Consortium agreement is a written arrangement between two or more eligible institutions under which a student’s enrollment at the host institution is counted by the home institution for Title IV purposes.
How it works
The home and host financial-aid or registrar offices execute the agreement, specifying which institution is home, how charges will be handled, and how grades will be reported. The student registers at both schools. The home institution includes the host credits in the enrollment-intensity calculation, disburses aid, and either pays the host directly or reimburses the student. At term end the host confirms attendance and grades so SAP can be evaluated.
Example: a student needs a lab science unavailable online at the home university. A consortium agreement with a local college allows the 4-credit lab to count toward full-time status. The home institution disburses the full-time Pell Grant and remits the lab tuition to the host college.
How it differs
A transfer articulation agreement governs how completed credits apply toward a degree after the student moves. A concurrent-enrollment arrangement without a consortium agreement does not support federal aid for the host courses. A consortium agreement is specifically about Title IV administration for simultaneous enrollment.
Common errors
Beginning concurrent courses before the consortium agreement is signed. Assuming an articulation agreement substitutes for a consortium agreement. Allowing the host institution to disburse a second Pell Grant for the same period.
References
- 1. Federal Student Aid consortium agreementsRequirements for aid at two institutions
- 2. 34 CFR 668.19Regulatory definition
Consortium agreement is a written arrangement between two or more eligible institutions under which a student’s enrollment at the host institution is counted by the home institution for Title IV purposes.