As higher education has become increasingly more expensive, many students have taken out loans to help finance their education. It is more important than ever for students to have access to accurate and timely information about their loans – and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) sets out to do just that. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what NSLDS is from a school owner/administrator perspective.
The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is used to track the enrollment status of student loan borrowers. This information is shared with servicers for purposes of loan deferment. A student who is attending an eligible postsecondary school at least half-time is usually eligible for in-school deferment.
Studentaid.gov is used to update NSLDS information, which includes loan history, Pell Grant, enrollment history, overpayment history, enrollment reporting schedule, data provider schedule, online reports, transfer monitoring, and origination contacts.
Schools have the option to select enrollment access and/or overpayment updates. Note: Only the Destination Point Administrator (DPA) for a mailbox can have access to NSLDS Online, you will have to create a separate SAIG mailbox for each staff member who needs online access to NSLDS.
In addition, NSLDS is also used to track the enrollment status of TEACH Grant recipients, for purpose of service obligation. Schools participating in the FSA programs must use NSLDS to track the grant and loan amounts received by a transfer student at other schools to ensure that the student does not exceed annual or aggregate award limits.
How to Enroll in NSLDS
The primary DPA enrolls in NSLDS Professional Access through the SAIG enrollment process. As previously noted, only the DPA for the SAIG mailbox can have access to the NSLDS website. To add more users, the primary DPA will have to set up additional SAIG mailboxes for staff that need access to the NSLDS website. Note: Individuals with defaulted federal student loans will not be granted access to NSLDS.
From the SAIG enrollment site, the primary DPA can select “Add Another NSLDS Online User,” and follow the instructions to enroll a new user for NSLDS online access.
When the new user’s application is approved, their FSA User ID and instructions to create a password will be sent by email. The first time a new user accesses the NSLDS website, they will be asked to choose a new password to replace the default password. The password is valid for 90 days and may be updated by selecting “Change Password” on the NSLDS site.
In conclusion, NSLDS is an important resource for both students and schools. The NSLDS provides students with a centralized view on loans, while schools have the responsibility to keep all information updated. Whether you are a school administrator or student, the NSLDS is a powerful tool that can help you navigate the complex world of student loans with ease.
This material is presented for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered to be giving legal advice.
About:
AUTHOR
Christal Carson
Software & Financial Aid Trainer, FAME
Christal brings the knowledge and experience from our Customer Service and Financial Aid Processing teams to her latest role on our Training team at FAME. She has 12 years of experience in the Financial Aid field with an extensive focus on Title IV Regulatory matters including the packaging of Pell and Direct Loans.
EDITOR
Sally Samuels
Director of Compliance, FAME
Sally is one of the country’s leading authorities on Federal financial aid administration with 42 years of “in the trenches” experience. As a respected Industry leader, she is frequently called upon to speak at School, Accrediting, Regional, and State conferences as well as to act as school liaison during program reviews and compliance audits. Having processed, reviewed, and taught financial aid for 42 years Sally’s experience includes representation at over 300 program reviews and certification visits for postsecondary institutions.
