Quality in Student Financial Aid Programs

Federal financial aid for postsecondary education students involves both large expenditures and a complex distribution system. The accuracy of the needs-based award process and the system of accountability required of the 8,000 institutional participants are the focus of this book. It assesses the current measures of system quality and possible alternatives, such as a total quality management approach. The analysis covers steps to eliminate sources of error—by reducing the complexity of the application form, for example. The volume discusses the potential for a risk-based approach for verification of applicant-supplied information and for audit and program reviews of institutions.This examination of the interrelationships among the aid award and quality control activities will be of interest to anyone searching for a more efficient aid system. The book can also serve as a case study for other government agencies seeking to examine operations using modern quality management principles.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary of Major Conclusions and RecommendationsPart I: Background1 Introduction2 Continuous Improvement: The New Quality Management Philosophy3 Overview of Student Financial Aid ProgramsPart II: 4 Current Quality Control Procedures5 Alternative Perspectives on Quality in Student Financial Aid Programs6 Financial Aid Data SystemsPart III: Toward an Improved Delivery System7 Quality Control in Other Monetary Distribution Systems8 A New Strategy for the Department of Education9 Further Initiatives for Improvement in the SystemReferences and BibliographyAppendixesA A Review of the Methodology Used in the Integrated Quality Control Measurement ProjectB The Taxpayer as CustomerC Applying for Federal Student Financial Aid for 1992-93D Laboratory Methods and Document RedesignE The IRS Experience With Cognitive Labs and Forms DesignF Alternative Approaches to Audit and Program Review for Student Financial Aid ProgramsG Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff