[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 10, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43428-43459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19947]


      

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Part II





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; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 10, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 43428]]



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: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to amend the Federal Family Education 
Loan (FFEL) Program regulations and the William D. Ford Federal Direct 
Loan (Direct Loan) Program regulations. These proposed regulations are 
needed to implement recently enacted changes to the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 made by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The 
proposed regulations deal with provisions of the Higher Education 
Amendments of 1998 that affect FFEL borrowers, schools, lenders, and 
guaranty agencies and Direct Loan borrowers and schools. These proposed 
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: We must receive your comments on or before September 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Address all comments concerning these proposed regulations 
to Ms. Patsy Beavan and Ms. Nicki Meoli, U.S. Department of Education, 
PO Box 23272, Washington, DC 20026-3272. If you prefer to send your 
comments through the Internet, use the following address: 
[email protected]
    If you want to comment on the information collection requirements, 
you must send your comments to the Office of Management and Budget at 
the address listed in the Paperwork Reduction Act section of this 
preamble. You may also send a copy of these comments to the Department 
representatives named in this section.

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 
alternate 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:

Invitation To Comment

    We invite you to submit comments regarding these proposed 
regulations. To ensure that your comments have maximum effect in 
developing the final regulations, we urge you to identify clearly the 
specific section or sections of the proposed regulations that each of 
your comments addresses and to arrange your comments in the same order 
as the proposed regulations.
    We invite you to assist us in complying with the specific 
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of 
reducing regulatory burden that might result from these proposed 
regulations. Please let us know of any further opportunities we should 
take to reduce potential costs or increase potential benefits while 
preserving the effective and efficient administration of the program.
    During and after the comment period, you may inspect all public 
comments about these proposed regulations in Room 3045, Regional Office 
Building 3, 7th and D Streets, SW., Washington, DC, between the hours 
of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday of each 
week except Federal holidays.

Assistance to Individuals With Disabilities in Reviewing the 
Rulemaking Record

    On request, we will supply an appropriate aid, such as a reader or 
print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs 
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public 
rulemaking docket for these proposed regulations. If you want to 
schedule an appointment for this type of aid, you may call (202) 205-
8113 or (202) 260-9895. If you use a TDD, you may call the FIRS at 1-
800-877-8339.

General

Background

    On October 7, 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Higher 
Education Amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-244)(1998 Amendments) to 
amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The 1998 
Amendments contained a number of changes to the Title IV programs. This 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) addresses many of the changes that 
affect the FFEL and Direct Loan programs.

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 published proposed regulations must conform 
to agreements resulting from the negotiated rulemaking process unless 
the Secretary reopens the negotiated rulemaking process or provides a 
written explanation to the participants in that process why the 
Secretary has decided to depart from the agreements.
    To obtain public involvement in the development of the proposed 
regulations, we published a notice in the Federal Register (63 FR 
59922, November 6, 1998) requesting advice and recommendations from 
interested parties concerning what regulations were necessary to 
implement Title IV of the HEA. We also invited advice and 
recommendations concerning which regulated issues should be subjected 
to a negotiated rulemaking process. We further requested advice and 
recommendations concerning ways to prioritize the numerous issues in 
Title IV, in order to meet statutory deadlines. Additionally, we 
requested advice and recommendations concerning how to conduct the 
negotiated rulemaking process, given the time available and the number 
of regulations that needed to be developed.
    In addition to soliciting written comments, we held three public 
hearings and several informal meetings to give interested parties an 
opportunity to share advice and recommendations with the Department. 
The hearings were held in Washington, DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and 
we posted transcripts of those hearings to the Department's Information 
for Financial Aid Professionals' website (http://ifap.ed.gov).
    We then published a second notice in the Federal Register (63 FR 
71206, December 23, 1998) to announce the Department's intention to 
establish four negotiated rulemaking committees to draft proposed 
regulations implementing Title IV of the HEA. The notice announced the 
organizations or groups believed to represent the interests that should 
participate in the negotiated rulemaking process and announced that the 
Department would select participants for the process from nominees of 
those organizations or groups. We requested nominations for additional 
participants from anyone who believed that the organizations or groups 
listed did not adequately represent the list of interests outlined in 
section 492 of the HEA. Once the four

[[Page 43429]]

committees were established, they met to develop proposed regulations 
over the course of several months, beginning in January.
    The proposed regulations contained in this NPRM reflect the final 
consensus of Negotiating Committee II (committee), which was made up of 
the following members:

     American Association of Community Colleges.
     American Association of Cosmetology Schools.
     American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
     American Council on Education.
     Career College Association.
     Coalition of Associations of Schools of the Health 
Professions.
     Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations.
     Consumer Bankers Association.
     Education Finance Council.
     Education Loan Management Resources.
     Legal Services Counsel (a coalition).
     National Association of College and University Business 
Officers.
     National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher 
Education.
     National Association of Graduate/Professional Students.
     National Association of Independent Colleges and 
Universities.
     National Association of State Student Grant and Aid 
Programs.
     National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant 
Colleges.
     National Association of Student Financial Aid 
Administrators.
     National Association of Student Loan Administrators.
     National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs.
     National Direct Student Loan Coalition.
     Sallie Mae, Inc.
     Student Loan Servicing Alliance.
     The College Board.
     The College Fund/United Negro College Fund.
     United States Department of Education.
     United States Student Association.
     US Public Interest Research Group.

    As stated in the committee protocols, consensus means that there 
must be no dissent by any member in order for the committee to be 
considered to have reached agreement. Consensus was reached on all of 
the proposed regulations in this document.

Proposed Regulatory Changes

    These proposed regulations include, in addition to the changes made 
to the HEA by the 1998 Amendments, conforming changes and minor 
technical changes.
    The proposed 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 discussion of the proposed regulations 
begins with changes that affect only the FFEL Program, followed by 
changes that affect both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs.

Federal Family Education Loan Program Changes

Section 682.102--Obtaining and Repaying a Loan

    The proposed regulations would modify this section to reflect the 
change made by the 1998 Amendments to section 432(m)(1)(C) of the HEA, 
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. These proposed 
regulations also include language 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.
    The proposed regulations also would revise this section to reflect 
the change made by the 1998 Amendments to allow a borrower with 
multiple FFEL holders to secure an FFEL Consolidation loan from any 
eligible FFEL lender.

Section 682.200--Definitions

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to the definition of an eligible lender in section 435(d)(5) 
of the HEA. Specifically, the 1998 Amendments created an exception to 
the long-standing provision that prohibits a lender from providing 
inducements to schools to secure loan applications. The exception added 
by the 1998 Amendments provides that, notwithstanding the general 
prohibition on inducements, a lender may provide a school with 
assistance ``that is comparable to the kinds of assistance that is 
provided by the Department of Education.''
    The Department expressed its view that the purpose of the new 
exception was to allow lenders to provide assistance to schools similar 
to that provided by the Department to schools in the Direct Loan 
Program and therefore suggested that the proposed regulations be 
limited to the assistance provided by the Department for the Direct 
Loan Program. The committee agreed to proposed regulatory language that 
permits lenders to provide assistance ``comparable to the kinds of 
assistance provided by the Secretary under, or in furtherance of the 
Federal Direct Loan Program.'' This proposed language would reflect 
congressional intent to broaden the types of assistance that lenders 
may provide to a school while retaining meaning for the prohibition 
against lenders providing inducements to schools.
    The 1998 Amendments did not change the general prohibition that 
lenders cannot provide services, at less than market value, to a school 
in order to secure applications. In general, we believe that most goods 
and services that a lender provides to a school at less than their fair 
market value are, by definition, an inducement. If those goods and 
services are provided by the lender to secure applicants for loans, the 
inducement would be prohibited. This is especially true with regard to 
goods and services provided by a lender that are used by the school to 
meet its Title IV program responsibilities under the law and the 
regulations. The Secretary believes that it is not necessary for the 
lender to specifically tie the goods and services to loan applications 
for certain activities to be considered improper inducements.
    Prior to the 1998 Amendments, certain activities by lenders could 
have constituted a prohibited inducement. In light of the new law, 
these proposed regulations broaden the types of assistance that lenders 
may provide to schools. Accordingly, the following are examples of 
activities that would not jeopardize a lender's status as an eligible 
lender:
     Counseling: A lender may support schools in meeting their 
responsibilities to provide borrowers with initial counseling, exit 
counseling, and general debt counseling. In providing this support, 
lenders may:
     Assist in the development, production, and distribution of 
materials used by schools in counseling activities.
     Develop, and offer to schools, electronic products and 
services, including web-based processes, that can be used to meet 
counseling requirements.
     Participate in counseling sessions offered by a school, 
provided that the school maintains control of these events and school 
staff members are present.
     Participate in initial counseling, provided that the 
lender's activities reinforce the student's right to choose a lender.
     Outreach: A lender may support schools in activities to 
inform the public or students of the availability of student aid, 
including student loans. Lender participation might include such

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activities as: Providing publicity for outreach events; preparing, 
producing, and distributing materials; providing light refreshment; and 
providing staff to assist the school in the presentation. Permissible 
outreach activities also include those that are undertaken by a lender 
in conjunction with a guaranty agency.
     Computer Support: A lender may provide computer software, 
technical support, and training-- but not computer hardware-- that 
support the technological processes used by the lender in its 
administration of the FFEL Program.
     Training: A lender may provide specialized training to 
schools in support of their FFEL Program processes. This training may 
be provided in person, either on or off campus, or through the use of 
technology. A lender may not provide school staff additional services 
or goods (other than items of nominal value) in connection with the 
training, and it may not pay expenses incurred by school staff for the 
training.

