Financial Aid & the Law

Statutes, regulations, and common law significantly affect the proper administration of financial aid programs and management of financial aid offices in higher education.

The major sources of law and documents governing participation include:

• The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended
• The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315)
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
• Institution’s Program Participation Agreement (PPA)
• Institution’s Eligibility Certification and Approval Report (ECAR)
• U.S. Department of Education Policy as explained in the Federal Student Aid Handbook and Dear Colleague Letters
• Case Law including administrative hearings and appeals