99-28170. Federal Family Education Loan Program and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 210 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 58938-58972]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-28170]
    
    
    
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    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Education
    
    
    
    
    
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    34 CFR Parts 682 and 685
    
    
    
    Federal Family Education Loan Program and William D. Ford Federal 
    Direct Loan Program; Final Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 210 / Monday, November 1, 1999 / 
    Rules and Regulations
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
    
    34 CFR Parts 682 and 685
    
    RIN 1845-AA00
    
    
    Federal Family Education Loan Program and William D. Ford Federal 
    Direct Loan Program
    
    AGENCY: Department of Education.
    ACTION: Final regulations.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Secretary amends the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) 
    Program regulations and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct 
    Loan) Program regulations. These final regulations are needed to 
    implement recently enacted changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965, 
    as amended (HEA) made by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 (1998 
    Amendments). The final regulations deal with provisions of the 1998 
    Amendments that affect FFEL borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty 
    agencies and Direct Loan borrowers and schools. These final regulations 
    seek to improve the efficiency of Federal student aid programs, and, by 
    so doing, to improve their capacity to enhance opportunities for 
    postsecondary education.
    
    DATES: Effective Date: These regulations are effective July 1, 2000.
    
        Implementation Date: The Secretary has determined, in accordance 
    with section 482(c)(2)(A) of the HEA (20 U.S.C. 1089(c)(2)(A)), that 
    FFEL and Direct Loan program participants may, at their discretion, 
    choose to implement certain provisions of Secs. 682.102, 682.200, 
    682.202, 682.206, 682.401, 682.402, 682.406, 682.409, 682.414, 682.604, 
    682.610, 685.102, 685.201, 685.304, and 685.402 on or after November 1, 
    1999. For further information see ``Implementation Date of These 
    Regulations'' under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this 
    preamble.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For the FFEL Program, Ms. Patsy 
    Beavan, or for the Direct Loan Program, Ms. Nicki Meoli, U.S. 
    Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3045, Regional 
    Office Building 3, Washington, DC 20202-5346. Telephone: (202) 708-
    8242. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you 
    may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-
    8339.
        Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
    alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
    diskette) on request to one of the contact persons listed in the 
    preceding paragraph.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These regulations implement certain changes 
    made to the HEA by the 1998 Amendments (Pub. L. 105-244) that affect 
    the FFEL and Direct Loan programs.
        On August 10, 1999, the Secretary published a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking (NPRM) for the FFEL and Direct Loan programs in the Federal 
    Register (64 FR 43428). In the preamble to the NPRM, the Secretary 
    discussed on pages 43429 to 43438 the following proposed changes:
    
    FFEL Program Changes
    
         Amending Sec. 682.102(a) to require the use of the Free 
    Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the application for FFEL 
    subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans beginning in academic year 
    1999-2000 and to reflect the use of a Master Promissory Note (MPN) that 
    would allow borrowers to receive, in addition to an initial loan, 
    additional loans for the same or subsequent periods.
         Amending Sec. 682.200(b) to revise the definition of 
    ``Lender'' to permit lenders to provide assistance to schools that is 
    comparable to the kinds of assistance provided by the Secretary under, 
    or in furtherance of, the Direct Loan Program.
         Amending Sec. 682.201(c)(1)(i)(D) and (E) to prohibit a 
    borrower from receiving an FFEL Consolidation loan to repay a loan made 
    under the HEA on which the borrower is subject to a judgment secured 
    through litigation or to an administrative wage garnishment order.
         Amending Sec. 682.201(c)(1)(iv)(B) to permit a borrower 
    who has multiple FFEL Program holders to apply to any eligible FFEL 
    lender for an FFEL Consolidation loan.
         Amending Sec. 682.201(d)(2) to expand the universe of 
    loans that may be included in an FFEL Consolidation loan.
         Amending Sec. 682.202(a) to include the interest rate 
    formulas that apply to subsidized Stafford, unsubsidized Stafford, and 
    PLUS loans that are first disbursed on or after October 1, 1998 and 
    before July 1, 2003 and interest rate formulas for Consolidation loans.
         Amending Sec. 682.202(b) to reflect that a lender may add 
    accrued interest to the principal (capitalization) of an unsubsidized 
    Stafford loan only when the loan enters repayment, at the expiration of 
    a period of authorized deferment, at the expiration of a period of 
    authorized forbearance, and when the borrower defaults. This section 
    also provides that, for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2000, 
    periods of forbearance on both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford 
    loans would be covered by the new capitalization rules.
         Amending Sec. 682.202(c) to permit a lender to assess a 
    lower origination fee to a borrower demonstrating ``greater financial 
    need,'' as determined by the borrower's adjusted gross income and to 
    allow a lender to consider a borrower as demonstrating greater 
    financial need if--
         The borrower's expected family contribution (EFC) used to 
    determine eligibility for the loan is equal to or less than the maximum 
    qualifying EFC for a Federal Pell Grant at the time the loan is 
    certified;
         The borrower qualifies for a subsidized Stafford loan; or
         The borrower qualifies according to a comparable 
    alternative standard approved by the Secretary.
         Amending Sec. 682.206 to conform to changes made in 
    Sec. 682.603 related to loan certification of borrower eligibility by 
    the school and Sec. 682.401 related to the use of the MPN.
         Amending Sec. 682.207 to require lenders to disburse loans 
    in a single installment (rather than in multiple installments as 
    generally required) if so directed by a school that meets the criteria 
    specified in Sec. 682.604.
         Amending Sec. 682.209(a)(7)(ix) to require a lender to 
    offer new FFEL borrowers, including FFEL Consolidation loan borrowers, 
    whose total outstanding FFEL loans exceed $30,000, an extended 
    repayment plan with fixed or graduated repayment amounts to be paid 
    over a period not to exceed 25 years.
         Amending Sec. 682.301(a)(3) to include the authority for 
    payment of interest subsidy during a period of authorized deferment on 
    the portion of an FFEL Consolidation loan that repaid a subsidized FFEL 
    or Direct Loan program loan.
         Amending Sec. 682.402(h)(1)(iv) to provide that a lack of 
    evidence of a borrower's confirmation for subsequent loans made under 
    an MPN will not lead to a denial of claim payment to the lender unless 
    the loan is found to be unenforceable.
         Amending Sec. 682.402(i)(1)(i) to reflect amendments to 
    the Bankruptcy Code that eliminated the seven-year repayment standard 
    for discharge of FFEL Program loans for bankruptcy petitions filed on 
    or after October 8, 1998 and establish undue hardship as the only 
    criteria for a bankruptcy discharge.
         Amending Sec. 682.402(i)(1)(iv) to revise lender and 
    guaranty agency claim filing procedures related to loans for which 
    bankruptcy petitions are filed.
    
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         Amending Sec. 682.414(a)(4) and (5) to require lenders to 
    maintain documentation of the confirmation processes the lender and the 
    school used for subsequent loans under an MPN and specify that a lender 
    or guaranty agency may, to accommodate the MPN process, retain a true 
    and exact copy of the promissory note rather than the original note.
         Amending Sec. 682.603(b) to require a school to certify 
    only the loan amount for which the borrower is eligible and to provide 
    a disbursement schedule to the lender.
    
    FFEL and Direct Loan Program Changes
    
         Amending Secs. 682.200(b) and 685.102(b) to--
             Reflect that the length of time a borrower is 
    delinquent before a default occurs on an FFEL or Direct Loan program 
    loan is 270 days for a loan repayable in monthly installments and 330 
    days for FFEL Program loans repayable less frequently than monthly;
             Reflect that schools now are required to include 
    veterans' educational benefits paid under Chapter 30 of Title 38 of the 
    United States Code and national service education awards or post-
    service benefits under Title I of the National and Community Service 
    Act of 1990 (Americorps) as estimated financial assistance for the 
    purpose of determining a borrower's eligibility for unsubsidized FFEL 
    and Direct Loan program loans; and
             Define the term ``master promissory note'' (MPN) as a 
    promissory note under which a borrower may receive loans for a single 
    academic year or multiple academic years.
         Amending Secs. 682.204 and 685.203 to modify the method 
    for calculating the reduced annual loan limits that apply to FFEL and 
    Direct Loan borrowers enrolled in programs of study or remaining 
    balances of programs of study that are less than an academic year in 
    length and to specify annual loan limits for non-degree preparatory and 
    teaching credential coursework.
         Amending Secs. 682.207(e), 682.603(g), 682.604(c), 
    685.301(b) and 685.303(b) to reflect that an FFEL or Direct loan 
    program school is exempt from the multiple disbursement requirement for 
    single-term loans and the delayed delivery requirement if--
             The school's FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan 
    Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate is less than 10 
    percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data 
    are available; or
             The school is certifying or originating a loan to 
    cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad program and has an FFEL 
    cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted 
    average cohort rate of less than five percent for the single most 
    recent fiscal year for which data are available.
         Amending Secs. 682.209(a)(6) and 685.207(b) and (c) to 
    exclude certain periods of service by a borrower in the Armed Forces 
    from the six-month grace period for FFEL and Direct Loan program 
    borrowers.
         Amending Secs. 682.210(c) and 685.204(b) to reflect that 
    FFEL lenders and the Secretary may determine a borrower's eligibility 
    for an in-school deferment when--
             The borrower submits a request for deferment along 
    with documentation verifying the borrower's eligibility for the 
    deferment to the borrower's FFEL lender, or the Secretary for a Direct 
    Loan;
             The borrower's FFEL lender, or the Secretary for a 
    Direct Loan, receives either a newly completed loan certification or, 
    as part of the MPN process, information from the borrower's school 
    indicating that the borrower is eligible to receive a new loan; or
             The borrower's FFEL lender, or the Secretary for a 
    Direct Loan, receives student status information from the borrower's 
    school, either directly or indirectly, indicating that the borrower is 
    enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
         Amending Sec. 682.210(h) to permit borrowers who are 
    eligible for unemployment insurance benefits to submit evidence of 
    their eligibility for the benefits to their FFEL lender, or to the 
    Secretary for a Direct Loan (see Sec. 685.204(b)(2)), to qualify for 
    initial and subsequent periods of an unemployment deferment.
         Amending Secs. 682.211(f)(9) and 685.205(b)(9) to permit 
    an FFEL lender, and the Secretary for a Direct Loan, to grant a 
    forbearance to a borrower for a period not to exceed 60 days after the 
    borrower requests a deferment, a forbearance, a change in repayment 
    plan, or a consolidation loan.
         Amending Secs. 682.401(d) and 685.402 to state the 
    requirements that a school must meet to be authorized to use a single 
    MPN as the basis for multiple loans obtained by a borrower.
         Amending Secs. 682.402, 685.212, and 685.215 to provide 
    for discharge of the amount of a borrower's FFEL or Direct Loan program 
    loan disbursed on or after January 1, 1986 that should have been 
    refunded by the borrower's school.
         Amending Secs. 682.604(f) and (g) and 685.304(a) and (b) 
    to permit schools to use electronic means to provide initial counseling 
    and exit counseling to borrowers and to require two additional 
    counseling elements based on new statutory initiatives.
         Amending Sec. 685.300 to provide schools the option to 
    participate in one or more of the loan programs (subsidized, 
    unsubsidized, and PLUS) under the FFEL and Direct Loan programs.
        These final regulations contain several changes from the NPRM. We 
    fully explain these changes in the Analysis of Comments and Changes 
    elsewhere in this preamble.
    
    Implementation Date of These Regulations
    
        Section 482(c) of the HEA requires that regulations affecting 
    programs under Title IV of the HEA be published in final form by 
    November 1 prior to the start of the award year (which begins July 1) 
    in which they apply. However, that section also permits the Secretary 
    to designate any regulation as one that an entity subject to the 
    regulation may choose to implement earlier. If the Secretary designates 
    a regulation for early implementation, he may specify when and under 
    what conditions the entity may implement it. Under this authority, the 
    Secretary has designated the following regulations for early 
    implementation:
        Secs. 682.102, 682.200, 682.206, 682.401, 682.402, 682.406, 
    682.409, 682.414, 682.604, 682.610, 685.102(b), 685.201(a), and 
    685.402(f)--Upon publication, the provisions in these regulations 
    related to the Master Promissory Note (MPN) may be implemented by 
    borrowers, schools, lenders, and guaranty agencies in the FFEL Program 
    and borrowers and schools in the Direct Loan Program at their 
    discretion. This means that participants in both the FFEL and Direct 
    Loan programs may begin using a single MPN as the basis for multiple 
    loans obtained by a borrower as long as they do so consistent with all 
    regulatory provisions and accompanying discussion related to use of the 
    MPN that are included in this final rule.
        Section 682.200(b) Definition of Lender--Upon publication, these 
    regulations may be implemented by FFEL lenders at their discretion. 
    This means that FFEL lenders may provide assistance to schools 
    comparable to the kinds of assistance provided by the Secretary to 
    schools under, or in furtherance of, the Direct Loan Program.
        Section 682.202(c)--Upon publication, these regulations may be 
    implemented by FFEL lenders at their discretion. This means that FFEL 
    lenders may assess a lower origination fee to a borrower demonstrating 
    ``greater
    
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    financial need'' as provided in these regulations.
        Section 682.604(f)(2)(i), 682.604(g)(2)(vii), 685.304(a)(3)(i), and 
    685.304(b)(4)(vii)--Upon publication, these regulations may be 
    implemented by FFEL and Direct Loan program schools at their 
    discretion. This means that schools may explain the use of an MPN 
    during initial counseling and review information on the availability of 
    the Department's Student Loan Ombudsman's office during exit 
    counseling.
    
    Analysis of Comments and Changes
    
        The regulations in this document were developed through the use of 
    negotiated rulemaking. Section 492 of the HEA requires that, before 
    publishing any proposed regulations to implement programs under Title 
    IV of the HEA, the Secretary obtain public involvement in the 
    development of the proposed regulations. After obtaining advice and 
    recommendations, the Secretary must conduct a negotiated rulemaking 
    process to develop the proposed regulations. All proposed regulations 
    must conform to agreements resulting from the negotiated rulemaking 
    process unless the Secretary reopens that process or explains any 
    departure from the agreements to the negotiated rulemaking 
    participants.
        These regulations were published in proposed form on August 10, 
    1999 in conformance with the consensus of the negotiated rulemaking 
    committee. Under the committee's protocols, consensus meant that no 
    member of the committee dissented from the agreed-upon language. The 
    Secretary invited comments on the proposed regulations by September 15, 
    1999 and several comments were received. An analysis of the comments 
    and of the changes in the proposed regulations follows.
        We discuss substantive issues under the sections of the regulations 
    to which they pertain. Generally, we do not address technical and other 
    minor changes--and suggested changes the law does not authorize the 
    Secretary to make.
        These final regulations address changes that are specific to the 
    FFEL Program and changes that are common to both the FFEL and Direct 
    Loan programs. The following analysis begins with comments and changes 
    that affect only the FFEL Program, followed by comments and changes 
    that affect both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs.
    
    Federal Family Education Loan Program
    
    Section 682.102--Consolidation Loan Application
    
        Comment: Several commenters representing guaranty agencies, 
    lenders, and servicers recommended that we clarify Sec. 682.102(d) to 
    explain which holder(s) must be contacted for a Consolidation loan when 
    a married couple wants to jointly consolidate their loans. The 
    commenters suggested that the proposed language appears to require a 
    married couple seeking a joint Consolidation loan to contact all the 
    holders for one of the applicant's loans before being able to 
    consolidate if either or both applicants have multiple holders.
        Discussion: We agree that this language needs to be revised to be 
    consistent with Sec. 682.201(c)(2)(ii). If each of the applicants has 
    only one holder, then only the holder for one of the applicants must be 
    contacted. If either or both applicants have multiple loan holders, the 
    applicants are permitted to submit the application to any lender 
    participating in the Consolidation Loan Program.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.102(d) to clarify the application 
    requirements for married borrowers who want a joint Consolidation loan.
    
    Section 682.200--Definitions
    
    Lender-Prohibited Inducements
    
        Comment: A commenter representing a guaranty agency suggested that 
    we clarify that the inducement provision applies only to originating 
    lenders.
        Discussion: We do not believe that the inducement prohibition 
    applies only to originating lenders. The HEA clearly states that the 
    term ``eligible lender'' does not include any lender that offers, 
    directly or indirectly, points, premiums, payments or other 
    inducements, to any educational institution or individual in order to 
    secure applicants. The statute does not distinguish between originating 
    lenders and other loan holders.
        Change: None.
    
    Repayment Period
    
        Comment: Some commenters recommended that we clarify that the 25-
    year extended repayment schedule is available to PLUS loan borrowers.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters.
        Change: We have revised the definition of ``Repayment period'' in 
    Sec. 682.200(b) to specifically reference PLUS loan borrowers.
    
    Section 682.201--Eligible Borrowers
    
    Consolidation Loans
    
        Comment: Some commenters suggested that Sec. 682.201(c)(1) should 
    be restructured to clarify that loans subject to litigation or 
    administrative wage garnishment are eligible for inclusion in a 
    Consolidation loan (including during the 180-day period for adding 
    loans to a Consolidation loan) once the judgment or wage garnishment 
    order is vacated, even if the judgment or order is in place at the time 
    the borrower applies for the Consolidation loan. The commenters pointed 
    out that the restriction in section 428C(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the HEA need 
    not be read to apply to the prohibition against consolidating loans 
    which are subject to a judgment or wage garnishment order contained in 
    section 428C(a)(3)(A)(i) of the HEA. Instead, the restriction applies 
    only to defining an eligible borrower's status on the loans to be 
    consolidated. The commenters believe this clarification will ensure 
    that a borrower is not prevented from consolidating a loan which was 
    subject to a judgment or wage garnishment order at the time of 
    application, provided the order is vacated prior to consolidating the 
    loan and will also protect the federal fiscal interest by allowing the 
    guarantor to ensure that the borrower has completed the application 
    process before the guarantor cancels the judgment or garnishment order.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters that this change will 
    preserve a borrower's eligibility to consolidate while protecting the 
    federal fiscal interest. We agree with the commenters that it is 
    prudent for the holder to delay vacating a judgment or canceling a wage 
    garnishment order until after the borrower has completed the 
    consolidation process. We understand the commenters' concern that if a 
    borrower applies for a Consolidation loan and the holder vacates the 
    loan prior to the consolidation, the borrower may not follow through.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.201(c)(1) to permit lenders to 
    consolidate loans based on the status of the loans at the time of 
    consolidation, not the time of application.
        Comment: Some commenters stated that they believed that proposed 
    Sec. 682.201(d), that specifies when a borrower's eligibility to 
    receive a Consolidation loan terminates, conflicts with Sec. 682.201(e) 
    that specifies when a Consolidation loan borrower may consolidate an 
    existing Consolidation loan. The commenters believe it is unclear 
    whether the permission to consolidate a Consolidation loan in
    
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    paragraph (e) overrides paragraph (d)(1), which states that a 
    borrower's eligibility to obtain a new Consolidation loan is terminated 
    upon receipt of a Consolidation loan except where the borrower receives 
    a new loan after the date of the original consolidation. The commenters 
    also suggested that we clarify that a married couple may consolidate 
    their individual Consolidation loans into a single joint Consolidation 
    loan.
        Discussion: As reflected in Sec. 682.201(e), a Consolidation loan 
    borrower may obtain a new Consolidation loan if the borrower 
    consolidates the outstanding Consolidation loan with at least one other 
    eligible loan. A borrower is not required to obtain a new loan in order 
    to consolidate. Also, as the commenters noted, a married couple may 
    consolidate their respective Consolidation loans into a single joint 
    Consolidation loan without either borrower being required to obtain a 
    new loan.
        Change: We have restructured Sec. 682.201(d) and (e) to clarify the 
    circumstances under which borrowers may consolidate an outstanding 
    Consolidation loan to address the commenters' concerns.
    
    Section 682.202--Permissible Charges by Lenders to Borrowers Interest 
    Rates
    
        Comment: Several commenters recommended that 
    Sec. 682.202(a)(1)(vii) be revised to specify that the interest rate 
    formula included in this paragraph applies to a Stafford loan for which 
    the first disbursement was made on or after July 1, 1995 and prior to 
    July 1, 1998 without reference to the period of enrollment for which 
    the loan was made. The commenters pointed out that although Dear 
    Colleague Letter 93-L-161 (dated November 1993), which summarized the 
    interest rate change for the period July 1, 1995 and prior to July 1, 
    1998, included a reference to the period of enrollment for Stafford 
    loans made on or after July 1, 1995 (as well as for loans made on or 
    after July 1, 1998), subsequent guidance issued by the Department 
    (e.g., annual memoranda regarding applicable interest rates) did not 
    include this reference for the 1995-1998 period.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.202(a)(1)(vii) to delete reference 
    to a period of enrollment that includes or begins on or after July 1, 
    1995.
        Comment: Several commenters suggested that Sec. 682.202(a)(3)(iii) 
    be revised to delete the reference in the SLS interest rate formula to 
    ``the period of enrollment that began prior to July 1, 1994'' because 
    this paragraph applied to SLS loans made on or after October 1, 1992 
    through the cessation of the SLS Program on July 1, 1994. The 
    commenters pointed out that Dear Colleague Letter 93-L-161 (dated 
    November 1993), summarizing Public Law 103-66, specified that the 
    termination of the SLS program was effective for periods of enrollment 
    that began on or after July 1, 1994, without regard to the loan 
    disbursement date.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters.
        Change: We have removed the technical change proposed in 
    Sec. 682.202(a)(3)(iii) in the NPRM referencing loans disbursed prior 
    to July 1, 1994.
        Comment: In response to the Secretary's request for comments on how 
    to make these proposed regulations easier to understand, a major 
    association representing credit unions suggested that for clarity, we 
    provide an example to clarify the regulatory requirement to use 
    weighted average interest rates for Consolidation loans.
        Discussion: The weighted average interest rate used for 
    Consolidation loans in both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs should be 
    calculated based on the interest rates that apply to the loans being 
    consolidated at the time the loan holders complete the verification 
    certificates. In making the calculation, it is important to note that 
    an interest rate that is lower than the repayment period rate applies 
    to most subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans in the FFEL and 
    Direct Loan programs during the in-school, grace, and deferment 
    periods. This affects the calculation of the weighted average interest 
    rate. If, for example, a loan is in a grace period at the time the loan 
    holder completes the verification certificate, the lower grace period 
    interest rate would be used in the calculation of the weighted average 
    interest rate on the Consolidation loan. Conversely, if the borrower 
    applies for a Consolidation loan after entering repayment on a loan, 
    the higher repayment interest rate of the loan being consolidated would 
    be used in calculating the weighted average interest rate on the 
    Consolidation loan.
        The weighted average interest rate is a single interest rate that 
    is calculated by using the borrower's loan balances and the current 
    annual interest rate for each of the borrower's loans.
        For example: A borrower has two subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, 
    one for $10,000 and the other for $5,000, both with an interest rate of 
    8.25 percent. The borrower also has a $3,500 unsubsidized Federal 
    Stafford Loan with an interest rate of 7.46 percent and a $3,000 
    Federal Perkins Loan with a 5.0 percent interest rate. The borrower 
    consolidates these loans.
        The following steps outline one way to calculate the weighted 
    average interest rate:
        1. Multiply the balance of each loan being consolidated by the 
    interest rate that applies to that loan at the time the verification 
    certificate is completed.
        2. Add the calculated interest amounts for all loans being 
    consolidated ($1,648.60).
        3. Add the loan balances for all loans being consolidated 
    ($21,500).
        4. Divide the sum of the calculated interest amounts by the sum of 
    the loan balance amounts (7.66%).
        5. Round the quotient (the answer to Step 4) to the nearest higher 
    one-eighth of one percent (7.75%).
        6. Compare the result in Step 5 to the 8.25% maximum interest rate 
    and determine which is lower. The lower of the two rates is the 
    borrower's fixed interest rate for the Consolidation loan.
        The weighted average interest rate for the borrower in this example 
    is 7.75%.
        Change: None.
    