Section 682.201--Eligible Borrowers

    The proposed regulations would implement a change made by the 1998 
Amendments to section 428C(a)(3)(A) of the HEA that prohibits a 
borrower from receiving an FFEL Consolidation loan if the borrower is 
subject to a judgment secured through litigation or to an 
administrative wage garnishment order on a loan made under the HEA. The 
committee agreed to apply this restriction only to the loans the 
borrower wishes to consolidate. Therefore, a borrower against whom an 
administrative wage garnishment order or a judgment has been issued may 
receive an FFEL Consolidation loan, but may not include loans subject 
to litigation or administrative wage garnishment in the FFEL 
Consolidation loan. The committee also agreed that these loans should 
be ineligible for consolidation only until the judgment has been 
vacated or the administrative wage garnishment order has been lifted.
    The proposed regulations also would reflect the changes made by the 
1998 Amendments to section 428C(a)(3)(B) of the HEA to expand the 
universe of loans that may be included in an FFEL Consolidation loan. 
Under the 1998 Amendments, loans received prior to the borrower's 
receipt of an FFEL Consolidation loan may be added to the FFEL 
Consolidation loan during the 180-day period following the making of 
the FFEL Consolidation loan. Loans received by the borrower during the 
180-day period following the making of the FFEL Consolidation loan may 
also be added during that period. Finally, loans received prior to the 
date of a borrower's first FFEL Consolidation loan may be added to any 
subsequent FFEL Consolidation loan the borrower obtains. However, the 
proposed regulations would clarify that a single FFEL Consolidation 
loan may not be reconsolidated without the borrower having another 
eligible loan to consolidate.
    Prior to enactment of the 1998 Amendments, a borrower's eligibility 
to receive an FFEL Consolidation loan terminated upon receipt of an 
FFEL Consolidation loan, except that the borrower could add loans 
received prior to the date of the FFEL Consolidation loan during the 
180-day period after the FFEL Consolidation loan was made. Loans made 
prior to, but not included in, the FFEL Consolidation loan were 
permanently ineligible for consolidation. The new statutory provisions 
that are reflected in these proposed regulations would provide more 
opportunities for borrowers to add loans to existing FFEL Consolidation 
loans.
    The proposed regulations also would reflect the change made by the 
1998 Amendments to section 428C(b)(1)(A)(i) of the HEA that permits a 
borrower who has multiple FFEL Program holders to apply to any eligible 
FFEL lender for an FFEL Consolidation loan. Prior to this change, a 
borrower had to request an FFEL Consolidation loan from the holders of 
all of his or her existing loans before requesting a loan from a 
different lender. Under the proposed rules, a borrower with a single 
holder may apply to another eligible FFEL lender only if the borrower 
is either unable to receive an FFEL Consolidation loan from the holder 
or is unable to receive an FFEL Consolidation loan with income-
sensitive repayment terms.

Section 682.202--Permissible Charges by Lenders to Borrowers 
Capitalization of Interest

Interest Rates
    The proposed regulations would reflect the changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to the interest rate formulas for FFEL Program loans in 
section 427A of the HEA. The 1998 Amendments made permanent the 
temporary interest rate formulas that were added to the HEA by the 
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Pub. L. 105-178 (TEA), 
enacted June 9, 1998. TEA created interest rate formulas for new 
student and parent loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, and 
before October 1, 1998. The 1998 Amendments applied these same formulas 
to loans first disbursed on or after October 1, 1998, and before July 
1, 2003. Accordingly, the proposed regulations reflect the different 
formulas for interest rates on FFEL Program loans.
    As provided by the HEA and reflected in these proposed regulations, 
the interest rate on Stafford loans during the repayment period is 
calculated based on 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 2.3 percent and during the in-
school and grace periods as the 91-day Treasury bills plus 1.7 percent, 
with a cap during these periods of 8.25 percent. The formula for PLUS 
loan interest rates is the 91-day Treasury bills plus 3.1 percent not 
to exceed 9 percent. In addition, the proposed regulations reflect the 
statutory formula for the interest rate on FFEL Consolidation loans for 
which the application is received by the lender on or after October 1, 
1998, as the lesser of the weighted average of the interest rates on 
the loans consolidated rounded upward to the nearest one-eighth of one 
percent, or 8.25 percent.
Capitalization of Interest
    The proposed regulations also would implement the changes made by 
the 1998 Amendments to the rules for capitalization of interest on 
unsubsidized Stafford loans. The 1998 Amendments modified the rules 
governing the frequency of capitalization during certain periods in 
which the borrower is not making payments on the principal of an 
unsubsidized Stafford loan. Under these new rules, a lender would be 
able to add accrued interest to the principal 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.
    The committee engaged in lengthy discussions as to how interest 
that accrues during a period of forbearance should be treated. There 
was also lengthy discussion as to whether these changes covered 
subsidized Stafford loans during periods of forbearance as well as 
unsubsidized Stafford loans during all periods in which payments of 
principal are not being made. (The only issue on subsidized Stafford 
loans was the treatment of periods of forbearance because the 
Department does not pay interest on the borrower's behalf during these 
periods.) The committee also engaged in lengthy discussions as to 
whether, if there were consecutive periods covered by these new

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requirements (for example, a deferment period immediately followed by a 
forbearance period), the capitalization of the accrued interest should 
take place at the end of each period or the end of the consecutive 
covered periods.
    After much discussion, the committee reached consensus on these 
draft regulations. Under these proposed rules, for loans first 
disbursed on or after July 1, 2000 (the effective date of these 
proposed regulations), periods of forbearance on both subsidized and 
unsubsidized Stafford loans would be covered by the new capitalization 
rules. Further, the committee agreed to propose that the capitalization 
could take place at the expiration of each covered period rather than 
at the end of a series of consecutive covered periods. For unsubsidized 
Stafford loans disbursed on or after the date of enactment of the 1998 
Amendments (October 7, 1998) and prior to July 1, 2000, the lender must 
capitalize interest pursuant to section 428H(e)(2) of the HEA.
    The committee believed that the proposed regulations would maximize 
borrower benefits by reducing the costs of capitalization. The 
Secretary believes that the proposed regulations would maintain the 
historic regulatory approach of treating periods of deferment and 
forbearance similarly in the area of capitalization.
Origination Fees
    The proposed regulations would also implement changes to the rules 
governing origination fees made to section 438(c) of the HEA by the 
1998 Amendments. The 1998 Amendments require any lender who charges 
student borrowers an origination fee to charge the same fee to all 
student borrowers. The law also permits a lender to assess a lower 
origination fee to a borrower demonstrating ``greater financial need,'' 
as determined by the borrower's adjusted gross income. The 1998 
Amendments, for the first time, establish provisions governing a 
lender's decision to offer a reduced origination fee on subsidized and 
unsubsidized Stafford loans. Prior to these amendments, a lender had 
discretion to waive or lower the fee charged to a particular subsidized 
Stafford loan borrower. The 1998 Amendments limit the lender's 
discretion and make a lower fee a term or condition of the loan if the 
lender chooses to charge a reduced fee to any borrower.
    The committee engaged in extensive discussions regarding the 
appropriate standard for determining ``greater financial need'' for 
this purpose. The committee discussed a number of different possible 
standards including: an expected family contribution (EFC) of ``O,'' an 
EFC that makes students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and 
eligibility for a subsidized Stafford loan. In addition, since each 
lender must apply its origination fee policies to all borrowers, there 
were also extensive discussions as to what constitutes a lender for 
purposes of this provision. Some negotiators inquired about how trust 
relationships would be evaluated under this regulation.
    Ultimately, the committee reached consensus on both of these 
issues. On the issue of the standard for ``greater financial need,'' 
the committee agreed to propose that a lender would be permitted to use 
two standards to determine whether a borrower demonstrates greater 
financial need to allow lenders operational and financial flexibility. 
Under the proposed regulations, a lender could consider a borrower as 
demonstrating greater financial need if--
     The borrower's 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
     The borrower qualifies for a subsidized Stafford loan.
    To allow for situations in which a lender wants to use a comparable 
alternative, the committee also agreed to propose that a lender, with 
the approval of the Secretary, would be able to use some other standard 
to determine whether a borrower demonstrates greater financial need.
    The proposed regulations would specify that a lender that charges a 
borrower a lower origination fee on the borrower's unsubsidized 
Stafford loan must charge the same lower fee on the borrower's 
subsidized Stafford loan. This requirement will ensure that borrowers 
who demonstrate greater financial need will receive the benefit of 
lower origination fees on both loan types for which they may be 
eligible.
    The proposed regulations also would provide that all lenders under 
common ownership, including ownership by a common holding company, 
constitute a single lender for purposes of this section. The proposed 
regulations further would provide that any beneficial owner of loans 
that provides funds to an eligible lender trustee to make loans on the 
beneficial owner's behalf is considered the lender. We believe that 
this definition will ensure that all borrowers who have loans from a 
particular lender will be treated equitably.

Section 682.206--Due Diligence in Making a Loan

    The proposed regulations include changes in this section to conform 
these rules to proposed changes made in Sec. 682.603 of the regulations 
related to loan certification of borrower eligibility by the school, 
and in Sec. 682.401 of the regulations related to the use of the MPN.

Section 682.207--Due Diligence in Disbursing a Loan

    Section 682.207 of the proposed regulations would add a new 
provision 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 certain criteria specified in the 1998 
Amendments. The criteria, contained in Sec. 682.604 of the proposed 
regulations, specify that the exemption applies to two groups of 
schools: (1) Those certifying loans for a single term, with FFEL cohort 
default rates, Direct Loan Program cohort rates, or weighted average 
cohort rates of less than ten percent for each of the three most recent 
years for which rates have been calculated and; (2) those certifying 
loans for students in study abroad programs when the school certifying 
the loan has an FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort 
rate, or weighted average cohort rate of less than five percent for the 
most recent year for which rates have been calculated. Consistent with 
the current practice, the committee agreed to propose that lenders 
would be permitted to rely upon the disbursement schedule provided by 
the school in making single installment loans.

Section 682.209--Repayment of a Loan

    The proposed regulations would implement the addition made by the 
1998 Amendments of section 428(b)(9)(A)(iv) of the HEA that requires a 
lender to offer FFEL borrowers, including FFEL Consolidation loan 
borrowers, an extended repayment plan with fixed or graduated repayment 
amounts to be paid over a period not to exceed 25 years. The extended 
repayment plan is available to a new borrower (one with no outstanding 
balance on an FFEL Program loan as of October 7, 1998), whose total 
outstanding FFEL loans exceed $30,000.
    The proposed regulations in this section also would reflect the new 
statutory provision allowing borrowers to change repayment plans 
annually.

[[Page 43432]]

Section 682.300--Payments of Interest Benefits on Stafford and 
Consolidation Loans

    The proposed regulations include a change in this section to 
conform these rules to a proposed change in Sec. 682.301 of the 
regulations related to the interest subsidy payment on the portion of 
an FFEL Consolidation loan that repaid a subsidized FFEL or Direct Loan 
program loan during a period of authorized deferment.

