The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
• Expands the default tracking window from 2 years to 3 years
• Raises penalty threshold from 25% - 30%
• Increases availability of “disbursement relief” from 10% to 15% (effective 10/01/11)
• 34 CFR 668.217 affected the 2009 cohort year
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Regulatory Requirements
Section 34 CFR 668.217: Institutions that have a 3-Year Cohort Default Rate of 30% or greater for any one federal fiscal year is required to establish a Default Prevention Task Force to reduce defaults and prevent the loss of institutional eligibility.
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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3-Year CDR Corrective Actions
• First year at 30% or more– Default prevention plan and task force– Submit plan to FSA for review
• Second consecutive year at 30% or more– Review/revise default prevention plan– Submit revised plan to FSA– FSA may require additional steps to promote student loan repayment
• Third consecutive year at 30% or more– Loss of eligibility: Pell, DL– School has appeal rights
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CDR Denominator:#Enter Repayment
Numerator#Default
Publish Rates Cohorts used for Sanctions
FY 2009(3-Year)
10/1/08-9/30/09 10/1/08-9/30/11 September 2012 No Sanction
FY 2010(2-Year)
10/1/09-9/30/10 10/1/09-9/30/11 September 2012 FY 08, FY 09, FY 10
FY 2010(3-Year)
10/1/09-9/30/10 10/1/09-9/30/12 September 2013 No Sanction
FY 2011(2-Year)
10/1/10-9/30/11 10/1/10-9/30/12 September 2013 FY 09, FY 10, FY 11
FY 2011(3-Year)
10/1/10-9/30/11 10/1/10-9/30/13 September 2014 FY 09, FY 10, FY 11
First cohort year where schools will be subject to sanction based on 3-Year Cohort Default Rates
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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The 3-Year Numerator is the number of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain FFEL Program or Direct Loan Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), which is from October 1 to September 30, and default prior to the end of the next two fiscal years.
The 3-Year Denominator is the number of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), which is from October 1 to September 30.
Non- Average 3-Year
Cohort Default Rate
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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The 3-Year Average Rate Numerator is the number of borrowers who entered repayment in the cohort fiscal year or either of the two preceding cohort fiscal years and who defaulted or met the other specified condition in the cohort default period for the cohort fiscal year in which they entered repayment.
The 3-Year Average Rate Denominator is the number of borrowers who entered repayment in the cohort fiscal year or either of the two preceding fiscal years.
3-Year Average Cohort
Default Rate
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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Old Benefit Threshold New Benefit Threshold as of 10/1/110%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
Old New
CDR Benefit Threshold Changes
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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3-Year Cohort Default Rate BenefitsEligible School Benefits
A school whose most recent official cohort default rate is less than 5.0% and is an eligible home institution that is originating loans to cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad program
-May disburse loan proceeds in a single installment to a student studying abroad regardless of the length of the student’s loan period.-May choose not to delay the disbursement of the first installment of loan proceeds for first-year first-time borrowers studying abroad.
A school with a cohort default rate of less than 15.0% for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are available, including eligible home institutions and foreign institutions,
-May disburse, in a single installment, loans that are made for one semester, one trimester, one quarter, or a four-month period. -May choose not to delay the first disbursement of a loan for 30 days for first-time, first-year undergraduate borrowers.
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CDR Sanction Threshold Changes
Old Sanction Threshold New Sanction Threshold as of 10/1/11
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Old New
The 3-Year Cohort Default Rate
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Session Agenda
The Landscape
Changes in Cohort Default Regulations
Cohort Default Rate Review
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
The Take-A-Ways
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CDRs: The Formula
Numerator
Denominator
Borrowers who entered repayment in one year, and defaulted in that year or the next.
Borrowers who entered repayment during the one-year cohort period.