    Origination Fee
    
        Comment: Several commenters pointed out that in 
    Sec. 682.202(c)(2)(i) the term ``minimum'' was incorrectly used rather 
    than ``maximum'' when referencing the criteria for charging a lower 
    origination fee to some borrowers.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters that the term ``minimum'' 
    was inadvertently used and is not consistent with the language in the 
    preamble to the NPRM. To be eligible for a lower origination fee under 
    this provision, the borrower's EFC used to determine the eligibility 
    for the loan must be equal to or less than the maximum qualifying EFC 
    for a Federal Pell Grant at the time the loan is certified.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.202(c)(2)(i) to replace 
    ``minimum'' with ``maximum.''
        Comment: Two commenters representing national lenders objected to 
    proposed Sec. 682.202(c)(4) that would provide that, for purposes of 
    determining whether a lender is charging all similarly situated 
    borrowers the same origination fee, all lenders under common ownership, 
    including ownership by a common holding company, constitute a single 
    lender. The commenters argued that this provision violates the plain 
    language of the HEA and conflicts with Congressional intent and settled 
    administrative policy underlying the Federal banking laws. They further 
    stated that this provision is
    
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    not needed to prevent manipulation of bank subsidiaries of bank holding 
    companies to circumvent the nondiscrimination provision. They stated 
    that it unfairly places subsidiaries of large bank holding companies at 
    a competitive disadvantage in specific geographic areas in which they 
    provide loans. The commenters also argued that the proposed regulations 
    will eliminate competition in the FFEL program, providing some state 
    secondary markets or primary lenders a stranglehold in certain states. 
    They contended that subsidiaries that previously have maintained 
    separate origination fee discount policies to compete in state or 
    regional markets would be required to apply one fee policy across the 
    country, leaving them no choice but to withdraw from certain markets. 
    One of the commenters noted that they had maintained a system-wide 
    policy for their subsidiaries which was geographically based, allowing 
    the particular subsidiary to establish its policy in its geographical 
    area and they recommended that the Secretary not disregard such 
    systems, particularly those that predate the enactment of the 
    nondiscrimination provision.
        Discussion: In light of the commenters' concerns, we have 
    reconsidered the manner in which the proposed regulation would have 
    applied the origination fee non-discrimination provisions. We do not 
    believe that implementing this provision of the law to ensure greater 
    equality in the origination fees assessed to similarly situated FFEL 
    borrowers should have the unintended negative consequence of reducing 
    competition in the FFEL Program and limiting a borrower's choice of a 
    lender. We believe that another approach to applying the provision 
    could be used to prevent manipulation with intent to circumvent the law 
    while preserving lender choice, access, and competition. Therefore, we 
    have decided that a state-based rather than a nationwide approach to 
    applying the origination fee non-discrimination provision should be 
    used. We believe that a state-based approach to applying the provision 
    will prevent manipulation by lenders with the intent to circumvent the 
    law while preserving lender choice, access, and competition in the FFEL 
    Program. Moreover, we believe that a state-based application of the 
    requirements addresses the commenters' concerns that national and 
    multi-state lenders will be prevented from competing effectively and 
    may be forced to leave certain markets.
        Change: Section 682.202(c) has been revised to clarify the 
    definition of lender to provide that any lending entity, including any 
    multi-state lending entity, that makes loans in a particular state, 
    must apply any policy of lower origination fees consistently to all 
    borrowers residing in that state or who attend school in that state.
        Comment: One commenter recommended that we clarify the 
    documentation a lender should use to demonstrate the borrower's 
    ``greater financial need'' for origination fee discount purposes.
        Discussion: We believe that it is important to provide lenders with 
    flexibility in this area and therefore decline to regulate 
    documentation standards that a lender must use to determine greater 
    financial need.
        Change: None
    
    Section 682.206--Due Diligence in Making a Loan
    
        Comment: Some commenters recommended that Sec. 682.206(a)(1) be 
    revised to clarify that the lender's responsibilities and obligations 
    in the loan making process with respect to having a borrower complete 
    and sign the promissory note applies only to a borrower with subsequent 
    loans (rather than ``multiple'' loans) made under a ``valid'' MPN.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters that the use of the term 
    ``subsequent'' loans is more appropriate than using the term 
    ``multiple'' loans. However, we believe it is unnecessary to specify 
    that the MPN is ``valid'' because a lender has no basis for relying on 
    an invalid or expired MPN for any reason.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.206(a) by substituting 
    ``subsequent'' for ``multiple.''
    
    Section 682.209--Repayment of a Loan
    
        Comment: Several commenters recommended that Sec. 682.209(a)(7)(ix) 
    be restructured to clarify that only those borrowers who first obtained 
    an FFEL Program loan on or after October 7, 1998 and with outstanding 
    debt totaling more than $30,000 qualify for the extended repayment 
    plan. The commenters suggested that, as proposed, the regulations do 
    not fully define the eligibility criteria for an extended repayment 
    plan.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.209(a)(7)(ix) to clearly provide 
    that, under an extended repayment schedule, a new borrower whose total 
    outstanding principal and interest in FFEL loans exceeds $30,000 may 
    repay the loan on a fixed annual or graduated repayment plan for a 
    period that may not exceed 25 years.
        Comment: Several commenters suggested that Sec. 682.209(a)(8)(i) 
    and (ii), governing the period of time to repay a loan, be revised to 
    include reference to the 25-year extended repayment plan.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters.
        Change: We have revised both paragraphs to provide for repayment of 
    25 years under an extended repayment plan.
        Comment: Several commenters suggested that Sec. 682.209(h)(3)(ii) 
    be revised to clarify that defaulted Title IV loans on which 
    satisfactory repayment arrangements have not been made may not be taken 
    into consideration when determining the maximum repayment period on a 
    Consolidation loan.
        Discussion: We believe that the regulations clearly state that only 
    a defaulted Title IV loan on which satisfactory repayment arrangements 
    have been made may be included for purposes of establishing the maximum 
    repayment period for a Consolidation loan. Otherwise, the regulations 
    specify that all defaulted loans, including non-Title IV loans, may not 
    be included in the determination of the maximum repayment period. 
    However, to clarify this point, we will specify in the regulations that 
    the balance used in making this determination may not include ``any 
    defaulted loans.''
        Change: We have inserted the word ``any'' before ``defaulted 
    loans'' in Sec. 682.209(h)(3)(ii).
    
    Section 682.210--Deferment
    
        Comment: Several commenters noted that proposed Sec. 682.210(a)(3) 
    indicates that interest may be paid by the Secretary for all or a 
    portion of a qualifying Consolidation loan that meets the requirements 
    under Sec. 682.301 when the loan is made. These commenters recommended 
    that the reference to ``when the loan is made'' be deleted. The 
    commenters stated their belief that this phrase was carried over from 
    the existing provision which addresses Stafford loans only and could be 
    misunderstood as an indication that loans added within the 180-day 
    period following the date a Consolidation loan is made may not be 
    eligible for interest benefits.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters that the phrase ``when the 
    loan is made'' could be misunderstood to exclude from interest subsidy 
    loans added to a Consolidation loan within the 180-day period following 
    the date the Consolidation loan is made.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.210(a)(3) by deleting the phrase 
    ``when the loan is made.''
    
    [[Page 58943]]
    
        Comment: Some commenters stated that the parenthetical phrase 
    ``(unless based on the dependent's status)'' following reference to the 
    PLUS program in Sec. 682.210(c)(5) is irrelevant and should be removed. 
    The commenters suggested this deletion is appropriate because borrowers 
    serving in a medical internship or residency program are prohibited by 
    law from receiving an in-school deferment, regardless of whether the 
    deferment is on the borrower's loan based on his or her own service, or 
    on a parent borrower's loan based on his or her dependent's service in 
    the internship or residency program.
        Discussion: We disagree with the commenters. The parenthetical 
    exception relates to the eligibility of a parent PLUS borrower to defer 
    a PLUS loan based on their dependent son or daughter's attendance in 
    school. We have never interpreted the prohibition to apply to an 
    intern's or resident's eligibility to defer a parent PLUS loan based on 
    the intern's or resident's dependent's in-school status.
        Change: None.
    
    Section 682.301--Eligibility of Borrowers for Interest Benefits on 
    Stafford and Consolidation Loans
    
        Comment: Several commenters suggested that Sec. 682.301(a)(3)(ii) 
    should be revised to clarify that to qualify for interest benefits, a 
    Consolidation loan made on or after August 10, 1993, but prior to 
    November 13, 1997, must have been comprised solely of subsidized loans. 
    The commenters believe that this provision might be misinterpreted to 
    include Consolidation loans that include but are not solely comprised 
    of subsidized Stafford loans.
        Discussion: We do not agree that the term ``solely'' needs to be 
    added to provide clarity. However, we have determined that moving the 
    word ``only'' would clarify the regulations.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.301(a)(3)(ii) to clarify that a 
    Consolidation loan borrower qualifies for interest benefits if the loan 
    application was received on or after August 10, 1993, but prior to 
    November 13, 1997 and if the loan consolidates only subsidized Stafford 
    loans.
        Comment: Numerous commenters representing lenders, guaranty 
    agencies, servicers, and secondary markets recommended that 
    Sec. 682.301(a)(iii) be restructured to separately reflect the 
    statutory provision governing the eligibility of Consolidation loans 
    made on or after November 13, 1997 and on or after July 1, 2000 for 
    interest subsidies. The commenters indicated that conflicting guidance 
    has been disseminated since November 13, 1997 regarding the loan types 
    that may comprise the subsidized portion of a Consolidation loan for 
    interest subsidy purposes, specifically whether it includes all 
    subsidized FFEL loans or only subsidized Stafford loans. These 
    commenters suggest that the final regulations should clarify that 
    lenders are permitted to follow either of these two approaches for 
    loans made on or after November 13, 1997 and prior to July 1, 2000. The 
    commenters further recommended that the final regulations should 
    clarify that any regulatory provision authorizing use of either 
    approach may be implemented earlier than July 1, 2000.
        Discussion: We understand that lenders may have received differing 
    guidance on the scope of the interest subsidy available to FFEL 
    Consolidation loan borrowers after the enactment of the Emergency 
    Student Loan Consolidation Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-78). However, we 
    have identified only a small subset of borrowers, specifically 
    subsidized Consolidation loan borrowers who include their Consolidation 
    loans in a subsequent Consolidation loan, as potentially affected by 
    the difference in guidance. The commenters did not present any evidence 
    that the differing guidance for this very small group of borrowers 
    represents a problem. We do not believe that this speculative small 
    problem necessitates making a change in the regulations. However, we 
    remind lenders that we are available to provide technical assistance on 
    a case-by-case basis should it be necessary.
        Change: None.
    
    Section 682.401--Basic Program Agreement
    
        Comment: Several commenters recommended that Sec. 682.401(b)(5)(i) 
    be revised to remove reference to an ``application'' as it regards the 
    borrower's right to indicate a preferred lender and instead include a 
    reference to other information submitted during the loan origination 
    process. The commenters pointed out that there is not, under the MPN 
    process, a specific document entitled ``application.''
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters. The item allowing the 
    borrower to indicate a preferred lender is now contained on the MPN.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.401(b)(5)(i) to delete the word 
    ``application'' and replace it with ``in other written or electronic 
    documentation submitted during the loan origination process.''
        Comment: Several commenters recommended that 
    Sec. 682.401(b)(5)(ii)(D) be removed to eliminate the requirement that 
    the borrower provide information from the school demonstrating the 
    borrower's eligibility for the loan and providing the maximum loan 
    amount that the student may borrow. The commenters noted that this data 
    flow is inconsistent with changes made to the HEA by the 1998 
    Amendments.
        Discussion: Although the HEA no longer requires the student to 
    provide, through the school, information on the student's eligibility 
    for the loan, the school must still provide the loan amount. We will 
    revise the regulations to reflect this change.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.401(b)(5)(C) (formerly 
    Sec. 682.401(b)(5)(D)) to indicate that the borrower must provide to 
    the lender information from the school on the maximum amount that may 
    be borrowed by or on behalf of the student.
    
    Section 682.406--Conditions of Reinsurance Coverage
    
        Comment: One commenter representing a guaranty agency pointed out 
    that this section does not reference the reduced rebate fee on 
    Consolidation loans that was effective for Consolidation loans based on 
    applications received on or after October 1, 1998 through January 31, 
    1999. The commenter noted that the current regulations indicate that 
    the interest payment rebate fee of 1.05 percent applies to all 
    Consolidation loans disbursed on or after October 1, 1993. The 1998 
    Amendments reduced the fee to 0.62 percent for loans made on 
    applications received from October 1, 1998 through January 31, 1999.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenter that the regulations should 
    reflect the reduced rebate fee that applied to Consolidation loans 
    based on applications received from October 1, 1998 through January 31, 
    1999.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.406 to incorporate the reduced fee 
    of 0.62 percent on Consolidation loans for this period.
    
    Section 682.414--Records, Reports, and Inspection Requirements for 
    Guaranty Agency Programs
    
        Comment: Many commenters representing lenders, guaranty agencies, 
    servicers, and secondary markets recommended that the regulations be 
    changed to clearly state that returning a true and exact copy of the 
    original promissory note to the borrower has the same standing as the 
    original promissory note. The commenters suggested that the regulations 
    should be revised to indicate that the true and
    
    [[Page 58944]]
    
    exact copy shall be admissible as evidence in all state and federal 
    courts notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary. The 
    commenters further suggested that the regulations reflect that the 
    lender may send a notice to the borrower in place of the original MPN 
    when a loan made under an MPN is paid in full by or on behalf of the 
    borrower. The commenters stated that they believe that sending the 
    notice effectively preempts any state law requiring the lender to send 
    the borrower the original or a copy of the promissory note and 
    recommended that the Secretary provide an explanation of this position 
    in the final regulations to ensure that this preemption is fully 
    understood.
        Discussion: Section 432(m)(1)(D) of the HEA, as added by the 1998 
    Amendments, specifically states that notwithstanding any other 
    provision of law, each loan made under an MPN shall be separately 
    enforceable in all Federal and State courts on the basis of an original 
    or copy of the MPN. Therefore, the statute itself has the effect of 
    preempting state law and it is not necessary for the Secretary to 
    regulate further in this area. The regulations also allow the lender to 
    send a notice to a borrower that informs the borrower that the loan is 
    paid in full. Indeed, this approach must be used with the MPN process, 
    which provides for the making of multiple loans with different 
    repayment dates and which may be held by different loan holders using a 
    single note.
        Change: None.
    
    FFEL and Direct Loan Programs
    
    Sections 682.200 and 685.102--Definition of Estimated Financial 
    Assistance
    
        Comment: One commenter representing a school stated that the 
    different treatment of veterans' educational benefits paid under 
    Chapter 30 of Title 38 of the United States Code and national service 
    education awards or post-service benefits under Title I of the National 
    and Community Service Act of 1990 (Americorps) in determining a 
    student's eligibility for subsidized FFEL and Direct Loan program loans 
    and in determining a student's eligibility for unsubsidized loans is 
    administratively burdensome to schools. To reduce the administrative 
    burden on schools, the commenter recommended that we treat all 
    resources the same way for all Title IV programs. Another commenter 
    representing FFEL guaranty agencies noted the discrepant treatment 
    between subsidized and unsubsidized loans as it applies to Americorps 
    benefits and encouraged the Secretary to pursue a legislative change 
    that would allow schools to exclude Americorps benefits when 
    determining a borrower's eligibility for unsubsidized, as well as 
    subsidized, FFEL and Direct Loan program loans.
        Discussion: We realize that the different treatment of veterans' 
    educational benefits paid under Chapter 30 of Title 38 of the United 
    States Code and Americorps benefits in determining a student's 
    eligibility for subsidized FFEL and Direct Loan program loans and in 
    determining a student's eligibility for unsubsidized loans complicates 
    award packaging and may be administratively burdensome to schools. 
    However, this different treatment is required by Section 480(j) of the 
    HEA.
        Change: None.
        Comment: A commenter pointed out that there are two versions of the 
    Montgomery GI Bill--active duty and reserve--and suggested that it 
    would be helpful to clarify that Chapter 30 of Title 38 of the United 
    States Code is the active duty version.
        Discussion: We agree with this suggestion.
        Change: We have revised the definition of estimated financial 
    assistance in Secs. 682.200(b) and 685.102(b) to clarify that Chapter 
    30 of Title 38 of the United States Code is the active duty version of 
    the Montgomery GI Bill.
    
    Sections 682.204 and 685.203--Loan Limits
    
        Comment: One commenter representing a school suggested an 
    alternative method for determining prorated loan amounts instead of the 
    method proposed in the NPRM. The alternative method recommended by the 
    commenter included looking at the maximum annual loan limit, dividing 
    by the number of terms in the year, and then multiplying by the number 
    of terms during which the borrower was enrolled half time or more.
        Another school commenter believed that the rationale for prorating 
    the loan amounts of graduating seniors in a program of undergraduate 
    education is unclear. This commenter noted that the statute indicates 
    that ``if such student is enrolled in a program of undergraduate 
    education which is less than one academic year,'' proration is 
    required. The commenter did not believe that a student who is in the 
    final term of a program of undergraduate education that is greater than 
    one academic year meets this criteria. This commenter also pointed out 
    that borrowers other than graduating seniors may be eligible to receive 
    up to the full applicable annual loan limit depending upon costs and 
    other financial assistance regardless of whether or not the borrower is 
    enrolled less than full-time or for one term only. The commenter 
    believes that the Department should be concerned about overborrowing 
    before the borrower reaches the final term if the rationale for 
    prorating the loan amounts of graduating seniors is to ensure that loan 
    amounts do not unnecessarily inflate debt levels.
        Another commenter representing a school observed that the proposed 
    regulations do not provide for consistent treatment of loan proration 
    for programs or remainder of programs of less than an academic year. 
    The commenter believes the regulations contradict the language in the 
    1998 Amendments that specifically requires the use of semester, 
    trimester, quarter, or clock hours when prorating the loan limits for 
    programs or portions of programs that are less than a full academic 
    year. This commenter stated that the regulations should reflect the HEA 
    by prorating the total amount the student may borrow for a program of 
    study that is less than a full academic year in length or a portion of 
    a program that is less than a full academic year in length by using the 
    relationship of the program credit to that of a full academic year. The 
    commenter believes that this simplified proration should be used for 
    all years of undergraduate students applied to the appropriate full 
    academic year limits.
        Discussion: Although we appreciate the suggestion of an alternative 
    method for loan proration, the loan proration requirements, including 
    the method of calculating prorated loan amounts, is statutory. As a 
    result, the regulations mirror the statute as closely as possible, and 
    alternative methods of calculation cannot be considered without 
    statutory change. The application of loan proration to borrowers in 
    their final term of their undergraduate programs is also statutory and 
    was retained by the 1998 Amendments. The approach to loan proration for 
    programs or portions of programs of less than an academic year 
    recommended by the final commenter would result in some students 
    receiving a full annual loan limit for a program that is less than an 
    academic year as that term is defined in statute. The 1998 Amendments 
    clarified that annual loan limits are authorized for an academic year 
    as that term is defined in section 481(a)(2) of the HEA. The definition 
    contains a minimum standard of instructional time and academic 
    coursework. A program that does not meet both of these statutory 
    standards for an academic year is clearly
    
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    less than an academic year, and students enrolled in such a program are 
    not eligible to receive a full annual loan amount. The strictly 
    proportional calculation recommended by the commenter would result in a 
    full annual loan amount for students in programs that meet the academic 
    coursework standard of the definition in section 481(a)(2) of the HEA, 
    but do not meet the standard for instructional time. We do not believe 
    that this result would be consistent with Congressional intent. A 
    proportional loan amount calculated as a ratio of the academic credit 
    to the academic year is used for remaining portions of programs of less 
    than an academic year. Under these circumstances, the borrower is 
    completing a program that is longer than an academic year and therefore 
    examining the remaining portion of the program against both standards 
    of the academic year is not applicable.
        Change: None
        Comment: Several commenters pointed out that Sec. 682.204 (a)(2) of 
    the proposed regulations addressed students enrolled in one-year 
    programs with less than a full academic year remaining, but did not 
    cover remaining balances of less than an academic year for other 
    programs.
        Discussion: The commenters are correct that this section does not 
    address students enrolled in programs of study with less than a full 
    academic year remaining. Rather, it addressed only students in one-year 
    programs of study with less than an academic year remaining. We believe 
    that revising the regulations to include a provision for students in 
    remaining balances of programs, as the commenters suggest, will 
    satisfactorily address both groups of students.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.204(d)(2) and 685.203(c)(2) to 
    provide for an additional unsubsidized annual Stafford loan amount for 
    students enrolled in programs of study with less than a full academic 
    year remaining to complete the program. We have deleted reference to a 
    one-year program with less than a full academic year remaining in 
    Secs. 682.204(d)(2) and 685.203(c)(2).
    
    Sections 682.209 and 685.207--Grace Period for Military Service
    
        Comment: Several commenters representing FFEL lenders, servicers, 
    and guaranty agencies pointed out that the preamble discussion in the 
    NPRM indicated that borrowers who qualified for the exclusion of 
    certain periods of service in the Armed Forces from the six-month grace 
    period would be required to re-enroll within 12 months of their return 
    from active duty service. While the commenters agreed that 12 months 
    may be a reasonable amount of time to re-enroll, they noted that the 
    requirement was not included in the proposed regulations and requested 
    that we not limit the period to 12 months in the final regulations. A 
    commenter representing a school supported our acknowledgement that some 
    borrowers may need more time than others to re-enroll in the next 
    available regular enrollment period and the proposal to restore the 
    full six-month grace period to borrowers whose loans were in the grace 
    period when the borrowers were called to active duty.
        Discussion: The commenters are correct that the proposed 
    regulations did not include the requirement that the period necessary 
    for a borrower to resume enrollment at the next available regular 
    enrollment period when the borrower returns from active duty service be 
    limited to 12 months. As discussed in the preamble to the NPRM, the 
    time period in which a borrower needs to re-enroll in the ``next 
    available regular enrollment period'' after returning from active duty 
    service may need to be longer for some borrowers than others, 
    especially if the borrower is pursuing a non-traditional academic 
    program, and given the fact that the borrower may not re-enroll in the 
    same program when returning from active duty. The Secretary generally 
    believes that twelve months allows more than ample time for the 
    majority of borrowers to re-enroll and provides a reasonable limit 
    (within the three-year total exclusion limitation) on the amount of 
    time that may be excluded from a borrower's six-month grace period. 
    However, in keeping with the agreement reached during negotiated 
    rulemaking, the Secretary has not included this limitation in the 
    regulations.
        Change: None.
    
