
Resources to Help You Report Student Data to the Clearinghouse
+ Our Value To You
+ The Clearinghouse Reporting Process: All Students Reported
+ The Clearinghouse Data Flow with NSLDS
+ The Clearinghouse Data Flow with Schools
+ The Clearinghouse Data Flow with Lenders
+ Your School’s Transmission Schedule
+ Best Practices
+ Frequently Asked Questions
+ Resources
+ Articles
Our Value To You
Since 1993, the National Student Clearinghouse has been higher education’s trusted and secure partner committed to privacy and transparency. Our free Enrollment Reporting service provides institutions with automated enrollment verification and deferment reporting to the Department of Education and education finance industry. This improves data accuracy and helps institutions stay in compliance, while reducing their workload. Through Compliance Central, the Clearinghouse Academy, and our Audit Resource Center, we provide best practices, audit support and training to help institutions maintain compliance.
The Clearinghouse Reporting Process: All Students Reported
The Clearinghouse’s comprehensive reporting process covers all aid recipients (federal and private), helping to prevent students from being overlooked. Schools and their students benefit from faster, more timely reporting and deferment form processing that also enables greater accuracy and fewer errors. As your authorized agent, the Clearinghouse provides status and deferment information to the Department of Education’s NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System), guaranty agencies, lenders, and servicers on your behalf.
The Clearinghouse Data Flow with NSLDS
On behalf of your school, the Clearinghouse responds to NSLDS requests for Student Status Confirmation Reports (SSCRs) following this data flow:
The Clearinghouse Data Flow with Schools
Periodically, you need to report the enrollment status for all your students to the Clearinghouse via secure FTP according to your school’s transmission schedule. If you participate in our free DegreeVerify service, you will also report your degree data to us.
Also see out blog post G from DV – Better Than Before.
The Clearinghouse Data Flow with Lenders
Another way that the Clearinghouse completes compliance reporting for your school is via weekly notifications for non-Direct Loans.
Your School’s Transmission Schedule
- Designed to meet compliance best practices and your school’s reporting needs
- Adjustable (watch our “Online File Transmission Schedule” tutorial)
- Evergreen. You enter a schedule for one full academic year and we automatically generate a new one for you every year.
The following is the typical reporting and compliance schedule:
Best Practices
Anticipated Completion Date (ACD) Reporting
Reporting an accurate Anticipated Completion Date (ACD) — also commonly known as the Anticipated Graduation Date or AGD — for each student for whom it is required is critical. Accurate ACD reporting enables loan servicers to correctly communicate changing obligations to borrowers as they approach repayment and helps prevent student loans from being converted to repayment either too early or too late. The following are best practices we recommend you follow, as you review and report ACDs:
- Report ACDs for students with F, Q, H, L, and A enrollment statuses. Do not report ACDs for students with W, G, or D statuses.
- Ensure that the ACD reflects the date when you expect the student to graduate. (For example, if a student working on a four-year degree started in fall 2016 and is expected to graduate in spring 2020, you should report an ACD that occurs at the end of the spring 2020 term.)
- If you are unsure when a student is expected to graduate, we recommend you report the ACD using the current term end date plus one year to avoid the student entering repayment too early.
- Do not report the student’s ACD as occurring more than 10 years after the certification date of your enrollment file. This can trigger NSLDS error #16 and cause NSLDS to not accept the record.
- Review ACDs at least once every term to ensure the dates for all enrolled students (those with F, Q, H, L, and A statuses) are calculated and reported accurately. Typically, the ACD calculation is based on the number of credits completed and the total number of credits required for graduation or program completion.
How to View the Clearinghouse’s Average File Processing Turnaround Time
You can see the average processing turnaround time for enrollment and degree files submitted to the Clearinghouse by selecting the “Student Reporting” tab of our secure website. This information is also displayed when you select the “Enrollment Reporting” and “Degree Transmissions” links on the tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SSCR?
How often does the Clearinghouse respond to Student Status Confirmation Reports (SSCRs)?