Cohort Default Rate Review
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2 to 3-Year CDR (a scenario)
Numerator = # of borrowers from the denominator who default within a FY
Denominator = # of borrowers who enter repayment within a FY
5,000
Year 1 355
5000 = .071 or 7.1%
605
5000 = .121 or 12.1%
125 230
125 230 250
5,000
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Year 2
Cohort Default Rate Review
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CDRs Are Released Twice A Year
February (DRAFT)
Not publicNo sanctionsNo benefits
September (OFFICIAL)
Public Sanctions apply Benefits apply
Cohort Default Rate Review
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Challenges, Adjustments, and AppealsChallenges• Incorrect Data Challenge (IDC)• Participation Rate Index Challenge (PRI)
Adjustments• Uncorrected Data Adjustment (UDA)• New Data Adjustment (NDA)
Appeals• Loan Servicing Appeal (LS)• Erroneous Data Appeal (ER)• Economically Disadvantaged Appeal (EDA)• Participation Rate Index Appeal (PRI)
Cohort Default Rate Review
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Cohort Default Rate Review - LRDR
Data Manager
Cohort Default Rate Review
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Data Manager: Depending on the loan, a data manager may be the Federal Loan Servicer, a
guaranty agency or in some instances, the Department.
Entity responsible for maintaining and managing the data used in calculating cohort default rates.
CDR Guide CDR Guide
CDR Guide
The “Cohort Default Rate Guide” (Guide) is a publication that the U.S. Department of Education designed to assist schools with their 2-Year and 3-Year FFEL and Direct Loan Program cohort default rate data. The Guide has been updated and should be used as a reference tool in understanding cohort default rates and processes.
Cohort Default Rate Guide
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Operations
Perform
ance
Divisio
n20237742
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Operations Performance Division Phone: 202-377-4259
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: ifap.ed.gov/DefaultManagement/DefaultManagement.html
E-Appeals: https://ecdrappeals.ed.gov/ecdra/index.html
Contact Information
Cohort Default Rate Review
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial Literacy
for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and
Accurate Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Students don’t know…• How much aid they have• Where it comes from• Who paid for it• Whose money it really isThis reduces the likelihood that it will be spent effectively.
What is “financial aid”?
1 Borrower Communication
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
1 Borrower Communication
Result … Lack of Understanding “I went to those financial aid workshops at my high school but those weren't helpful really at all…”
“…an email saying this is what you're getting. But they don't
really tell you where it's coming from or why you're getting it, so I don’t know.”
“It would be helpful if there was an
email explaining what each of the things are and where they're
coming from and what they're doing
and when you'll have to pay them
back, and that kind of stuff.”
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Default Implications for the Borrower
Credit report damage (7-year minimum) Wage garnishment Seizure of federal and state tax refunds Seizure of portion of any federal payment Legal action in federal district court Title IV ineligible May lose state occupational license May have difficulty obtaining mortgage or car loans May be unable to rent an apartment May be turned down for jobs Collection costs
1 Borrower Communication
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
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“What are the most important things a student should know as he/she prepares for
loan repayment?”
There are several important messages to deliver to borrowers as they are leaving school and entering repayment:
Check NSLDS to identify all federal loans and identify the servicer(s) Provide servicers with updated contact information Sign up for online account access Sign up for automatic debit to ensure timely payments and receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction Call the servicer to obtain information on repayment options that best meet the borrower’s financial situation Understand that servicers are there to help!
1 Borrower Communication
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial
Literacy for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and Accurate
Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
2 Financial Literacy for Borrowers
• Correlation exists between increased financial literacy and decreased defaults
• Schools can play an important role – Some schools make it part of their first year curriculum– Some schools offer a class for credit, if possible
• There are many free resources available– federal, non-profits, lenders, guarantors
• Consider online financial literacy programs• Counsel students on credit card usage
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Money Smart - A Financial Education Program
U.S. Federal Reserve System
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Financial Literacy Information Sources
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
2 Financial Literacy for Borrowers
All counseling products on StudentLoans.gov highlight financial literacy concepts:
Entrance Counseling – required to receive a federal loan
Exit Counseling – required when the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment
Financial Awareness Counseling – optional• Cannot be required as condition for disbursement• Cannot replace Entrance Counseling
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
2 Financial Literacy for Borrowers
Dynamic counseling tools help the student: Make informed decisions about postsecondary funding Understand their repayment obligation, using the students
loan information in NSLDS Develop a budget Estimate monthly student loan payments Explore paying interest while in-school and during periods
of deferment and forbearance Explore the impacts of deferment and forbearance Learn about income-driven repayments plan options Indicate a repayment plan preference (Exit Counseling)
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All counseling products present basic financial literacy concepts in discreet learning modules.
