Purpose

To determine whether New York College of Health Professions complied with the Education Law and the Commissioner of Education’s Rules and Regulations when certifying students for State financial aid.   

Background

New York College of Health Professions (College of Health) was established in 1981 as the New Center for Holistic Health Education and Research. The school operates five locations – a campus in Syosset, Long Island; three locations in Manhattan; and one in China. College of Health offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Advanced Asian Bodywork, and Massage Therapy. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the school enrolled 554 students. College of Health’s undergraduate tuition is $390 per credit. TAP is the largest of the various student grant and scholarship programs administered by HESC. It is an entitlement program designed to help eligible students pay tuition charges in postsecondary New York schools. Schools receiving State financial aid payments are responsible for certifying student eligibility. For the three academic years ended June 30, 2015, College of Health official certified 1,553 awards totaling $2.1 million on behalf of 637 students.

Key Findings

• We determined that College of Health was overpaid $298,224 because school officials incorrectly certified some students as eligible for State financial aid awards.
• Incorrect certifications include eleven students who received awards but did not demonstrate academic preparedness and eight students who did not meet the requirements for full-time status.

Key Recommendations

• The Higher Education Services Corporation should recover $298,224 plus applicable interest, from College of Health.
• College of Health should comply with the State Education Law and the Commissioner of Education’s Rules and Regulations when certifying students for State financial aid.
• The State Education Department and the Higher Education Services Corporation should work with school officials to help ensure future compliance with the eligibility requirements cited in the report.

Other Related Audits/Reports of Interest

Tuition Assistance Program - CUNY York (2016-T-1)    
Tuition Assistance Program - Fordham University (2016-T-2)