Section 682.301--Eligibility of Borrowers for Interest Benefits on 
Stafford and Consolidation Loans

    The proposed regulations would reflect changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to section 428C(b) of the HEA that extended the authority 
for payment of interest subsidy on the portion of an FFEL Consolidation 
loan that repaid a subsidized FFEL or Direct Loan program loan during a 
period of authorized deferment. This provision does not apply to the 
portion of the loan that does not represent Health Education Assistance 
Loans (HEAL). This borrower benefit was originally included in the 
Emergency Student Loan Consolidation Act of 1997 and was extended by 
the 1998 Amendments.
    Section 682.301 also includes provisions necessary to conform to 
the changes in Sec. 682.603 of the proposed regulations related to loan 
certification by a school.

Section 682.402--Death, Disability, Closed School, False Certification, 
Unpaid Refunds, and Bankruptcy Payments

    The proposed regulations would modify this section to reflect 
amendments to section 523(a)(8) of Title 11 of the United States Code 
(the Bankruptcy Code) included in the 1998 Amendments that eliminate 
the seven-year repayment provision for discharge of FFEL Program loans 
for bankruptcy petitions filed on or after October 8, 1998. The 
Bankruptcy Code now permits discharge of an FFEL Program loan after 
that date only on the grounds of undue hardship. The proposed 
regulations reflect the change in the criteria for bankruptcy petitions 
filed on or after October 8, 1998, and revise lender and guaranty 
agency claim filing procedures related to these loans.
    Section 682.402 of the proposed regulations also includes 
conforming changes necessary for the implementation and use of the MPN. 
In particular, the proposed regulations would 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. However, if a court rules that 
the loan is not enforceable solely because of the lack of evidence of 
the confirmation process or processes, the lender and the guaranty 
agency must repay any insurance and reinsurance payments received on 
the loan.

Section 682.406--Conditions of Reinsurance Coverage

    The proposed regulations would include conforming changes necessary 
to implement and use the MPN.

Section 682.409--Mandatory Assignment by Guaranty Agencies of Defaulted 
Loans to the Secretary

    The proposed regulations contain a conforming change relating to 
the MPN. The proposed regulations would clarify the rules governing 
assignment of defaulted loans to the Secretary by specifying that 
mandatory assignment of one loan made under an MPN does not constitute 
assignment of all loans made under the MPN.

Section 682.414--Records, Reports, and Inspection Requirements for 
Guaranty Agency Programs

    The proposed regulations would make conforming changes to this 
section which are necessary to implement the MPN. In particular, this 
section would 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.

Section 682.603--Certification by a Participating School in Connection 
with a Loan Application

    The proposed regulations would reflect changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to section 428(a)(2) of the HEA that reduce the types of 
information a school is required to provide to a lender in certifying a 
Stafford loan. To reflect the statute, the proposed regulations would 
require the school to certify only the loan amount for which the 
borrower is eligible and to provide a disbursement schedule. The 
proposed regulations would require the school to maintain documentation 
of the determination of the borrower's need (based on the cost of 
attendance, estimated financial assistance, and, if applicable, EFC).
    The proposed regulations in this section also would specify that 
schools that qualify for exemption from the multiple disbursement 
requirement or the requirement for delayed delivery of loan funds for 
first-time borrowers-- due to their low FFEL cohort default rates, 
Direct Loan Program cohort rates, or weighted average cohort rates--
must cease certifying loans based on those criteria no later than 30 
days after the school is notified that it no longer meets the 
qualifications. The committee agreed that this 30-day period after 
notification was necessary to allow the school sufficient time to 
advise students of this change in the school's status and to make 
necessary system and procedural changes.

Section 682.610--Administrative and Fiscal Requirements for 
Participating Schools

    The proposed regulations would make conforming changes to this 
section that are necessary to implement and use the MPN and to reflect 
the modified loan certification requirements of the school in 682.603 
of the proposed regulations.

FFEL and Direct Loan Program Changes

Sections 682.102 and 685.201--Master Promissory Note

    The proposed regulations in these sections would make conforming 
changes necessary to reflect the implementation of the MPN in the FFEL 
and Direct Loan programs. A more detailed discussion of the MPN is 
provided in the discussion of changes to Secs. 682.401 and 685.402 in 
this preamble.

Sections 682.200 and 685.102--Definitions of Default, Estimated 
Financial Assistance, and Master Promissory Note

    The proposed regulations would revise the FFEL and Direct Loan 
program definitions of ``Default'' and ``Estimated financial 
assistance'' to reflect changes made to sections 435(l) and 
428(a)(2)(C) of the HEA by the 1998 Amendments. The proposed 
regulations also would add the term ``Master promissory note'' to the 
definition sections in the FFEL and Direct Loan program regulations, as 
part of the implementation of the MPN as provided in section 
432(m)(1)(D) of the HEA.

Default

    The 1998 Amendments extended the length of time a borrower is 
delinquent before a default occurs on an FFEL or Direct Loan program 
loan from--
     180 days to 270 days for FFEL and Direct Loan program 
loans repayable in monthly installments; and
     240 days to 330 days for FFEL Program loans repayable less 
frequently than monthly installments.

[[Page 43433]]

    The proposed regulations would modify the existing definition of 
default to reflect this statutory change.

Estimated Financial Assistance

    Before enactment of the 1998 Amendments, schools were required to 
include veterans' educational benefits paid under Chapter 30 of Title 
38 of the United States Code as ``estimated financial assistance'' for 
the purpose of determining a borrower's eligibility for FFEL and Direct 
Loan program loans. The 1998 Amendments changed this requirement for 
the purpose of determining eligibility for subsidized FFEL and Direct 
Loan program loans. Schools no longer are required to include the 
specified veterans' educational benefits paid in the calculation of 
estimated financial assistance when determining eligibility for 
subsidized FFEL and Direct Loan program loans.
    The 1998 Amendments also now require schools to include 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. 
However, schools are not required to include these benefits when 
determining a borrower's eligibility for subsidized FFEL and Direct 
Loan program loans.
    The proposed regulations reflect these statutory changes affecting 
the treatment of veterans' educational and Americorps benefits in 
determining estimated financial assistance.

Master Promissory Note

    The proposed regulations include a definition of the term ``Master 
promissory note'' (MPN). An MPN is a promissory note under which a 
borrower may receive loans for a single academic year or multiple 
academic years. The 1998 Amendments direct us to develop and require 
the use of an MPN for periods of enrollment beginning not later than 
July 1, 2000. Initially, not all borrowers will be permitted to receive 
multiple loans under the MPN. To receive multiple loans under an MPN, 
the borrower must attend a school that is authorized for multi-year use 
of the MPN. However, some schools that are authorized for multi-year 
use of the MPN may choose not to exercise this option. Further, a 
borrower who attends a school exercising the multi-year option may 
choose to receive and sign an MPN for each loan that he or she 
receives.
    A more detailed discussion of the MPN is covered in 
Sec. Sec. 682.401 and 685.402. Other conforming changes appear 
throughout the regulations.

Sections 682.204 and 685.203--Loan Limits

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to sections 428(b) and 428H(d) of the HEA that specify the 
annual loan limits for an academic year. The proposed regulations would 
reflect these changes and 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. The proposed 
regulations also specify annual loan limits for non-degree preparatory 
and teaching credential coursework. The 1998 Amendments simplified the 
proration calculation but did not change the conditions under which 
proration would be required.

Reduced Loan Limits

    The proposed regulations would implement changes in the HEA that 
altered the method of calculating statutorily mandated reduced annual 
loan limits for borrowers enrolled in a program of undergraduate 
education that is less than one academic year. Prior to enactment of 
the 1998 Amendments, the HEA included specific loan limits that applied 
to these borrowers. The 1998 Amendments eliminated these specified loan 
amounts and replaced them with a calculation that reduces the loan 
amount proportionally based on the relationship of the program length 
to the length of the academic year. The HEA now provides that the 
maximum amount that a borrower enrolled in a program of undergraduate 
education that is less than one academic year may receive is the amount 
that bears the same ratio to the statutory annual maximum ($2,625 for 
subsidized and unsubsidized, and $4,000 for additional unsubsidized) as 
the program of study in which the borrower is enrolled bears to one 
academic year.
    The 1998 Amendments also clarified that annual loan limits are 
authorized for an academic year as that term is defined in section 
481(a)(2) of the HEA, which contains a minimum standard of 
instructional time and academic coursework. The committee agreed that 
students enrolled in a program that does not meet one or both of the 
statutory minimum standards for an academic year not receive a full 
annual loan amount. After some discussion, the committee agreed that 
the draft regulations should propose that the calculation of the 
proportional loan amount for a program of study that is less than a 
full academic year should use the ratio that is the lesser of the ratio 
of academic credit or number of weeks to the academic year.
    For prorating loan limits for remaining balances of programs that 
are equal to or greater than an academic year in length, the committee 
agreed that a proportional loan amount calculated as simply a ratio of 
the academic credit to the academic year could be used. This is because 
these programs already meet the two standards (instructional weeks or 
academic credit) for an academic year.

Preparatory Coursework

    The proposed regulations would reflect the change made by the 1998 
Amendments to specify the annual loan amount in the FFEL and Direct 
Loan programs that a borrower may receive if he or she is enrolled in 
preparatory coursework required for admission into an undergraduate 
degree or certificate program or for enrollment in a graduate or 
professional degree or certificate program. The loan limits specified 
in the statute are the same as the limits previously specified in the 
Department's guidance for loans made to these borrowers. The proposed 
regulations provide that the maximum loan amount that such a borrower 
may receive for coursework necessary for admission into an 
undergraduate program is $2,625 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans 
and, for independent students and certain dependent students, an 
additional $4,000 in unsubsidized loans. In the case of a borrower who 
has obtained a baccalaureate degree, the proposed regulations provide 
that the maximum amount a borrower may receive for coursework necessary 
for admission into a graduate or professional program is $5,500 in 
subsidized and unsubsidized loans and $10,500 (less any subsidized 
amount borrowed) in additional unsubsidized loans.

Teaching Credentials

    The proposed regulations would reflect the change made by the 1998 
Amendments to specify the annual loan amount that a borrower may 
receive for enrollment in postbaccalaureate coursework necessary for a 
professional credential or teacher certification by a State for 
teaching in elementary or secondary schools. The HEA specifies that 
such a borrower may receive an annual limit of up to $5,500 in 
subsidized and unsubsidized loans and

[[Page 43434]]

$5,000 in additional unsubsidized loans for such coursework. The loan 
limits specified in the statute are the same limits as those previously 
specified in the Department's guidance for loans made to these 
borrowers following enactment of section 484(b)(4) of the HEA in 1992, 
which made these borrowers eligible for loans.

Sections 682.207, 682.604, 685.301, and 685.303--Disbursement 
Exemptions

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made to section 
428G(a)(3), (b)(1), and (e) of the HEA by the 1998 Amendments that 
authorize exemptions to the requirements for disbursing loan proceeds 
to FFEL and Direct Loan program borrowers. These exemptions apply to 
FFEL and Direct Loan program schools that meet specific criteria.

Multiple Disbursement Exemption

    Generally, an FFEL or Direct Loan program loan must be disbursed in 
more than one installment. As a result of the 1998 Amendments, loan 
proceeds may now be disbursed to the borrower in one installment if--
     The loan period is equal to or shorter than one semester, 
one trimester, one quarter, or 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.
    Loan proceeds to cover the cost of attendance in a study abroad 
program also may be disbursed in one installment if the school 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.

Delayed Delivery/Disbursement Exemption for First-Year, First-Time 
Borrowers

    In general, FFEL and Direct Loan program schools must delay 
delivery or disbursement of an installment of loan proceeds to first-
year, first-time borrowers until 30 days after the first day of the 
student's program of study. First-year, first-time borrowers are 
students who are enrolled in their first year of an undergraduate 
program of study and who have not previously received an FFEL 
Subsidized Stafford, FFEL Unsubsidized Stafford, Federal Supplemental 
Loans for Students (SLS), Direct Subsidized, or Direct Unsubsidized 
loan.
    Under the proposed regulations and in accordance with the statute, 
an FFEL or Direct Loan program school may deliver or disburse loan 
proceeds to first-year, first-time borrowers without the 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
     Is an eligible postsecondary home school 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.
    A school's eligibility for these exemptions is based on the 
school's published FFEL cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort 
rate, or weighted average cohort rate. To be eligible, the school must 
have a published rate calculated for each of the required number of 
years. For example, a new school that has only one published FFEL 
cohort default rate, Direct Loan Program cohort rate, or weighted 
average cohort rate of less than 10 percent and wants to disburse a 
one-semester loan in a single installment would not qualify for the 
multiple disbursement exemption.
    Annually, the Secretary notifies schools of their published FFEL 
cohort default rates, Direct Loan Program cohort rates, or weighted 
average cohort rates. Under the proposed regulations, schools that no 
longer qualify for the exemptions would have to cease certifying or 
originating loans based on the exemptions beginning 30 days after the 
school received the Department's notice that it no longer qualifies for 
the exemptions. A school would be responsible for certifying or 
originating loans in accordance with the applicable regulations and its 
default rate, and FFEL lenders and guaranty agencies would be able to 
rely upon the school certifications.

Sections 682.209 and 685.207--Grace Period for Military Service

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to section 428(b)(7)(D) of the HEA that authorize the 
exclusion of certain periods of service in the Armed Forces from the 
six-month grace period for FFEL and Direct Loan program borrowers. To 
qualify, a borrower must be--
     A member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named 
in section 10101 of Title 10 of the United States Code; and
     Called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 
30 days.
    For borrowers who qualify, the following periods would be excluded 
from the six-month grace period for the borrower's subsidized and 
unsubsidized student loans:
     Periods during which a borrower serves in the Armed 
Forces; and
     The period necessary for a borrower to resume enrollment 
at the next available regular enrollment period when the borrower 
returns from service.
    The committee discussed the incidence of a borrower serving more 
than one period of active duty. To ensure that borrowers receive the 
benefit each time they serve, the committee agreed that the proposed 
regulations should provide that each period that coincides with the 
borrower's loans being in an in-school or grace status is subject to 
the three-year limit.
    The committee also discussed the fact that the time period in which 
a borrower needs to re-enroll in the ``next available regular 
enrollment period'' after returning from service in the Armed Forces 
may need to be longer for some borrowers than others, especially if the 
borrower is pursuing a non-traditional academic program. As a result of 
these discussions, the committee agreed that the proposed regulations 
should require that all borrowers must re-enroll within 12 months of 
their return from active duty service. Borrowers would not be required 
to re-enroll in the same program in which they were enrolled at the 
time they were called or ordered to active duty.
    The proposed regulations also would provide that borrowers who were 
in their grace period when called or ordered to active duty receive a 
full six-month grace period when they return from service in the Armed 
Forces. The committee believed that this provision would be in the best 
interest of borrowers--many of whom must secure jobs upon their return.

Sections 682.210 and 685.204--Deferment

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made by the 1998 
Amendments to requirements for deferments in section 428(b)(1) of the 
HEA. These changes affect the qualifications for the in-school and 
unemployment deferments.

In-School Deferment

    Prior to enactment of the 1998 Amendments, certain FFEL Program 
borrowers who were enrolled less than full time had to borrow a loan 
for the

[[Page 43435]]

same period of enrollment for which the borrower was seeking an in-
school deferment in order to qualify for the deferment. These ``new 
borrowers'' are defined for deferment purposes, as those who did not 
have an outstanding balance on an FFEL loan made prior to July 1, 1987 
and who received an FFEL loan on or prior to June 30, 1993. The 1998 
Amendments eliminated the requirement that the borrower take out a loan 
to qualify for the deferment. The proposed regulations would provide 
these FFEL borrowers enrolled at least half time at an eligible school 
may qualify for an in-school deferment.
    The 1998 Amendments also changed the HEA to specify three methods 
by which FFEL lenders and the Secretary will determine a borrower's 
eligibility for an in-school deferment. The proposed regulations would 
provide that a borrower may be determined eligible 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 application 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.
    Before the 1998 Amendments, a borrower could only receive an in-
school deferment by submitting a request and the required verification 
of eligibility to the borrower's FFEL lender or the Secretary for a 
Direct Loan. The Department's current regulations allow FFEL lenders to 
determine a borrower's eligibility for an in-school deferment when they 
received new loan eligibility information from a borrower's school.
    The statute requires an FFEL lender, or the Secretary for a Direct 
Loan, to notify a borrower when granting an in-school deferment based 
on new loan eligibility or student status information. The committee 
agreed that to provide borrowers with the opportunity to make an 
informed choice, the proposed regulations would provide that this 
notice must inform the borrower of the option to make interest payments 
on an unsubsidized loan during the deferment period and of the 
opportunity to cancel the deferment and continue paying on the loan. 
The proposed regulations also provide that, in the case of a borrower 
who chooses to cancel the deferment and continue paying on the loan, 
the borrower may exercise his or her option to avoid capitalization of 
unpaid interest by making the principal and interest payments that were 
deferred.

Unemployment Deferment

    Prior to the 1998 Amendments, to qualify for additional periods of 
an unemployment deferment after an initial six months, FFEL and Direct 
Loan program borrowers were required to submit a written certification 
that described the borrower's conscientious search for full-time 
employment. Alternatively, a borrower could provide comparable 
documentation the borrower had used to meet the requirements of the 
Unemployment Insurance Service.
    The 1998 Amendments modified the HEA 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, to qualify for initial and subsequent 
periods of an unemployment deferment. The proposed regulations reflect 
this change in the HEA. However, borrowers who are not eligible for 
unemployment insurance benefits may continue to provide written 
certifications to their FFEL lender or the Secretary.
    As part of the discussions of this statutory change, the committee 
agreed that borrowers who are eligible for unemployment insurance 
benefits should not have to receive those benefits to qualify for an 
unemployment deferment. The proposed regulations reflect this standard 
of eligibility. The committee believed that the statute's goal was to 
reduce the burden on the borrower. Therefore, the committee agreed that 
a borrower should simply submit documentation proving that he or she is 
eligible to receive the unemployment insurance benefits for the period 
during which the borrower is requesting an unemployment deferment.
    The committee also discussed the minimum documentation that a 
borrower should be required to provide. Some negotiators suggested that 
the documentation should include, at a minimum--
     The borrower's personal identifying information (i.e., 
name, address, and social security number); and
     The effective dates of the borrower's eligibility to 
receive unemployment insurance benefits.
    However, following these discussions, the committee did not include 
these requirements in the proposed regulations. The Secretary invites 
comment as to whether these items should be included in the final 
regulations.

Sections 682.211 and 685.205--Forbearance

    The proposed regulations would implement changes to sections 
428(c)(3) and 428H(e) of the HEA made by the 1998 Amendments. These 
changes remove the requirement that forbearance requests be in writing 
and add a new basis for granting a forbearance.
    Under new sections 428(c)(3)(D) and 428H(e)(7) of the HEA, an FFEL 
lender, and the Secretary for a Direct Loan, may 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. The purpose of this forbearance period is to allow 
time for FFEL lenders and the Secretary to collect and process 
documentation supporting these requests. Lenders and the Secretary may 
not capitalize interest that accrues during this forbearance period.

Sections 682.401 and 685.402--Multi-Year Use of the Master Promissory 
Note

    The proposed regulations would modify Secs. 682.401 and 685.402 to 
reflect the adoption of an MPN in the FFEL and Direct Loan Programs. 
Even before enactment of the 1998 Amendments, the Department, in 
consultation with the financial aid community, developed an MPN and a 
process for multi-year use of the MPN for FFEL and Direct Stafford 
loans. The Department's adoption of an MPN was confirmed by changes 
made to section 432(m)(1)(D) of the HEA by the 1998 Amendments. The 
proposed regulations would further this process by stating the 
requirements that a school must meet to be authorized for multi-year 
use of the MPN.
    Under the proposed regulations, a school would have to be 
authorized by the Secretary to use a single MPN as the basis for 
multiple loans obtained by a particular borrower. A borrower attending 
a school that is not authorized by the Secretary for multi-year use of 
the MPN would have to complete a new MPN for each subsequent loan.
    Under the proposed regulations, to be eligible for multi-year use 
of the MPN, a school would have to be a four-year or graduate/
professional school, or meet criteria or be otherwise designated at the 
sole discretion of the Secretary. The school also would have to meet 
the following requirements:
     Not be subject to an emergency action or a proposed or 
final limitation,

[[Page 43436]]

suspension, or termination action under sections 428(b)(1)(T), 432(h), 
or 487(c) of the HEA; and
     Meet other performance criteria determined by the 
Secretary.
    The proposed regulations provide that the Secretary may designate 
additional institutions to use the multi-year feature of the MPN, in 
his sole discretion. It is our current intention to allow schools 
(other than four-year and graduate/professional schools) to request 
approval for use of the multi-year feature of the MPN at any time after 
the publication of the final regulations. Any such requests will be 
considered at the Secretary's sole discretion. At some point after 
final regulations are published, it is also our intention to establish 
and announce criteria and a process that will be used by the Department 
for consideration of requests for approval of the use of the multi-year 
feature of the MPN by schools other than four-year and graduate/
professional schools.
    We believe the proposed regulations would give the Secretary 
adequate flexibility to implement multi-year use of the MPN.
    The adoption of the MPN for multi-year use will require significant 
changes to the systems and procedures currently in place for lenders, 
schools, servicers, and the Department. It will also require increased 
efforts by all parties to ensure that borrowers understand their 
obligations and rights under the new note. In light of these changes, 
the Secretary believes it is appropriate to phase in the multi-year use 
of the MPN. Accordingly, at this time, the Secretary will authorize 
multi-year use of the MPN only for four-year or graduate/professional 
schools that are not subject to an emergency action or a proposed or 
final limitation, suspension, or termination action. However, it is the 
Secretary's ultimate goal to allow multi-year use of the MPN by all 
schools that meet the eligibility requirements.
    Consistent with the statutory requirements, the proposed 
regulations would require schools that are authorized for multi-year 
use of the MPN to develop and document a confirmation process or 
processes along with the FFEL lender, or the Secretary for Direct 
Loans, to ensure that the borrower wants subsequent loans.
    The negotiators agreed that a confirmation process is required now 
and that schools and lenders 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 that confirmation 
process. As technology develops and different methods of confirmation 
are tested, the Secretary will continue to issue guidance regarding 
confirmation methods. Any guidelines will be issued in accordance with 
applicable requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act. 
Ultimately, after evaluating various confirmation processes, the 
Secretary plans to develop regulations governing the confirmation 
process.
    It is the Secretary's goal to maintain and enhance a borrower's 
control over the lending process. To that end, the Secretary intends to 
work with students, schools, lenders, guaranty agencies, and other 
interested parties to develop improved technologies and processes that 
will enable borrowers to further control the lending process. These 
efforts will include the development of borrower-control mechanisms 
such as the--
     Use of electronic signatures to confirm acceptance of 
loans;
     Use of PIN numbers to access and confirm loan records and 
amounts; and
     Adoption of on-line or other initial counseling that 
includes acknowledgment of the loan.

Sections 682.402, 685.212, and 685.215--Unpaid Refund Discharge

    The proposed regulations would implement changes made to section 
437(c)(1) of the HEA by the 1998 Amendments. These changes provide for 
the discharge of the amount of a borrower's FFEL or Direct Loan program 
loan that should have been refunded by the borrower's school. This 
discharge is available for loans disbursed on or after January 1, 1986. 
Under the proposed regulations, the loan discharge would be available 
to any borrower whose school failed to refund loan proceeds to an FFEL 
lender or the Secretary on behalf of a borrower who was entitled to a 
refund. While technically the return of Title IV loan proceeds that 
have been applied to the account of a borrower who never attended a 
school does not meet the definition of a Title IV refund, the committee 
agreed to be fair to borrowers in this situation, and propose to make 
these borrowers eligible for the unpaid refund discharge.
    The rules proposed by the committee for unpaid refund discharges 
are generally consistent with the rules governing application for 
closed school and false certification discharges. The committee 
believed that adopting consistent rules would help assure consistent 
administration and fair treatment for borrowers. The proposed 
regulations therefore would require FFEL and Direct Loan program 
borrowers to submit a complete application for an unpaid refund 
discharge. However, the committee agreed that an application should not 
be required in all cases. The proposed regulations would allow the 
Secretary or the guaranty agency, with the approval of the Secretary, 
to discharge a loan based on information in his/its possession that 
shows that the borrower is eligible for a discharge. Under the proposed 
regulations, collection efforts on the loan would cease from the time 
the borrower submits the application until such time as a determination 
is made as to the borrower's eligibility for the discharge.
    Under the proposed regulations, the borrower would have to agree to 
provide, upon request, any additional documentation reasonably 
available to the borrower but not submitted with the application, to 
demonstrate that the borrower meets the qualifications for the 
discharge. Examples of documentation reasonably available to the 
borrower include copies of the tuition bill, the enrollment contract, 
the school's catalog or other documents stating the school's refund 
policy, and any correspondence from the school specifying the 
borrower's withdrawal date or the amount of the refund owed.
    Unpaid refund discharge requests will involve both schools that 
have closed and schools that are open. However, the issues presented by 
those situations differ. Accordingly, the proposed regulations provide 
different procedures for closed and open school situations.

Closed School Situations

    Under the proposed regulations, if the school has closed, the 
guaranty agency or the Secretary would discharge the amount of the loan 
equal to the unpaid refund and any associated accrued interest and 
other charges based on a complete application from the borrower or, 
under limited circumstances, information otherwise available to the 
guaranty agency or to the Secretary.

Open School Situations

    Under the proposed regulations, if the school is open, the guaranty 
agency or the Secretary would discharge the amount of the loan equal to 
the unpaid refund and any associated accrued interest and other charges 
if--
     The borrower no longer attends the school that owes the 
refund;
     The borrower has been unable to resolve the unpaid refund 
with the school; and
     The guaranty agency or the Secretary has been unable to 
resolve the unpaid refund with the school within 120 days from the date 
the borrower

[[Page 43437]]

submits a complete application for the unpaid refund discharge.
    Under the proposed regulations, the guaranty agency or the 
Secretary would notify the school of the receipt of an unpaid refund 
discharge application. Within 60 days of the date of this notice, the 
school would have to submit documentation demonstrating that the school 
either made the refund, or is not required to make the refund.
    In both closed and open school situations, the proposed regulations 
would provide that the guaranty agency or the Secretary would determine 
the amount eligible for discharge based on information showing the 
refund amount that was not made or by applying the appropriate refund 
formula to data that the borrower provides or that is otherwise 
available to the guaranty agency or to the Secretary. If this 
information is not available, the guaranty agency or the Secretary 
would use one of two formulas to determine the amount eligible for 
discharge. Two formulas must be considered because of changes made to 
the HEA by the 1998 Amendments that modify the calculation of Title IV 
refunds. The effective date for the new refund calculation is October 
7, 2000 and that date will be used to determine which of the following 
formulas applies.

For Students Who Fail To Attend, Withdraw, or Are Terminated Before 
October 7, 2000

    To determine unpaid refund discharges for borrowers in this group, 
the guaranty agency or the Secretary would calculate and discharge the 
lesser of the institutional charges unearned by the school or the loan 
amount. The amount of institutional charges unearned equals--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP10AU99.000

For Students Who Fail To Attend, Withdraw, or Are Terminated On or 
After October 7, 2000

    To determine unpaid refund discharges for borrowers in this group, 
a guaranty agency or the Secretary would calculate and discharge the 
loan amount unearned by the school. The loan amount unearned equals--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP10AU99.001

The refund resulting from the above calculation may never exceed the 
loan amount, including accrued interest and other charges.

Sections 682.604 and 685.304--Counseling Borrowers

    The proposed regulations would reflect changes made to section 
485(b)(2)(C) of the HEA by the 1998 Amendments clarifying that schools 
may use electronic means to provide exit counseling to FFEL and Direct 
Stafford loan borrowers. The statutory change addresses only exit 
counseling because initial counseling is not required by the HEA. 
However, because electronic counseling gives flexibility to both 
borrowers and schools, the committee agreed that the proposed 
regulations should also permit schools to use electronic means to 
provide initial counseling to borrowers. This change also would conform 
to the guidance issued by the Department before enactment of the 1998 
Amendments, which permitted schools to use electronic means to provide 
initial and exit counseling to FFEL and Direct Loan program borrowers. 
The proposed regulations also would update the counseling elements to 
require schools to include information about two new statutory 
initiatives--the MPN and the availability of the Department's Student 
Loan Ombudsman's office.

Use of Electronic Means To Provide Counseling

    The proposed regulations make changes based on the statutory 
authorization for schools to use electronic means to provide counseling 
to borrowers. Under the proposed regulations, FFEL and Direct Loan 
program schools would be authorized to provide initial and exit 
counseling to borrowers--
     In person;
     By audiovisual presentation; or
     By interactive electronic means.
    In any case, schools would continue to be required to ensure that 
an individual with knowledge of Title IV programs is reasonably 
available shortly after the counseling to answer borrowers' questions. 
The proposed regulations would also continue to allow schools to 
provide written counseling materials to borrowers who are enrolled in a 
correspondence program or a study abroad program approved for credit at 
a postsecondary home school. In the case of a borrower who withdraws 
from school without the school's prior knowledge or who fails to 
complete the exit counseling as required, the proposed regulations 
would now require a school to provide exit counseling through 
interactive electronic means or by mailing written counseling materials 
to the borrower within 30 days after the school learns that the 
borrower has withdrawn from school or failed to complete the exit 
counseling as required.
    The committee members pointed out that there are different 
electronic means by which schools may provide initial and exit 
counseling to FFEL and Direct Loan borrowers. Moreover, 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 borrowers is 
enhanced rather than diminished by advancing technology. For these 
reasons, the proposed regulations would not prescribe specific 
electronic means by which schools may provide initial and exit 
counseling. Rather, the proposed regulations would specify that the 
electronic means the school uses must be interactive, which at a 
minimum, requires schools to take reasonable steps to ensure that each 
borrower receives the counseling

[[Page 43438]]

materials and participates in and completes the counseling. For 
example, simply ensuring that the student received and ``opened'' an 
electronic message that contained loan counseling information would not 
be sufficient.
    The proposed regulations would continue to require schools to 
maintain documentation substantiating their compliance with the initial 
and exit counseling requirements for each borrower. However, in 
recognition of the unique features of electronic counseling, the 
proposed regulations would eliminate the requirement that a school 
maintain the documentation in a borrower's file. For schools that send 
initial and exit counseling materials by e-mail or other electronic 
means, the school's documentation would have to include proof that the 
borrower received the materials. This does not mean that the school 
must receive a personal response from the borrower, rather the school 
can accept an electronic ``receipt'', or other comparable response, 
that is a feature of most electronic mail systems. Proof of receipt 
would not be required if schools send the materials via U.S. mail.

New Counseling Elements

    The proposed regulations also would require that, as part of 
initial and exit counseling, schools include information about two new 
initiatives authorized by the 1998 Amendments. The committee believed 
that these statutory initiatives are important for borrowers to be 
informed of during the appropriate counseling session. Under the 
proposed regulations, schools would have to--
     Explain the use of an MPN during the initial counseling; 
and
     Review information on the availability of the Department's 
Student Loan Ombudsman's office during the exit counseling.
    The committee also agreed that borrowers should be informed of the 
availability of the Department's Student Loan Ombudsman's office by 
FFEL lenders and guaranty agencies at specific points in the life of 
the loan. The agreed-upon points at which information on the 
Ombudsman's services would be provided are included and discussed in 
the NPRM of Committee I.