Your Student LoansLoan BasicsFree Money First Types of Student
Loans
Manage Your Spending while in School
Live Within Your Means
Borrow Smart
Estimate What You will Owe, Spend & Earn• Monthly Expenses• Monthly Income
Understand Repayment
Avoiding DefaultPostpone or Lower
Your PaymentsForgive or Cancel
Your DebtsDelinquency &
Default
Plan for the FutureYour Income &
TaxesYour Credit &
IdentityCredit Cards &
Other Borrowing
Understand Your Loans
Manage Your
Spending
Plan to Repay
Avoid Default
Make Finances a
Priority
2 Financial Literacy for Borrowers
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial
Literacy for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and Accurate
Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
3 Communication Across Campus
The prevention and management of loan default is a school-wide effort and not the sole responsibility of the financial aid office.
To promote success, school officials should examine their communication procedures for effectiveness and inclusiveness.
Your default prevention team can serve as the vehicle for cross campus communications.
Form YOUR Default Prevention Team -
It’s Everybody's Business!
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
3 Communication Across Campus
YOUR Default Prevention Task Force should drive your default prevention process:
Assess the resources you have available
Team participants SHOULD be across campus
Identify the purpose of the task force
Detail responsibilities of determining risk37
Default Prevention Task Force
3 Communication Across Campus Forming the Team
A group of specialists who will ultimately conduct data analysis to determine the reasons for default at your school and formulate a set of intervention strategies
Select a leader for the group; Consider appointing an institutional Default Coordinator
Use your current resources to create effective, customized default prevention programs that compliment existing efforts
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Default Prevention Task Force
3 Communication Across Campus Activities for the Team
Study your student population. Identify any common characteristics of your defaulters and non-defaulters, and borrowers and non-borrowers
Build on Early Intervention strategies already in existence
Discuss your current strategies and determine what works and what may need some improvement
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Default Prevention Task Force
3 Communication Across Campus Activities for the Team
Work closely with your servicers and lenders
Find out what type of tools and services are available from your servicers/lenders
Fine-tune your Loan Servicing procedures for the period while the borrower is at your school
Have clear and precise procedures with a timeline of dates to take appropriate actions
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Default Prevention Task Force
3 Communication Across Campus Activities for the Team
Fine-tune your servicing efforts during the grace period and repayment
Have clear and precise procedures with a timeline of dates to take appropriate actions
Review all of your borrower education materials
Make sure all of your materials are current and up-to-date. Look for new materials to incorporate into your training
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Default Prevention Task Force
3 Communication Across Campus Activities for the Team
Review your results and make the necessary enhancements
Always look for ways to improve whatever you are doing. Use evaluations or surveys to get input from the students and staff
DOCUMENT! Create YOUR default prevention plan!
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial
Literacy for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and
Accurate Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
4 Timely and Accurate Enrollment Reporting
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• Critical for administration of Title IV Loan Programs• Ensures students’ rights are protected• Essential for – Proper servicing of loan throughout the life cycle of
the loan – Preventing defaults– School cohort management
The IMPORTANCE of Enrollment Reporting
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
4 Timely and Accurate Enrollment Reporting
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• NSLDS places students on a roster based on reporting of federal aid
• COD disbursement records now require the “Enrollment School Code”
• It is important that schools add financial aid recipients to their rosters if the students are not listed
Report Students Where They Attend
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
4 Timely and Accurate Enrollment Reporting
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Report Students Where They Attend
• Students should be reported at two locations of the same 6-digit OPEID ONLY IF the student is actually attending both
• If the student is not enrolled at both locations, report the correct location for the student
• If a student appears on a roster of an incorrect location, use the “Move to” functionality to report the correct location for the student
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial
Literacy for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and Accurate
Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data The NEED for Data!
In order to Conduct Risk Analysis – You NEED DATA!Academic Data – Program completion rates, retention
rates, data at the student levelNSLDS – Review NSLDS (default and delinquency) data
along with school data about defaulters and non-defaulters
Servicer Data – Servicers offer customized reports
Remember! You need someone to work the data!
