The Department of Education introduced updates to the Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation requirements that became effective on July 1, 2020. The two primary changes include the withdrawal exemptions and the R2T4 Calculation Freeze Date (RCFD). While an R2T4 calculation is applicable to all financial aid students who withdraw or cease attendance, the new changes apply to programs offered in modules.
For financial aid purposes, a student is generally considered to have withdrawn when they do not complete all of their scheduled days in the payment period. However – based on the updated requirements – it’s no longer that simple. Below are brief explanations of the updates made to the R2T4 calculation.
Withdrawal Exemptions in Programs Offered in Modules
The new withdrawal exemption regulation adjusts the way days are counted to determine if an R2T4 is necessary (only programs offered in modules). A student may not be considered to have withdrawn if:
- The institution received written confirmation from the student that they will attend a later module in the same payment period or period of enrollment
- They completed all requirements for graduation
- The student completes one or more modules that, together, comprise at least 49% of the days in the payment period (the student must have earned a passing grade in a module or in each in a combination of modules)
- The student completes coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for half-time enrollment
If a student meets any of the above items, an R2T4 may not be necessary. However, Pell grant recalculation rules may still apply for any courses the student does not begin.
R2T4 Calculation Freeze Date (RCFD)
An RCFD is an optional policy for programs offered in modules. It uses the student’s enrollment schedule at a fixed point in the denominator of the R2T4 to determine the amount of aid earned by the institution. The RCFD can be the same as a census date used by an institution. An institution needs to determine the scheduled days at the freeze date to use in the denominator in Step 2 of the R2T4.
The updates made to R2T4 calculations can create confusion and challenges for institutions. As always, Sikich is here to help you navigate your regulatory questions. Contact us if you have any questions, and we’ll be in touch.
