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 errorby 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 Contents Front Matter Summary of Major Conclusions and Recommendations Part I: Background 1 Introduction 2 Continuous Improvement: The New Quality Management Philosophy 3 Overview of Student Financial Aid Programs Part II: 4 Current Quality Control Procedures 5 Alternative Perspectives on Quality in Student Financial Aid Programs 6 Financial Aid Data Systems Part III: Toward an Improved Delivery System 7 Quality Control in Other Monetary Distribution Systems 8 A New Strategy for the Department of Education 9 Further Initiatives for Improvement in the System References and Bibliography Appendixes A A Review of the Methodology Used in the Integrated Quality Control Measurement Project B The Taxpayer as Customer C Applying for Federal Student Financial Aid for 1992-93 D Laboratory Methods and Document Redesign E The IRS Experience With Cognitive Labs and Forms Design F Alternative Approaches to Audit and Program Review for Student Financial Aid Programs G Biographical Sketches of Panel Members and Staff