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data The NEED for Data!
Conducting Risk Analysis:• Use data to create a picture of borrowers at-risk of
default• ‘Who’ is not enough• ‘Why’ will require input of academic, student affairs
and other professionals• Knowing ‘why’ is necessary to create targeted, useful
and measureable interventions
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data What Does the Data Tell You?
One of the jobs on your Default Prevention Team:• Determine the source of your default risk;• Determine what steps your school will take to reduce default risk;
• Remember your team represents all parts of the institution (including management), which will contribute to risk reduction activities;
• Allocate school resources to default reduction activities;• Assess the effectiveness of default reduction activities over time
Are they working?
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Reducing Default – Risk Interventions
Two ways to think about reducing default risk:
(1) Assisting borrowers by enhancing their knowledge of loan responsibilities and processes and by strengthening their relationship with their loan servicer
(2) Assisting borrowers by enhancing educational and employment outcomes
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Reducing Default – Risk Interventions
Create interventions based upon your data
Targeted vs. ‘best practices’ interventionsMost efforts are targeted at identified riskUtilizing Intervention OpportunitiesUtilizing ‘leverage’ where it existsAdding general best practices to targeted efforts
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Remember…. The right student admitted to the right educational
program, with the right student support services delivered at the right time, leading to program completion and employment…in addition to traditional default aversion strategies…that’s default prevention!
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data School Reports: NSLDS
• Reports for Data Accuracy– Date Entered Repayment Report– School Repayment Info Loan Detail – School Cohort Default Rate History – Enrollment Reporting Summary
• Reports for Default Prevention – School Loan Portfolio Report – Date Entered Repayment Report– Borrower Default Summary – Exit Counseling – Delinquent Borrower Report
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Main Menu – Requesting a Report
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data School Reports: NSLDS
The School Portfolio Report (SCHPR1) provides details on borrowers and loans in your current loan portfolio Based on loan repayment begin date If your school has merged, previous school codes are
included Available in Extract only
The Delinquent Borrower Report (DELQ01) is used to assist with default prevention. Current data can be obtained on the DELQ01 webpage under the tab marked "Aid."
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Food For Thought: Students At Risk
• Finances / Needs • Financial Attitude
• Spending Compulsion• Attitude toward debt
• Financial Aptitude• Dependent-care• Transportation • Housing• Transition difficulties
• Poor study habits• Under-prepared, basic skill needs• Language barriers• Feel unwelcome, no “campus
connection”• First generation: No role models
or family support
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Food For Thought: Post College Risk Factors
• Income • Highest Income Earned• Occupation• Indebtedness
• Other More Important Loans to Pay
• Marital Status, basic skill needs• Number of Dependents• Filing for Unemployment
Insurance• Dissatisfaction with Educational
Program
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Food For Thought: Typical Findings
• Never Contacted • Developmental Courses• Late Admits• Did Not Graduate• Gradated but No License• Late Majors• Exit Counseling• Level of Indebtedness
• Academic Preparedness• Grad with Minimum GPA• Feel unwelcome, no “campus
connection”• No Jobs in Profession• College Majors• Attendance Factors• Student Employment
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
5 NSLDS and School Based Data Food For Thought:
Your findings may look like this…or they might not!
Do the leg-work, let your data lead the way.
That is the surest way to end up with an effective default prevention plan; one that is right for your school and your borrowers.
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
Default Prevention Strategies
# 1 Borrower
Communication
# 2 Financial
Literacy for Borrowers
# 3 Communication Across Campus
# 4 Timely and Accurate
Enrollment Reporting
# 5 Review NSLDS
and School Based Data
# 6 Servicer
Relationship
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship
Comply with legislative regulatory requirements and provide unique services to borrowers and schools
For Borrowers:• Educate and inform borrowers regarding
the tools and options available to assist in the management of their student loans
• Offer multiple repayment options tailored to borrower preferences (i.e. online payments, ACH, check, etc.)
• Provide self-service tools for borrowers and options to receive bills and/or correspondence electronically
For Schools:• Offer dedicated services to schools
• Help schools to manage delinquency activities and cohort default rates
Federal Loan Servicers
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Allocations based on rankings Survey results Default statistics
Most points for first place One point for last place
Borrower Satisfaction
School Satisfaction
FSA and Partner Satisfaction
Default Prevention Measures
Servicer Performance
Score
Measuring Performance
Percent of new loans = percent of points
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role
Delinquency stage begins when the loan becomes past due – that is, when the borrower does not make the scheduled payment. Collection continues until the past due amount is satisfied or resolved.
During delinquency servicers contact borrowers by phone, e-mail and mail and work with the borrower to resolve the delinquency.
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship Federal Loan Servicers
Sample Due Diligence Resolution Activities:
Stage Servicer Resolution Activities
Early 1-120
Up to 8 callsUp to 5 letters and /or e-mails
Mid121-240
Up to 8 callsReference calls
Up to 4 letters and / or e-mails
Late241-360
Up to 6 callsReference calls
Up to 5 letters and / or e-mails
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship Federal Loan Servicers
Delinquency Support Activities:
Provide outbound targeted calling campaigns along with inbound call center representatives to help borrowers become current
Utilize electronic communication methods, such as e-mail, to keep borrowers informed about account status
Work with schools to obtain current available contact information - Utilize a variety of tools to get the most current data to contact borrowers (skip tracing on delinquent accounts)
Work in partnership with the school community to assist borrowers in the later states of delinquency
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship School Servicer Partnership
Delinquency Support Activities:
All servicers work to gather feedback and find ways to partner with schools on default prevention
Face to face meeting on school campuses Financial aid conference attendance Presentations at conferences Proactive phone calls E-mail communication
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Reminder...Visit the Federal Loan Servicers in the exhibit hall!
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship School Servicer Partnership
Delinquency Support Activities for Schools: (Examples)
Default Management Training and Webinars Analyzing Servicer Specific Reports and Tools Late Stage Delinquency Efforts Incorrect Data Challenges
Work the CDR data Timely Enrollment Reporting
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role Federal Loan Servicers
Servicer Support – Cures:
Within 30 – 60 days of delinquency, a large percentage of delinquent accounts can be cured if servicers have good contact information
Borrowers that hit 270 days delinquent have a greater chance of remaining delinquent and even defaulting
Partner with the servicers to help borrowers in the later stages of delinquency!
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role Federal Loan Servicers
Example Strategies for Targeting At-Risk Borrowers:
Borrowers with High Balance
Borrowers that have
Withdrawn
Financial Aid Awareness Counseling
Understand Income Driven Repayment Plans
Postponement Options
Sign-up for Account Access
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship Federal Loan Servicers
Servicer Communication Channels for Borrowers: All servicers have toll free numbers for borrowers to
contact (phone, fax, and e-mail) Use IVR (integrated voice response) systems
Allow self-service for those that prefer Make payments over the phone Includes option to speak to a representative
All servicers have a dedicated staff to assist borrowers Financial literacy (online tools and webcasts to help borrowers with
budgeting, managing credit, and loan repayment)
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship Federal Loan Servicers
Servicer Counseling – In the Grace Period:
Establishes a relationship with the borrower
Ensures the correct repayment status
Discusses the appropriate repayment plan
Promotes self-service through the web
Updates and enhances borrower contact information
Discusses consolidation options
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship School Role
Identifying Students At Risk:
Does your school have an “early warning” system? Take attendance? Issue mid-term grades which provide clues as to whether or
not student will persist? Alerts from faculty members, student support staff: who has
missed classes? failed tests? had adjustment challenges?
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship What Schools Can Do While a Borrower is Still In School
Engaging At-Risk Borrowers:
Target at-risk borrowers with early/extra exit loan counseling, financial literacy training, and collect additional contact Information.
Which at-risk borrowers?• Students on academic probation• Students who express intention to withdraw• Students currently enrolled in programs producing a
disproportionate number of defaulters
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship What Schools Can Do While a Borrower is In Grace
Engaging At-Risk Borrowers:
Steps to take:
• Validate contact information• Re-enrollment assistance• Transfer assistance• Prepare borrower for repayment• Provide employment counseling and search preparation• Job placement assistance• Assist the borrower establish a relationship with their servicer
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship What Schools Can Do Once a Borrower is In Repayment
Engaging At-Risk Borrowers:
Reach out to at-risk borrowers and facilitate the critical contact with the loan servicer to prevent default.
