Submitted by Cheryl Dowd on
Federal Regulation

Reporting Enrollment in Distance Education or Correspondence Courses

Description 

The U.S. Department of Education finalized a regulation in January 2025, following the 2024 negotiated rulemaking, that requires institutions to report student enrollment in distance education and correspondence courses for Title IV purposes. Beginning July 1, 2027, institutions must submit this data to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) using procedures established by the Department.

Action to be taken

  • Monitor guidance – Stay updated on Department procedures for NSLDS reporting.
  • Assess systems – Review current enrollment tracking to ensure distance and correspondence courses can be reported separately.
  • Plan updates – Work with IT and registrars to adapt data systems before 2027.
  • Train staff – Prepare compliance and reporting teams for new requirements.

Effective Date

  • July 1, 2026, but reporting not due until July 1, 2027

Resources

Regulation progress: Step 7 of 8

  1. Step 1 Notice of Intent to Establish a Rulemaking with Public Comment Period.
  2. Step 2. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations and Schedule of Committee Meetings with Public Nominations.
  3. Step 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Meetings
  4. Step 4 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Proposed Regulations
  5. Step 5 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Public Comment Period (release of proposed regulations)
  6. Step 6 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Final Regulations
  7. Step 7 Release of Final Regulations
  8. Step 8 Effective Date