Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 9 Real-time fraud detection capability launched in FAFSA form To thwart would-be fraudsters, the financial aid application process now includes an identity screening process. Real-time FAFSA fraud detection webinar announced Financial aid professionals can learn more about the new real-time FAFSA fraud detection in an upcoming webinar. Schools
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – April 30, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander To thwart would-be fraudsters, the financial aid application process now includes an identity screening process. In an April 27 press release, the Department of Education said that effective immediately, they have launched a new, real-time fraud detection capability for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Every applicant will be evaluated
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Planning for 2026-27 When we see darkly – when we don’t have enough information – making a decision and moving forward with our lives is difficult. If you’ve ever faced a life-altering or even a small decision you know how stressful it can be. Maybe you want to please someone else. Maybe you are afraid
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By Marlene Seeklander Choosing a college is an important financial decision. After all, you are making an investment in your future. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review all the financial aid offers you receive from the colleges you’ve listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bottom line, you want to make sure the
Financial aid offers – the bottom line Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Spreading myths may not seem a serious issue and, yet it can be when it impacts choices that have a life-long impact. Such is the case with the FAFSA. When students choose not to complete a FAFSA because they believe they won’t be eligible or it’s not worth the time, it can impact
Debunking FAFSA myths Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander A good education and no debt – two factors that ensure young adults start their future off on the right foot financially. Because the FAFSA is a critical first step to pursuing postsecondary education, students and parents should know it is not too late to complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA. Now is a good
Two factors for a successful financial future Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial literacy is a year-long concern. Although April and the celebration of financial literacy month is over, raising awareness of the importance of financial education all year long is important, not only for young people but for all of us. Financial aid professionals play a critical role in helping students and parents plan
Continuing the financial literacy month celebration Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals know that awarding Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study may seem easy on the surface but gets complicated in the details. To provide training or a refresher for financial aid professionals, Federal Student Aid (FSA) will offer a series of Wednesday Webinars on Pell Grants and Work-Study. FSA announced four live webinars covering
Pell Grant and Work-Study awards subject of upcoming Wednesday Webinar Series Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can now better prepare for the 2026-27 financial aid award year with updates to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). The Department of Education (the Department) recently shared news of the updates along with a caveat that more updates may be needed if new regulations result from the federal
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education took another step forward in the 2026-27 award year processing cycle with the implementation of changes this past weekend – some of which were required due to the changes under budget reconciliation. In an April 23 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that it would implement changes to