Section 685.300--Choice of Loan Programs

    The 1998 Amendments modified section 498(b) of the HEA to require 
that the application for schools to participate in the Title IV 
programs provide schools the option to participate in one or more of 
the loan programs under the FFEL and Direct Loan programs. As a result 
of this change, a school may choose to participate in either the 
subsidized or the unsubsidized Stafford loan programs, or both. A 
school also has the option to choose whether or not to participate in 
the PLUS loan program. The proposed Direct Loan Program regulations 
contain a conforming change in 685.300 to reflect this statutory 
change. The prior FFEL Program regulations that provided for agreements 
between an eligible school and the Secretary for participation in the 
FFEL Program were removed and reserved in regulations published on July 
1, 1995. Therefore, a comparable conforming change is not proposed for 
those regulations. Notwithstanding that fact, FFEL schools also have 
the option to decide in which FFEL loan programs they wish to 
participate.
    The committee considered whether a student attending a school that 
chose not to participate in the PLUS loan program would be 
automatically eligible to borrow additional unsubsidized FFEL or Direct 
Loan program funds as the law provides for dependent students whose 
parents are unable to borrow under the PLUS loan program. After much 
discussion, the committee agreed that the proposed regulations should 
not permit a dependent student attending such a school to be eligible 
to receive additional unsubsidized FFEL or Direct Loan program funds 
based on the school's decision not to participate in the PLUS loan 
program. Some negotiators agreed with the Department's belief that this 
went beyond the scope of the intent of the law.

Executive Order 12866

1. Potential Costs and Benefits

    Under Executive Order 12866, we have assessed the potential costs 
and benefits of this regulatory action.
    The potential costs associated with the proposed regulations are 
those resulting from statutory requirements and those we have 
determined as necessary for administering these programs effectively 
and efficiently.
    In assessing the potential costs and benefits--both quantitative 
and qualitative--of this regulatory action, we have determined that the 
benefits 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 note that, as these proposed regulations were subject to 
negotiated rulemaking, the costs and benefits of the various 
requirements were discussed thoroughly by the negotiators. The 
resultant consensus reached on a particular requirement generally 
reflected agreement on the best possible approach to that requirement 
in terms of cost and benefit.

Summary of Potential Costs and Benefits

    The following is an analysis of the costs and benefits of the most 
significant provisions of the proposed regulations, all of which 
reflect statutory changes included in the 1998 Amendments. There are 
additional proposed changes including conforming and minor technical 
changes intended to further improve the administration of the FFEL and 
Direct Loan programs, which are discussed elsewhere in this preamble 
under the heading Proposed Regulatory Changes. The Department does not 
consider there to be significant costs associated with those 
provisions.

Interest Rates

    The 1998 Amendments changed the basis for calculating borrower 
interest rates on new Stafford and unsubsidized Stafford loans from a 
security of comparable maturity plus 1 percent for both in-school and 
repayment periods, to the 91-day T-bill interest rate plus 1.7 percent 
for in-school, grace, and deferment periods, and the 91-day T-bill 
interest rate plus 2.3 percent for repayment periods. These changes are 
incorporated in proposed 682.202. At the time the 1998 Amendments 
passed, the 91-day T-bill interest rate plus 2.3 percent was roughly 
equal to the 10-20 year bond interest rate plus 1 percent; as a result 
this change had no financial impact for loans in repayment. The lower 
in-school costs of unsubsidized Stafford loans result in significant 
student benefits. The cost to loan holders is estimated to be $56 
million for loans originated in FY 2000.
    The interest rate on FFEL Consolidation loans with applications 
received by the lender on or after October 1, 1998, was changed to the 
lesser of the weighted average of interest rates on the loans 
consolidated, rounded to the nearest higher 1/8th of 1 percent, or 8.25 
percent. The cost to loan holders for the lower borrower interest rate 
is estimated to total $52 million for FFEL Consolidation loans 
originated in FY 2000.

Capitalization

    Section 682.202 also reflects the changes made to the HEA that 
govern the frequency with which FFEL loan holders may capitalize 
accrued interest. In addition, they clarify that these frequency of 
capitalization rules apply

[[Page 43439]]

to subsidized loans as well as to unsubsidized loans. In accordance 
with the 1998 Amendments, a loan holder may only add accrued interest 
to the principal when a borrower 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 provision 
would benefit borrowers and would result in an estimated cost to loan 
holders of $45 million for loans originated in FY 2000. Of this amount, 
$354,000 is the cost of including subsidized loans.

FFEL Extended Repayment Plan

    Section 682.209 incorporates the new FFEL extended repayment plan 
for new borrowers with outstanding FFEL Program loans exceeding $30,000 
which would allow those borrowers to repay their loans, including FFEL 
Consolidation loans, over a period not to exceed 25 years with fixed or 
graduated repayment amounts. Assuming the same proportion of FFEL 
borrowers take advantage of these provisions as in the Direct Loan 
Program, lender's interest receipts may increase by as much as $55 
million over the 30-year life of a loan. This increased revenue should 
more than offset any additional administrative costs lenders may incur. 
Further, it is likely that many or most small lenders will sell loans 
in the extended repayment plan to larger loan holders in the secondary 
markets.

Bankruptcy Discharge

    Section 682.402 reflects changes made to the Bankruptcy Code by the 
1998 Amendments that eliminates the seven-year repayment provision for 
discharge of FFEL Program loans for bankruptcy petitions filed on or 
after October 8, 1998. This change limits the FFEL Program loans that 
may be discharged in bankruptcy to those that qualify on grounds of 
undue hardship. The discharge of fewer loans would save the Federal 
Government an estimated $66 million for loans originated in FY 2000.
    Overall, these regulations would result in savings to borrowers and 
the Federal Government, and would have a cost to loan holders in the 
FFEL Program as shown in the table below. These costs are a direct 
result of changes made to the HEA by the 1998 Amendments and have been 
implemented prior to the development of these proposed regulations.

                                                  FY 2000 Costs
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Federal                        FFEL loan
                            Provision                               government    All  Borrowers      holders
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Rate Reduction.........................................  ..............            -108             108
Capitalization Upon Repayment...................................  ..............             -45              45
Limit Bankruptcy Discharge......................................             -66              66
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................................             -66            - 87             153
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Clarity of the Regulations

    Executive Order 12866 and the President's Memorandum of June 1, 
1998 on ``Plain Language in Government Writing'' require each agency to 
write regulations that are easy to understand.
    The Secretary invites comments on how to make these proposed 
regulations easier to understand, including answers to questions such 
as the following:
     Are the requirements in the proposed regulations clearly 
stated?
     Do the proposed regulations contain technical terms or 
other wording that interferes with their clarity?
     Does the format of the proposed regulations (grouping and 
order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce 
their clarity?
     Would the proposed regulations be easier to understand if 
we divided them into more (but shorter) sections? (A ``section'' is 
preceded by the symbol ``Sec. '' and a numbered heading; for example, 
Sec. 682.202 Permissible charges by lenders to borrowers.)
     Could the description of the proposed regulations in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this preamble be more helpful in 
making the proposed regulations easier to understand? If so, how?
     What else could we do to make the proposed regulations 
easier to understand?
    Send any comments that concern how the Department could make these 
proposed regulations easier to understand to the persons listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of the preamble.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Secretary certifies that these proposed regulations would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    Entities affected by these regulations are institutions of higher 
education and loan holders that participate in the Title IV, HEA 
programs, and individual FFEL and Direct Loan borrowers. Institutions 
would experience positive impacts from these proposed regulations. 
Individuals are not considered small entities for this purpose. Nearly 
all of the roughly 4,800 participating FFEL loan holders would be 
defined as small entities under U.S. Small Business Administration 
(SBA) guidelines. (Student loans are originated by lenders and are 
often sold in packages to larger secondary market participants.) Small 
lenders originate only 16 percent of new loans. The economic impact for 
loans originated in FY 2000 would be $24 million or approximately 
$5,000 per average lender.
    The Secretary invites comments on this determination, and welcomes 
proposals on any significant alternatives that would satisfy the same 
legal and policy objectives of these proposals while minimizing the 
economic impact on small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Sections 682.102, 682.200, 682.402, 682.604, 682.610, 685.215, and 
685.304 contain information collection requirements and require OMB 
approval. Sections 682.210(h), 682.301(b), 682.401(b)(5), 685.204(b) 
and 685.205 are affected by the NPRM and require continued approval by 
OMB. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the 
Department has submitted a copy of these sections to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for its review.
    Collection of Information: Federal Family Education Loan Program 
and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program.

Section 682.102--Obtaining and Repaying a Loan

    We are proposing to require the use of the Free Application for 
Federal Student

[[Page 43440]]

Aid (FAFSA), beginning in academic year 1999-2000, as the application 
for subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans, as required by the 1998 
Amendments. Borrowers would no longer be required to complete a 
separate loan application. This provision would reduce the burden hours 
required for a lender's processing of the loan application. The 
Department currently has the burden hours for this provision accounted 
for under 682.401(b)(4) and approved under OMB control numbers 1840-
0742 and 1840-0717. We will submit a change request to reflect the 
reduction in burden hours to OMB.

Section 682.200--Definitions

    We are proposing to change the definition of ``Default'' by 
increasing the number of days a borrower may be delinquent before an 
FFEL Program Loan becomes defaulted from 180 days to 270 days for loans 
repayable in monthly installments, and from 240 days to 330 days for 
loans repayable less frequently than monthly installments. We 
anticipate no change in burden hours as a result of this change.

Section 682.402--Death, Disability, Closed School, False Certification, 
Unpaid Refunds, and Bankruptcy Payments

    We are proposing changes that would provide for the discharge of 
all or a portion of a borrower's FFEL Program loan if a school failed 
to refund loan proceeds to the lender on behalf of a borrower who 
withdrew or was terminated from the school within a timeframe that 
entitled the borrower to a Title IV refund. This proposed statutory 
change would be retroactive to loans disbursed on or after January 1, 
1986. The proposed unpaid refund discharge would involve both schools 
that have closed and schools that are open. Annual reporting burden 
hours for this collection of information for processing unpaid refund 
discharge payments is estimated to average one hour per response for 
500 borrowers, equaling a total of 500 new burden hours. This figure is 
based on unpaid refund discharge payments for an estimated 400 
borrowers in closed school situations and an estimated 100 borrowers in 
open school situations.

Section 682.604--Processing the Borrower's Loan Proceeds and Counseling 
Borrowers

    We are proposing to change the regulations to clarify that schools 
are not restricted to providing in-person exit counseling to borrowers, 
but may use interactive electronic means to conduct entrance and exit 
counseling for borrowers. Our recalculation of burden hours also 
reflects the streamlining of an in-person counseling since the 
inception of the process in 1989. Annual public reporting burden for 
the collection of information for initial counseling is estimated to 
average 0.25 hour per response for 5,899 FFEL Program schools times 
eight sessions per school for a total of 11,798 burden hours. This 
equals a decrease of 4,514 burden hours. Annual public reporting burden 
for the collection of information for exit counseling is estimated to 
average 0.25 hour per response for 836,124 students for a total of 
209,031 burden hours. This equals an increase of 77,814 burden hours 
over the current inventory. The large increase results from the large 
increase of respondents since the last calculation of these numbers.

Section 682.610--Administrative and Fiscal Requirements for 
Participating Schools

    This provision would require a school to maintain documentation of 
any confirmation process or processes the school may have used for 
borrowers who use the multi-year feature of the Master Promissory Note. 
This provision has information collection requirements that affect 
schools. Annual reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 20 minutes to prepare a document describing the 
school's confirmation process or processes for MPN multi-year 
borrowers. There are 5,899 FFELP schools. This equals a total of 1,947 
new burden hours.

Section 685.215--Unpaid Refund Discharge

    This proposed provision would allow a borrower to have all or a 
portion of the borrower's loan discharged if a school failed to make a 
refund. The provision has information collection requirements that 
would affect borrowers and schools. In the majority of cases, borrowers 
would be required to complete a form to apply for an unpaid refund 
discharge. This form will be developed following publication of the 
final regulations and, when cleared, will account for the burden to 
borrowers. In cases in which a borrower applies for an unpaid refund 
discharge based on the actions of a school that is open, schools would 
need to respond to an inquiry by the Department as to the unpaid refund 
allegation. The Department estimates that 100 Direct Loan borrowers 
will submit unpaid refund discharge applications and that 25% of those 
applications would require schools that are open to spend one hour to 
respond to the allegations for an estimated total of 25 new burden 
hours.

Section 685.304--Counseling Borrowers

    This proposed provision would revise existing regulations to allow 
schools to provide initial and exit counseling to borrowers by one of 
three methods: in person, by audiovisual presentation, or by 
interactive electronic means. Schools would continue to be affected by 
the information collection requirements in the existing regulations--
they would have to collect and maintain documentation substantiating 
their compliance with the initial and exit counseling requirements for 
each borrower. However, with the authorization for providing initial 
and exit counseling through electronic means, the time required for 
schools to collect and maintain the information would be reduced. For 
initial counseling, the Department estimates that 1,230 Direct Loan 
schools will conduct an average of eight counseling sessions and spend 
.25 hour per session collecting and maintaining the required 
documentation for a total of 2,460 burden hours. For exit counseling, 
the Department estimates that Direct Loan schools will spend .25 hour 
collecting and maintaining the required documentation for each of 
836,124 borrowers who must complete exit counseling for a total of 
209,301 burden hours. The combined burden hours for the information 
collection requirements associated with initial and exit counseling 
equal 211,491. While this is an increase of 182,097 burden hours to the 
29,394 burden hours reported in the Department's most recent inventory, 
the increase is due to the growth of the Direct Loan Program.
    If you want to comment on the information collection requirements, 
please send your comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, OMB, room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 
20503; Attention: Desk Officer for U.S. Department of Education. You 
may also send a copy of these comments to the Department 
representatives named in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble.
    We consider your comments in these proposed collections of 
information in--
     Deciding whether the proposed collections are necessary 
for the proper performance of our functions, including whether the 
information will have practical use;
     Evaluating the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collections, including the validity of our methodology and 
assumptions;

[[Page 43441]]

     Enhancing the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the 
information we collect; and
     Minimizing the burden on those who must respond. This 
includes exploring the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms 
of information technology; e.g., permitting electronic submission of 
responses.
    OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collections of 
information contained in these proposed regulations between 30 and 60 
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register. 
Therefore, to ensure that OMB gives your comments full consideration, 
it is important that OMB receives the comments within 30 days of 
publication. This does not affect the deadline for your comments to us 
on the proposed regulations.

Assessment of Educational Impact

    The Secretary particularly requests comments on whether these 
proposed regulations would 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://ifap.ed.gov/csb__html/fedlreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/HEA/rulemaking/

 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, DC, 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.

    Dated: July 22, 1999.
Richard W. Riley,
Secretary of Education.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Secretary proposes to 
amend 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.

    2. Section 682.100 paragraph (a)(4) is amended by removing ``other 
loans, including,''; and by adding ``Loans for Disadvantaged Students 
(LDS)'', after ``(HPSL)''.
    3. Section 682.102, paragraph (a), is revised; paragraph (b) is 
removed and reserved; and paragraph (d) 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. 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, 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, only the holders 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.
* * * * *
    4. 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), (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''.


Sec. 682.200  Definitions.

* * * * *
    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; or
    (C) Private and state-sponsored loan programs; and
    (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 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.
* * * * *

[[Page 43442]]

    (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.
* * * * *
    5. 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 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, at the time of application for a 
Consolidation loan, the individual--
    (i) Is, on the loans being consolidated--
    (A) In a grace period preceding repayment;
    (B) In repayment status;
    (C) In a default status on a title IV loan and has either made 
satisfactory repayment arrangements as defined in 682.200(b)(2) or has 
agreed to repay the consolidation loan under the income-sensitive 
repayment plan described in 682.209(a)(6)(viii);
    (D) Not subject to a judgment secured through litigation, unless 
the judgment has been vacated; or
    (E) 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 the outstanding loan of the 
borrower 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) A borrower who receives an eligible loan after the date a 
Consolidation loan is made may receive a subsequent Consolidation loan; 
and
    (2) 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.
    (e) A Consolidation loan borrower may consolidate an existing 
Consolidation loan only if the borrower has other outstanding eligible 
loans that will be consolidated.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1077, 1078, 1078-1, 1078-2, 1078-3, 1082, and 
1091)

    6. 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 29, 
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)(3)(iii), introductory text, by removing 
``1992,'' and by adding, in its place, ``1992 and for loans made prior 
to July 1, 1994 for a period of enrollment that began prior to July 1, 
1994''.
    I. 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).
    J. In paragraph (b)(1), by removing ``paragraph (b)(2) of''; and by 
revising paragraph (b)(2).
    K. In paragraph (b)(3) by removing ``, except that 
capitalization'', and by adding in its place, ``. Capitalization''.
    L. By removing paragraph (b)(5).
    M. By redesignating paragraph (b)(4) as paragraph (b)(5); and 
adding a new paragraph (b)(4).
    N. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (b)(5).
    O. By revising paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2).
    P. 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).


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 for a period of 
enrollment that includes or begins on or after July 1, 1995, 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

[[Page 43443]]

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--
    (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 after notification to 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. A lender--
    (1) 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) 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 minimum qualifying EFC for a Federal Pell 
Grant at the time the loan is certified or to borrowers who qualify for 
a subsidized Stafford loan.
    (ii) If a lender charges a lower origination fee pursuant to this 
subparagraph, the lender must charge all similarly situated borrowers 
the same origination fee.
    (iii) A lender may use a comparable standard with the approval of 
the Secretary.
    (3) If a lender charges a lower origination fee on unsubsidized 
loans under paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, the lender 
must charge the same fee on subsidized loans.
    (4) For purposes of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, 
all lenders under common ownership, including ownership by a common 
holding company, constitute a single lender. Any beneficial owner of 
loans, that provides funds to an eligible lender trustee to make loans 
on the beneficial owner's behalf, is considered the lender for this 
purpose.
* * * * *
    7. 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''.


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

[[Page 43444]]

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--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP10AU99.002

    (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] TP10AU99.003

    (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] TP10AU99.004

    (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] TP10AU99.005

    (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:
    (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 an

[[Page 43445]]

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 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] TP10AU99.006

    (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] TP10AU99.007

    (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:
    (A) $4,000 for a program of study of at least a full academic year 
in length.
    (B) For a one-year 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] TP10AU99.008

    (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] TP10AU99.009

    (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 (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/

[[Page 43446]]

Ford Loans and SLS Loans, but 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.
* * * * *
    8. 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); and
    E. By revising paragraph (d)(1).


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 multiple 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.
* * * * *
    9. Section 682.207 is amended as follows:
    A. By revising the introductory text of paragraph (c);
    B. By removing paragraph (c)(5);
    C. By redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (f);
    D. By redesignating paragraph (c)(4) as paragraph (d);
    E. By adding a new paragraph (e); and
    F. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (f).


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 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.
    10. 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. By revising the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(7)(iii).
    E. In the 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''.
    F. By redesignating paragraph (a)(7)(ix) as paragraph (a)(7)(xi).
    G. By adding new paragraphs (a)(7)(ix) and (x).
    H. By revising paragraph (c)(1)(i).
    I. 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).


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
    (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) 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, or if applicable, an extended 
repayment schedule.
* * * * *
    (ix) Under an extended repayment schedule, the borrower 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) * * *

[[Page 43447]]

    (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 defaulted 
loans.
* * * * *
    11. 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. By revising paragraph (b)(4).
    C. 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).
    D. In redesignated paragraph (c)(3) by adding ``or other form 
certified by the school'' after ``application''.
    E. In redesignated paragraph (c)(4) by removing ``SLS or PLUS'' and 
adding, in its place, ``SLS, PLUS or Consolidation loan'' after 
``Stafford''.
    F. In redesignated paragraph (c)(5), by adding ``or PLUS (unless 
based on the dependent's status)'' after ``Stafford''.
    G. By revising paragraph (h).