The Clearinghouse schedules and processes a Student Status Confirmation Report (SSCR) every month for each of our participating schools. Typically, each roster is received from the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) around the first day of the month and processed within 15 days of receipt, per guidance from Dear Colleague Letter 14-07.
How often is enrollment reported to the Clearinghouse?
What is the timeframe for reporting to NSLDS? Is it 30 or 60 days?
Do SSCRs go out at least every 60 days?
Yes. The Clearinghouse schedules and processes a Student Status Confirmation Report (SSCR) every month for each of our participating schools. Each roster is typically received from the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) around the first day of the month and is processed within 15 days of receipt, per guidance from Dear Colleague Letter 14-07.
How does the Clearinghouse know who to send my enrollment data to if the information is not requested through the SSCR process?
While the Clearinghouse primarily serves school clients, our participants also include members of the education finance community. These organizations provide the Clearinghouse with their borrower portfolios, typically monthly. The Clearinghouse uses the student borrower lists to identify which lenders, servicers, and guarantors need to know about specific students’ changes.
How can I view enrollment reporting completion through the Clearinghouse website and NSLDS?
- Enrollment history
- Enrollment data reported to lenders, servicers, and guarantors
- NSLDS notification history
How should my school report unofficial withdrawals through the Clearinghouse to NSLDS?
- Use the online update feature via the Student Look-Up tab on our secure site.
- Schedule an enrollment file that contains the withdrawals.
We recommend you report unofficial withdrawals as soon as possible. If a student re-enrolls after an unofficial withdrawal, it is important to remember that you must capture both the withdrawal and the enrollment.
Resources
Clearinghouse Academy Courses
- Federal Financial Aid Enrollment Compliance Reporting
- Enrollment Reporting: An Introduction
- Enrollment Reporting: Error Resolution
- Enrollment Reporting: Error Resolution (En español)
- Enrollment Reporting: File Submission
- Enrollment Reporting: File Submission (En español)
- Enrollment Reporting: NSLDS SSCR Errors
PDFs
- Enrollment Reporting Data Flow Infographic
- “Things That Can Keep You Above NSLDS’s 90% Threshold” infographic
- Deferment Form Checklist
- Early Registration vs. Advanced Registration: How to Get the Most Out of Both
- Enrollment Reporting Programming & Testing Guide
- G from DV FAQs
- G from Degree: DegreeVerify vs. Enrollment Reporting Records
- How to Report a Student as Graduated at the Campus or Program Level
- How to Report Enrollment for Summer & Other Non-Compulsory Terms
- NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Statistics Page FAQs
- X status for Program-Level Reporting Resource Document
Help
Articles
Reminder! Ensure Graduated (G) Enrollment Statuses are Reported Correctly for Federal Compliance
Make sure your enrollment reporting to the Clearinghouse reflects accurate and complete enrollment data consistent with Federal Student Aid (FSA) guidance, including enrollment status increases and decreases.
Enhancements! Error Resolution Report Template and New Error Codes 1791-1796 for an Existing Program
Our latest enhancement to the Error Resolution Report on the Web (ERW) template will increase usability and the user experience for managing enrollment data corrections. It will also introduce a new error code series (ECs 1791-1796).
Update: Federal Compliance Audit and NSLDS Roster Process
FSA has issued revised federal guidance for audit procedures and an update on the NSLDS Roster process.
Update: Enrollment Status Reporting to NSLDS
Read our latest update on enrollment status reporting to NSLDS.
New NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide Released, Reflecting NSLDS Site Modernization
FSA has released a new NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide, which reflects the NSLDS site modernization.
Update: Enrollment Status Reporting to NSLDS Restored
FSA and NSLDS confirmed that the supplemental file submission solution is complete and enrollment status updates flowed to NSLDS in chronological order by the certification date.
New! Our Error Code 208 Enhancement Will Help Reduce the Time You Spend on Your Error Resolution Report
We are enhancing Error Resolution Report on the Web (ERW) for Error Code 208 validation to prevent a corrected EC208 from re-posting on ERW for the same record but with a different error code.
