FY 2023 Draft Cohort Default Rates and Appeal Timeline

FSA Partners Knowledge Center

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Education distributed FY 2023 draft cohort default rates to eligible schools on March 23, 2026. The announcement details the appeal timeline, beginning March 31, 2026, and outlines critical updates including the integration of the FSA Partner Connect portal for eCDR appeals.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Education has distributed the Fiscal Year 2023 draft cohort default rate (CDR) notification packages to all eligible domestic and foreign schools. This announcement serves as a notice regarding the distribution of these draft rates and the commencement of the appeal period, which begins on March 31, 2026. Key updates include the integration of the FSA Partner Connect portal as the primary platform for SAIG enrollment and eCDR appeals management, and information on accessing and analyzing the draft rate reports.

Educational institutions must review their distributed packages, available via SAIG Mailbox for eCDR-enrolled schools or the NSLDS Professional Access website for others. Schools are advised to use the provided tools, such as the LRDR Import Tool, for data analysis. Incorrect Data Challenges (IDC) must be submitted electronically through the eCDR Appeals website, while Participation Rate Index Challenges (PRI) still require hard-copy submission. Compliance officers should ensure their institutions are prepared to access their data and initiate appeals within the specified timelines.

What to do next

Review FY 2023 draft cohort default rate notification packages.
Initiate Incorrect Data Challenges (IDC) electronically via the eCDR Appeals website if necessary.
Prepare for Participation Rate Index Challenges (PRI) requiring hard-copy submission.

Source document (simplified)

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Posted Date March 25, 2026 Author Federal Student Aid Electronic Announcement ID LOANS-26-03 Subject Distribution of FY 2023 Draft Cohort Default Rates and Appeal Timeline

On March 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) distributed the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) draft cohort default rate (CDR) notification packages to all eligible domestic and foreign schools.

In this announcement, ED provides information about the distribution of the draft rates and the beginning dates for appealing the draft rates.

Key Action Items & Deadlines
- Appeal Period Begins: Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
- Review Your Package: Schools enrolled in eCDR should check their SAIG Mailbox for the Cover Letter (SHDRLROP) and Loan Record Detail Report (SHCDREOP).
- Manual Download : Schools not enrolled in eCDR must download their reports via the NSLDS Professional Access website.
- Download Instructions Available: Step-by-step guidance for accessing and downloading draft CDR notification packages is available in the attachment to this announcement.
Critical Updates for FY 2023 Draft Cohort Default Rates
1. FSA Partner Connect Integration: Since July 2025, the FSA Partner Connect portal has served as the primary platform for SAIG enrollment and user management. All enrollment actions must be completed electronically through this portal.

The FSA Partner Connect portal is also now the primary platform for enrollment and management services for the Electronic Cohort Default Rate (eCDR) Appeals System. All training documents are available on the training site: fsatraining.ed.gov. From the system training drop-down menu, select FSA Partner Connect, then log in or create an account. Scroll down to see the “Create an account” button if needed. Once logged in, you will have access to the job aids.

Jobs aids are available to help understand enrollment and management services, including how to enroll in and manage system access. They provide a general overview of the enrollment process, along with a step-by-step guide that shows eligible partners how to complete the system enrollment process.
2. Report Formats: Each electronic cohort default rate (eCDR) package contains the following information:

Excel/CSV: Available via the SHCDR NSLDS School CDR History Report under the "Reports" tab on NSLDS.
PDF: A reader-friendly version is available for download on the same reports page.
1. Analysis Tools: We recommend using the loan record detail report (LRDR) Import Tool to load and analyze data within Microsoft Excel for easier review. Note: Any school that did not have a borrower in repayment during the current or any of the past cohort default rate periods will not receive an FY 2023 draft cohort default rate notification package. These schools are considered to have no cohort default data and no cohort default rate. Submitting Challenges and Appeals

All Incorrect Data Challenges (IDC) must be submitted electronically through the eCDR Appeals website. Participation Rate Index Challenges (PRI) still require a hard-copy submission.

To find data manager information for official adjustments, visit the Default Management Topic Page on the Knowledge Center.

Contact & Support: For specific information regarding eCDR appeals, visit one of the links below, where you will find user guides, appeal processes, and assistance for first-time users. ****

General Guidance: Refer to the Cohort Default Rate Guide.
Appeals Help: Visit the eCDR Appeals website for user guides.
Email Support: fsa.schools.default.management@ed.gov. Attachments

The U.S. Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create an accessible version. If you need access to this document before the accessible version is available, please contact the Information Technology Accessibility Program Help Desk at ITAPSupport@ed.gov to help facilitate.

How To Access Your CDR Package in PDF Format