• Early Stage Delinquency: Target borrowers 30-120 days delinquent
• Mid Stage Delinquency: Target borrowers 121-240 days delinquent
• Late Stage Delinquency : Target borrowers 241+ days delinquent
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer and School Partnership Helping Defaulters
When federal student loans default, borrowers are provided with opportunities to clear their credit history. Borrowers with defaulted student loans can regain eligibility for federal student aid and return to good standing with their loan servicer.
What needs to happen: • To regain Title IV eligibility a student must make at least six voluntary
on-time payments for six consecutive months. • To rehabilitate a defaulted loan a student must make at least nine full
voluntary payments within 20 days of their monthly due date over a 10 month period.
• Consolidation is an option to bring the account current, but does not remove the default record from a student's credit report.
• Pay the loan in full.
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer and School Partnership Helping Defaulters
Benefits of rehabilitating defaulted loans:
• Students will regain all benefits such as deferments, forbearance, loan forgiveness, and repayment options.
• Regain eligibility for federal student aid.
• Default status will be removed from credit report.
• Wage garnishment and withholding of income tax return will cease.
Who to contact: • Debt Management Collection Services (DMCS)
– 1-800-621-3115
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Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
6 Servicer Role and Relationship Strategies – Reactive vs. Proactive
Reactive: Challenging the Draft - Incorrect Data Challenge Focused efforts on specific cohort year Late Stage Delinquency
Proactive: Team Approach Campus-wide default prevention effort Default Prevention and Management Plan
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Remember….
Default Prevention & Management
Is Everybody's Business!
Session Agenda
The Landscape
Changes in Cohort Default Regulations
Cohort Default Rate Review
Default Prevention and Debt Management Strategies
The Take-A-Ways
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3 Important Take-a-ways from this Session
(1): Default Prevention is Everybody's Business!Default prevention is a school-wide effort and not the sole responsibility of the
financial aid office.
(2): You NEED DATA!In order to conduct risk analysis and identify your defaulters you need data.
(3): Partner with the Federal Loan Servicers Your default prevention plan should incorporate the products and services offered
by the Federal Loan Servicers. Get to know your servicers!
The Take-A-Ways
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Need Assistance?
FSA – Default Prevention Team
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FSA - Default Prevention Team was created to assist schools with:
Developing / refining their default prevention plan.
Assessing the resources schools have available in order to establish their team.
Understanding default risk through the use of servicer and NSLDS reports and tools.
Please send your request to:
Contact Us!
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Resources
Cohort Default Rate • The Cohort Default Rate Guide
http://www.ifap.ed.gov/DefaultManagement/guide/CDRGuideMasterVersion.html
Delinquency and Default Management• Electronic Announcement – Delinquency Prevention Activities and Webinars
-- Monitor IFAP for updates http://www.ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/071411DefaultPreventionResourceInfoSite.html
Assessments• FSA Assessments http://
www.ifap.ed.gov/qahome/qaassessments/defaultmanagement.html
Presentations• Federal Loan Servicer Panel Discussion http://ifap.ed.gov/presentations/2012FSAConference.html
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Federal Loan Servicers Borrower Contact #
Aspire Resources Inc. 1-855-475-3335
CornerStone 1-800-663-1662
COSTEP 1-877-292-8639
Direct Loan Servicing Center (ACS) 1-800-848-0979
EDGEucation Loans 1-877-292-7470
EdManage 1-855-479-0490
ESA/Edfinancial 1-855-337-6884
FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA) 1-800-699-2908
Granite State – GSMR 1-888-556-0022
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. 1-800-236-4300
KSA Servicing 1-877-292-4825
MOHELA 1-888-866-4352
Nelnet 1-888-486-4722
OSLA Servicing 1-866-264-9762
Sallie Mae 1-800-722-1300
VSAC Federal Loans 1-888-932-5626
Resources – Federal Loan Servicers
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Thank You!
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FSA Contact Information
Patrick Kennedy Phone: 214-661-9480E-mail: [email protected]
Cynthia BattlePhone: 202-377-3261E-mail: [email protected]
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