Federal Student Aid has released a new online, self paced learning track on Cohort Default Rates (CDRs) and default prevention and management.
The training is intended to help financial aid professionals understand how CDRs work, why they matter, and how institutions can use data, borrower outreach, and operational practices to support successful repayment and manage default risk.
The learning track includes two courses designed to be taken together:
- Understanding Cohort Default Rates and Institutional Impact: This course introduces CDRs, how they are calculated, and their impact on borrowers and institutions. Learners also explore the role of data review, challenges, adjustments, and appeals in CDR management.
- Operational Strategies for Default Prevention and Management: This course focuses on practical strategies for preventing and managing default risk using a campus-wide framework. Strategies include data-driven outreach, timely enrollment reporting, and targeted borrower support.
FSA notes that the training is part of its continued efforts to support institutions with high non repayment rates as the Department prepares for the release of official cohort default rates later this year and draft rates early next year.
The courses are available through the FSA Training Center. After logging in, select Learning Tracks, then School Eligibility, and choose Cohort Default Rates and Default Management.
View ANN-26-19 and additional information.