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 682.301 when the loan is made.
    (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 a student deferment, the student's anticipated 
graduation date as certified by an authorized official of the school 
and as updated by notice or SSCR update to the lender from the school 
or guaranty agency; 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 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 paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section and of 
the borrower's option to pay interest that accrues on an unsubsidized 
Federal Stafford loan or to cancel the deferment and continue paying on 
the loan.
* * * * *
    (h) Unemployment deferment. (1) A borrower qualifies for an 
unemployment deferment by providing evidence of eligibility for 
unemployment benefits to the lender.
    (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 not grant a deferment based on a single 
certification under paragraph (h)(1) of this section beyond the date 
that is six months after the date of the certification.
    (v) 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, provided it shows the same 
number of contacts and contains the same information the borrower would 
be required to provide under this section.
* * * * *
    12. Section 682.211 is amended as follows:
    A. By revising paragraph (a)(4);
    B. In paragraph (b) by removing ``in writing'';
    C. By adding a new paragraph (f)(9);
    D. In paragraphs (h)(l) and (h)(2), by removing the word 
``written''; and
    E. By removing paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B) and designating paragraph 
(h)(2)(ii)(C) as paragraph (h)(2)(ii)(B) to read as follows:


Sec. 682.211  Forbearance.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(10) of this section, if 
payments of interest are forborne, they may be capitalized as provided 
in 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.
* * * * *
    13. 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

[[Page 43448]]

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 682.301. This payment is known as interest benefits.
* * * * *
    14. Section 682.301 is amended as follows:
    A. By revising paragraph (a)(3);
    B. By removing paragraph (a)(4); and
    C. By revising paragraphs (b) and (c).


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 
only if the loan consolidates 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 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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078, 1082, 1087-1)

    15. Section 682.401 is amended as follows:
    A. By revising paragraphs (b)(5)(i) and (ii);
    B. By redesignating paragraphs (d)(4) and (d)(5) as paragraphs 
(d)(5) and (d)(6), respectively; and
    C. By adding a new paragraph (d)(4).


Sec. 682.401  Basic program agreement.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Borrower responsibilities. (i) The borrower must indicate his 
or her preferred lender on the promissory note or application, 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) In the case of a PLUS loan request, information concerning the 
outstanding FFEL loans of the borrower and of the student, including 
any Consolidation loan used to repay a Stafford, SLS, or PLUS loan;
    (C) 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
    (D) Information from the school demonstrating that the student 
qualifies as an eligible student and providing the maximum amount that 
may be borrowed by or on behalf of the student.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (4)(i) The Secretary authorizes the use of the multi-year feature 
of the Master Promissory Note (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 (i) of this 
section. The criteria to be used by the Secretary to prohibit use of 
the multi-year feature include 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 
student asking that the MPN no longer be used as the basis for 
additional loans;
    (B) Twelve months after the original MPN was signed if no 
disbursements are issued by the lender under that MPN; or
    (C) Ten years from the date the student 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.
* * * * *
    16. 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,'' after ``section''.
    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).


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.
* * * * *

[[Page 43449]]

    (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 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 if the petition 
for relief in bankruptcy was filed prior to October 8, 1998, 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; and
    (ii) In all other cases, 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 agency determines that repayment would not constitute 
an undue hardship, the 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 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
    (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 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 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

[[Page 43450]]

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 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 the initial 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, 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

[[Page 43451]]

7, 2000, 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.
    (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.
* * * * *
    17. Section 682.406 is amended by adding a new paragraph (c) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 682.406  Conditions of reinsurance coverage.

* * * * *
    (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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1078, 1078-1, 1078-2, 1078-3, 1082)

    18. 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), and by removing ``certified'' after 
``submit'' and by removing ``if no originals exist'' after 
``originals''.


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.
* * * * *
    19. 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); and
    H. By removing paragraph (a)(5)(iii).


Sec. 682.414  Records, reports, and inspection requirements for 
guaranty agency programs.

    (a) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (K) Documentation of any 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.
* * * * *
    20. 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; and
    D. By adding a new paragraph (g).


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 to certify a loan 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 is notified that the Secretary has 
determined that the school does not meet the qualifications outlined in 
those paragraphs.
* * * * *
    21. Section 682.604 is amended as follows:
    A. By revising paragraph (c)(5);
    B. By revising the introductory text of paragraph (c)(6);
    C. By adding a new paragraph (c)(10); and
    D. By revising paragraphs (f) and (g).


Sec. 682.604   Processing the borrower's loan proceeds and counseling 
borrowers.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (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

[[Page 43452]]

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 postsecondary home school 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)-(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 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; or
    (ii) The school is an eligible postsecondary home school 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 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 borrower's 
questions regarding those programs. As an alternative, in the case of a 
student enrolled in a correspondence program or a student enrolled in a 
study-abroad program that the postsecondary home school 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 borrower the seriousness and importance of 
the repayment obligation the 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 borrower of a Stafford loan (other than a 
loan made or originated by the school), emphasize that the borrower is 
obligated to repay the full amount of the loan even if the 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 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 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 borrower ceases 
at least half-time study at the school. As an alternative, in the case 
of a student enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad 
program that the postsecondary home school approves for credit, the 
school may provide written counseling materials by mail within 30 days 
after the borrower completes the program. If a 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 borrower at the borrower's last 
known address within 30 days after learning that the 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 of the average anticipated monthly repayment 
amount based on the student's indebtedness or on the average 
indebtedness of students who have obtained Stafford or SLS loans for 
attendance at that school or in the borrower's program of study;
    (ii) Review for the borrower available repayment options (e.g., 
loan consolidation, refinancing of SLS loans);
    (iii) Suggest to the borrower debt-management strategies that the 
school determines would best assist repayment by the borrower;
    (iv) Include the matters described in paragraph (f)(2) of this 
section;
    (v) Review with the borrower the conditions under which the 
borrower may defer repayment or obtain a full or partial cancellation 
of a loan;
    (vi) Require the 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 borrower's 
expected permanent address, the address of the borrower's next of kin, 
and the name and address of the borrower's expected employer, that will 
then be provided within 60 days to the guaranty agency or agencies 
listed in the borrower's records; and
    (vii) Review with the 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 
school's compliance with this section for each borrower.
* * * * *
    22. Section 682.610 is amended by revising paragraph (b) 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--

[[Page 43453]]

    (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 
682.604(c)(3) to deliver the initial and subsequent disbursements of 
each FFEL program loan; and
    (6) Documentation of any confirmation process or processes the 
school may have used.
* * * * *

PART 685--WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

    23. The authority citation for part 685 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087 et seq., unless otherwise noted.

    24. Section 685.102 is amended in paragraph (b)
    A. By revising the definitions of ``Default'' and ``Estimated 
financial assistance.''
    B. By adding after ``Loan fee'' a new definition ``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;
    (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 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.
* * * * *
    25. 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 
disburses the funds to the student.
    (iii) If the student is attending a school participating under 
standard 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 disburses 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

[[Page 43454]]

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)

    26. 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] TP10AU99.010

    (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] TP10AU99.011

    (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] TP10AU99.012

    (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] TP10AU99.013

    (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:

[[Page 43455]]

    (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 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] TP10AU99.014

    (C) 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] TP10AU99.015

    (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 one-year 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] TP10AU99.016

    (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--
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP10AU99.017

    (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:
* * * * *
    27. Section 685.204 is amended by adding a new paragraph 
(b)(1)(iii) to read as follows:

[[Page 43456]]

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 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.
* * * * *
    28. 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 685.213;
    (ii) Under 685.214;
    (iii) Under 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.
* * * * *
    29. 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); 
and 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 6-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 6-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.
* * * * *
    (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 6-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 6-month grace period upon completion of the excluded 
period.
* * * * *
    30. Section 685.212 is amended by revising paragraphs (d), (e), 
(f), and (g) to read as follows:


Sec. 685.212   Discharge of a loan obligation.

* * * * *
    (d) Closed schools. If a borrower meets the requirements in 
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 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 
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

[[Page 43457]]

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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)

    31. Section 685.215 is redesignated it as 685.216, a new 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 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 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
    (B) Agrees to cooperate with the Secretary in enforcement actions 
as described in 685.213(d) and to transfer any right to recovery 
against a third party to the Secretary as described in 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, 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, 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.
    (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

[[Page 43458]]

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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)

    32. The newly redesignated 685.216 is amended by revising 
paragraphs (g), (l)(1), (l)(2), and (l)(3) to read as follows:


Sec. 685.216  Consolidation.

* * * * *
    (g) Interest rate. The interest rate on a Direct Subsidized 
Consolidation Loan or a Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loan is the 
rate established in 685.202(a)(3)(i). The interest rate on a Direct 
PLUS Consolidation Loan is the rate established in 685.202(a)(3)(ii).
* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (1) Deferment. To obtain a deferment on a joint Direct 
Consolidation Loan under 685.204, both borrowers must meet the 
requirements of that section.
    (2) Forbearance. To obtain forbearance on a joint Direct 
Consolidation Loan under 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 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 
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 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 685.212(d), (e), or (f) as applicable.
    33. 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.
* * * * *
    34. Section 685.301 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2), 
(b)(3), introductory text, (b)(8), and (c)(2) 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).
    (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 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 postsecondary home school 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 is 
notified that the Secretary has determined that the school does not 
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.
* * * * *
    35. 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 postsecondary home school 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 is notified that the Secretary has determined that the 
school does not meet the qualifications outlined in those paragraphs.
* * * * *
    36. 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 the newly redesignated paragraph (a)(3)(v); 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), 
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)(v), 
(b)(4)(vi), (b)(4)(viii), and (b)(7); and by adding new paragraphs 
(b)(2), (b)(4)(vii), and (b)(6).

[[Page 43459]]

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 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 
borrower's questions. As an alternative, in the case of a student 
enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program approved 
for credit at the postsecondary home school, the school may provide the 
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;
* * * * *
    (v) Inform the student as to the average anticipated monthly 
repayment for those students based on the average indebtedness provided 
under paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this section.
* * * * *
    (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 borrower.
    (b) * * *
    (1) A school must conduct exit counseling with each Direct 
Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrower shortly before the 
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 IV programs is 
reasonably available shortly after the counseling to answer the 
borrower's questions. As an alternative, in the case of a student 
enrolled in a correspondence program or a study-abroad program approved 
for credit at the postsecondary home school, the school may provide the 
borrower with written counseling materials within 30 days after the 
borrower completes the program.
    (3) If a 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 
borrower at the borrower's last known address within 30 days after the 
school learns that the borrower has withdrawn from school or failed to 
complete the exit counseling as required.
    (4) In conducting the exit counseling, the school must--
* * * * *
    (v) Meet the requirements described in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii) and 
(iii) of this section;
    (vi) Review with the borrower the conditions under which the 
borrower may defer repayment or obtain a full or partial cancellation 
of a loan;
    (vii) Review with the borrower information on the availability of 
the Department's Student Loan Ombudsman's office; and
    (Viii) Require the 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 
borrower's expected permanent address, the address of the borrower's 
next of kin, and the name and address of the 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 borrower.
    37. 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 eligible 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.

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.)

[FR Doc. 99-19947 Filed 8-4-99; 3:04 pm]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-U