Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Department of Education drafting materials to prepare for final rule changes

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By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is drafting presentations and documents in advance of the publication of the final rules from the amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) through the Budget Reconciliation Bill In a February 20, 2026 update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department noted that they are drafting

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National scholarship opportunities for students

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By Marlene Seeklander Scholarships are often the additional funding that helps many students pursue their educational goals and dreams. Charles L. Shor Foundation Epilepsy Scholarship – This $5,000 award is designed to assist students currently being treated for active epilepsy seizures who plan to purse a college education. Applicants must be a high school senior, high

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Additional information for 2026 FSA Training Conference participants now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Participants in the upcoming FSA Training Conference now have additional information to access as they prepare for the conference. On February 25, the Department of Education announced that the following information is available on the FSA Training Conference website: A limited number of attendees were selected by lottery to attend the conference, scheduled for

Additional information for 2026 FSA Training Conference participants now available Read More »

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Updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide (February 2026) now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals now have a new enrollment reporting guide, updated with references to the latest website for fulfilling the reporting requirements. On February 23, the Department of Education announced an updated version of the Enrollment Reporting Guide. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for NSLDS enrollment reporting. This update includes replacing references to

Updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide (February 2026) now available Read More »

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Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment and upcoming enhancements

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By Marlene Seeklander While many students, parents, and schools are currently focused on the 2026-27 FAFSA, the Department of Education is looking ahead to next year’s FAFSA to prepare for its launch on October 1, 2026. The Department of Education recently announced the availability of the 2027-28 FAFSA materials for public comment, a process that occurs

Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment and upcoming enhancements Read More »

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Verification of Identity Reporting training now available in the FSA Training Center

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can add to their roster of skills by learning how to use the Verification of Identity tool in the FAFSA Partner Portal. The FSA Training Center now features the “How to Report Verification of Identity Results” microlearning, designed to provide an overview of the verification reporting requirements, including a walkthrough

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – February 19, 2026

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Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 4 Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment While students and schools are currently focused on the 2026-27 FAFSA, the Department of Education is looking ahead to next year’s FAFSA to prepare for its launch on October 1, 2026. Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of

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Work Colleges Program 2026-27 application information

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By Marlene Seeklander Colleges participating in the Work Colleges Program under Federal Work Study program must apply by March 2 if they want to continue participating in the program in the next academic year. A February 18 Electronic Announcement outlined the application process for colleges interested in participating in the Work Colleges Program for the 2026-27

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Nonpayment rates among student loan borrowers put colleges and universities at risk

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By Marlene Seeklander More than 1800 higher education institutions across the country are at risk of losing access to federal student aid due to high rates of nonpayment by student loan borrowers. In a February 18 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education released updated data indicating over 1800 institutions have nonpayment rates at or exceeding 25

Nonpayment rates among student loan borrowers put colleges and universities at risk Read More »

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