    Sections 682.210 and 685.204--Deferment
    
    In-School Deferment
    
        Comment: Commenters representing FFEL lenders and guaranty agencies 
    suggested that the rules regarding the end date for an in-school 
    deferment be removed from Sec. 682.210(a) because paragraph (a) 
    provides general information applicable to all deferments and should 
    not contain information specific to a particular deferment. The 
    commenters believed that information related to the in-school deferment 
    end date should be contained within the in-school deferment section in 
    Sec. 682.210(c)(3). The commenters also requested that we revise 
    Sec. 682.210(c)(3) to reflect that valid enrollment information may be 
    received by lenders using an electronic format rather than a form as 
    the proposed regulatory language suggests.
        Discussion: We do not agree with the commenters that information 
    about the end date for an in-school deferment should be removed from 
    Sec. 682.210(a). We believe this information is correctly placed 
    because it is contained in a provision that outlines when authorized 
    deferment periods end. However, we agree that the process information 
    included in the proposed regulatory language would be better placed in 
    Sec. 682.210(c)(3). We also agree with the commenters that the proposed 
    regulatory language in Sec. 682.210(c)(3) should be revised to reflect 
    that valid enrollment information may be received by lenders 
    electronically.
        Change: We have moved the in-school deferment process information 
    from Sec. 682.210(a)(6)(iv) to Sec. 682.210(c)(3). We also believe that 
    the revisions to Sec. 682.210(c)(3) accommodate the use of electronics 
    to provide valid enrollment information.
        Comment: A commenter representing a guaranty agency requested 
    clarification that both FFEL lenders, and the Secretary for Direct 
    Loans, may process an in-school deferment based on student status 
    information that does not come directly from the borrower's school. The 
    commenter pointed out that the proposed regulatory language did not 
    make it clear that the student status information may be received 
    directly or indirectly from the school.
        Discussion: As stated in the preamble to the NPRM, a borrower's 
    FFEL lender, or the Secretary for Direct Loans, may determine that a 
    borrower is eligible for an in-school deferment based upon student 
    status information received from the borrower's school, either directly 
    or indirectly, indicating that the borrower is enrolled on at least a 
    half-time basis. The lender or the Secretary could receive school-
    provided information directly, through the SSCR process of the National 
    Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), or from a third-party servicer. 
    Regardless of whether the lender or the Secretary receives the student 
    status information directly or indirectly, the information must 
    originate with the school. We agree with the commenter that the 
    regulations should reflect the fact that student status information may 
    be received directly or indirectly from the school.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.210(c)(1)(iii) and 
    685.204(b)(1)(iii)(A)(3) to reflect that student status information 
    received directly or indirectly from a school may
    
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    be used to determine a borrower's in-school deferment eligibility.
        Comment: A commenter representing a school supported the proposal 
    to require notice to borrowers of their option while they are in school 
    to pay the interest that accrues on an unsubsidized loan during an in-
    school deferment period or cancel the deferment entirely and pay on the 
    loan. The commenter requested that we also require that the notice 
    include information about the consequences of selecting those options--
    in particular that paying accruing interest during the deferment or 
    paying on the loan rather than taking the deferment may result in lower 
    total payments over the life of the loan. Another commenter 
    representing a guaranty agency stated that the proposed regulatory 
    language did not provide sufficient guidance to lenders about how to 
    deal with what may appear to be due diligence gaps that may result from 
    a borrower electing to cancel an in-school deferment that was 
    automatically applied by the lender and then not making the required 
    payments on the loan. The commenter noted that during the negotiated 
    rulemaking sessions we stated that lenders were not allowed to apply an 
    administrative forbearance in these situations and requested that we 
    make this point more explicit in the regulations.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenter that it would be helpful to 
    borrowers if information about the consequences of the options was 
    included in the notice sent to borrowers when an in-school deferment is 
    applied automatically. For example, the notice should explain to 
    borrowers that unpaid interest that accrues on their unsubsidized loans 
    will be capitalized at the end of the deferment period and inform them 
    that by paying the interest during the deferment period they may reduce 
    the total amount they pay over the life of the loan.
        In response to the commenter who requested that we state more 
    explicitly how lenders should deal with possible due diligence gaps 
    that may result from a borrower electing to cancel an in-school 
    deferment that was automatically applied by the lender and then not 
    making the required payments on the loan, we defer to the agreement 
    reached by the negotiated rulemaking committee that we not regulate the 
    action lenders must take in this situation. As discussed during 
    negotiations, this decision seems appropriate given the infrequent 
    nature of these situations. We expect lenders to take actions 
    appropriate to the unique circumstances of each borrower's situation 
    and remind lenders that we are available to provide technical 
    assistance on a case-by-case basis should it be necessary.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.210(c)(2) to reflect that the 
    notice a lender sends to a borrower when an in-school deferment is 
    applied automatically must include an explanation of the consequences 
    of the options presented to the borrower in the notice.
    
    Unemployment Deferment
    
        Comment: Several commenters responded to the Secretary's request 
    for comment as to whether the minimum documentation items for 
    determining a borrower's eligibility for an unemployment deferment 
    based on the borrower's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits 
    should be included in the final regulations. Generally, commenters 
    representing FFEL lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies did not 
    believe that minimum documentation requirements should be prescribed in 
    regulations and supported no change to the proposed regulations. One of 
    the commenters representing servicers stated that unless there is 
    evidence showing that all states include certain data elements on check 
    stubs or other types of documentation related to eligibility for 
    unemployment insurance benefits, the final regulations should not 
    include minimum documentation requirements. A commenter representing a 
    guaranty agency did, however, support prescribing minimum documentation 
    requirements in regulations provided that the requirements were 
    developed with community involvement. Another commenter representing 
    credit unions stated that the minimum documentation items discussed by 
    the negotiated rulemaking committee and presented in the preamble to 
    the NPRM appeared reasonable, but did not comment on whether the items 
    should be prescribed in regulations.
        Discussion: In response to the overwhelming support for not 
    prescribing minimum documentation requirements in the regulations, we 
    have decided not to make changes in the final regulations. We are 
    basing this decision on the fact that a borrower must provide evidence 
    of his or her eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits to his or 
    her lender, or the Secretary for Direct Loans, in order to qualify for 
    an unemployment deferment based on eligibility for unemployment 
    insurance benefits. As agreed during negotiations, the evidence of a 
    borrower's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits must prove 
    that the borrower is eligible to receive unemployment insurance 
    benefits for the period for which he or she is requesting an 
    unemployment deferment. We acknowledge that there are no uniform 
    documentation requirements for unemployment insurance benefits. 
    However, to fulfill the documentation requirement for the unemployment 
    deferment, we believe that, at a minimum, the documentation should 
    include the borrower's name, address, and social security number and 
    the effective dates of the borrower's eligibility to receive 
    unemployment insurance benefits.
        Change: None.
        Comment: Commenters representing FFEL lenders, servicers, and 
    guaranty agencies expressed their belief that the regulatory 
    requirement that the unemployment deferment end date be within six 
    months of the certification date should apply regardless of whether the 
    deferment is being granted as a result of the borrower submitting 
    evidence of his or her eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits 
    or as a result of the borrower submitting a written certification of 
    eligibility (i.e., a completed unemployment deferment request form).
        Discussion: We agree with the commenters. However, we note that the 
    reference to ``certification date'' is not applicable if a deferment is 
    granted based on a borrower's submission of evidence of his or her 
    eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. In this case, the 
    unemployment deferment end date would be within six months of the date 
    the borrower submits evidence of his or her eligibility for 
    unemployment insurance benefits.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.210(h) to reflect that the 
    unemployment deferment end date provision applies to both methods by 
    which a borrower may qualify for an unemployment deferment.
    
    Sections 682.211 and 685.205--Forbearance
    
        Comment: Commenters representing FFEL lenders, servicers, and 
    guaranty agencies expressed their belief that the final regulations 
    should accurately and consistently reflect the elimination of the 
    requirement that forbearance terms be agreed to in writing. The 
    commenters pointed out that the requirement had been removed from 
    Sec. 682.211(b) but had not been removed from Sec. 682.211(c) of the 
    proposed regulations.
        Discussion: The 1998 Amendments eliminated the requirement that the 
    borrower's request for forbearance be in writing; however, the 1998 
    Amendments did not eliminate the requirement that forbearance terms be 
    agreed to in writing. Section 428(c)(3)(A)(i) of the HEA continues to
    
    [[Page 58947]]
    
    require that forbearance terms be agreed to in writing. A forbearance 
    changes the repayment terms on the borrower's loan and therefore needs 
    to be agreed to in writing. The change we proposed to Sec. 682.211(b) 
    to remove the requirement that forbearance terms be agreed to in 
    writing is incorrect. Both Sec. 682.211(b) and Sec. 682.211(c) need to 
    accurately reflect that forbearance terms must be agreed to in writing. 
    The only reference in the regulations to a borrower's written request 
    for a forbearance, contained in Sec. 682.211(h), is being deleted from 
    the regulations.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.211(b) and (c) to accurately and 
    consistently reflect that forbearance terms must be agreed to in 
    writing.
    
    Sections 682.401 and 685.402--Master Promissory Note
    
        Comment: A commenter representing a guaranty agency requested that 
    we change the proposed regulatory language in Sec. 682.401(b)(5) to 
    ensure that if a student or parent borrower does not indicate a choice 
    of lender on the promissory note or application a lender will not be 
    assigned automatically to the borrower. The commenter was concerned 
    that borrowers would not be entitled to choose their lenders.
        Discussion: The FFEL promissory notes and applications have always 
    given the borrower the option to choose a lender. That option will not 
    be impacted by the implementation of the Master Promissory Note (MPN). 
    If a borrower does not provide a choice of lender on the promissory 
    note, a lender will not be assigned. The borrower must work with the 
    school to choose a lender. Section 432(m)(1)(B) of the HEA requires 
    that the borrower be permitted to choose his or her lender.
        Change: None.
        Comment: A commenter representing servicers in the FFEL Program 
    requested that we make a conforming change in Sec. 682.401(d)(3) to 
    reflect that under the MPN process guaranty agencies are no longer 
    bound to the use of a common application form.
        Discussion: While it is true that an application form is no longer 
    required for Stafford loans in the FFEL Program, section 432(m)(1)(A) 
    of the HEA retains a reference to common application forms, as well as 
    including references to promissory notes and the MPN. We believe that 
    the regulations should retain reference to common application forms 
    because a common PLUS loan application remains in use until an approved 
    MPN for PLUS loans can be developed and a common Consolidation loan 
    application will be used indefinitely. By mirroring the statutory 
    language in the final regulations, we believe that all possible options 
    are covered.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.401(d)(3) to more closely reflect 
    the statutory language that governs the forms guaranty agencies must 
    use.
        Comment: A commenter representing a consumer organization expressed 
    the view that the proposed regulations related to the criteria a school 
    must meet to be authorized to use the multi-year feature of the MPN 
    were too broadly stated and suggested changes that included requiring 
    the Secretary's written authorization for multi-year use of the MPN by 
    a school. A commenter representing a two-year public institution wanted 
    to know what other criteria the Secretary would use to approve the use 
    of the MPN by schools other than four-year and graduate/professional 
    schools. Another commenter representing a credit union suggested that 
    this criteria should be the same as that used for four-year and 
    graduate/professional schools.
        Discussion: We have carefully considered the suggested language 
    recommended by the commenter who believed that the proposed regulations 
    governing the criteria a school must meet to be authorized to use the 
    multi-year feature of the MPN are too broad and agree with a couple of 
    the commenter's proposed changes. Specifically, we agree with more 
    explicitly linking approval to use the multi-year feature of the MPN to 
    the required criteria listed in the regulations and reinforcing the 
    fact that the criteria are not all inclusive and will be applied, as 
    appropriate, for the type of institution. However, we do not agree with 
    the proposal to require the Secretary's written authorization for 
    multi-year use of the MPN by every school.
        In response to the request for information about the criteria we 
    will use to approve the use of the MPN by schools other than four-year 
    and graduate/professional schools, we repeat our statement in the 
    preamble to the NPRM stating our intention to establish and announce 
    criteria and a process that we will use after publication of these 
    final regulations.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.401(d)(4)(ii) to more 
    specifically link approval to use the multi-year feature of the MPN to 
    the required criteria and reinforce the fact that the listed criteria 
    are not all inclusive. The Direct Loan regulations already reflect 
    these policies and do not need to be changed.
        Comment: A commenter representing a consumer organization requested 
    that we confirm that borrowers are entitled to assert a defense against 
    repayment of any one of the loans made under an MPN. This commenter 
    also expressed concern that the 10-year limit on the use of a single 
    MPN established in the proposed regulations is too long a period from a 
    consumer standpoint and requested that we change the maximum period to 
    five years. The commenter expressed the belief that the 10-year period 
    may serve the financial community well but does not serve young student 
    borrowers well because they are subject to making unwise decisions, 
    uneducated about how to cancel promissory notes, and potential targets 
    for fraud and abuse. The commenter believed that the minimal bother of 
    signing a new MPN after five years was far outweighed by the benefit of 
    ensuring better borrower control of the loan process and education 
    about the loan obligation.
        Discussion: As the regulations specify, each loan made under an MPN 
    is enforceable in accordance with the terms of the MPN. Therefore, a 
    borrower would be entitled to assert a defense against repayment on 
    each loan made under the MPN, based on any act or omission of a school 
    attended by the student that would give rise to a cause of action 
    against the school under applicable state law.
        In response to the commenter's concern about the fact that an MPN 
    may be valid for a period of up to 10 years, we agree with the 
    commenter that ensuring borrower control of the loan process and 
    understanding of the loan obligation are of utmost importance and that 
    lengthy gaps in time between obtaining loans under an MPN may not 
    always support these objectives. The Secretary is committed to 
    monitoring use of the MPN with regard to these concerns and to 
    evaluating options for changes to the 10-year MPN standard that is in 
    these final regulations.
        Change: None.
        Comment: A commenter representing servicers in the FFEL Program 
    requested that we change the proposed regulations to allow the 10-year 
    MPN period to be based on either the date the borrower signs the MPN or 
    the date the lender receives the MPN for processing if the borrower 
    fails to date the MPN.
        Discussion: We do not agree with the commenter's proposed change 
    because we do not believe it is desirable for lenders or the Secretary 
    to accept a signed MPN that has not been dated by the borrower. 
    Acceptance of an MPN that has not been dated by the borrower may 
    negatively affect the borrower and possibly threaten the legal 
    enforceability of the MPN.
    
    [[Page 58948]]
    
        Change: None.
        Comment: A commenter representing a guaranty agency noted that the 
    proposed MPN regulatory language indicated that we have begun 
    development of an MPN for PLUS loans and encouraged us to work with 
    FFEL Program participants to clarify provisions and maximize benefits 
    for borrowers. The commenter also asked if it is our intention to allow 
    a PLUS MPN to cover all loans that a parent borrower obtains on behalf 
    of all of that parent's dependent children or require a separate MPN 
    for loans made on behalf of each dependent child. Another commenter 
    representing a different guaranty agency requested that references to 
    parent borrowers in the provisions related to the MPN in the Direct 
    Loan Program regulations be removed until an MPN for PLUS loans is 
    approved.
        Discussion: Development of an MPN for PLUS loans has begun. To 
    date, work groups have been involved in the initial tasks associated 
    with developing a PLUS MPN; however, as the development expands beyond 
    this stage, we intend that FFEL and Direct Loan program participants 
    and other interested parties will have input into the process. We 
    acknowledge that there are special operational considerations that need 
    to be taken into account with an MPN for PLUS loans. As we work with 
    program participants and others to develop the PLUS MPN, we will 
    address issues such as the applicability of the PLUS MPN to loans made 
    for one or more dependent children of a parent borrower. We believe 
    that it is appropriate to include reference to parent borrowers in the 
    regulations related to the MPN since approval of an MPN for PLUS loans 
    will occur in the near future.
        Change: None.
        Comment: Commenters representing two different guaranty agencies 
    requested changes in the proposed regulations that prescribe when an 
    FFEL or Direct Loan program school that is not authorized by the 
    Secretary for multi-year use of the MPN must obtain a new MPN from the 
    borrower. One commenter suggested that the FFEL provision indicates 
    that a borrower must complete a new promissory note for each academic 
    year. The other commenter wanted the Direct Loan provision to indicate 
    that a borrower must complete a new promissory note for each period of 
    enrollment.
        Discussion: In the FFEL program, loans are made in accordance with 
    the period of enrollment certified by the school, and an MPN is defined 
    as a promissory note under which a borrower may receive loans for a 
    single period of enrollment or multiple periods of enrollment. 
    Therefore, at an FFEL Program school that is not authorized by the 
    Secretary for multi-year use of the MPN, a borrower must complete a new 
    promissory note for each period of enrollment. In the Direct Loan 
    Program, however, loan origination can be tracked to an academic year, 
    and an MPN is defined as a promissory note under which a borrower may 
    receive loans for a single academic year or multiple academic years. 
    Therefore, at a Direct Loan Program school that is not authorized by 
    the Secretary for multi-year use of the MPN, a borrower must complete a 
    new promissory note for each academic year. We believe that the 
    operational differences in the FFEL and Direct Loan programs 
    necessitate differences in the regulations in this area.
        Change: None.
        Comment: We received several comments related to the confirmation 
    process or processes that schools which are authorized to use a single 
    MPN as the basis for multiple loans obtained by a particular borrower 
    must develop and document along with the FFEL lender or the Secretary 
    to ensure that a borrower wants subsequent loans made under the MPN.
        Commenters representing the legal services negotiators on the 
    negotiated rulemaking committee, a consumer organization, and a school 
    association expressed their strong opposition to authorizing the 
    implementation of confirmation processes that allow passive 
    notification with a negative option (i.e., the borrower must take the 
    initiative to reject a new loan under an MPN based on a notice) and 
    requested that we reconsider our approval of passive confirmation 
    processes. The commenters requested that we require confirmation 
    processes that mandate a positive act by the borrower that, at a 
    minimum, identifies the borrower as the initiator of the loan and 
    confirms the type and amount of the new loan, as well as the total 
    amount borrowed. The commenters suggested that properly implemented 
    electronic signatures and written signatures would be acceptable 
    confirmation methods. These commenters expressed their belief that 
    failure to affirmatively solicit a borrower's authorization before 
    originating new loans is an open invitation for abuse and counters the 
    collective goal of encouraging responsible borrowing by informed 
    students. The commenters stated that the technology necessary to 
    develop active confirmation processes that impose a minimal burden on 
    borrowers, schools, lenders, and the Secretary exists, and in some 
    cases (i.e.; PIN numbers), has been in use for 20 years. The commenters 
    also suggested that the legal enforceability of loans made using the 
    multi-year feature of the MPN without active confirmation processes may 
    be questioned in the future when courts will be faced with whether to 
    permit enforcing collection of loans that were neither actively 
    requested nor clearly and affirmatively confirmed by the borrower.
        A commenter representing servicers in the FFEL Program requested 
    that we clarify that schools and lenders may utilize passive 
    confirmation (i.e., notification) until such time as the proper 
    processes and systems enhancements can be made by schools and lenders 
    to implement active confirmation processes. Another commenter 
    representing a school suggested that we practice restraint in the area 
    of confirmation. This commenter stated that requiring confirmation once 
    a year should be sufficient since borrowers always have the option of 
    canceling or returning all or a portion of a loan.
        Discussion: We are aware that there are strong differing views 
    related to the implementation of the confirmation process required by 
    statute that schools and lenders or the Secretary must develop and 
    document to ensure that a borrower wants subsequent loans under an MPN. 
    We also acknowledge the concerns of the commenters representing 
    consumers regarding confirmation processes that do not require a 
    positive action by a borrower to obtain subsequent loans under the MPN. 
    While we do not agree necessarily that the legal enforceability of 
    loans made in connection with a confirmation process that does not 
    require a positive action by the borrower could be open to challenge, 
    it is the Secretary's goal to maintain and enhance a borrower's control 
    over the lending process in the MPN environment. To achieve this goal, 
    we would like to reiterate our intention to work with students, 
    schools, lenders, guaranty agencies, and other interested parties to 
    develop and implement confirmation processes that make use of the best 
    available technology in order to maintain and enhance borrower control 
    over the lending process, at the same time minimizing burden to schools 
    and lenders. While it is true that much of the technology needed to 
    develop enhanced borrower-control mechanisms exists today; lenders, 
    schools, servicers, and the Department need time to evaluate and 
    determine how best to integrate available technologies into the current 
    student loan delivery systems and procedures. Shortly after these final
    
    [[Page 58949]]
    
    regulations are published, we will begin discussions with the affected 
    parties to meet these goals.
        At this time, lenders and schools may follow the guidance in the 
    Department's Dear Colleague Letters--GEN-98-25, November 1998 and GEN-
    99-08, February 1999--in developing and documenting confirmation 
    processes. As technologies that enhance borrower control over the 
    lending process are developed or adapted for implementation, and 
    different methods of confirmation are tested, we will continue to issue 
    guidance regarding confirmation processes. Any guidelines will be 
    issued in accordance with applicable requirements of the Administrative 
    Procedure Act. As stated in the preamble to the NPRM, after evaluating 
    various confirmation processes, it is our ultimate plan to develop 
    regulations governing confirmation processes.
        Change: None.
    
    Sections 682.402 and 685.215--Unpaid Refund Discharge
    
        Comment: One commenter representing a guaranty agency suggested 
    that the use of the term ``initial determination'' in the provision 
    that describes the additional documentation a borrower must provide 
    when requesting a review of a guaranty agency's determination on an 
    unpaid refund discharge request could be problematic if the borrower 
    appeals the guaranty agency's decision more than once. The commenter 
    believed that the wording of the proposed regulation could leave a 
    guaranty agency vulnerable to repeatedly having to examine the same 
    documentation submitted on second and subsequent appeals. The commenter 
    requested that we change the term ``initial determination'' to ``any 
    prior determination'' to clarify that in all cases a borrower may only 
    appeal a determination when the borrower has new documentation that was 
    not previously reviewed by the guaranty agency.
        Discussion: We agree with the commenter.
        Change: We have revised Sec. 682.402(l)(5)(vii)(A) to reflect that 
    a borrower may request a review of a guaranty agency's prior 
    determination on an unpaid refund discharge request only if the 
    borrower has additional documentation supporting the borrower's 
    eligibility that was not considered in any prior determination.
        Comment: None.
        Discussion: We have identified an inadvertent omission in the 
    provisions governing how a guaranty agency or the Secretary would 
    determine the amount eligible for discharge in cases in which 
    information showing the exact refund amount that was not made by the 
    school or the refund formula that should have been used by the school 
    to calculate a refund is not available. The guaranty agency or the 
    Secretary would use one of two surrogate formulas to calculate the 
    amount eligible for discharge depending on when the student failed to 
    attend, withdrew, or was terminated. In the proposed regulations, both 
    surrogate formulas neglected to take into account that, according to 
    refund policy, borrowers who completed 60 percent or more of the loan 
    period would not have been entitled to a refund and in turn would not 
    be eligible for an unpaid refund discharge.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.402(o)(2) and 685.215(d)(2) to 
    correctly reflect in the surrogate formulas used to determine discharge 
    amounts that borrowers who completed 60 percent or more of the loan 
    period would not be eligible for an unpaid refund discharge.
    
