106 STAT. 652 PUBLIC LAW 102-325—JULY 23, 1992 or 481(c)(3)) to be in existence for 2 years prior to seeking such certification unless such institution was in existence as a branch for less than 2 years. "(2) The Secretary may waive the requirement of section 1201(a)(2) for a branch that (A) is not located in a State, (B) is afSliated with an eligible institution, and (C) was participating in one or more programs under this title on or before January 1, 1992. 20 USC 1099C-1. "SEC. 498A. PROGRAM REVIEW AND DATA. "(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.— In order to strengthen the administrative capability and financial responsibility provisions of this title, the Secretary— "(1) shall provide for the conduct of program reviews on a systematic basis designed to include all institutions of higher education participating in programs authorized by this title; "(2) may give priority for program review to institutions ofhigher education that are— "(A) institutions with a cohort default rate for loans under part B of this title in excess of 25 percent or which places such institutions in the highest 25 percent of such institutions; "(B) institutions with a default rate in dollar volume for loans under part B of this title which places the institutions in the highest 25 percent of such institutions; "(C) institutions with a significant fluctuation in Federal Stafford Loan volimie or Federal Pell Grant awards, or both, in the year for which the determination is made compared to the year prior to such year; "(D) institutions reported to have deficiencies or financial aid problems by the appropriate State postsecondary review entity designated under subpart 1 of this part or by the appropriate accrediting agency or association; "(E) institutions with high annual dropout rates; "(F) any institution which is required to be reviewed by a State postsecondary review entity pursuant to subpart 1 of part H under section 494C(b); and "(G) such other institutions as the Secretary deems necessary; and "(3) shall establish and operate a centred data base of information on institutional accreditation, eligibility, and certification that includes— "(A) all information available to the Department; "(B) all relevant information made available by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; "(C) all relevant information from accrediting agencies or associations; "(D) all relevant information avsdlable from a guaranty agency; and "(E) all relevant information avcdlable from States under subpart 1. "(b) SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE RULES. —(1) In carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish guidelines designed to ensure uniformity of practice in the conduct of program reviews of institutions of higher education.
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