Author name: Marlene Seeklander

Photo of the US Capitol with a blue sky and a few clouds in the background

FY 2022 national default rate briefing released

By Marlene Seeklander The national student loan default rate remains at 0% for the third year in a row. The Department of Education (ED) released their FY 2022 national default briefing and, as expected, the FY 2022 cohort default rates were affected by the pause on federal student loan payments that began in March 2020.

FY 2022 national default rate briefing released Read More »

FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Concept with keywords, letters and icons. Flat vector illustration. Isolated on white background.

Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history

By Marlene Seeklander The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for all students to complete. The availability of the FAFSA – a week ahead of the official release date of October 1 – is what the Department of Education (ED) said is the earliest launch of the FAFSA in the program’s

Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history Read More »

FAFSA spelled out with blocks and stack of books with a piggy bank on top.

Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA

By Catherine Mueller Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can make the difference when it comes to pursuing your dreams for the future. For many students, who couldn’t otherwise afford the cost of an education, the FAFSA makes it possible. Here are some reasons why you should complete the 2026-27 FAFSA now that it

Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA Read More »

Tip of the Week – September 24, 2025

Tip of the Week Remember, you’re not superhuman Sometimes we may feel superhuman or others may expect us to be superhuman. As another academic year settles in, a long “To Do” list continues. For financial aid administrators, this list includes some important reporting deadlines, along with information that may be requested of you by your

Tip of the Week – September 24, 2025 Read More »

Clock face in front of a calendar page.

2024-25 award year deadline dates published by Department of Education

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals who are facing several reporting deadlines with the end of the federal fiscal year may not want to hear any more about upcoming deadlines. However, in a September 18 Federal Register Notice, the Department of Education announced the 2024-25 Award Year deadline dates for reports and other information from

2024-25 award year deadline dates published by Department of Education Read More »

Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – September 18, 2025

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 19 Reminder: FISAP deadline October 1, 2025 The clock is ticking for a critical deadline for financial aid administrators. Impact of end of Federal Fiscal Year 2025 on federal financial aid systems The Department of Education last week alerted financial aid professionals about the upcoming end to the

Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – September 18, 2025 Read More »

Woman Writing on a Notebook Beside Teacup and Tablet Computer

2024-25 TEACH Grant Closeout additional information

By Marlene Seeklander Schools participating in the TEACH Grant program will want to check out the additional information available for the 2024-25 TEACH Grant Closeout. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education provided some reminders and additional information for colleges that need to complete the 2024-25 TEACH Grant Closeout by the September 30, 2025

2024-25 TEACH Grant Closeout additional information Read More »

Desk with notebook, pens, cup of coffee.

ED makes correction to Federal Register Notice on FAFSA information to be verified

By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education (ED) recently made a correction to an earlier Federal Register Notice. On September 12, ED posted a correction to a July 22, 2025 Federal Register about the FAFSA information that an institution and an applicant may be required to verify, as well as the acceptable documentation for verifying FAFSA

ED makes correction to Federal Register Notice on FAFSA information to be verified Read More »

Scroll to Top