    Sections 682.603, 682.604, 685.301, and 685.303--Disbursement 
    Exemptions
    
        Comment: Commenters representing FFEL guaranty agencies suggested 
    that we change the proposed regulations to reflect that a school must 
    cease to certify or originate loans based on authorized cohort default 
    rate related disbursement exemptions no later than 30 days after the 
    date the school receives notification that the school does not meet the 
    qualifications for the exemptions rather than 30 days after the date 
    the school is notified that it does not meet the qualifications for the 
    exemptions. The commenters believe that the phrase ``receives 
    notification'' is preferable to the phrase ``is notified'' because it 
    eliminates issues of timing.
        Discussion: In either case, schools would have more than ample time 
    within which to comply with the provision. However, making the change 
    the commenters requested would be consistent with the regulations in 
    Sec. 668.17 governing cohort default rates and which use the date the 
    school receives the notification.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.603(g), 685.301(b)(8)(ii), and 
    685.303(b)(4)(ii) to reflect that a school must cease to certify or 
    originate loans based on authorized cohort default rate related 
    disbursement exemptions no later than 30 days after the date the school 
    receives notification from the Secretary of an FFEL cohort default 
    rate, Direct Loan cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate that 
    causes the school to longer meet the qualifications for the exemptions.
        Comment: One commenter representing a guaranty agency requested 
    that we clarify what we mean by the term ``study abroad program'' in 
    the provisions describing the disbursement exemptions that apply to 
    schools certifying or originating loans to cover a student's cost of 
    attendance in a study abroad program. Another commenter representing 
    FFEL servicers suggested that we change the term ``postsecondary home 
    school'' to ``home institution.'' The commenter stated that the term 
    ``home school,'' even in conjunction with the term ``postsecondary,'' 
    is misleading and suggested that we use the term ``home institution'' 
    because it has a long established meaning for purposes of student 
    financial assistance in connection with approved study abroad programs 
    in Sec. 682.207(b)(1)(v)(C). A third commenter representing a higher 
    education association that promotes study abroad programs stated that 
    there is confusion over the applicability of the disbursement 
    exemptions for schools certifying or originating loans to cover the 
    cost of attendance in study abroad programs. Specifically, the 
    commenter requested that we clarify that schools certifying or 
    originating loans to cover the cost of attendance in study abroad 
    programs may qualify for disbursement exemptions under either of the 
    two cohort default rate criteria included in the proposed regulations.
        Discussion: The disbursement exemption provisions govern all 
    participating schools that meet specific criteria. Included under these 
    provisions are schools certifying or originating loans to cover the 
    cost of attendance for students participating in study abroad programs. 
    As pointed out by one of the commenters, these schools have been 
    consistently referred to in regulations as ``home institutions.'' 
    Students in study abroad programs complete a portion or portions of 
    their study in a country other than the United States.
        The commenter representing a higher education association that 
    promotes study abroad programs is correct that a school that is a home 
    institution certifying or originating a loan to cover the cost of 
    attendance in a study abroad program may qualify for the multiple 
    disbursement and delayed disbursement or delivery exemptions based on 
    either of the two cohort default rate criteria included in the proposed 
    regulations. Under the multiple disbursement exemption, the school 
    would be eligible to disburse loan proceeds in one installment if--
    
    [[Page 58950]]
    
         The loan period is equal to or shorter than one semester, 
    one trimester, one quarter, or, for nonterm-based schools or schools 
    that use non-standard terms, four months; and
         The school has an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan 
    Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than 10 
    percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data 
    are available.
    
    Additionally, the school would be eligible to disburse loan proceeds in 
    one installment to cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad 
    program for a loan period of any length if the school has an FFEL 
    cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted 
    average cohort rate of less than 5 percent for the single most recent 
    fiscal year for which data are available. Under the exemption for 
    delayed delivery or for disbursement for first-year, first-time 
    borrowers, a school certifying or originating a loan to cover the cost 
    of attendance in a study abroad program may deliver or disburse loan 
    proceeds to first-year, first-time borrowers without a 30-day delay 
    if--
         The school has an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan 
    Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than 10 
    percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data 
    are available; or
         The school has an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan 
    Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than 5 
    percent for the single most recent fiscal year for which data are 
    available.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.604(c)(5), 682.604(c)(10), 
    685.301(b)(8)(i)(B), and 685.303(b)(4)(i)(B) to reflect consistent use 
    of the term ``home institution'' when referring to a school certifying 
    or originating a loan to cover a student's cost of attendance in a 
    study abroad program.
        Comment: To be consistent with statutory language, commenters 
    representing guaranty agencies recommended that we replace the term 
    ``loan period'' with the term ``enrollment period'' in the regulation 
    that specifies the conditions for an exemption to the multiple 
    disbursement requirement for schools with an FFEL cohort default rate, 
    Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate of 
    less than 10 percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for 
    which data are available. Another commenter representing a guaranty 
    agency suggested that we clarify in the same provision that the 
    reference to a loan period that is four months in length applies only 
    to non term-based schools.
        Discussion: While the commenters are correct that statute uses the 
    term ``enrollment period,'' we have used the term ``loan period'' to be 
    consistent with the wording in the other provisions of the FFEL and 
    Direct Loan program regulations into which this provision has been 
    added and therefore, decline to make the commenters' suggested change. 
    We also note that the terms ``enrollment period'' and ``loan period'' 
    are interchangeable.
        We agree with the suggestion that we clarify that loan periods that 
    are four months or less in length apply in the case of non term-based 
    schools. We also note that this provision would apply to schools that 
    use non-standard terms.
        Change: We have revised Secs. 682.604(c)(10)(i)(A) and 
    685.301(b)(8)(i)(A)(1) to reflect that loan periods that are four 
    months or less in length apply in the case of non term-based schools 
    and schools that use non-standard terms.
    
    Sections 682.604 and 685.304--Counseling Borrowers
    
        Comment: A commenter representing a guaranty agency requested that 
    the proposed regulations be changed to reflect that schools are not 
    required to conduct exit counseling with all student borrowers. The 
    commenter maintained that only student borrowers who have a loan or 
    loans entering repayment when the borrower ceases at least half-time 
    enrollment are required to complete exit counseling and that borrowers 
    who return to school but do not receive a new loan or loans are not 
    subject to required exit counseling. This same commenter also suggested 
    that the final regulations should allow a school to conduct exit 
    counseling by mail at the request of a student borrower. The commenter 
    believed that such a provision would accommodate student borrowers who 
    know in advance that they will not be able to fulfill the exit 
    counseling requirement.
        Discussion: The commenter is correct in pointing out that there may 
    be student borrowers in a school's population who reenroll in school 
    after they have entered repayment on their subsidized and unsubsidized 
    loans, and who do not obtain new subsidized and unsubsidized loans. 
    While it's true that these student borrowers already have entered 
    repayment on their subsidized and unsubsidized loans, we believe that 
    it would be beneficial for most student borrowers in this position to 
    complete exit counseling again because they would receive up-to-date 
    repayment information and refresh their knowledge about options such as 
    forbearance, deferment, and consolidation. However, we acknowledge that 
    it may not be possible for schools to identify these student borrowers. 
    We believe that the regulations offer the flexibility to permit schools 
    that can identify these student borrowers and choose to require exit 
    counseling for these borrowers to do so.
        We do not agree with the commenter's suggestion that schools should 
    be allowed to mail counseling materials to student borrowers at their 
    request. While we appreciate that attending an in-person exit 
    counseling session may be difficult for some student borrowers, we 
    believe that allowing them the option to forgo participating in exit 
    counseling conducted by their schools in person, by audiovisual 
    presentation, or by interactive electronic means conflicts with the 
    statute. The variety of authorized exit counseling methods provides 
    schools with the necessary flexibility to accommodate the specific 
    needs of their student population and meet the statutory requirements. 
    Further, an alternative to conducting exit counseling in person, by 
    audiovisual presentation, or by interactive electronic means is allowed 
    for two categories of student borrowers who generally may not be able 
    to complete exit counseling through one of the authorized methods. 
    Schools may mail written counseling materials to student borrowers who 
    are enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program 
    approved for credit at the home institution. Schools also may provide 
    exit counseling either through interactive electronic means or by 
    mailing written counseling materials to student borrowers who withdraw 
    without a school's knowledge or who fail to complete the exit 
    counseling.
        Change: None.
        Comment: We received several comments related to schools providing 
    exit counseling through interactive electronic means. One commenter 
    representing a school requested that we reexamine the requirement that 
    counseling through electronic means be interactive. The commenter 
    believed that this was a very high standard and expressed uncertainty 
    as to how electronically the school could ensure that the student 
    borrower did anything more than open the message. This same commenter 
    also requested that we explain what we mean by ``electronic receipt'' 
    and questioned its necessity when a receipt is not required if a school 
    sends counseling materials via U.S. mail. Another commenter 
    representing a school recommended that student borrowers should have 
    some allowance for errors in the final evaluation of whether or not 
    they have successfully completed exit counseling
    
    [[Page 58951]]
    
    through interactive electronic means. A third commenter representing 
    another school suggested that we should provide web-based exit 
    counseling for FFEL and Direct Loan program borrowers that would be 
    linked to the NSLDS. In the commenter's proposal, student borrowers 
    would benefit by being presented with a more complete and accurate 
    picture of their total loan indebtedness and borrowers and schools 
    would benefit by being relieved of the burdens of completing, 
    collecting, and submitting the required personal data.
        Discussion: As we discussed in the preamble to the NPRM, we 
    purposely did not prescribe specific electronic means by which schools 
    can provide initial and exit counseling to FFEL and Direct Loan program 
    borrowers. During negotiated rulemaking, committee members representing 
    schools pointed out that there were many different electronic means 
    that schools could use to provide counseling and that new and improved 
    electronic means are continually becoming available. At the same time, 
    the committee agreed that it was important to ensure that the quality 
    of the counseling that schools provide to student borrowers is enhanced 
    rather than diminished by advancing technology. For these reasons, the 
    proposed regulations specified that the electronic means a school uses 
    to provide initial and exit counseling must be interactive, which at a 
    minimum, requires a school to take reasonable steps to ensure that each 
    student borrower receives the counseling materials and participates in 
    and completes the counseling.
        We believe that electronic counseling is equivalent to counseling 
    that a school conducts in person--it is not equivalent to mailing 
    written counseling materials, which is authorized as an alternative 
    only in specific situations. Therefore, we do not consider it 
    sufficient simply to ensure that the student borrower received and 
    ``opened'' an electronic message that contained loan counseling 
    materials. At the same time, we do not want to dictate to schools how 
    they must design their electronic counseling so as to fulfill the 
    regulatory requirement that the counseling be interactive other than to 
    say that, by definition, the term ``interactive'' implies that feedback 
    is provided by the student borrower at some point or points during the 
    course of the counseling.
        In response to the questions about electronic receipts, we would 
    like to clarify that any time a school conducts initial and exit 
    counseling by interactive electronic means, the school's documentation 
    that it fulfilled the initial and exit counseling requirements for each 
    student borrower must include proof that the borrower received the 
    materials. As stated in the preamble to the NPRM, this does not mean 
    that the school must receive a personal response from the student 
    borrower. Instead, the school can accept an automatic electronic 
    response acknowledging that the materials were received by the person 
    to whom they were addressed. These automatic electronic responses, 
    often called ``receipts,'' are a feature of most electronic mail 
    systems and are returned automatically to the sender when the recipient 
    receives the message. As discussed during negotiated rulemaking, it is 
    necessary to require proof that the student borrower received the 
    materials sent electronically because, unlike materials sent via U.S. 
    mail, there is no basic legal assumption that materials sent via 
    electronic mail are delivered to the person to whom the materials were 
    addressed.
        We appreciate the interesting proposal for improving electronic 
    exit counseling submitted by one of the school commenters. As we work 
    to improve and integrate our systems, as well as service to our 
    customers, we will consider the commenter's proposal that we provide 
    web-based exit counseling for FFEL and Direct Loan program borrowers 
    that would be linked to NSLDS.
        Change: None.
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        We have reviewed these final regulations in accordance with 
    Executive Order 12866. Under the terms of this order, we have assessed 
    the potential costs and benefits of this regulatory action.
        The potential costs associated with the final regulations are those 
    resulting from statutory requirements and those we have determined to 
    be necessary for administering these programs effectively and 
    efficiently.
        In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
    and qualitative--of these final regulations, we have determined that 
    the benefits of the regulations would justify the costs.
        We have also determined that this regulatory action would not 
    unduly interfere with State, local, and tribal governments in the 
    exercise of their governmental functions.
        We summarized the potential costs and benefits of these final 
    regulations on pages 43438 and 43439 in the preamble to the NPRM.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    
        The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 does not require you to respond 
    to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control 
    number. We display the valid OMB control numbers assigned to the 
    collections of information in these final regulations at the end of the 
    affected sections of the regulations.
    
    Assessment of Educational Impact
    
        In the NPRM, we requested comments on whether the proposed 
    regulations would require transmission of information that any other 
    agency or authority of the United States gathers or makes available.
        Based on the response to the NPRM and on our review, we have 
    determined that these final regulations do not require transmission of 
    information that any other agency or authority of the United States 
    gathers or makes available.
    
    Electronic Access to This Document
    
        You may view this document in text or Adobe Portable Document 
    Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following sites:
    
    http://ocfo.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
    http://www.ed.gov/legislation/HEA/rulemaking/
    http://ifap.ed.gov/csb__html/fedlreg.htm
    
    To use the PDF you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with 
    Search, which is available free at the first of the previous sites. If 
    you have questions about using the PDF, call the U.S. Government 
    Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the 
    Washington, D.C., area at (202) 512-1530.
    
        Note: The official version of this document is the document 
    published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
    official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
    Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://
    www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html
    
    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.032, Federal 
    Family Education Loan Program, and 84.268, William D. Ford Federal 
    Direct Loan Program)
    
    List of Subjects in 34 CFR Parts 682 and 685
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Colleges and universities, 
    Education, Loan programs-education, Reporting and recordkeeping 
    requirements, Student aid, Vocational education.
    
    
    [[Page 58952]]
    
    
    Richard W. Riley,
    Secretary of Education.
    
        For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Secretary amends 
    title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising parts 682 and 
    685 as follows:
    
    PART--682 FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN (FFEL) PROGRAM
    
        1. The authority citation for part 682 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1071 to 1087-2, unless otherwise noted.
    
    
    Sec. 682.100  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 682.100 paragraph (a)(2) is amended by removing 
    ``encourages'', and by adding, in its place, ``encouraged''; in 
    paragraph (a)(4) by removing ``other loans, including loans:,'', and by 
    adding, in its place, ``loans''; by removing ``and'' before 
    ``Nursing''; and by adding ``including Loans for Disadvantaged Students 
    (LDS)'', after ``(HPSL)''.
        3. Section 682.100 paragraph (b)(2)(C) is amended by removing the 
    semi-colon before ``as''.
        4. Section 682.102 paragraph (a) is revised; paragraph (b) is 
    removed and reserved; paragraph (d) is revised; and the Office of 
    Management and Budget control number is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 682.102  Obtaining and repaying a loan.
    
        (a) Stafford loan application. Generally, to obtain a Stafford loan 
    a student requests a loan by completing the Free Application for 
    Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or contacting the school, lender or 
    guarantor. The school determines and certifies the student's 
    eligibility for the loan. Prior to loan disbursement, the lender 
    obtains a loan guarantee from a guaranty agency or the Secretary and 
    the student completes a promissory note, unless the student has 
    previously completed a Master Promissory Note (MPN) that the lender may 
    use for the new loan.
        (b) [Reserved]
    * * * * *
        (d) Consolidation loan application. To obtain a Consolidation loan, 
    a borrower completes an application and submits it to the lender 
    holding the borrower's FFEL Program loan or loans. If the borrower has 
    multiple holders of FFEL Program loans, or if the borrower's single 
    loan holder declines to make a Consolidation loan, or declines to make 
    one with income-sensitive repayment terms, the borrower may submit the 
    application to any lender participating in the Consolidation Loan 
    Program. In the case of a married couple seeking a Consolidation loan, 
    if at least one of the applicants has multiple holders, the applicants 
    may submit the application to any lender participating in the 
    Consolidation Loan Program. If both applicants have a single holder, 
    only the holder for one of the applicants must be contacted for 
    consolidation. If a lender decides to make the loan, the lender obtains 
    a loan guarantee from a guaranty agency or the Secretary.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
    
    Sec. 682.103  [Amended]
    
        5. Section 682.103 paragraph (a) is amended by removing the first 
    use of the term ``programs''.
        6. Section 682.200(b) is amended as follows:
        A. By amending the definitions of Default by revising paragraphs 
    (1) and (2); Estimated financial assistance by revising paragraphs 
    (1)(i), (2)(i)(B) and (C), and (2)(ii) and by adding (2)(iii).
        B. By revising the definition of Holder.
        C. In the definition of ``Lender,'' by revising paragraph (5)(i) 
    and by renumbering the second paragraph (5) as paragraph (6).
        D. By adding a new definition ``Master promissory note (MPN)'' in 
    alphabetical order.
        E. In the definition of ``Repayment period,'' in paragraph (1), by 
    adding ``,or 25 years under an extended repayment schedule,'', after 
    ``10 years''; in paragraph (2), by adding ``or 25 years under an 
    extended repayment schedule,'', after ``10 years''; in paragraph (4), 
    by adding ``, or 25 years under an extended repayment schedule'', after 
    ``10 years''.
        F. By adding the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.200  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        Default.
    * * * * *
        (1) 270 days for a loan repayable in monthly installments; or
        (2) 330 days for a loan repayable in less frequent installments.
    * * * * *
        Estimated financial assistance.
        (1) * * *
        (i) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(iii) of this definition, 
    national service education awards or post-service benefits under title 
    I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and veterans' 
    educational benefits paid under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 of title 38 
    of the United States Code;
    * * * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (A) * * *
        (B) PLUS loan amounts; and
        (C) Private and state-sponsored loan programs;
        (ii) Federal Perkins loan and Federal Work-Study funds that the 
    school determines the student has declined; and
        (iii) For the purpose of determining eligibility for a subsidized 
    Stafford loan, veterans' educational benefits paid under chapter 30 of 
    title 38 of the United States Code (Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty) 
    and national service education awards or post-service benefits under 
    title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
    * * * * *
        Holder. An eligible lender owning an FFEL Program loan including a 
    Federal or State agency or an organization or corporation acting on 
    behalf of such an agency and acting as a conservator, liquidator, or 
    receiver of an eligible lender.
    * * * * *
        Lender.
    * * * * *
        (5) * * *
        (i) Offered, directly or indirectly, points, premiums, payments, or 
    other inducements, to any school or other party to secure applicants 
    for FFEL loans, except that a lender is not prohibited from providing 
    assistance to schools comparable to the kinds of assistance provided by 
    the Secretary to schools under, or in furtherance of, the Federal 
    Direct Loan Program.
    * * * * *
        Master promissory note (MPN). A promissory note under which the 
    borrower may receive loans for a single period of enrollment or 
    multiple periods of enrollment.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        7. Section 682.201 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (a)(2).
        B. By revising paragraph (c)(1); in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) by 
    removing ``(c)(1)(vi)'', and by adding in its place, ``(c)(1)(iv)''; 
    and by removing paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4).
        C. By adding a new paragraph (d).
        D. By adding a new paragraph (e).
    
    
    Sec. 682.201  Eligible borrowers.
    
        (a) * * *
        (2) In the case of any student who seeks an unsubsidized Stafford 
    loan for
    
    [[Page 58953]]
    
    the cost of attendance at a school that participates in the Stafford 
    Loan Program, the student must--
        (i) Receive a determination of need for a subsidized Stafford loan; 
    and
        (ii) If the determination of need is in excess of $200, have made a 
    request to a lender for a subsidized Stafford loan;
    * * * * *
        (c) Consolidation program borrower. (1) An individual is eligible 
    to receive a Consolidation loan if the individual--
        (i) On the loans being consolidated--
        (A) Is, at the time of application for a Consolidation loan--
        (1) In a grace period preceding repayment;
        (2) In repayment status;
        (3) In a default status and has either made satisfactory repayment 
    arrangements as defined in applicable program regulations or has agreed 
    to repay the consolidation loan under the income-sensitive repayment 
    plan described in Sec. 682.209(a)(7)(viii);
        (B) Not subject to a judgment secured through litigation, unless 
    the judgment has been vacated; or
        (C) Not subject to an order for wage garnishment under section 488A 
    of the Act, unless the order has been lifted;
        (ii) Certifies that no other application for a Consolidation loan 
    is pending;
        (iii) Agrees to notify the holder of any changes in address; and
        (iv)(A) Certifies that the lender holds at least one outstanding 
    loan that is being consolidated; or
        (B) Applies to any eligible consolidation lender if the borrower--
        (1) Has multiple holders of FFEL loans; or
        (2) Has been unable to receive from the holder of the borrower's 
    outstanding loans, a Consolidation loan or a Consolidation loan with 
    income-sensitive repayment.
    * * * * *
        (d) A borrower's eligibility to receive a Consolidation loan 
    terminates upon receipt of a Consolidation loan except that--
        (1) Eligible loans received prior to the date a Consolidation loan 
    was made and loans received during the 180-day period following the 
    date a Consolidation loan was made, may be added to the Consolidation 
    loan based on the borrower's request received by the lender during the 
    180-day period after the date the Consolidation loan was made;
        (2) A borrower who receives an eligible loan after the date a 
    Consolidation loan is made may receive a subsequent Consolidation loan; 
    and
        (3) A Consolidation loan borrower may consolidate an existing 
    Consolidation loan only if the borrower has at least one other eligible 
    loan made before or after the existing Consolidation loan that will be 
    consolidated.
        (e) In the case of a married couple, the loans of a spouse that are 
    to be included in a Consolidation loan are considered eligible loans 
    for the other spouse.
    
    (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1077, 1078, 1078-1, 1078-2, 1078-3, 1082, and 
    1091)
    
        8. Section 682.202 is amended as follows:
        A. In paragraph (a)(1)(i) by removing ``If'' and by adding, in its 
    place, ``For loans made prior to July 1, 1994, if,''.
        B. In paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) by adding ``and prior to July 1, 
    1994,'' after ``October 1, 1992''.
        C. In paragraph (a)(1)(iii)(A) by removing ``evidencing the loan''.
        D. In paragraph (a)(1)(iv) by adding ``but before December 20, 
    1993,'' after ``October 1, 1992''.
        E. By adding new paragraphs (a)(1)(v) through (a)(1)(viii).
        F. In paragraph (a)(2)(iii) introductory text, by adding ``and 
    prior to July 1, 1994,'' after ``October 1, 1992''.
        G. By adding new paragraphs (a)(2)(iv) and (a)(2)(v).
        H. In paragraph (a)(4) by adding ``(i)'' at the beginning of the 
    sentence before ``A Consolidation'', by adding ``made before July 1, 
    1994'' after ``loan'', by designating paragraph ``(i)'' as ``(A)'', by 
    designating paragraph ``(ii)'' as ``(B)'', by adding new paragraphs 
    (a)(4)(ii) through (a)(4)(v).
        I. In paragraph (b)(1), by removing ``paragraph (b)(2) of''; and by 
    revising paragraph (b)(2).
        J. In paragraph (b)(3) by removing ``, except that 
    capitalization'', and by adding in its place, ``. Capitalization''.
        K. By removing paragraph (b)(5).
        L. By redesignating paragraph (b)(4) as paragraph (b)(5); and by 
    adding a new paragraph (b)(4).
        M. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (b)(5).
        N. By revising paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2).
        O. By redesignating paragraphs (c)(3) through (c)(5) as paragraphs 
    (c)(5) through (c)(7); and by adding new paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4).
        P. In redesignated paragraph (c)(5), by removing, ``an SLS or''.
    
