More about MODEL and ASA

Background of the MDHE and ASA
The MDHE is a statewide resource for postsecondary assistance. The MDHE administers state and federal student financial assistance programs-including grants, scholarships, and loans-as well as early awareness and outreach, default prevention and debt management services. The MDHE manages a student loan portfolio of approximately $4 billion.

The MDHE's Partnership with ASA
The MDHE and ASA entered into a partnership on October 11, 2002, to provide student loan administration services that would result in greater functionality, superior service, and cost savings. Incorporated in 1956, ASA was the nation's first student loan guaranty agency.

Launched in 1998, the ASA system offers unique advantages over other student loan processing systems. The easy-to-use web interface allows MDHE clients to access data and make updates directly to the system database, ensuring up-to-date information and real-time processing.

Designed for the specific needs of MDHE customers, the MODEL system is a flexible solution to student loan administration that provides improved functionality and customer service at a reasonable cost-saving the state of Missouri more than $16 million in administration costs throughout the life of the partnership. The current contract is set to expire June 30, 2011.

MODEL Direct is a flexible, profile-driven interface that is user friendly and realtime. Whether a school is keying individual applications or downloading a file from a Financial Aid Management System (FAMS), MODEL Direct offers instantaneous guarantee of student loans with the click of a mouse. The system's extensive profiles allow for unique relationships to be built between lenders and schools without programming (hard coding).

Each school, lender, or servicer on the system is established with a profile that enables the MDHE to customize processes according to each customer's unique needs. The profile outlines details such as who the contacts are at the institutions, what reports are generated, in what format the reports are generated, and who receives the reports. The profile form is broken down into institution information, bank information, department contacts, participation in the various processes, and output.

Modifications to a profile may be requested by contacting the MDHE School and Lender Services staff in Jefferson City at (800) 473-6757 or HE.ATOM@dhe.mo.gov.