New! G from DegreeVerify Enhancement Helps Manage and Streamline Graduated “G” Enrollment Status Reporting for Federal Compliance
The latest enhancement to our G from DegreeVerify service will make it easier and faster for participating institutions to review records needing their attention.
Next Steps: Processing Enrollment Files and NSLDS Reporting Regarding FSA Announcing Some NSLDS Functionality Delays
An update and next steps related to the August 15, 2022, Compliance Central blog post, NSLDS Roster Process Update for August 2022: Regarding FSA Announcing Some NSLDS Functionality Delays.
New! Warning Code 293 and Revised Warning Code 275, Graduated Enrollment Status Effective Date
The Clearinghouse is introducing a new validation, Warning Code 293, and revising Warning Code 275 to expedite the data flow to the National Student NSLDS and the loan servicing community.
NSLDS Roster Process Update for August 2022: Regarding FSA Announcing Some NSLDS Functionality Delays
Don’t miss this update on the impact to the NSLDS Roster Distribution process and plan for August 2022 due to FSA’s announcement on delays related to the new NSLDS Professional Access Website.
FSA Announces Availability of Some Functionality on New NSLDS Site Delayed
Make sure you read this important update on delays to the availability of some functionality on the new NSLDS Professional Access Website.
Looking for a Faster Way to Get Your Online Updates Processed? Send Them in a Batch Enrollment File!
Learn how using scheduled enrollment files to report student enrollment status changes can save you time.
New! Phase I Campus-Level Status Start Date Transparency Enhancement
The Clearinghouse is enhancing Enrollment Reporting’s Error Resolution Report process to display the defaulted Campus-Level Status Start Date (SSD) when the incoming file’s SSD is blank.
New! NSLDS Roster Process Enhancement, NSLDS Error Codes 26 & 38
Our newest Enrollment Reporting enhancement will prevent high volumes of NSLDS Error Codes 26 and 38 for schools that are current in their enrollment reporting to the Clearinghouse.
FSA Releases Changes to Its Guidance for the Return of Title IV Funds Related to Withdrawn Status
Here’s what you should know about the changes that FSA recently released to its guidance on the Return of Title IV Funds guidance related to withdrawn status.
New! Program Status Effective Date Warning Code Series (1821-1826)
Read about the new validation that the Clearinghouse is adding to Enrollment Reporting’s Error Resolution on the Web reporting process that compares inconsistencies in a student’s reported “Program Enrollment Status” and “Program Status Effective Date.”
New! Program Begin Date Warning Code Series (1811-1816) Enrollment Reporting
Read about the new validation that the Clearinghouse is adding to Enrollment Reporting’s Error Resolution on the Web reporting process that compares inconsistencies in a student’s reported “Program Begin Date.”
New! Program Status Effective Date Warning Code Series (1801-1806)
Read about the new validation that the Clearinghouse is adding to Enrollment Reporting’s Error Resolution on the Web reporting process that compares inconsistencies in a student’s reported “Program Enrollment Status” and the “Program Enrollment Status Effective Date.”
New NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide Released
FSA has released a new NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide.
Just in Time for Fall: The Clearinghouse’s New Data Reporting Dashboard!
The Clearinghouse’s new Data Reporting Dashboard — coming this fall — will revolutionize the way you manage your compliance data reporting.
New Change to Campus-Level Student Status Start Date Logic
The Clearinghouse has changed its logic for determining the Campus-Level Status Effective Date in certain scenarios.
The 1st Release of the Clearinghouse’s CIP 2020 Phase III Enhancement Is Here!
Read about the launch of the first release of the third phase of the Clearinghouse’s CIP 2020 Enhancement.
Phase II of Clearinghouse’s CIP 2020 Enhancement Is Here!
The National Student Clearinghouse is excited to announce the official release of Phase II of our 2020 CIP Code enhancement, as of February 27, 2021.
November Compliance Updates: New NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide and the Latest on Our CIP 2020 Enhancement
Read these two important November compliance updates on the new NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide and the Clearinghouse’s CIP 2020 Enhancement.
