Author name: Marlene Seeklander

several pairs of students with books lying on the grass in the Park.

Early Awareness E-News – July 2026

Early Awareness E-News July 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 7 Federal student loan borrowers to get rate reduction for enrollment in autopay Federal student loan borrowers could save some money on their student loans if they enroll in autopay. Real-Time FAFSA results now available Students completing the FASA will no longer have to wait to view

Early Awareness E-News – July 2026 Read More »

Tip of the Week – July 1, 2026

Tip of the Week It’s been a fireworks show For many of us, the highlight of July 4th is the fireworks show. It’s always been one of my favorite things, especially seeing the night sky light up with the vibrant colors and patterns produced by the fireworks and hearing the “oohs and aahs” of the

Tip of the Week – July 1, 2026 Read More »

A young man and an older man looking at paperwork

July checklist for high school graduates

By Marlene Seeklander During your senior year, you made a lot of decisions, including finalizing your college choice. This year was filled with submitting admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and deadlines. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of July: Congratulations! It’s time to get ready to start your life after

July checklist for high school graduates Read More »

Four college students walking with their backpacks on campus

How to master the art of being a good student

By Catherine Mueller No one enters college with a plan to fail. Well, at least no one who is serious about their education. However, some students do fail – despite their desire to succeed. What do successful students do to achieve their educational goals? Successful students employ strategies to master the art of being a good

How to master the art of being a good student Read More »

Individual adding numbers on calculator.

Schools can set lower, program specific student loan limits

By Marlene Seeklander Starting July 1, schools can establish lower annual loan limits for specific programs, beginning with the 2026-27 award year. In a June 26 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (the Act) allows schools to set lower annual loan limits for specific programs, provided this

Schools can set lower, program specific student loan limits Read More »

Open laptop with several post-it note pads

Updated PC and system requirements for EDExpress users for 2027-28

By Marlene Seeklander EDExpress users will want to take note of possible PC and system requirements planned for EDExpress 2027-28 for Windows. In a June 24 Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid provided advance notice of enhancements planned for EDExpress 2027-28 for Windows that may require schools to update PC workstations and/or their overall system.  The EDExpress

Updated PC and system requirements for EDExpress users for 2027-28 Read More »

U.S. flag waving

Independence Day holiday closings for federal offices

By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices that will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day federal holiday. A recent Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on July 3. All FSA websites will be operational on the

Independence Day holiday closings for federal offices Read More »

School professional working with two high school students

Four things rising seniors can do this summer to prepare for the future

By Catherine Mueller Although rising high school seniors shouldn’t complete the FAFSA until fall, there’s still plenty of things they can be doing right now to prepare for education after high school. Completing the 2027-28 FAFSA when it is available in October, will be important for high school seniors who want to seek financial aid to

Four things rising seniors can do this summer to prepare for the future Read More »

Portion of computer keyboard with the word "Webinar" in white on one of the black keys.

Managing Workforce Pell Programs training offered by Department of Education

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals interested in applying for Federal Pell Grant program eligibility for certain workforce programs can attend training on how to use the E-App to complete the process. The Department of Education stated In a June 25 Electronic Announcement that starting July 1, 2026, schools can use the E-App in FSA Partner

Managing Workforce Pell Programs training offered by Department of Education Read More »

Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – June 25, 2026

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 13 Millions of student loan borrowers in default, totaling billions of dollars More than 9 million borrowers with $220 billion in outstanding federal student loans are in default, according to the latest data available. Department of Education offers guidance on which programs to add to federal report In

Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – June 25, 2026 Read More »

Scroll to Top