Author name: Marlene Seeklander

IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix for 2025-26 Verification now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Although the 2025-26 FAFSA processing cycle has been underway for months, the Department of Education has just released the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix. The August 14 Electronic Announcement includes the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix in Excel format. The matrix is designed to assist financial aid administrators in mapping the

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2025-26 FSA Handbook Volume 9 – The TEACH Grant Program – now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals, whose schools participate in the TEACH Grant Program will want to update their reading list with the latest volume of the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook. A recent Electronic Announcement from ED announced the availability of Volume 9 – The TEACH Grant Program. This volume includes information for schools about the eligibility requirements

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Tip of the Week – August 20, 2025

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Tip of the Week 2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available Financial aid and college access professionals can now access Information and screenshots for the 2026-27 FAFSA to use for planning purposes, communicating changes, and training. An August 14 Electronic Announcement from Federal Student Aid (FSA) includes a presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the

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2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid and college access professionals can now access information and screenshots for the 2026-27 FAFSA to use for planning purposes, communicating changes, and training. An August 14 Electronic Announcement from Federal Student Aid (FSA) includes a presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the 2026–27 online FAFSA form. The screenshots can be

2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available Read More »

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Department of Education announces key changes to 2026-27 FAFSA Form and Pell Grant Eligibility Updates

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By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education has outlined specifics on how federal budget reconciliation will impact the FAFSA form and Pell Grant eligibility. In an August 15 Electronic Announcement, the Department provided information about the key changes to the 2026-27 FAFSA and Federal Pell Grant eligibility that were part of the Budget Reconciliation Bill signed

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FSA Fundamentals Training Series available to new and experienced professionals

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals know that understanding the basics is critical to administering federal student aid. For those who are new to financial aid or want a refresher on the basics, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) offers a Fundamentals Training Series. The FSA Fundamentals Training Series consists of: To

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Verification reporting available soon; deadlines adjusted

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By Marlene Seeklander Although financial aid professionals still face some deadlines for “verification of identity” reporting, the Department of Education has revised those deadlines somewhat due to a delay with the reporting system. In an August 12 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education said the reporting deadlines would be adjusted to match the availability of the

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Tip of the Week – August 13, 2025

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Tip of the Week Breaking News – FAFSA Central to feature latest updates Anyone interested in what’s happening with the FAFSA now has a new virtual “woodstove” of sorts to gather around and get the latest news. The Department of Education recently launched FAFSA Central, a hub for regular updates for the community about the

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – August 7, 2025

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Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 16 Nonpayment Rates by Institution report now available in the Federal Student Aid Data Center Schools now have a report available to assist them in understanding the delinquency and default risks of their most recent borrowers – something that will be important as cohort default rates potentially rise.

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Online training available for completing the 2026-27 FISAP

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals have many critical responsibilities, but perhaps one of the most important is completing the FISAP (fiscal reports and application to participate in federal financial aid). It’s not an easy task, but those responsible for it can prepare by completing an online, self-paced training course. Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that

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