    
    Sec. 682.202  Permissible charges by lenders to borrowers.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (v) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made on 
    or after December 20, 1993 and prior to July 1, 1994, if the borrower, 
    on the date the promissory note is signed, has no outstanding balance 
    on a Stafford loan but has an outstanding balance of principal or 
    interest on a PLUS, SLS, or Consolidation loan, the interest rate is 
    the rate provided in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section.
        (vi) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made 
    on or after July 1, 1994 and prior to July 1, 1995, for a period of 
    enrollment that includes or begins on or after July 1, 1994, the 
    interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each July 1-June 30 
    period, that equals the lesser of--
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned 
    at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 
    1-June 30 period, plus 3.10; or
        (B) 8.25 percent.
        (vii) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made 
    on or after July 1, 1995 and prior to July 1, 1998 the interest rate is 
    a variable rate applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals 
    the lesser of--
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned 
    at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 
    1-June 30 period, plus 2.5 percent during the in-school, grace and 
    deferment period and 3.10 percent during repayment; or
        (B) 8.25 percent.
        (viii) For a Stafford loan for which the first disbursement is made 
    on or after July 1, 1998, the interest rate is a variable rate, 
    applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of--
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned 
    at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 
    1-June 30 period plus 1.7 percent during the in-school, grace and 
    deferment periods and 2.3 percent during repayment; or
        (B) 8.25 percent.
    * * * * *
        (2) * * *
        (iv) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or 
    after July 1, 1994 and prior to July 1, 1998, the interest rate is a 
    variable rate applicable to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the 
    lesser of--
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 52-week Treasury bills 
    auctioned at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately 
    preceding the July 1-June 30 period, plus 3.10 percent; or
        (B) 9 percent.
        (v) For a loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after 
    July 1, 1998, the interest rate is a variable rate, applicable to each 
    July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of--
    
    [[Page 58954]]
    
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned 
    at the final auction prior to the June 1 immediately preceding the July 
    1-June 30 period, plus 3.10 percent; or
        (B) 9 percent.
    * * * * *
        (4) * * *
        (ii) A Consolidation loan made on or after July 1, 1994, for which 
    the loan application was received by the lender before November 13, 
    1997, bears interest at the rate that is equal to the weighted average 
    of interest rates on the loans consolidated, rounded upward to the 
    nearest whole percent.
        (iii) For a Consolidation loan for which the loan application was 
    received by the lender on or after November 13, 1997 and before October 
    1, 1998, the interest rate for the portion of the loan that 
    consolidated loans other than HEAL loans is a variable rate, applicable 
    to each July 1-June 30 period, that equals the lesser of--
        (A) The bond equivalent rate of the 91-day Treasury bills auctioned 
    at the final auction held prior to June 1 of each year plus 3.10 
    percent; or
        (B) 8.25 percent.
        (iv) For a Consolidation loan for which the application was 
    received by the lender on or after October 1, 1998, the interest rate 
    for the portion of the loan that consolidated loans other than HEAL 
    loans is a fixed rate that is the lesser of--
        (A) The weighted average of interest rates on the loans 
    consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher one-eighth of one percent; 
    or
        (B) 8.25 percent.
        (v) For a Consolidation loan for which the application was received 
    by the lender on or after November 13, 1997, the annual interest rate 
    applicable to the portion of each consolidation loan that repaid HEAL 
    loans is a variable rate adjusted annually on July 1 and must be equal 
    to the average of the bond equivalent rates of the 91-day Treasury 
    bills auctioned for the quarter ending June 30, plus 3 percent. There 
    is no maximum rate on this portion of the loan.
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, a 
    lender may capitalize interest payable by the borrower that has 
    accrued--
        (i) For the period from the date the first disbursement was made to 
    the beginning date of the in-school period;
        (ii) For the in-school or grace periods, or for a period needed to 
    align repayment of an SLS with a Stafford loan, if capitalization is 
    expressly authorized by the promissory note (or with the written 
    consent of the borrower);
        (iii) For a period of authorized deferment;
        (iv) For a period of authorized forbearance; or
        (v) For the period from the date the first installment payment was 
    due until it was made.
    * * * * *
        (4)(i) For unsubsidized Stafford loans disbursed on or after 
    October 7, 1998 and prior to July 1, 2000, the lender may capitalize 
    the unpaid interest that accrues on the loan according to the 
    requirements of section 428H(e)(2) of the Act.
        (ii) For Stafford loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2000, 
    the lender may capitalize the unpaid interest--
        (A) When the loan enters repayment;
        (B) At the expiration of a period of authorized deferment;
        (C) At the expiration of a period of authorized forbearance; and
        (D) When the borrower defaults.
        (5) For any borrower in an in-school or grace period or the period 
    needed to align repayment, deferment, or forbearance status, during 
    which the Secretary does not pay interest benefits and for which the 
    borrower has agreed to make payments of interest, the lender may 
    capitalize past due interest provided that the lender has notified the 
    borrower that the borrower's failure to resolve any delinquency 
    constitutes the borrower's consent to capitalization of delinquent 
    interest and all interest that will accrue through the remainder of 
    that period.
        (c) Fees for FFEL Program loans.
        (1) A lender may charge a borrower an origination fee on a Stafford 
    loan not to exceed 3 percent of the principal amount of the loan. 
    Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a lender must 
    charge all borrowers the same origination fee.
        (2)(i) A lender may charge a lower origination fee than the amount 
    specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section to a borrower whose 
    expected family contribution (EFC), used to determine eligibility for 
    the loan, is equal to or less than the maximum qualifying EFC for a 
    Federal Pell Grant at the time the loan is certified or to a borrower 
    who qualifies for a subsidized Stafford loan. A lender must charge all 
    such borrowers the same origination fee.
        (ii) With the approval of the Secretary, a lender may use a 
    standard comparable to that defined in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this 
    section.
        (3) If a lender charges a lower origination fee on unsubsidized 
    loans under paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, the lender must 
    charge the same fee on subsidized loans.
        (4)(i) For purposes of this paragraph (c), a lender is defined as:
        (A) All entities under common ownership, including ownership by a 
    common holding company, that make loans to borrowers in a particular 
    state; and
        (B) Any beneficial owner of loans that provides funds to an 
    eligible lender trustee to make loans on the beneficial owner's behalf 
    in a particular state.
        (ii) If a lender as defined in paragraph(c)(4)(i) charges a lower 
    origination fee to any borrower in a particular state under paragraphs 
    (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, the lender must charge all such 
    borrowers who reside in that state or attend school in that state the 
    same origination fee.
    * * * * *
        9. Section 682.204 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e).
        B. In paragraph (f)(2)(i) by adding ``the following'', after 
    ``exceed''.
        C. In paragraph (f)(2)(ii) by adding ``the following'' after 
    ``exceed''.
        D. In paragraph (f)(2)(ii)(B) by removing ``and'', and by adding, 
    in its place, ``or''.
        E. In paragraph (j), by removing the first ``or'' before ``HEAL''.
    
    
    Sec. 682.204  Maximum loan amounts.
    
        (a) Stafford Loan Program annual limits. (1) In the case of an 
    undergraduate student who has not successfully completed the first year 
    of a program of undergraduate education, the total amount the student 
    may borrow for any academic year of study under the Stafford Loan 
    Program in combination with the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan 
    Program may not exceed the following:
        (i) $2,625 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (ii) For a one-year program of study with less than a full academic 
    year remaining, the amount that is the same ratio to $2,625 as the--
    
    [[Page 58955]]
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.009
    
    
        (iii) For a program of study that is less than a full academic year 
    in length, the amount that is the same ratio to $2,625 as the lesser of 
    the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.010
    
        (2) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the 
    first year of an undergraduate program but has not successfully 
    completed the second year of an undergraduate program, the total amount 
    the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the 
    Stafford Loan Program in combination with the Federal Direct Stafford/
    Ford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
        (i) $3,500 for a program whose length is at least a full academic 
    year in length.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $3,500 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.011
    
        (3) In the case of an undergraduate student who has successfully 
    completed the first and second years of a program of study of 
    undergraduate education but has not successfully completed the 
    remainder of the program, the total amount the student may borrow for 
    any academic year of study under the Stafford Loan Program in 
    combination with the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program may not 
    exceed the following:
        (i) $5,500 for a program whose length is at least an academic year 
    in length.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $5,500 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.012
    
        (4) In the case of a student who has an associate or baccalaureate 
    degree that is required for admission into a program and who is not a 
    graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may 
    borrow for any academic year of study may not exceed the amounts in 
    paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
        (5) In the case of a graduate or professional student, the total 
    amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the 
    Stafford Loan Program, in combination with any amount borrowed under 
    the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program, may not exceed $8,500.
        (6) In the case of a student enrolled for no longer than one 
    consecutive 12-month period in a course of study necessary for 
    enrollment in a program leading to a degree or certificate, the total 
    amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the 
    Stafford Loan Program in combination with the Federal Direct Stafford/
    Ford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
        (i) $2,625 for coursework necessary for enrollment in an 
    undergraduate degree or certificate program.
        (ii) $5,500 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a graduate 
    or professional degree or certificate program for a student who has 
    obtained a baccalaureate degree.
        (7) In the case of a student who has obtained a baccalaureate 
    degree and is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in coursework 
    necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State 
    that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or 
    secondary school in that State, the total amount the student may borrow 
    for any academic year of study under the Stafford Loan Program in 
    combination with the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program may not 
    exceed $5,500.
        (b) Stafford Loan Program aggregate limits. The aggregate unpaid 
    principal amount of all Stafford Loan Program loans in combination with 
    loans received by the student under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford 
    Loan Program, but excluding the amount of capitalized interest may not 
    exceed the following:
        (1) $23,000 in the case of any student who has not successfully 
    completed a program of study at the undergraduate level.
        (2) $65,500, in the case of a graduate or professional student, 
    including loans for undergraduate study.
        (c) Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. (1) In the case of a 
    dependent undergraduate student, the total amount the student may 
    borrow for any period of study under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan 
    Program in combination with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/
    Ford Loan Program is the same as the amount determined under paragraph 
    (a) of this section, less any amount received under the Stafford Loan 
    Program or the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program.
        (2) In the case of an independent undergraduate student, a graduate 
    or
    
    [[Page 58956]]
    
    professional student, or certain dependent undergraduate students, the 
    total amount the student may borrow for any period of enrollment under 
    the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and Federal Direct Unsubsidized 
    Stafford/Ford Loan programs may not exceed the amounts determined under 
    paragraph (a) of this section less any amount received under the 
    Federal Stafford Loan Program or the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan 
    Program, in combination with the amounts determined under paragraph (d) 
    of this section.
        (d) Additional eligibility under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan 
    Program. In addition to any amount borrowed under paragraphs (a) and 
    (c) of this section, an independent undergraduate student, graduate or 
    professional student, and certain dependent undergraduate students may 
    borrow additional amounts under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. 
    The additional amount that such a student may borrow under the 
    Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program in combination with the Federal 
    Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program, in addition to the 
    amounts allowed under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section for any 
    academic year of study--
        (1) In the case of a student who has not successfully completed the 
    first year of a program of undergraduate education, may not exceed the 
    following:
        (i) $4,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year.
        (ii) For a one-year program of study with less than a full academic 
    year remaining, the amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.013
    
        (iii) For a program of study that is less than a full academic year 
    in length, an amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the lesser 
    of--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.014
    
        (2) In the case of a student who has completed the first year of a 
    program of undergraduate education but has not successfully completed 
    the second year of a program of undergraduate education may not exceed 
    the following:
        (i) $4,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.015
    
        (3) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the 
    second year of a program of undergraduate education, but has not 
    completed the remainder of the program, may not exceed the following:
        (i) $5,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $5,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.016
    
        (4) In the case of a student who has an associate or baccalaureate 
    degree that is required for admission into a program and who is not a 
    graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may 
    borrow for any academic year of study may not exceed the amounts in 
    paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
        (5) In the case of a graduate or professional student, may not 
    exceed $10,000.
        (6) In the case of a student enrolled for no longer than one 
    consecutive 12-month period in a course of study necessary for 
    enrollment in a program leading to a degree or a certificate may not 
    exceed the following:
        (i) $4,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in an 
    undergraduate degree or certificate program.
        (ii) $5,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a graduate 
    or professional degree or certificate program for a student who has 
    obtained a baccalaureate degree.
        (iii) In the case of a student who has obtained a baccalaureate 
    degree and is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program 
    necessary for a professional credential or a certification from a State 
    that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or 
    secondary school in that State, $5,000.
        (e) Combined Federal Stafford, SLS and Federal Unsubsidized 
    Stafford Loan Program aggregate limits. The aggregate unpaid principal 
    amount of Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans, 
    Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford 
    Loans and SLS Loans, but
    
    [[Page 58957]]
    
    excluding the amount of capitalized interest, may not exceed the 
    following:
        (1) $46,000 for an undergraduate student.
        (2) $138,500 for a graduate or professional student.
    * * * * *
        10. Section 682.206 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (a)(1).
        B. By removing ``on the application form or data electronically 
    transmitted to the lender'' in paragraph (c)(1).
        C. By revising paragraph (c)(2).
        D. By removing paragraph (c)(3).
        E. By revising paragraph (d)(1).
        F. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.206  Due diligence in making a loan.
    
        (a) General. (1) Loan-making duties include determining the 
    borrower's loan amount, approving the borrower for a loan, explaining 
    to the borrower his or her rights and responsibilities under the loan, 
    and completing and having the borrower sign the promissory note (except 
    with respect to subsequent loans made under an MPN).
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) Except in the case of a Consolidation loan, in determining the 
    amount of the loan to be made, in no case may the loan amount exceed 
    the lesser of the amount the borrower requests, the amount certified by 
    the school under Sec. 682.603, or the loan limits under Sec. 682.204.
    * * * * *
        (d)(1) The lender must ensure that each loan is supported by an 
    executed legally-enforceable promissory note as proof of the borrower's 
    indebtedness.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        11. Section 682.207 is amended as follows:
        A. In paragraph (b)(1)(v)(B)(3), by removing ``eligible 
    institution'', and by adding, in its place, ``institution of higher 
    education''.
        B. By revising the introductory sentence in paragraph (c).
        C. By removing paragraph (c)(5).
        D. By redesignating paragraph (c)(4) as paragraph (d).
        E. By redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (f).
        F. By adding a new paragraph (e).
        G. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (f).
        H. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.207  Due diligence in disbursing a loan.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a lender 
    must disburse any Stafford or PLUS loan in accordance with the 
    disbursement schedule provided by the school as follows:
    * * * * *
        (e) A lender must disburse the loan in one installment if the 
    school submits a schedule for disbursement of loan proceeds in one 
    installment as authorized by Sec. 682.604(c)(10).
        (f)(1) A lender may disburse loan proceeds after the student has 
    ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis only if--
        (i) The school certified the borrower's loan eligibility before the 
    date the student became ineligible and the loan funds will be used to 
    pay educational costs that the school determines the student incurred 
    for the period in which the student was enrolled and eligible;
        (ii) The student completed the first 30 days of his or her program 
    of study if the student was a first-year, first-time borrower as 
    described in Sec. 682.604(c)(5); and (iii) In the case of a second or 
    subsequent disbursement, the student graduated or successfully 
    completed the period of enrollment for which the loan was intended.
        (2) The lender must give notice to the school that the loan 
    proceeds have been disbursed in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of 
    this section at the time the lender sends the loan proceeds to the 
    school.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        12. Section 682.209 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (a)(4).
        B. By redesignating paragraphs (a)(6), (a)(7), and (a)(8) as 
    paragraphs (a)(7), (a)(8), and (a)(9), respectively.
        C. By adding a new paragraph (a)(6).
        D. In the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(i)(B), by removing 
    ``Sec. 682.211(j)(5)'', and adding, in its place, 
    ``Sec. 682.211(i)(5)''.
        E. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(iii).
        F. In the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(v), by removing 
    ``(a)(6)(vi)'' and adding, in its place, ``(a)(7)(vi)''.
        G. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(v)(A) by removing 
    ``income-sensitive or a graduated repayment'', and adding, in its 
    place, ``income-sensitive, a graduated, or if applicable, an extended 
    repayment''.
        H. In the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(v)(B), by removing 
    ``(a)(6)(viii)(C)'', and adding, in its place, ``(a)(7)(viii)(C)''.
        I. In the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(vii)(A)(2), by 
    removing, ``(a)(6)(i)'', and by adding, in its place, ``(a)(7)(i)''.
        J. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(viii)(A)(2), and by 
    removing ``(a)(6)(i)'', and by adding, in its place, ``(a)(7)(i)''.
        K. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(viii)(D), by removing 
    ``Sec. Sec. 682.211(j)(5)'', and by adding, in its place, 
    ``Sec. 682.211(i)(5)''.
        L. In newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(viii)(E), by removing 
    ``(a)(7)'', and by adding, in its place, ``(a)(8)''.
        M. By redesignating paragraph (a)(7)(ix) as paragraph (a)(7)(xi).
        N. By adding new paragraphs (a)(7)(ix) and (x).
        O. In the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(8)(i), by removing 
    ``(a)(7)(ii)'', and by adding, in its place ``(a)(8)(ii)''; by adding, 
    ``and except as provided in paragraph (a)(7)(ix)'', after ``section,''; 
    by adding, ``or 25 years under an extended repayment plan'' after ``10 
    years,''.
        P. In newly redesignated paragraph ``(a)(8)(ii)'', by removing 
    ``and 15-year'', and by adding, in its place, ``15- and 25-year''.
        Q. In the newly redesignated paragraph ``(a)(8)(iv)'', by removing 
    ``(a)(7)(iii)'', and by adding, in its place, ``(a)(8)(iii)''.
        R. By revising paragraph (c)(1)(i).
        S. In paragraph (e)(2)(i), by adding, ``as appropriate'' after 
    ``(3)(ii)''.
        T. In paragraph (e)(2)(ii), by removing ``(a)(7)(i)'', and adding, 
    in its place, ``(a)(8)(i)''.
        U. In paragraph (f)(2)(ii), by removing ``(a)(7)(i)'', and adding, 
    in its place, ``(a)(8)(i)''.
        V. By removing paragraph (h)(3); by redesignating paragraphs 
    (h)(4), (h)(5), and (h)(6), as paragraphs (h)(3), (h)(4), and (h)(5), 
    respectively; by revising the newly redesignated paragraph (h)(3); and 
    by removing redesignated paragraph (h)(4)(ii) and redesignating 
    paragraph (h)(4)(iii) as paragraph (h)(4)(ii).
        W. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.209  Repayment of a loan.
    
        (a) * * *
        (4) For a borrower of a Stafford loan who is a correspondence 
    student, the grace period specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this 
    section begins on the earliest of--
        (i) The day after the borrower completes the program;
        (ii) The day after withdrawal as determined pursuant to 34 CFR 
    668.22; or
    
    [[Page 58958]]
    
        (iii) 60 days following the last day for completing the program as 
    established by the school.
    * * * * *
        (6) For purposes of establishing the beginning of the repayment 
    period for Stafford and SLS loans, the grace periods referenced in 
    paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) and (a)(3)(i) of this section exclude any period 
    during which a borrower who is a member of a reserve component of the 
    Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code is 
    called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days. Any 
    single excluded period may not exceed three years and includes the time 
    necessary for the borrower to resume enrollment at the next available 
    regular enrollment period. Any Stafford or SLS borrower who is in a 
    grace period when called or ordered to active duty as specified in this 
    paragraph is entitled to a full grace period upon completion of the 
    excluded period.
        (7) * * *
        (iii) Not more than six months prior to the date that the 
    borrower's first payment is due, the lender must offer the borrower a 
    choice of a standard, income-sensitive, graduated, or, if applicable, 
    an extended repayment schedule.
    * * * * *
        (ix) Under an extended repayment schedule, a new borrower whose 
    total outstanding principal and interest in FFEL loans exceed $30,000 
    may repay the loan on a fixed annual repayment amount or a graduated 
    repayment amount for a period that may not exceed 25 years. For 
    purposes of this section, a ``new borrower'' is an individual who has 
    no outstanding principal or interest balance on an FFEL Program loan as 
    of October 7, 1998, or on the date he or she obtains an FFEL Program 
    loan after October 7, 1998.
        (x) A borrower may request a change in the repayment schedule on a 
    loan. The lender must permit the borrower to change the repayment 
    schedule no less frequently than annually.
    * * * * *
        (c) Minimum annual payment. (1)(i) Subject to paragraph (c)(1)(ii) 
    of this section and except as otherwise provided by a graduated, 
    income-sensitive, or extended repayment plan selected by the borrower, 
    during each year of the repayment period, a borrower's total payments 
    to all holders of the borrower's FFEL Program loans must total at least 
    $600 or the unpaid balance of all loans, including interest, whichever 
    amount is less.
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
        (3) For the purpose of paragraph (h)(2) of this section, the unpaid 
    balance on other student loans--
        (i) May not exceed the amount of the Consolidation loan; and
        (ii) With the exception of the defaulted title IV loans on which 
    the borrower has made satisfactory repayment arrangements with the 
    holder of the loan, does not include the unpaid balance on any 
    defaulted loans.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        13. Section 682.210 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraphs (a)(3), (a)(4), and (a)(6)(iv); in 
    paragraph (a)(7) by removing ``180- or 240-day'' and adding, in its 
    place, ``270- or 330-day''.
        B. In paragraph (b)(1)(i), by removing ``(c)(4)'' and adding, in 
    its place, ``(c)(5)''.
        C. By revising paragraph (b)(4).
        D. By revising the heading in paragraph (c); by revising paragraph 
    (c)(1); by redesignating paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) as paragraphs 
    (c)(3) through (c)(5), respectively; and by adding a new paragraph 
    (c)(2).
        E. By revising redesignated paragraph (c)(3).
        F. In redesignated paragraph (c)(4) by removing, ``Stafford, SLS or 
    PLUS'' both times it appears and adding, in its place, ``FFEL'', by 
    removing ``the'', before ``certified'', and by adding, in its place, 
    ``a'', and by removing ``a student'', and by adding, in its place, ``an 
    in-school''.
        G. In redesignated paragraph (c)(5), by adding ``or a PLUS (unless 
    based on the dependent's status)'' after ``Stafford,''.
        H. By revising paragraph (h).
        I. In paragraph (s)(2), by removing the heading, ``Student 
    deferment'', and by adding, in its place, ``In-school deferment''.
        J. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.210  Deferment.
    
        (a) * * *
        (3) Interest accrues and is paid by the borrower during the 
    deferment period and the post-deferment grace period, if applicable, 
    unless interest accrues and is paid by the Secretary for a Stafford 
    loan and for all or a portion of a qualifying Consolidation loan that 
    meets the requirements under Sec. 682.301.
        (4) As a condition for receiving a deferment, except for purposes 
    of paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and (iii) of this section, the borrower must 
    request the deferment, and provide the lender with all information and 
    documents required to establish eligibility for a specific type of 
    deferment.
    * * * * *
        (6) * * *
        (iv) In the case of an in-school deferment, the student's 
    anticipated graduation date as certified by an authorized official of 
    the school; or
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4) For a ``new borrower,'' as defined in paragraph (b)(7) of this 
    section, deferment is authorized during periods when the borrower is 
    engaged in at least half-time study at a school, unless the borrower is 
    not a national of the United States and is pursuing a course of study 
    at a school not located in a State.
    * * * * *
        (c) In-school deferment. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(5) 
    of this section, the lender processes a deferment for full-time study 
    or half-time study at a school, when--
        (i) The borrower submits a request and supporting documentation for 
    a deferment;
        (ii) The lender receives information from the borrower's school 
    about the borrower's eligibility in connection with a new loan; or
        (iii) The lender receives student status information from the 
    borrower's school, either directly or indirectly, indicating that the 
    borrower's enrollment status supports eligibility for a deferment.
        (2) The lender must notify the borrower that a deferment has been 
    granted based on paragraph (c)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section and that 
    the borrower has the option to pay interest that accrues on an 
    unsubsidized FFEL Program loan or to cancel the deferment and continue 
    paying on the loan. The lender must include in the notice an 
    explanation of the consequences of these options.
        (3) The lender must consider a deferment granted on the basis of a 
    certified loan application or other information certified by the school 
    to cover the period lasting until the anticipated graduation date 
    appearing on the application, and as updated by notice or SSCR update 
    to the lender from the school or guaranty agency, unless and until it 
    receives notice that the borrower has ceased the level of study (i.e., 
    full-time or half-time) required for the deferment.
    * * * * *
        (h) Unemployment deferment. (1) A borrower qualifies for an 
    unemployment deferment by providing evidence of eligibility for 
    unemployment benefits to the lender.
    
