Author name: Marlene Seeklander

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Federal Student Aid system changes may require new firewall settings to maintain access

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By Marlene Seeklander Schools and other organizations may need to act soon to avoid losing access to federal financial aid systems. In a February 18 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education said it plans to implement technical updates on March 8 to the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG). As a result of these updates, a school

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Tip of the Week – February 18, 2026

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Tip of the Week Keys to a successful scholarship strategy – topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue a postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful

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Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar

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By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue a postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful Scholarship Strategy” webinar will address tips and techniques for applying for scholarships. The

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Wooden tile spelling out FAFSA

Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment

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By Marlene Seeklander 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. In a February 13 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the availability of the 2027-28 FAFSA materials for public comment. The

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FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) text on graduation cap and money.

What happens after you submit the FAFSA?

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By Marlene Seeklander Students often have lots of questions about “what happens next” with the financial aid process. The general answer to all the questions is students who have submitted a FAFSA have now taken their first step to determine eligibility for financial aid. There are many specific things that happen now that a FAFSA has

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Comments sought on proposed changes to federal student loan program regulations

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By Marlene Seeklander The Secretary of Education is seeking comments on proposed federal student loan regulatory changes, which stem from legislative action last summer. In a Federal Register Notice published on January 30, 2026, the Secretary proposes to amend some of the regulations governing the Federal student loan programs in order to implement changes that were

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Federal holiday processing and hours for February 16, 2026

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By Marlene Seeklander If your school is open on Monday, February 16, don’t forget that federal offices will be closed to observe Washington’s Birthday. The Department of Education recently announced the processing schedule and customer service hours for the various Federal Student Aid centers. The FAFSA Processing System (FPS) will accept data on February 16 but

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Notebook with Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, calculator, pens, money

Public Service Loan Forgiveness program changes happening this summer

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By Marlene Seeklander Some nonprofit organizations could soon be excluded from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program if it is determined the organization has a substantial illegal purpose. Although the final regulations were published October 31, 2025, the Department of Education just recently posted the information on the What’s New area of the Knowledge Center

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