Institutional Review Analyst

Your Impact

As an Institutional Review Analyst at Federal Student Aid (FSA), you ensure that billions in federal student aid are managed responsibly by verifying that colleges and universities comply with federal regulations. Your work safeguards public funds, strengthens institutional accountability, and supports access to higher education for millions of students across the nation.

The Challenge

You will assess institutions’ financial and administrative practices to determine whether they meet regulatory standards for participation in federal student aid programs. This includes reviewing complex financial documentation, evaluating operational compliance, and identifying risks that may jeopardize an institution’s financial stability.

Key challenges include:

• Determining whether institutions qualify to participate in federal aid programs.
• Analyzing financial reports to identify potential mismanagement or discrepancies.
• Ensuring schools responsibly manage public funds and adhere to regulations.
• Identifying institutions at financial risk and recommending oversight actions such as Heightened Cash Monitoring.

What You’ll Do

Your work focuses on early identification of compliance issues, thorough analysis, and clear communication of findings. Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating institutional compliance with federal student aid regulations.
• Reviewing records, reports, and financial data to assess potential liabilities.
• Leading institutional compliance evaluations and documenting findings.
• Preparing clear, comprehensive reports for school officials and federal leadership.
• Ensuring evaluations are conducted objectively and based on verifiable evidence.

Who Succeeds Here

Successful analysts demonstrate:

• Strong adherence to regulatory standards and precision in compliance work.
• Ability to assess recordkeeping practices that protect the integrity of federal funding.
• Experience conducting financial reviews, including identifying discrepancies.
• Skill in preparing clear, thorough reports that support informed decision-making.
• A results-oriented approach and willingness to recommend improvements when needed.

The Environment

You will operate within federal regulations and contribute to establishing oversight standards for educational institutions. The role requires a methodical, objective, detail-focused approach to evaluating compliance and ensuring that public funds remain protected.

The Impact

Your work directly supports the integrity of federal student aid programs, protecting public funding and ensuring that institutions remain accountable.

Interview Process

Interviews are fully remote and focus on work experience, regulatory alignment, and analytical capabilities.