    [[Page 58959]]
    
        (2) A borrower also qualifies for an unemployment deferment by 
    providing to the lender a written certification--
        (i) Describing the borrower's conscientious search for full-time 
    employment during the preceding six months, except in the case of the 
    initial period of unemployment, including, for each of at least six 
    attempts to secure employment to support the period covered by the 
    certification--
        (A) The name of the employer contacted;
        (B) The employer's address and phone number; and
        (C) The name or title of the person contacted;
        (ii) Setting forth the borrower's latest permanent home address 
    and, if applicable, the borrower's latest temporary address; and
        (iii) Affirming that the borrower has registered with a public or 
    private employment agency, if one is within a 50-mile radius of the 
    borrower's permanent or temporary address, specifying the agency's name 
    and address and date of registration.
        (3) For purposes of obtaining an unemployment deferment under 
    paragraph (h)(2) of this section, the following rules apply:
        (i) A borrower may qualify for an unemployment deferment whether or 
    not the borrower has been previously employed.
        (ii) An unemployment deferment is not justified if the borrower 
    refuses to seek or accept employment in kinds of positions or at salary 
    and responsibility levels for which the borrower feels overqualified by 
    virtue of education or previous experience.
        (iii) Full-time employment involves at least 30 hours of work a 
    week and is expected to last at least three months.
        (iv) A lender may accept, as an alternative to the certification of 
    employer contacts required under paragraph (h)(2)(i) of this section, 
    comparable documentation the borrower has used to meet the requirements 
    of the Unemployment Insurance Service, if it shows the same number of 
    contacts and contains the same information the borrower would be 
    required to provide under this section.
        (4) A lender may not grant a deferment based on a single 
    certification under paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this section beyond 
    the date that is six months after the date the borrower provides 
    evidence of the borrower's eligibility for unemployment insurance 
    benefits under paragraph (h)(1) of this section or the date the 
    borrower provides the written certification under paragraph (h)(2) of 
    this section.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        14. Section 682.211 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (a)(4);
        B. In paragraph (c) by adding, ``the terms of'' after ``writing 
    to''.
        C. By adding a new paragraph (f)(9).
        D. In paragraphs (h)(l) and (h)(2), by removing the word 
    ``written''.
        E. By removing paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B) and designating paragraph 
    (h)(2)(ii)(C) as paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B).
        F. By removing paragraph (h)(3)(ii); by redesignating paragraph 
    (h)(3)(iii) as paragraph (h)(3)(ii); and in redesignated paragraph 
    (h)(3)(ii), by removing ``(h)(2)(ii)(C)'', and by adding, in its place 
    ``(h)(2)(ii)(B)''.
        G. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.211  Forbearance.
    
        (a) * * *
        (4) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(9) of this section, if 
    payments of interest are forborne, they may be capitalized as provided 
    in Sec. 682.202(b).
    * * * * *
        (f) * * *
        (9) For a period not to exceed 60 days necessary for the lender to 
    collect and process documentation supporting the borrower's request for 
    a deferment, forbearance, change in repayment plan, or consolidation 
    loan. Interest that accrues during this period is not capitalized.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        15. Section 682.300 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 682.300  Payments of interest benefits on Stafford and 
    Consolidation loans.
    
        (a) General. The Secretary pays a lender, on behalf of a borrower, 
    a portion of the interest on a subsidized Stafford loan and on all or a 
    portion of a qualifying Consolidation loan that meets the requirements 
    under Sec. 682.301. This payment is known as interest benefits.
    * * * * *
        16. Section 682.301 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (a)(3).
        B. By removing paragraph (a)(4).
        C. By revising paragraphs (b) and (c).
        D. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.301  Eligibility of borrowers for interest benefits on 
    Stafford and Consolidation loans.
    
        (a) * * *
        (3) A Consolidation loan borrower qualifies for interest benefits 
    during authorized periods of deferment on the portion of the loan that 
    does not represent HEAL loans if the loan application was received by 
    the lender--
        (i) On or after January 1, 1993 but prior to August 10, 1993;
        (ii) On or after August 10, 1993, but prior to November 13, 1997 if 
    the loan consolidates only subsidized Stafford loans; and
        (iii) On or after November 13, 1997, for the portion of the loan 
    that repaid subsidized FFEL loans and Direct Subsidized Loans.
        (b) Application for interest benefits. To apply for interest 
    benefits on a Stafford loan, the student, or the school at the 
    direction of the student, must submit a statement to the lender 
    pursuant to Sec. 682.603. The student must qualify for interest 
    benefits if the eligible institution has determined and documented the 
    student's amount of need for a loan based on the student's estimated 
    cost of attendance, estimated financial assistance, and expected family 
    contribution as determined under part F of the Act.
        (c) Use of loan proceeds to replace expected family contribution. A 
    borrower may use the amount of a PLUS, unsubsidized Stafford loan, 
    State sponsored loan, or private program loan obtained for a period of 
    enrollment to replace the expected family contribution for that period 
    of enrollment.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    * * * * *
        17. Section 682.401 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraphs (b)(5)(i) and (ii).
        B. In the heading in paragraph (b)(15), by removing ``Guarantee'', 
    and by adding, in its place, ``Guaranty''.
        C. In paragraph (b)(24), by adding a comma after ``shall''.
        D. By revising paragraph (d)(3).
        E. By designating paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5) as paragraphs (d)(5) 
    and (d)(6), respectively.
        F. By adding a new paragraph (d)(4).
        G. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.401  Basic program agreement.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (5) Borrower responsibilities. (i) The borrower must indicate his 
    or her
    
    [[Page 58960]]
    
    preferred lender on the promissory note or other written or electronic 
    documentation submitted during the loan origination process if he or 
    she has such a preference.
        (ii) The borrower must give the lender, as part of the promissory 
    note or application process for a Stafford or PLUS loan--
        (A) A statement, as described in 34 CFR part 668, that the loan 
    will be used for the cost of the student's attendance;
        (B) A statement from the student authorizing the school to release 
    information relevant to the student's eligibility to borrow or to have 
    a parent borrow on the student's behalf (e.g., the student's enrollment 
    status, financial assistance, and employment records); and
        (C) Information from the school providing the maximum amount that 
    may be borrowed by or on behalf of the student.
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (3) The guaranty agency must use common application forms, 
    promissory notes, Master Promissory Notes (MPN), and other common forms 
    approved by the Secretary.
        (4)(i) The Secretary authorizes the use of the multi-year feature 
    of the MPN--
        (A) For students and parents for attendance at four-year or 
    graduate/professional schools; and
        (B) For students and parents for attendance at other institutions 
    meeting criteria or otherwise designated at the sole discretion of the 
    Secretary.
        (ii) The Secretary may prohibit use of the multi-year feature of 
    the MPN at specific schools described under paragraph (4)(i) of this 
    section under circumstances including, but not limited to, the school 
    being subject to an emergency action or a limitation, suspension, or 
    termination action, or not meeting other performance criteria 
    determined by the Secretary.
        (iii) A borrower attending a school for which the multi-year 
    feature of the MPN has not been authorized must complete a new 
    promissory note for each period of enrollment.
        (iv) Each loan made under an MPN is enforceable in accordance with 
    the terms of the MPN and is eligible for claim payment based on a true 
    and exact copy of such MPN.
        (v) A lender's ability to make additional loans under an MPN will 
    automatically expire upon the earliest of--
        (A) The date the lender receives written notification from the 
    borrower requesting that the MPN no longer be used as the basis for 
    additional loans;
        (B) Twelve months after the date the borrower signed the MPN if no 
    disbursements are issued by the lender under that MPN; or
        (C) Ten years from the date the borrower signed the MPN or the date 
    the lender receives the MPN. However, if a portion of a loan is made on 
    or before 10 years from the signature date, remaining disbursements of 
    that loan may be made.
        (vi) The lender and school must develop and document a confirmation 
    process in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary for 
    loans made under the multi-year feature of the MPN.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        18. Section 682.402 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising the section heading; by revising paragraph (a)(1); 
    in paragraph (a)(3), by adding ``and as provided in paragraph 
    (h)(1)(iv) of this section,'' before ``only''.
        B. In paragraph (f)(1) by removing ``(f) through (m)'', and adding, 
    in its place, ``(h) through (k)''; by revising paragraph (f)(3); in 
    paragraph (f)(5)(i)(B) by adding ``before October 8, 1998'' after 
    ``Code''.
        C. By revising paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii).
        D. In paragraph (h)(1)(i), by removing ``paragraph (g)'', and 
    adding, in its place, ``paragraph (h)''; by adding a new paragraph 
    (h)(1)(iv).
        E. By revising paragraph (i)(1); and by removing paragraph (i)(3) 
    in its entirety.
        F. In paragraph (j)(1)(ii), by removing ``(B)''; and by revising 
    paragraph (j)(1)(iii).
        G. By revising paragraph (k)(1)(i)(A).
        H. By redesignating paragraphs (l) and (m) as paragraphs (r) and 
    (s); and by adding new paragraphs (l) through (q).
        I. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.402  Death, disability, closed school, false certification, 
    unpaid refunds, and bankruptcy payments.
    
        (a) General. (1) Rules governing the payment of claims based on 
    filing for relief in bankruptcy, and discharge of loans due to death, 
    total and permanent disability, attendance at a school that closes, 
    false certification by a school of a borrower's eligibility for a loan, 
    and unpaid refunds by a school are set forth in this section.
    * * * * *
        (f) * * *
        (3) Determination of filing. The lender must determine that a 
    borrower has filed a petition for relief in bankruptcy on the basis of 
    receiving a notice of the first meeting of creditors or other proof of 
    filing provided by the debtor's attorney or the bankruptcy court.
    * * * * *
        (g) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) The original promissory note or a copy of the promissory note 
    certified by the lender as true and accurate.
        (ii) The loan application, if a separate loan application was 
    provided to the lender.
    * * * * *
        (h) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (iv) In reviewing a claim under this section, the issue of 
    confirmation of subsequent loans under an MPN will not be reviewed and 
    a claim will not be denied based on the absence of any evidence 
    relating to confirmation in a particular loan file. However, if a court 
    rules that a loan is unenforceable solely because of the lack of 
    evidence of the confirmation process or processes, insurance benefits 
    must be repaid.
    * * * * *
        (i) Guaranty agency participation in bankruptcy proceedings--(1) 
    Undue hardship claims. (i) In response to a petition filed prior to 
    October 8, 1998 with regard to any bankruptcy proceeding by the 
    borrower for discharge under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) on the grounds of 
    undue hardship, the guaranty agency must, on the basis of reasonably 
    available information, determine whether the first payment on the loan 
    was due more than 7 years (exclusive of any applicable suspension of 
    the repayment period) before the filing of that petition and, if so, 
    process the claim.
        (ii) In all other cases, the guaranty agency must determine whether 
    repayment under either the current repayment schedule or any adjusted 
    schedule authorized under this part would impose an undue hardship on 
    the borrower and his or her dependents.
        (iii) If the guaranty agency determines that repayment would not 
    constitute an undue hardship, the guaranty agency must then determine 
    whether the expected costs of opposing the discharge petition would 
    exceed one-third of the total amount owed on the loan, including 
    principal, interest, late charges, and collection costs.
        (iv) The guaranty agency must use diligence and may assert any 
    defense consistent with its status under applicable law to avoid 
    discharge of the loan. Unless discharge would be more effectively 
    opposed by not taking the following actions, the agency must--
        (A) Oppose the borrower's petition for a determination of 
    dischargeability; and
    
    [[Page 58961]]
    
        (B) If the borrower is in default on the loan, seek a judgment for 
    the amount owed on the loan.
        (v) In opposing a petition for a determination of dischargeability 
    on the grounds of undue hardship, a guaranty agency may agree to 
    discharge of a portion of the amount owed on a loan if it reasonably 
    determines that the agreement is necessary in order to obtain a 
    judgment on the remainder of the loan.
    * * * * *
        (j) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (iii) The entry of an order granting discharge under chapter 12 or 
    13, or confirming a plan of arrangement under chapter 11, unless the 
    court determined that the loan is dischargeable under 11 U.S.C. 
    523(a)(8) on grounds of undue hardship.
    * * * * *
        (k) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (A) A determination by the court that the loan is dischargeable 
    under 11 U.S.C. 523(a)(8) with respect to a proceeding initiated under 
    chapter 7 or chapter 11; or
    * * * * *
        (l) Unpaid refund discharge.
        (1) Unpaid refunds in closed school situations. In the case of a 
    school that has closed, the Secretary reimburses the guarantor of a 
    loan and discharges a former or current borrower's (and any endorser's) 
    obligation to repay that portion of an FFEL Program loan (disbursed on 
    or after January 1, 1986) equal to the refund that should have been 
    made by the school under applicable Federal law and regulations, 
    including this section. Any accrued interest and other charges (late 
    charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums) 
    associated with the unpaid refund are also discharged.
        (2) Unpaid refunds in open school situations. In the case of a 
    school that is open, the guarantor discharges a former or current 
    borrower's (and any endorser's) obligation to repay that portion of an 
    FFEL loan (disbursed on or after January 1, 1986) equal to the amount 
    of the refund that should have been made by the school under applicable 
    Federal law and regulations, including this section, if--
        (i) The borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed) 
    has ceased to attend the school that owes the refund; and
        (ii) The guarantor receives documentation regarding the refund and 
    the borrower and guarantor have been unable to resolve the unpaid 
    refund within 120 days from the date the borrower submits a complete 
    application in accordance with paragraph (l)(4) of this section. Any 
    accrued interest and other charges (late charges, collection costs, 
    origination fees, and insurance premiums) associated with the amount of 
    the unpaid refund amount are also discharged.
        (3) Relief to borrower (and any endorser) following discharge. (i) 
    If a borrower receives a discharge of a portion of a loan under this 
    section, the borrower is reimbursed for any amounts paid in excess of 
    the remaining balance of the loan (including accrued interest, late 
    charges, collection costs, origination fees, and insurance premiums) 
    owed by the borrower at the time of discharge.
        (ii) The holder of the loan reports the discharge of a portion of a 
    loan under this section to all credit reporting agencies to which the 
    holder of the loan previously reported the status of the loan.
        (4) Borrower qualification for discharge. To receive a discharge of 
    a portion of a loan under this section, a borrower must submit a 
    written application to the holder or guaranty agency except as provided 
    in paragraph (l)(5)(iv) of this section. The application requests the 
    information required to calculate the amount of the discharge and 
    requires the borrower to sign a statement swearing to the accuracy of 
    the information in the application. The statement need not be notarized 
    but must be made by the borrower under penalty of perjury. In the 
    statement, the borrower must--
        (i) State that the borrower (or the student on whose behalf a 
    parent borrowed)--
        (A) Received the proceeds of a loan on or after January 1, 1986 to 
    attend a school;
        (B) Did not attend, withdrew, or was terminated from the school 
    within a timeframe that entitled the borrower to a refund; and
        (C) Did not receive the benefit of a refund to which the borrower 
    was entitled either from the school or from a third party, such as a 
    holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program.
        (ii) State whether the borrower has any other application for 
    discharge pending for this loan; and
        (iii) State that the borrower--
        (A) Agrees to provide upon request by the Secretary or the 
    Secretary's designee other documentation reasonably available to the 
    borrower that demonstrates that the borrower meets the qualifications 
    for an unpaid refund discharge under this section; and
        (B) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary or the Secretary's 
    designee in enforcement actions in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
    this section and to transfer any right to recovery against a third 
    party to the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (d) of this 
    section.
        (5) Unpaid refund discharge procedures. (i) Except for the 
    requirements of paragraph (l)(5)(iv) of this section related to an open 
    school, if the holder or guaranty agency learns that a school did not 
    pay a refund of loan proceeds owed under applicable law and 
    regulations, the holder or the guaranty agency sends the borrower a 
    discharge application and an explanation of the qualifications and 
    procedures for obtaining a discharge. The holder of the loan also 
    promptly suspends any efforts to collect from the borrower on any 
    affected loan.
        (ii) If the borrower returns the application, specified in 
    paragraph (l)(4) of this section, the holder or the guaranty agency 
    must review the application to determine whether the application 
    appears to be complete. In the case of a loan held by a lender, once 
    the lender determines that the application appears complete, it must 
    provide the application and all pertinent information to the guaranty 
    agency including, if available, the borrower's last date of attendance. 
    If the borrower returns the application within 60 days, the lender must 
    extend the period during which efforts to collect on the affected loan 
    are suspended to the date the lender receives either a denial of the 
    request or the unpaid refund amount from the guaranty agency. At the 
    conclusion of the period during which the collection activity was 
    suspended, the lender may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid 
    during that period in accordance with Sec. 682.202(b).
        (iii) If the borrower fails to return the application within 60 
    days, the holder of the loan resumes collection efforts and grants 
    forbearance of principal and interest for the period during which the 
    collection activity was suspended. The holder may capitalize any 
    interest accrued and not paid during that period in accordance with 
    Sec. 682.202(b).
        (iv) The guaranty agency may, with the approval of the Secretary, 
    discharge a portion of a loan under this section without an application 
    if the guaranty agency determines, based on information in the guaranty 
    agency's possession, that the borrower qualifies for a discharge.
        (v) If the holder of the loan or the guaranty agency determines 
    that the information contained in its files
    
    [[Page 58962]]
    
    conflicts with the information provided by the borrower, the guaranty 
    agency must use the most reliable information available to it to 
    determine eligibility for and the appropriate payment of the refund 
    amount.
        (vi) If the holder of the loan is the guaranty agency and the 
    agency determines that the borrower qualifies for a discharge of an 
    unpaid refund, the guaranty agency must suspend any efforts to collect 
    on the affected loan and, within 30 days of its determination, 
    discharge the appropriate amount and inform the borrower of its 
    determination. Absent documentation of the exact amount of refund due 
    the borrower, the guaranty agency must calculate the amount of the 
    unpaid refund using the unpaid refund calculation defined in paragraph 
    (o) of this section.
        (vii) If the guaranty agency determines that a borrower does not 
    qualify for an unpaid refund discharge, (or, if the holder is the 
    lender and is informed by the guarantor that the borrower does not 
    qualify for a discharge)--
        (A) The agency must notify the borrower in writing of the reason 
    for the determination and of the borrower's right to request a review 
    of the agency's determination within 30 days of the borrower's 
    submission of additional documentation supporting the borrower's 
    eligibility that was not considered in any prior determination. During 
    the review period, collection activities must be suspended; and
        (B) The holder must resume collection if the determination remains 
    unchanged and grant forbearance of principal and interest for the 
    period during which collection activity was suspended. The holder may 
    capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during the review period 
    in accordance with Sec. 682.202(b).
        (viii) If the guaranty agency determines that a current or former 
    borrower at an open school may be eligible for a discharge under this 
    section, the guaranty agency must notify the lender and the school of 
    the unpaid refund allegation. The notice to the school must include all 
    pertinent facts available to the guaranty agency regarding the alleged 
    unpaid refund. The school must, no later than 60 days after receiving 
    the notice, provide the guaranty agency with documentation 
    demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the guarantor, that the alleged 
    unpaid refund was either paid or not required to be paid.
        (ix) In the case of a school that does not make a refund or provide 
    sufficient documentation demonstrating the refund was either paid or 
    was not required, within 60 days of its receipt of the allegation 
    notice from the guaranty agency, relief is provided to the borrower 
    (and any endorser) if the guaranty agency determines the relief is 
    appropriate. The agency must forward documentation of the school's 
    failure to pay the unpaid refund to the Secretary.
        (m) Unpaid refund discharge procedures for a loan held by a lender. 
    In the case of an unpaid refund discharge request, the lender must 
    provide the guaranty agency with documentation related to the 
    borrower's qualification for discharge as specified in paragraph (l)(4) 
    of this section.
        (n) Payment of an unpaid refund discharge request by a guaranty 
    agency. (1) General. The guaranty agency must review an unpaid refund 
    discharge request promptly and must pay the lender the amount of loss 
    as defined in paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this section, related to 
    the unpaid refund not later than 45 days after a properly filed request 
    is made.
        (2) Determination of the unpaid refund discharge amount to the 
    lender. The amount of loss payable to a lender on an unpaid refund 
    includes that portion of an FFEL Program loan equal to the amount of 
    the refund required under applicable Federal law and regulations, 
    including this section, and including any accrued interest and other 
    charges (late charges, collection costs, origination fees, and 
    insurance premiums) associated with the unpaid refund.
        (o)(1) Determination of amount eligible for discharge. The guaranty 
    agency determines the amount eligible for discharge based on 
    information showing the refund amount or by applying the appropriate 
    refund formula to information that the borrower provides or that is 
    otherwise available to the guaranty agency. For purposes of this 
    section, all unpaid refunds are considered to be attributed to loan 
    proceeds.
        (2) If the information in paragraph (o)(1) of this section is not 
    available, the guaranty agency uses the following formulas to determine 
    the amount eligible for discharge:
        (i) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose 
    withdrawal or termination date is before October 7, 2000 and who 
    completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the guaranty agency 
    discharges the lesser of the institutional charges unearned or the loan 
    amount. The guaranty agency determines the amount of the institutional 
    charges unearned by--
        (A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time in the loan period 
    after the student's last day of attendance to the actual length of the 
    loan period; and
        (B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the institutional charges 
    assessed the student for the loan period.
        (ii) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose 
    withdrawal or termination date is on or after October 7, 2000 and who 
    completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the guaranty agency 
    discharges the loan amount unearned. The guaranty agency determines the 
    loan amount unearned by--
        (A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time remaining in the 
    loan period after the student's last day of attendance to the actual 
    length of the loan period; and
        (B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the total amount of title 
    IV grants and loans received by the student, or if unknown, the loan 
    amount.
        (iii) In the case of a student who completes 60 percent or more of 
    the loan period, the guaranty agency does not discharge any amount 
    because a student who completes 60 percent or more of the loan period 
    is not entitled to a refund.
        (p) Requests for reimbursement from the Secretary on loans held by 
    guaranty agencies. The Secretary reimburses the guaranty agency for its 
    losses on unpaid refund request payments to lenders or borrowers in an 
    amount that is equal to the amount specified in paragraph (n)(2) of 
    this section.
        (q) Payments received after the guaranty agency's payment of an 
    unpaid refund request. (1) The holder must promptly return to the 
    sender any payment on a fully discharged loan, received after the 
    guaranty agency pays an unpaid refund request unless the sender is 
    required to pay (as in the case of a tuition recovery fund) in which 
    case, the payment amount must be forwarded to the Secretary. At the 
    same time that the holder returns the payment, it must notify the 
    borrower that there is no obligation to repay a loan fully discharged.
        (2) If the holder has returned a payment to the borrower, or the 
    borrower's representative, with the notice described in paragraph 
    (q)(1) of this section, and the borrower (or representative) continues 
    to send payments to the holder, the holder must remit all of those 
    payments to the Secretary.
        (3) If the loan has not been fully discharged, payments must be 
    applied to the remaining debt.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        19. Section 682.406 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(12); by 
    adding a
    
    [[Page 58963]]
    
    new paragraph (c); and by revising the Office of Management and Budget 
    control number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 682.406  Conditions of reinsurance coverage.
    