Phase I of Clearinghouse’s CIP 2020 Enhancement Released
Learn about the release of Phase 1 of the Clearinghouse’s 2020 CIP Code enhancement.
Audit Peak Season Is Here: How to Find the Answers You Need
Resources to help answer your compliance and audit-related questions.
New Privacy Block Setting Enhancement
Privacy Block Setting is a new optional data element and functionality that allows institutions to satisfy the changing data privacy requirements.
The Advantages of Submitting an Enrollment File vs. Individual Student Updates
A look at when you should submit student record changes via scheduled enrollment files submissions versus individual online updates.
Update to CIP Year 2020 Requirements
Read the key takeaways from the April 30, 2020, announcement from FSA and NSLDS on their new requirements for the 2020 Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code reporting.
Summer Enrollment Reporting Reminder: Non-Compulsory Term Reporting
Important information on reporting enrollment for non-compulsory terms, like summer.
2020 CIP Codes Update
On March 18, FSA published an update on the implementation of the 2020 CIP codes within Federal Student Aid systems. The Clearinghouse provides vital information on how it relates to your enrollment and compliance reporting with us.
Guidance for Reporting Enrollment Data Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On March 5, FSA released guidance on how to address the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on postsecondary institutions and their students. The Clearinghouse has consolidated the guidance, as it relates to your Clearinghouse enrollment and compliance reporting.
Making a List, Checking It Twice…Ensure Your Reporting is Accurate
If your students have changed status throughout the term, it’s important to swiftly report their changes.
2020 CIP Code Changes
The latest update on 2020 CIP Code changes.
New NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide Published, November 2019
FSA has released the November 2019 NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide.
Something Else to Be Thankful for this Holiday Season: Our Enrollment and Compliance Reporting Resources!
Discover the Clearinghouse’s resources on NSLDS compliance reporting available to support you.
Enabling Full-Time Status Start Date Changes within the Same Term
Schools can now send campus-level Status Start Date (SSD) changes for students whose status has been increased to full time from a lower status within the same term.
Autumn Is the Only Fall You Want This Year!
Make sure you monitor your NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Statistics Score each month and use our resources to stay in compliance.
FSA Releases College Scorecard Update
FSA’s recent update to the College Scorecard emphasizes the importance of correctly reporting historical program-level data.
Available Now: Expanded Online Enrollment Reporting Scheduling Functionality
Based on feedback from our schools, we have enhanced our online Transmission Schedule tool to allow you to make additional changes to your Enrollment Reporting schedule.
Summer Enrollment Reporting Reminder: Non-Compulsory Term Reporting
Reporting non-compulsory term enrollment, including for a summer non-required term, to NSLDS via the Clearinghouse.
New G from DegreeVerify Enhancement Generates Graduated (G) Statuses from College Student IDs
Our new G from DegreeVerify service enhancement will enable schools to generate graduated statuses from college student IDs.
New NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide Published
FSA has released the November 2018 NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide.
UPDATE: Recent Changes to Department of Education NSLDS Enrollment Roster/SSCR Reporting Logic
Read our follow up to our June 2018 communications regarding recent FSA changes to the manner in which data is ingested through the NSLDS Enrollment Roster response process.
Summer Reporting Update
Helpful information on how the Clearinghouse plans to help ensure your school’s compliance with the Department of Education’s April 20, 2017 announcement regarding modifications to summer enrollment reporting.
REMINDER: Reporting Students in Accordance with School Published Program Length
FSA guidance on published program length and how to change program lengths.
Error Code 75 Updates Regarding Recent Changes to NSLDS Enrollment Roster/SSCR Reporting Logic
Read our NSLDS Error Code 75 updates related to FSA’s recent changes regarding how data is ingested through the NSLDS Roster response process.
Recent Changes to Department of Education NSLDS Enrollment Roster/SSCR Reporting Logic
Learn about FSA’s recent changes regarding how data is ingested through the NSLDS Roster response process.
New EDI File Intake Enhancement for Schools that Send Enrollment Data in EDI Format
Our new EDI file intake enhancement helps ensure students are reported and accounted for properly.