Author name: Marlene Seeklander

US Department of Education building

Updated foreign gift and contract data reported by institutions

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By Marlene Seeklander Colleges and universities have reported additional foreign gifts and contracts valued at approximately $290 million since last July, according to an announcement from the Department of Education. In a May 9 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) provided updated information about foreign gifts and contracts reported by

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A handy packing list with everything you need for college

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By Marlene Seeklander Although graduation ceremonies are just now getting underway for many students, it won’t be long before move-in day on college campuses. If you plan to live in a residence hall for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you. The Mapping Your Future Packing

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Department of Education issues reminders for student loan borrowers

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By Catherine Mueller The Department of Education has three important reminders for those borrowers who are just beginning to repay student loan debt or are resuming repayment after some time in forbearance or deferment. Mapping Your Future has created a “3 Important Reminders for Borrowers of Federal Student Loans” flyer to help borrowers understand obligations and

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Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students

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By Marlene Seeklander By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is extending an urgent “ask” of colleges to help with default prevention. In a May 5 Electronic Announcement the Department of Education reminds schools that the federal student loan programs are a shared responsibility between student borrowers, the Department, and participating schools, with borrowers having the primary

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Tip of the Week – May 7, 2025

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Tip of the Week Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students The Department of Education is extending an urgent “ask” of colleges to help with default prevention. In a May 5 Electronic Announcement the Department of Education reminds schools that the federal student loan programs are a shared responsibility

Tip of the Week – May 7, 2025 Read More »

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Direct Loan fees and TEACH Grant award amounts set for 2025-26

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By Marlene Seeklander There’s good news for Direct Loan borrowers and students receiving TEACH Grant awards in the next academic year, as the Direct Loan fees and TEACH award amounts remain unchanged. A recent Electronic Announcement outlined the sequester-required increases to Direct Loan fees and sequester-required reductions in TEACH Grant award amounts. These apply to loans

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Catherine Mueller honored for 30 years in financial aid industry

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By Marlene Seeklander A commitment to a profession can be measured in years. Catherine Mueller, executive director of Mapping Your Future, was honored for 30 years in financial aid/higher education at the South Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SDASFAA) Spring Conference, recently held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The awards luncheon, held on April

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Department clarifies process on changing accreditors, expands options for schools

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By Marlene Seeklander Colleges thinking of switching or adding accreditors should find the process easier under new guidance issued recently by the Department of Education. A May 1 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) from James P. Bergeron Deputy Under Secretary, outlined information regarding the process to change or add an accrediting agency and to submit all materials

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National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) post-screening functionality to resume

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals will – hopefully – see the return of the automated NSLDS post-screening functionality soon. A May 1 Electronic Announcement from Federal Student Aid (FSA) stated that the processing of post-screening data on Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA cycles should resume for all institutions the

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Most recent 2025-26 Federal School Code List now available

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By Marlene Seeklander The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FASFA – has been updated by Federal Student Aid (FSA). A recent Electronic Announcement provided information on the most recent 2025–26 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools.  Students sometimes enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for colleges to

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