        (a) * * *
        (12) The agency and lender, if applicable, complied with all other 
    Federal requirements with respect to the loan including--
        (i) Payment of origination fees;
        (ii) For Consolidation loans disbursed on or after October 1, 1993, 
    and prior to October 1, 1998, payment on a monthly basis, of an 
    interest payment rebate fee calculated on an annual basis and equal to 
    1.05 percent of the unpaid principal and accrued interest on the loan;
        (iii) For Consolidation loans for which the application was 
    received by the lender on or after October 1, 1998 and prior to 
    February 1, 1999, payment on a monthly basis, of an interest payment 
    rebate fee calculated on an annual basis and equal to 0.62 percent of 
    the unpaid principal and accrued interest on the loan;
        (iv) For Consolidation loans disbursed on or after February 1, 
    1999, payment of an interest payment rebate fee in accordance with 
    paragraph (a)(12)(ii) of this section; and
        (v) Compliance with all preclaims assistance requirements in 
    Sec. 682.404(a)(2)(ii).
    * * * * *
        (c) In evaluating a claim for insurance or reinsurance, the issue 
    of confirmation of subsequent loans under an MPN will not be reviewed 
    and a claim will not be denied based on the absence of any evidence 
    relating to confirmation in a particular loan file. However, if a court 
    rules that a loan is unenforceable solely because of the lack of 
    evidence of a confirmation process or processes, insurance and 
    reinsurance benefits must be repaid.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    * * * * *
        20. Section 682.409 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (c)(2).
        B. In paragraph (c)(4)(i) by adding ``original or a true and exact 
    copy of the'' after ``The''.
        C. In paragraph (c)(4)(iv) by adding ``, if a separate application 
    was provided to the lender'', after ``application''.
        D. In paragraph (c)(5) by removing ``certified'', and by removing 
    ``if no originals exist''.
        E. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.409  Mandatory assignment by guaranty agencies of defaulted 
    loans to the Secretary.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) The guaranty agency must execute an assignment to the United 
    States of America of all right, title, and interest in the promissory 
    note or judgment evidencing a loan assigned under this section. If more 
    than one loan is made under an MPN, the assignment of the note only 
    applies to the loan or loans being assigned to the Secretary.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        21. Section 682.414 is amended as follows:
        A. In paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(A) by adding ``if a separate application 
    was provided to the lender'' after ``application''.
        B. In paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(B) by removing ``, including the 
    repayment instrument'' after ``note''.
        C. In paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(J) by removing ``and'' at the end of 
    sentence.
        D. By redesignating paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(K) as paragraph 
    (a)(4)(ii)(L).
        E. By adding a new paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(K).
        F. In paragraph (a)(5)(i) by removing ``(K)'', and adding, in its 
    place, ``(L)''.
        G. By revising paragraph (a)(5)(ii).
        H. By removing paragraph (a)(5)(iii).
        I. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.414  Records, reports, and inspection requirements for 
    guaranty agency programs.
    
        (a) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (ii) * * *
        (K) Documentation of any MPN confirmation process or processes; and
    * * * * *
        (5) * * *
        (ii) A lender or guaranty agency holding a promissory note must 
    retain the original or a true and exact copy of the promissory note 
    until the loan is paid in full or assigned to the Secretary. When a 
    loan is paid in full by the borrower, the lender or guaranty agency 
    must return either the original or a true and exact copy of the note to 
    the borrower or notify the borrower that the loan is paid in full, and 
    retain a copy for the prescribed period.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        22. Section 682.603 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraph (b).
        B. By adding a new paragraph (c).
        C. By redesignating paragraphs (g) and (h) as paragraphs (h) and 
    (i), respectively.
        D. By adding a new paragraph (g).
        E. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.603  Certification by a participating school in connection 
    with a loan application.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) The information to be provided by the school about the borrower 
    making application for the loan pertains to--
        (1) The borrower's eligibility for a loan, as determined in 
    accordance with Sec. 682.201 and Sec. 682.204;
        (2) For a subsidized Stafford loan, the student's eligibility for 
    interest benefits as determined in accordance with Sec. 682.301; and
        (3) The schedule for disbursement of the loan proceeds, which must 
    reflect the delivery of the loan proceeds as set forth in 
    Sec. 682.604(c).
        (c) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, in 
    certifying a loan, a school must certify a loan for the lesser of the 
    borrower's request or the loan limits determined under Sec. 682.204.
    * * * * *
        (g) A school must cease certifying loans based on the exceptions in 
    Sec. 682.604(c)(5)(i) and (c)(5)(ii) and Sec. 682.604(c)(10)(i) and 
    (ii) that allow for the disbursement of loans in one installment and 
    exempt the school from delayed release of loan proceeds no later than 
    30 days after the date the school receives notification from the 
    Secretary of an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan cohort rate, or 
    weighted average cohort rate that causes the school to no longer meet 
    the qualifications outlined in those paragraphs.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        23. Section 682.604 is amended as follows:
        A. In paragraph (a)(3), by removing, ``, as provided in 
    Sec. 668.167'' at the end of the sentence.
        B. In paragraph (c)(3), by adding, or ``MPN'', after ``loan 
    application''.
        C. By revising paragraph (c)(5).
        D. By revising the introductory text of paragraph (c)(6).
        E. By adding a new paragraph (c)(10).
        F. By revising paragraphs (f) and (g).
        G. By revising the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 682.604  Processing the borrower's loan proceeds and counseling 
    borrowers.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
    
    [[Page 58964]]
    
        (5) A school may not release the first installment of a Stafford 
    loan for endorsement to a student who is enrolled in the first year of 
    an undergraduate program of study and who has not previously received a 
    Stafford, SLS, Direct Subsidized, or Direct Unsubsidized loan until 30 
    days after the first day of the student's program of study unless--
        (i) The school in which the student is enrolled has an FFEL cohort 
    default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average 
    cohort rate of less than 10 percent for each of the three most recent 
    fiscal years for which data are available;
        (ii) The school is an eligible home institution certifying a loan 
    to cover the student's cost of attendance in a study abroad program and 
    has an FFEL cohort rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted 
    average cohort rate of less than 5 percent for the single most recent 
    fiscal year for which data are available; or
        (iii) The school is not in a State.
        (6) Unless the provision of Sec. 682.207(d) applies--
    * * * * *
        (10) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (c)(6)-(c)(9) 
    of this section, a school is not required to deliver loan proceeds in 
    more than one installment if--
        (i)(A) The student's loan period is not more than one semester, one 
    trimester, one quarter, or, for non term-based schools or schools with 
    non-standard terms, 4 months; and
        (B) The school in which the student is enrolled has an FFEL cohort 
    default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted average 
    cohort rate of less than 10 percent for each of the three most recent 
    fiscal years for which data are available;
        (ii) The school is an eligible home institution certifying a loan 
    to cover the student's cost of attendance in a study abroad program and 
    has an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or 
    weighted average cohort rate of less than 5 percent for the single most 
    recent fiscal year for which data are available; or
        (iii) The school is not in a State.
    * * * * *
        (f) Initial counseling. (1) A school must conduct initial 
    counseling with each Stafford loan borrower either in person, by 
    audiovisual presentation, or by interactive electronic means prior to 
    its release of the first disbursement, unless the student borrower has 
    received a prior Stafford, SLS, or Direct loan. A school must ensure 
    that an individual with expertise in the title IV programs is 
    reasonably available shortly after the counseling to answer the student 
    borrower's questions regarding those programs. As an alternative, in 
    the case of a student borrower enrolled in a correspondence program or 
    a student borrower enrolled in a study-abroad program that the home 
    institution approves for credit, the school may provide the counseling 
    through written materials, prior to releasing those loan proceeds.
        (2) In conducting the initial counseling, the school must--
        (i) Explain the use of a Master Promissory Note;
        (ii) Emphasize to the student borrower the seriousness and 
    importance of the repayment obligation the student borrower is 
    assuming;
        (iii) Describe in forceful terms the likely consequences of 
    default, including adverse credit reports and litigation; and
        (iv) In the case of a student borrower of a Stafford loan (other 
    than a loan made or originated by the school), emphasize that the 
    student borrower is obligated to repay the full amount of the loan even 
    if the student borrower does not complete the program, is unable to 
    obtain employment upon completion, or is otherwise dissatisfied with or 
    does not receive the educational or other services that the student 
    borrower purchased from the school.
        (3) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school 
    include in the initial counseling session or materials are set forth in 
    appendix D to 34 CFR part 668.
        (4) A school that conducts initial counseling through interactive 
    electronic means must take reasonable steps to ensure that each student 
    borrower receives the counseling materials, and participates in and 
    completes the initial counseling.
        (5) A school must maintain documentation substantiating the 
    school's compliance with this section for each student borrower.
        (g) Exit counseling. (1) A school must conduct exit counseling with 
    each Stafford loan borrower either in person, by audiovisual 
    presentation, or by interactive electronic means. In each case, the 
    school must conduct this counseling shortly before the student borrower 
    ceases at least half-time study at the school. As an alternative, in 
    the case of a student borrower enrolled in a correspondence program or 
    a study-abroad program that the home institution approves for credit, 
    the school may provide written counseling materials by mail within 30 
    days after the student borrower completes the program. If a student 
    borrower withdraws from school without the school's prior knowledge or 
    fails to complete an exit counseling session as required, the school 
    must provide exit counseling through either interactive electronic 
    means or by mailing written counseling materials to the student 
    borrower at the student borrower's last known address within 30 days 
    after learning that the student borrower has withdrawn from school or 
    failed to complete the exit counseling as required.
        (2) In conducting the exit counseling, the school must--
        (i) Inform the student borrower of the average anticipated monthly 
    repayment amount based on the student borrower's indebtedness or on the 
    average indebtedness of student borrowers who have obtained Stafford or 
    SLS loans for attendance at that school or in the student borrower's 
    program of study;
        (ii) Review for the student borrower available repayment options 
    (e.g., loan consolidation, refinancing of SLS loans);
        (iii) Suggest to the student borrower debt-management strategies 
    that the school determines would best assist repayment by the student 
    borrower;
        (iv) Include the matters described in paragraph (f)(2) of this 
    section;
        (v) Review with the student borrower the conditions under which the 
    student borrower may defer repayment or obtain a full or partial 
    cancellation of a loan;
        (vi) Require the student borrower to provide corrections to the 
    institution's records concerning name, address, social security number, 
    references, and driver's license number, as well as the student 
    borrower's expected permanent address, the address of the student 
    borrower's next of kin, and the name and address of the student 
    borrower's expected employer, that will then be provided within 60 days 
    to the guaranty agency or agencies listed in the student borrower's 
    records; and
        (vii) Review with the student borrower information on the 
    availability of the Student Loan Ombudsman's office.
        (3) Additional matters that the Secretary recommends that a school 
    include in the exit counseling session or materials are set forth in 
    appendix D to 34 CFR part 668.
        (4) A school that conducts exit counseling by electronic 
    interactive means must take reasonable steps to ensure that each 
    student borrower receives the counseling materials, and participates in 
    and completes the counseling.
        (5) The school must maintain documentation substantiating the
    
    [[Page 58965]]
    
    school's compliance with this section for each student borrower.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        24. Section 682.610 is amended by revising paragraph (b) and the 
    Office of Management and Budget control number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 682.610  Administrative and fiscal requirements for participating 
    schools.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Loan record requirements. In addition to records required by 34 
    CFR part 668, for each Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan received by or on 
    behalf of its students, a school must maintain--
        (1) A copy of the loan certification or data electronically 
    submitted to the lender, that includes the amount of the loan and the 
    period of enrollment for which the loan was intended;
        (2) The cost of attendance, estimated financial assistance, and 
    estimated family contribution used to calculate the loan amount;
        (3) For loans delivered to the school by check, the date the school 
    endorsed each loan check, if required;
        (4) The date or dates of delivery of the loan proceeds by the 
    school to the student or to the parent borrower;
        (5) For loans delivered by electronic funds transfer or master 
    check, a copy of the borrower's written authorization required under 
    Sec. 682.604(c)(3) to deliver the initial and subsequent disbursements 
    of each FFEL program loan; and
        (6) Documentation of any MPN confirmation process or processes the 
    school may have used.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0020)
    
        25. Sections 682.205, 682.208, 682.214, 682.405, 682.410, 682.411, 
    682.507, 682.508, 682.511, 682.515, 682.601, 682.605, 682.711, 682.712, 
    682.713, 682.802, and 682.803 are amended by revising the Office of 
    Management and Budget control number to read ``1845-0020''.
    
    PART 685--WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM
    
        26. The authority citation for part 685 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087 et seq., unless otherwise noted.
    
        27. Section 685.102 is amended in paragraph (b) as follows:
        A. By revising the definitions of ``Default'' and ``Estimated 
    financial assistance.''
        B. By adding after ``Loan fee'' a new definition of ``Master 
    promissory note (MPN).''
    
    
    Sec. 685.102  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        Default: The failure of a borrower and endorser, if any, to make an 
    installment payment when due, or to meet other terms of the promissory 
    note, if the Secretary finds it reasonable to conclude that the 
    borrower and endorser, if any, no longer intend to honor the obligation 
    to repay, provided that this failure persists for 270 days.
        Estimated financial assistance: (1) The estimated amount of 
    assistance for a period of enrollment that a student (or a parent on 
    behalf of a student) will receive from Federal, State, institutional, 
    or other sources, such as scholarships, grants, financial need-based 
    employment, or loans, including but not limited to--
        (i) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(iii) of this definition, 
    veterans' educational benefits paid under chapters 30, 31, 32, and 35 
    of title 38 of the United States Code;
        (ii) Educational benefits paid under chapters 106 and 107 of title 
    10 of the United States Code (Selected Reserve Educational Assistance 
    Program);
        (iii) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships and 
    subsistence allowances awarded under chapter 2 of title 10 and chapter 
    2 of title 37 of the United States Code;
        (iv) Benefits paid under Public Law 97-376, section 156: Restored 
    Entitlement Program for Survivors (or Quayle benefits);
        (v) Benefits paid under Public Law 96-342, section 903: Educational 
    Assistance Pilot Program;
        (vi) Any educational benefits paid because of enrollment in a 
    postsecondary education institution;
        (vii) The estimated amount of other Federal student financial aid, 
    including but not limited to a Federal Pell Grant, campus-based aid, 
    and the gross amount (including fees) of a Direct Subsidized, Direct 
    Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS Loan; and
        (viii) Except as provided in paragraph (2)(iii) of this definition, 
    national service education awards or post-service benefits under title 
    I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
        (2) Estimated financial assistance does not include--
        (i) Those amounts used to replace the expected family contribution, 
    including--
        (A) Direct PLUS Loan amounts;
        (B) Direct Unsubsidized Loan amounts; and (C) Non-Federal loan 
    amounts;
        (ii) Federal Perkins loan and Federal Work-Study funds that the 
    student has declined; and
        (iii) For the purpose of determining eligibility for a Direct 
    Subsidized Loan, veterans' educational benefits paid under chapter 30 
    of title 38 of the United States Code (Montgomery GI Bill--Active Duty) 
    and national service education awards or post-service benefits under 
    title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
    * * * * *
        Master promissory note (MPN): A promissory note under which the 
    borrower may receive loans for a single academic year or multiple 
    academic years. Loans for multiple academic years may no longer be made 
    under an MPN after the earliest of--
        (i) The date the Secretary or the school receives the borrower's 
    written notice that no further loans may be disbursed;
        (ii) One year after the date of the borrower's first anticipated 
    disbursement if no disbursement is made during that twelve-month 
    period; or
        (iii) Ten years after the date of the first anticipated 
    disbursement except that a remaining portion of a loan may be disbursed 
    after this date.
    * * * * *
        28. Section 685.201 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.201  Obtaining a loan.
    
        (a) Application for a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct 
    Unsubsidized Loan. (1) To obtain a Direct Subsidized Loan or a Direct 
    Unsubsidized Loan, a student must complete a Free Application for 
    Federal Student Aid and submit it in accordance with instructions in 
    the application.
        (2) If the student is eligible for a Direct Subsidized Loan or a 
    Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the Secretary or the school in which the 
    student is enrolled must perform specific functions. Unless a school's 
    agreement with the Secretary specifies otherwise, the school must 
    perform the following functions:
        (i) A school participating under school origination option 2 must 
    create a loan origination record, ensure that the loan is supported by 
    a completed Master Promissory Note (MPN), draw down funds, and disburse 
    the funds to the student.
        (ii) A school participating under school origination option 1 must 
    create a loan origination record, ensure that the loan is supported by 
    a completed MPN, and transmit the record and MPN (if required) to the 
    Servicer. The Servicer initiates the drawdown of funds. The school must 
    disburse the funds to the student.
        (iii) If the student is attending a school participating under 
    standard
    
    [[Page 58966]]
    
    origination, the school must create a loan origination record and 
    transmit the record to the alternative originator, which either 
    confirms that a completed MPN supports the loan or prepares an MPN and 
    sends it to the student. The Servicer receives the completed MPN from 
    the student (if required) and initiates the drawdown of funds. The 
    school must disburse the funds to the student.
        (b) Application for a Direct PLUS Loan. To obtain a Direct PLUS 
    Loan, the parent must complete the application and promissory note and 
    submit it to the school at which the student is enrolled. The school 
    must complete its portion of the application and promissory note and 
    submit it to the Servicer, which makes a determination as to whether 
    the parent has an adverse credit history. Unless a school's agreement 
    with the Secretary specifies otherwise, the school must perform the 
    following functions: A school participating under school origination 
    option 2 must draw down funds and disburse the funds. For a school 
    participating under school origination option 1 or standard 
    origination, the Servicer initiates the drawdown of funds, and the 
    school disburses the funds.
        (c) Application for a Direct Consolidation Loan
        (1) To obtain a Direct Consolidation Loan, the applicant must 
    complete the application and promissory note and submit it to the 
    Servicer. The application and promissory note sets forth the terms and 
    conditions of the Direct Consolidation Loan and informs the applicant 
    how to contact the Servicer. The Servicer answers questions regarding 
    the process of applying for a Direct Consolidation Loan and provides 
    information about the terms and conditions of both Direct Consolidation 
    Loans and the types of loans that may be consolidated.
        (2) Once the applicant has submitted the completed application and 
    promissory note to the Servicer, the Secretary makes the Direct 
    Consolidation Loan under the procedures specified in Sec. 685.216.
    
    
    (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq., 1091a)
    
        29. Section 685.203 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and 
    (c)(2); and by revising the introductory text of paragraphs (d) and (e) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.203  Loan limits.
    
        (a) Direct Subsidized Loans. (1) In the case of an undergraduate 
    student who has not successfully completed the first year of a program 
    of undergraduate education, the total amount the student may borrow for 
    any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan 
    Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not 
    exceed the following:
        (i) $2,625 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (ii) For a one-year program of study with less than a full academic 
    year remaining, the amount that is the same ratio to $2,625 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.000
    
        (iii) For a program of study that is less than a full academic year 
    in length, the amount that is the same ratio to $2,625 as the lesser of 
    the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.001
    
        (2) In the case of an undergraduate student who has successfully 
    completed the first year of an undergraduate program but has not 
    successfully completed the second year of an undergraduate program, the 
    total amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study 
    under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with 
    the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
        (i) $3,500 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $3,500 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.002
    
        (3) In the case of an undergraduate student who has successfully 
    completed the first and second years of a program of study of 
    undergraduate education but has not successfully completed the 
    remainder of the program, the total amount the student may borrow for 
    any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan 
    Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may not 
    exceed the following:
        (i) $5,500 for a program of study of at least an academic year in 
    length.
        (ii) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $5,500 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.003
    
    
    [[Page 58967]]
    
    
        (4) In the case of a student who has an associate or baccalaureate 
    degree which is required for admission into a program and who is not a 
    graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may 
    borrow for any academic year of study may not exceed the amounts in 
    paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
        (5) In the case of a graduate or professional student, the total 
    amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the 
    Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with the 
    Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed $8,500.
        (6) In the case of a student enrolled for no longer than one 
    consecutive 12-month period in a course of study necessary for 
    enrollment in a program leading to a degree or a certificate, the total 
    amount the student may borrow for any academic year of study under the 
    Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program in combination with the 
    Federal Stafford Loan Program may not exceed the following:
        (i) $2,625 for coursework necessary for enrollment in an 
    undergraduate degree or certificate program.
        (ii) $5,500 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a graduate 
    or professional degree or certification program for a student who has 
    obtained a baccalaureate degree.
        (7) In the case of a student who has obtained a baccalaureate 
    degree and is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in coursework 
    necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State 
    that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or 
    secondary school in that State, the total amount the student may borrow 
    for any academic year of study under the Federal Direct Stafford/Ford 
    Loan Program in combination with the Federal Stafford Loan Program may 
    not exceed $5,500.
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) The additional amount that a student described in paragraph 
    (c)(1)(i) of this section may borrow under the Federal Direct 
    Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan Program and the Federal Unsubsidized 
    Stafford Loan Program for any academic year of study may not exceed the 
    following:
        (i) In the case of a student who has not successfully completed the 
    first year of a program of undergraduate education--
        (A) $4,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (B) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.004
    
        (C) For a one-year program of study with less than a full academic 
    year remaining, the amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.005
    
        (D) For a program of study that is less than a full academic year 
    in length, an amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the lesser of 
    the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.006
    
        (ii) In the case of a student who has completed the first year of a 
    program of undergraduate education but has not successfully completed 
    the second year of a program of undergraduate education--
        (A) $4,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (B) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $4,000 as the--
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.007
    
        (iii) In the case of a student who has successfully completed the 
    second year of a program of undergraduate education but has not 
    completed the remainder of the program of study--
        (A) $5,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
    in length.
        (B) For a program of study with less than a full academic year 
    remaining, an amount that is the same ratio to $5,000 as the--
    
    [[Page 58968]]
    
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR01NO99.008
    
        (iv) In the case of a student who has an associate or baccalaureate 
    degree which is required for admission into a program and who is not a 
    graduate or professional student, the total amount the student may 
    borrow for any academic year of study may not exceed the amounts in 
    paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section.
        (v) In the case of a graduate or professional student, $10,000.
        (vi) In the case of a student enrolled for no longer than one 
    consecutive 12-month period in a course of study necessary for 
    enrollment in a program leading to a degree or a certificate--
        (A) $4,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in an 
    undergraduate degree or certificate program.
        (B) $5,000 for coursework necessary for enrollment in a graduate or 
    professional degree or certification program for a student who has 
    obtained a baccalaureate degree.
        (vii) In the case of a student who has obtained a baccalaureate 
    degree and is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in coursework 
    necessary for a professional credential or certification from a State 
    that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary or 
    secondary school in that State, $5,000.
        (d) Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan Program and Federal Stafford 
    Loan Program aggregate limits. The aggregate unpaid principal amount of 
    all Direct Subsidized Loans and Federal Stafford Loans made to a 
    student but excluding the amount of capitalized interest may not exceed 
    the following:
    * * * * *
        (e) Aggregate limits for unsubsidized loans. The total amount of 
    Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and 
    Federal SLS Loans but excluding the amount of capitalized interest may 
    not exceed the following:
    * * * * *
        30. Section 685.204 is amended by adding a new paragraph 
    (b)(1)(iii) and revising the Office of Management and Budget control 
    number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.204  Deferment.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (iii)(A) For the purpose of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, 
    the Secretary processes a deferment when--
        (1) The borrower submits a request to the Secretary along with 
    documentation verifying the borrower's eligibility;
        (2) The Secretary receives information from the borrower's school 
    indicating that the borrower is eligible to receive a new loan; or
        (3) The Secretary receives student status information from the 
    borrower's school, either directly or indirectly, indicating that the 
    borrower is enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
        (B)(1) Upon notification by the Secretary that a deferment has been 
    granted based on paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(A)(2) or (3) of this section, 
    the borrower has the option to continue paying on the loan.
        (2) If the borrower elects to cancel the deferment and continue 
    paying on the loan, the borrower has the option to make the principal 
    and interest payments that were deferred. If the borrower does not make 
    the payments, the Secretary applies a deferment for the period in which 
    payments were not made and capitalizes the interest.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0021)
    
        31. Section 685.205 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising the introductory text of paragraph (a); by removing 
    the ``period'' at the end of paragraph (a)(2) and adding, in its place, 
    ``;''; by revising paragraph (a)(4); and by removing paragraph (a)(5) 
    and redesignating paragraph (a)(6) as paragraph (a)(5).
        B. By revising paragraph (b)(6); by removing ``or'' at the end of 
    paragraph (b)(7); by removing the ``period'' at the end of paragraph 
    (b)(8) and adding, in its place, ``; or''; and by adding a new 
    paragraph (b)(9).
    
