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(Campus-Based) Subject: Availability of Perkins DataPrep Software Version 4.0 and Updated Perkins Data Provider Instructions

Posted Date:June 25, 2018

Author: Federal Student Aid

Subject: Availability of Perkins DataPrep Software Version 4.0 and Updated Perkins Data Provider Instructions

Schools participating in the Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program are required to report detailed loan information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS®). To assist data providers (schools and their servicers) with this process, we have posted an updated version of the NSLDS Perkins DataPrep software on the Federal Student Aid Download (FSAdownload) website. In addition, an update to the Perkins Data Provider Instructions manual is now available on the Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) website. This manual explains Perkins Loan reporting requirements and the processes used to add or update Perkins Loans on NSLDS, including how to use the Perkins DataPrep software.

Refer to the sections below for more information about these updates.

Perkins DataPrep Version 4.0

Existing software functionality such as reports, file layouts, and the steps needed to extract and submit data to NSLDS remain unchanged in Perkins DataPrep Version 4.0. Users are still able to use Extract Validation and run the Log Report, Error Report, and Loan Detail Report using the updated Perkins DataPrep software.

The updated software includes the following enhancements:

  • The Perkins DataPrep software is now compatible with Windows 2000 or later.

    Note: Java version 8.0 or higher is required to access and use the Perkins DataPrep software.

  • Installation of the software has been simplified.

Perkins DataPrep Version 4.0 is available on the FSAdownload website, in the “Software and Associated Documents” section. The software (“PerkinsDataPrepV4.0.jar”) is available from the “Full Download” link on the Perkins DataPrep page. Depending on your web browser, you may see a dialog box after choosing “Full Download” that asks if you want to open or save “PerkinsDataPrepV4.0.zip”. Select “Save As” from the dropdown menu and rename the .zip file as “PerkinsDataPrepV4.0.jar”. You may then save the .jar file to your preferred location.

For further installation instructions, refer to the Installation Guide that is available with the software on the FSAdownload website.

Perkins Data Provider Instructions Version 8.1

The updated Federal Perkins Data Provider Instructions (dated June 2018) replace the instructions posted in November 2014, and include information from Federal Perkins Technical Updates that have been posted in the interim. We encourage schools and servicers to review the updated instructions, to ensure all data providers have a complete and accurate knowledge of current reporting processes.

Updates to the manual include the following:

  • Updated screen shots for the new Perkins DataPrep Version 4.0 software.

  • Clarified information for the reporting of identifier changes, school mergers, and the school liquidation process.

  • Appendix A, Federal Perkins Loans Data Dictionary – modified reporting/business rules of three field codes (identified with the revision date of 3/29/2018).

  • Appendix H, Glossary of Terms – modified definitions of three terms.

  • Appendix J, NSLDS Perkins Report File Layout (new) – record layout for the NSLDS Perkins Extract by Parameters report (REC005).

Contact Information

If you have questions, contact the NSLDS Customer Support Center at 1-800-999-8219 or by email at nslds@ed.gov.