By Marlene Seeklander Colleges need to ensure that not only are they telling the truth about their institution, but also that any organization – such as online program managers – are doing the same, according to a recent reminder from the Department of Education. In a January 16 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the Department of Education
By Marlene Seeklander Documentation requirements for American Indians born in Canada trying to establish Title IV eligibility may have become somewhat easier. The Department of Education announced that they have updated the procedures and acceptable documentation in the 2024-25 FSA Handbook. To implement this guidance, formerly known as the Jay Treaty, schools need to look at
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By Marlene Seeklander Severe weather and resulting closures are unpredictable, but the Department of Education does have contingency plans. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department provided some information on temporary closures of their Federal Loan Servicing Centers due to hazardous weather conditions. The Federal Loan Servicing Centers will implement contingency plans and remain open as
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By Marlene Seeklander Federal Student Aid is offering more training to help financial aid professionals prepare for and manage the 2025-26 processing cycle. Several new learning tracks are now available in the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Training Center. These include: To enroll in the training: Questions about these learning tracks or other training needs, send an
FSA Training Center releases new learning tracks Read More »
By Catherine Mueller If you don’t meet the deadline, you won’t qualify. Simple as that – deadlines are one of the most important requirements of scholarships. Certainly, there are other requirements you will have to meet but the deadline is critical. Scholarships are the best kind of aid. There may be certain requirements (should as maintaining
Four tips to avoid missing important scholarship deadlines Read More »
Tip of the Week Reminder about FAFSA Call Center extended hours While many financial aid professionals have been dealing with data and deadlines in recent weeks, the 2025-26 FAFSA completion cycle has gotten underway. That launch of the FAFSA cycle also typically means more calls from students and parents. Hopefully, the expanded hours for the
Tip of the Week – January 15, 2025 Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Not claimed as a dependent on your parent’s taxes? You may still be a dependent when it comes to applying for federal financial aid. Confusion over why a student is considered dependent on a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when they are not claimed as a dependent on the parent’s tax
What does dependent mean for the FAFSA? Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Students should apply for as many scholarships as possible. That’s good advice, but with that advice in mind, students should prioritize some scholarships and maybe avoid some scholarships altogether. In general, you should apply for those scholarships that are a good fit and not apply to any scholarships that seem questionable. To determine
Questions to ask yourself before applying for scholarships Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Inauguration Day on Monday, January 20. A recent Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on January 20. All FSA websites will be
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Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 1 Federal government closures on Thursday, January 9, 2025 You will want to make note that the federal government offices will be closed on January 9 for a National Day of Mourning and some processing may be impacted. Partial version of 2025-2026 COD Technical Reference available Another tool
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – January 9, 2025 Read More »