    
    Sec. 685.205  Forbearance.
    
        (a) General. ``Forbearance'' means permitting the temporary 
    cessation of payments, allowing an extension of time for making 
    payments, or temporarily accepting smaller payments than previously 
    scheduled. The borrower has the option to choose the form of 
    forbearance. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(9) of this section, if 
    payments of interest are forborne, they are capitalized. The Secretary 
    grants forbearance if the borrower or endorser intends to repay the 
    loan but requests forbearance and provides sufficient documentation to 
    support this request, and--
    * * * * *
        (4) The borrower is serving in a national service position for 
    which the borrower is receiving a national service education award 
    under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990; or
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (6) Periods necessary for the Secretary to determine the borrower's 
    eligibility for discharge--
        (i) Under Sec. 685.213;
        (ii) Under Sec. 685.214;
        (iii) Under Sec. 685.215; or
        (iv) Due to the borrower's or endorser's (if applicable) 
    bankruptcy;
    * * * * *
        (9) A period of up to 60 days necessary for the Secretary to 
    collect and process documentation supporting the borrower's request for 
    a deferment, forbearance, change in repayment plan, or consolidation 
    loan. Interest that accrues during this period is not capitalized.
    * * * * *
        32. Section 685.207 is amended as follows:
        A. By redesignating paragraph (b)(2)(ii) as paragraph (b)(2)(iii).
        B. By adding a new paragraph (b)(2)(ii).
        C. By revising the redesignated paragraph (b)(2)(iii).
        D. By redesignating paragraph (c)(2)(ii) as paragraph (c)(2)(iii).
        E. By adding a new paragraph (c)(2)(ii).
    
    
    Sec. 685.207  Obligation to repay.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (ii)(A) Any borrower who is a member of a reserve component of the 
    Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code and 
    is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days 
    is entitled to have the active duty period excluded from the six-month 
    grace period. The excluded period includes the time necessary for the 
    borrower to resume enrollment at the next available regular enrollment 
    period. Any single excluded period may not exceed 3 years.
        (B) Any borrower who is in a grace period when called or ordered to 
    active duty as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section is 
    entitled to a full six-month grace period upon completion of the 
    excluded period.
        (iii) During a grace period, the borrower is not required to make 
    any principal payments on a Direct Subsidized Loan.
    * * * * *
    
    [[Page 58969]]
    
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (ii)(A) Any borrower who is a member of a reserve component of the 
    Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code and 
    is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days 
    is entitled to have the active duty period excluded from the six-month 
    grace period. The excluded period includes the time necessary for the 
    borrower to resume enrollment at the next available regular enrollment 
    period. Any single excluded period may not exceed 3 years.
        (B) Any borrower who is in a grace period when called or ordered to 
    active duty as specified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(A) of this section is 
    entitled to a full six-month grace period upon completion of the 
    excluded period.
    * * * * *
        33. Section 685.212 is amended by revising paragraphs (d), (e), 
    (f), and (g); and by revising the Office of Management and Budget 
    control number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.212  Discharge of a loan obligation.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) Closed schools. If a borrower meets the requirements in 
    Sec. 685.213, the Secretary discharges the obligation of the borrower 
    and any endorser to make any further payments on the loan. In the case 
    of a Direct Consolidation Loan, the Secretary discharges the portion of 
    the consolidation loan equal to the amount of the discharge applicable 
    to any loan disbursed on or after January 1, 1986 that was included in 
    the consolidation loan.
        (e) False certification and unauthorized disbursement. If a 
    borrower meets the requirements in Sec. 685.214, the Secretary 
    discharges the obligation of the borrower and any endorser to make any 
    further payments on the loan. In the case of a Direct Consolidation 
    Loan, the Secretary discharges the portion of the consolidation loan 
    equal to the amount of the discharge applicable to any loan disbursed 
    on or after January 1, 1986 that was included in the consolidation 
    loan.
        (f) Unpaid refunds. If a borrower meets the requirements in 
    Sec. 685.215, the Secretary discharges the obligation of the borrower 
    and any endorser to make any further payments on the amount of the loan 
    equal to the unpaid refund and any accrued interest and other charges 
    associated with the unpaid refund. In the case of a Direct 
    Consolidation Loan, the Secretary discharges the portion of the 
    consolidation loan equal to the amount of the unpaid refund owed on any 
    loan disbursed on or after January 1, 1986 that was included in the 
    consolidation loan.
        (g) Payments received after eligibility for discharge. (1) For the 
    discharge conditions in paragraphs (a)-(e) of this section. Upon 
    receipt of acceptable documentation and approval of the discharge 
    request, the Secretary returns to the sender, or, for a discharge based 
    on death, the borrower's estate, those payments received after the date 
    that the eligibility requirements for discharge were met but prior to 
    the date the discharge was approved. The Secretary also returns any 
    payments received after the date the discharge was approved.
        (2) For the discharge condition in paragraph (f) of this section. 
    Upon receipt of acceptable documentation and approval of the discharge 
    request, the Secretary returns to the sender payments received in 
    excess of the amount owed on the loan after applying the unpaid refund.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0021)
    
    (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)
    
        34. Section 685.215 is redesignated as Sec. 685.216, a new 
    Sec. 685.215 is added to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.215  Unpaid refund discharge.
    
        (a)(1) Unpaid refunds in closed school situations. In the case of a 
    school that has closed, the Secretary discharges a former or current 
    borrower's (and any endorser's) obligation to repay that portion of a 
    Direct Loan equal to the refund that should have been made by the 
    school under applicable law and regulations, including this section. 
    Any accrued interest and other charges associated with the unpaid 
    refund are also discharged.
        (2) Unpaid refunds in open school situations.
        (i) In the case of a school that is open, the Secretary discharges 
    a former or current borrower's (and any endorser's) obligation to repay 
    that portion of a Direct Loan equal to the refund that should have been 
    made by the school under applicable law and regulations, including this 
    section, if--
        (A) The borrower (or the student on whose behalf a parent borrowed) 
    has ceased to attend the school that owes the refund;
        (B) The borrower has been unable to resolve the unpaid refund with 
    the school; and
        (C) The Secretary is unable to resolve the unpaid refund with the 
    school within 120 days from the date the borrower submits a complete 
    application in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section 
    regarding the unpaid refund. Any accrued interest and other charges 
    associated with the unpaid refund are also discharged.
        (ii) For the purpose of paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this section, 
    within 60 days of the date notified by the Secretary, the school must 
    submit to the Secretary documentation demonstrating that the refund was 
    made by the school or that the refund was not required to be made by 
    the school.
        (b) Relief to borrower following discharge. (1) If the borrower 
    receives a discharge of a portion of a loan under this section, the 
    borrower is reimbursed for any amounts paid in excess of the remaining 
    balance of the loan (including accrued interest and other charges) owed 
    by the borrower at the time of discharge.
        (2) The Secretary reports the discharge of a portion of a loan 
    under this section to all credit reporting agencies to which the 
    Secretary previously reported the status of the loan.
        (c) Borrower qualification for discharge. (1) Except as provided in 
    paragraph (c)(2) of this section, to receive a discharge of a portion 
    of a loan under this section, a borrower must submit a written 
    application to the Secretary. The application requests the information 
    required to calculate the amount of the discharge and requires the 
    borrower to sign a statement swearing to the accuracy of the 
    information in the application. The statement need not be notarized but 
    must be made by the borrower under penalty of perjury. In the 
    statement, the borrower must--
        (i) State that the borrower (or the student on whose behalf a 
    parent borrowed)--
        (A) Received the proceeds of a loan on or after January 1, 1986 to 
    attend a school;
        (B) Did not attend, withdrew, or was terminated from the school 
    within a timeframe that entitled the borrower to a refund; and
        (C) Did not receive the benefit of a refund to which the borrower 
    was entitled either from the school or from a third party, such as the 
    holder of a performance bond or a tuition recovery program;
        (ii) State whether the borrower (or student) has any other 
    application for discharge pending for this loan; and
        (iii) State that the borrower (or student)--
        (A) Agrees to provide to the Secretary upon request other 
    documentation reasonably available to the borrower that demonstrates 
    that the borrower meets the qualifications for discharge under this 
    section; and
    
    [[Page 58970]]
    
        (B) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary in enforcement actions 
    as described in Sec. 685.213(d) and to transfer any right to recovery 
    against a third party to the Secretary as described in Sec. 685.213(e).
        (2) The Secretary may discharge a portion of a loan under this 
    section without an application if the Secretary determines, based on 
    information in the Secretary's possession, that the borrower qualifies 
    for a discharge.
        (d) Determination of amount eligible for discharge.
        (1) The Secretary determines the amount eligible for discharge 
    based on information showing the refund amount or by applying the 
    appropriate refund formula to information that the borrower provides or 
    that is otherwise available to the Secretary. For purposes of this 
    section, all unpaid refunds are considered to be attributed to loan 
    proceeds.
        (2) If the information in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is not 
    available, the Secretary uses the following formulas to determine the 
    amount eligible for discharge:
        (i) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose 
    withdrawal or termination date is before October 7, 2000 and who 
    completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the Secretary 
    discharges the lesser of the institutional charges unearned or the loan 
    amount. The Secretary determines the amount of the institutional 
    charges unearned by--
        (A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time remaining in the 
    loan period after the student's last day of attendance to the actual 
    length of the loan period; and
        (B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the institutional charges 
    assessed the student for the loan period.
        (ii) In the case of a student who fails to attend or whose 
    withdrawal or termination date is on or after October 7, 2000 and who 
    completes less than 60 percent of the loan period, the Secretary 
    discharges the loan amount unearned. The Secretary determines the loan 
    amount unearned by--
        (A) Calculating the ratio of the amount of time remaining in the 
    loan period after the student's last day of attendance to the actual 
    length of the loan period; and
        (B) Multiplying the resulting factor by the total amount of title 
    IV grants and loans received by the student, or, if unknown, the loan 
    amount.
        (iii) In the case of a student who completes 60 percent or more of 
    the loan period, the Secretary does not discharge any amount because a 
    student who completes 60 percent or more of the loan period is not 
    entitled to a refund.
        (e) Discharge procedures. (1) Except as provided in paragraph 
    (c)(2) of this section, if the Secretary learns that a school did not 
    make a refund of loan proceeds owed under applicable law and 
    regulations, the Secretary sends the borrower a discharge application 
    and an explanation of the qualifications and procedures for obtaining a 
    discharge. The Secretary also promptly suspends any efforts to collect 
    from the borrower on any affected loan. The Secretary may continue to 
    receive borrower payments.
        (2) If a borrower who is sent a discharge application fails to 
    submit the application within 60 days of the Secretary's sending the 
    discharge application, the Secretary resumes collection and grants 
    forbearance of principal and interest for the period in which 
    collection activity was suspended. The Secretary may capitalize any 
    interest accrued and not paid during that period.
        (3) If a borrower qualifies for a discharge, the Secretary notifies 
    the borrower in writing. The Secretary resumes collection and grants 
    forbearance of principal and interest on the portion of the loan not 
    discharged for the period in which collection activity was suspended. 
    The Secretary may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during 
    that period.
        (4) If a borrower does not qualify for a discharge, the Secretary 
    notifies the borrower in writing of the reasons for the determination. 
    The Secretary resumes collection and grants forbearance of principal 
    and interest for the period in which collection activity was suspended. 
    The Secretary may capitalize any interest accrued and not paid during 
    that period.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0021)
    
    (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)
    
        35. The newly redesignated Sec. 685.216 is amended by revising 
    paragraphs (d), (g), (l)(1), (l)(2), and (l)(3); and by revising the 
    Office of Management and Budget control number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.216  Consolidation.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (ii) * * *
        (E) In default but has made satisfactory repayment arrangements, as 
    defined in applicable program regulations, on the defaulted loan; or
    * * * * *
        (g) Interest rate. The interest rate on a Direct Subsidized 
    Consolidation Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan is the 
    rate established in Sec. 685.202(a)(3)(i). The interest rate on a 
    Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan is the rate established in 
    Sec. 685.202(a)(3)(ii).
    * * * * *
        (l) * * *
        (1) Deferment. To obtain a deferment on a joint Direct 
    Consolidation Loan under Sec. 685.204, both borrowers must meet the 
    requirements of that section.
        (2) Forbearance. To obtain forbearance on a joint Direct 
    Consolidation Loan under Sec. 685.205, both borrowers must meet the 
    requirements of that section.
        (3) Discharge. (i) To obtain a discharge of a joint Direct 
    Consolidation Loan under Sec. 685.212, each borrower must meet the 
    requirements for one of the types of discharge described in that 
    section.
        (ii) If a borrower meets the requirements for discharge under 
    Sec. 685.212(d), (e), or (f) on a loan that was consolidated into a 
    joint Direct Consolidation Loan and the borrower's spouse does not meet 
    the requirements for any type of discharge described in Sec. 685.212, 
    the Secretary discharges a portion of the consolidation loan equal to 
    the amount of the loan that would have been eligible for discharge 
    under the provisions of Sec. 685.212(d), (e), or (f) as applicable.
    
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0021)
    
        36. Section 685.300 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1)(ii) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.300  Agreements between an eligible school and the Secretary 
    for participation in the Direct Loan Program.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (ii) Enter into a written program participation agreement with the 
    Secretary that identifies the loan program or programs in which the 
    school chooses to participate.
    * * * * *
        37. Section 685.301 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2), 
    (b)(3), (b)(8), and (c)(2); and by revising the Office of Management 
    and Budget control number to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.301  Origination of a loan by a Direct Loan Program school.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (2) Unless paragraph (b)(5) or (6) of this section applies, an 
    institution must disburse the loan proceeds on a payment period basis 
    in accordance with 34 CFR 668.164(b).
    
    [[Page 58971]]
    
        (3) Unless paragraph (b)(4), (5), (6), or (8) of this section 
    applies--
    * * * * *
        (8)(i) A school is not required to make more than one disbursement 
    if--
        (A)(1) The loan period is not more than one semester, one 
    trimester, one quarter, or, for non term-based schools or schools with 
    non-standard terms, 4 months; and
        (2) The school has a Direct Loan Program cohort rate, FFEL cohort 
    default rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than 10 percent 
    for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are 
    available;
        (B) The school is an eligible home institution originating a loan 
    to cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad program and has a 
    Direct Loan Program cohort rate, FFEL cohort default rate, or weighted 
    average cohort rate of less than 5 percent for the single most recent 
    fiscal year for which data are available; or
        (C) The school is not in a State.
        (ii) Paragraphs (b)(8)(i)(A) and (B) of this section, which allow 
    the disbursement of loans in one installment, do not apply to any loans 
    originated by the school beginning 30 days after the date the school 
    receives notification from the Secretary of an FFEL cohort default 
    rate, Direct Loan cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate that 
    causes the school to no longer meet the qualifications outlined in 
    those paragraphs.
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) A school that originates a loan must ensure that the loan is 
    supported by a completed promissory note as proof of the borrower's 
    indebtedness.
    * * * * *
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
    number 1845-0021)
    
        38. Section 685.303 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.303  Processing loan proceeds.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4)(i) If a student is enrolled in the first year of an 
    undergraduate program of study and has not previously received a 
    Federal Stafford, Federal Supplemental Loans for Students, Direct 
    Subsidized, or Direct Unsubsidized Loan, a school may not disburse the 
    proceeds of a Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan until 30 
    days after the first day of the student's program of study unless--
        (A) The school has a Direct Loan Program cohort rate, FFEL cohort 
    default rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than 10 percent 
    for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are 
    available;
        (B) The school is an eligible home institution originating a loan 
    to cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad program and has a 
    Direct Loan Program cohort rate, FFEL cohort default rate, or weighted 
    average cohort rate of less than 5 percent for the single most recent 
    fiscal year for which data are available; or
        (C) The school is not in a State.
        (ii) Paragraphs (b)(4)(i)(A) and (B) of this section do not apply 
    to any loans originated by the school beginning 30 days after the date 
    the school receives notification from the Secretary of an FFEL cohort 
    default rate, Direct Loan cohort rate, or weighted average cohort rate 
    that causes the school to no longer meet the qualifications outlined in 
    those paragraphs.
    * * * * *
        39. Section 685.304 is amended as follows:
        A. By revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) introductory 
    text; by redesignating paragraphs (a)(3)(i)-(iv) as paragraphs 
    (a)(3)(ii)-(v), respectively; by adding a new paragraph (a)(3)(i); by 
    revising newly redesignated paragraphs (a)(3)(ii), (iv), and (v); by 
    revising paragraphs (a)(5)(i) and (ii); and by adding new paragraphs 
    (a)(6) and (a)(7).
        B. By redesignating paragraphs (b)(1)(ii), (b)(2) introductory 
    text, (b)(2)(i) through (vi); (b)(2)(vii), (b)(3), and (b)(4) as 
    paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4) introductory text, (b)(4)(i) through (vi), 
    (b)(4)(viii), (b)(5), and (b)(7), respectively; by revising paragraph 
    (b)(1) and newly redesignated paragraphs (b)(3), (b)(4) introductory 
    text, (b)(4)(i) through (viii), and (b)(7); and by adding new 
    paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(4)(vii), and (b)(6).
        C. By adding the Office of Management and Budget control number.
    
    
    Sec. 685.304  Counseling borrowers.
    
        (a) Initial counseling. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(5) 
    of this section, a school must conduct initial counseling prior to 
    making the first disbursement of the proceeds of a Direct Subsidized or 
    Direct Unsubsidized Loan to a borrower unless the student borrower has 
    received a prior Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Federal 
    Stafford, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford, or Federal SLS Loan.
        (2) The counseling must be in person, by audiovisual presentation, 
    or by interactive electronic means. In each case, the school must 
    ensure that an individual with knowledge of the title IV programs is 
    reasonably available shortly after the counseling to answer the student 
    borrower's questions. As an alternative, in the case of a student 
    borrower enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program 
    approved for credit at the home institution, the school may provide the 
    student borrower with written counseling materials prior to disbursing 
    the loan proceeds.
        (3) In conducting the initial counseling, the school must--
        (i) Explain the use of a Master Promissory Note;
        (ii) Emphasize to the borrower the seriousness and importance of 
    the repayment obligation the student borrower is assuming;
    * * * * *
        (iv) Provide the student borrower with general information with 
    respect to the average indebtedness of student borrowers who have 
    obtained Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans for attendance 
    at that school or in the student borrower's program of study;
        (v) Inform the student borrower as to the average anticipated 
    monthly repayment for those student borrowers based on the average 
    indebtedness provided under paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this section.
        (5) * * *
        (i) Ensure that each student borrower subject to initial counseling 
    under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is provided written counseling 
    materials that contain the information described in paragraph (a)(3) of 
    this section;
        (ii) Be designed to target those student borrowers who are most 
    likely to default on their repayment obligations and provide them more 
    intensive counseling and support services; and
    * * * * *
        (6) A school that conducts initial counseling through interactive 
    electronic means must take reasonable steps to ensure that each student 
    borrower receives the counseling materials, and participates in and 
    completes initial counseling.
        (7) The school must maintain documentation substantiating the 
    school's compliance with this section for each student borrower.
        (b) Exit counseling. (1) A school must conduct exit counseling with 
    each Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrower shortly 
    before the student borrower ceases at least half-time study at the 
    school.
        (2) The counseling must be in person, by audiovisual presentation, 
    or by interactive electronic means. In each case, the school must 
    ensure that an individual with knowledge of the title
    
    [[Page 58972]]
    
    IV programs is reasonably available shortly after the counseling to 
    answer the student borrower's questions. As an alternative, in the case 
    of a student borrower enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-
    abroad program approved for credit at the home institution, the school 
    may provide the student borrower with written counseling materials 
    within 30 days after the student borrower completes the program.
        (3) If a student borrower withdraws from school without the 
    school's prior knowledge or fails to complete the exit counseling as 
    required, the school must provide exit counseling either through 
    interactive electronic means or by mailing written counseling materials 
    to the student borrower at the student borrower's last known address 
    within 30 days after the school learns that the student borrower has 
    withdrawn from school or failed to complete the exit counseling as 
    required.
        (4) In conducting the exit counseling, the school must--
        (i) Inform the student borrower of the average anticipated monthly 
    repayment amount based on the student borrower's indebtedness or on the 
    average indebtedness of student borrowers who have obtained Direct 
    Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loans for attendance at that school 
    or in the student borrower's program of study;
        (ii) Review for the student borrower available repayment options 
    including the standard repayment, extended repayment, graduated 
    repayment, and income contingent repayment plans, and loan 
    consolidation;
        (iii) Provide options to the student borrower concerning those 
    debt-management strategies that the school determines would facilitate 
    repayment by the student borrower;
        (iv) Explain to the student borrower how to contact the party 
    servicing the student borrower's Direct Loans;
        (v) Meet the requirements described in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii) and 
    (iii) of this section;
        (vi) Review with the student borrower the conditions under which 
    the student borrower may defer repayment or obtain a full or partial 
    cancellation of a loan;
        (vii) Review with the student borrower information on the 
    availability of the Department's Student Loan Ombudsman's office; and
        (viii) Require the student borrower to provide corrections to the 
    school's records concerning name, address, social security number, 
    references, and driver's license number and State of issuance, as well 
    as the student borrower's expected permanent address, the address of 
    the student borrower's next of kin, and the name and address of the 
    student borrower's expected employer (if known). The school must 
    provide this information to the Secretary within 60 days.
    * * * * *
        (6) A school that conducts exit counseling through interactive 
    electronic means must take reasonable steps to ensure that each student 
    borrower receives the counseling materials, and participates in and 
    completes exit counseling.
        (7) The school must maintain documentation substantiating the 
    school's compliance with this section for each student borrower.
    (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
    1845-0021)
        40. Section 685.402 is amended by adding a new paragraph (f) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 685.402  Criteria for schools to originate loans.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) Determination of eligibility for multi-year use of the Master 
    Promissory Note. (1) A school must be authorized by the Secretary to 
    use a single Master Promissory Note (MPN) as the basis for all loans 
    borrowed by a student or parent borrower for attendance at that school. 
    A school that is not authorized by the Secretary for multi-year use of 
    the MPN must obtain a new MPN from a student or parent borrower for 
    each academic year.
        (2) To be authorized for multi-year use of the MPN, a school must--
        (i) Be a four-year or graduate/professional school, or other 
    institution meeting criteria or otherwise designated at the sole 
    discretion of the Secretary; and
        (ii)(A) Not be subject to an emergency action or a proposed or 
    final limitation, suspension, or termination action under sections 
    428(b)(1)(T), 432(h), or 487(c) of the Act; and
        (B) Meet other performance criteria determined by the Secretary.
        (3) A school that is authorized by the Secretary for multi-year use 
    of the MPN must develop and document a confirmation process in 
    accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary for loans made 
    under the multi-year feature of the MPN.
    
    (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)
    
    
    Secs. 685.206, 685.209, 685.213, 685.214 and 685.302  [Amended]
    
        41. Sections 685.206, 685.209, 685.213, 685.214, and 685.302 are 
    amended by revising the Office of Management and Budget control number 
    to read ``1845-0021''.
    
    [FR Doc. 99-28170 Filed 10-29-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4000-01-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
11/01/1999
Department:
Education Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final regulations.
Document Number:
99-28170
Pages:
58938-58972 (35 pages)
RINs:
1845-AA00
PDF File:
99-28170.pdf
CFR: (17)
38 CFR 685.202(a)(3)(ii)
38 CFR 685.212(d)
38 CFR 685.102
38 CFR 685.201
38 CFR 685.203
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