By Marlene Seeklander Students and families will want to take note of a recent update to one of the FAFSA questions. The Department of Education announced an update made to the FAFSA to comply with President Trump’s Executive Order, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. The update to
FAFSA Question 11 updated Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although the 2026-27 academic year seems a long way into the future, financial aid professionals now have some tools available to help them prepare for it. The Department of Education announced the initial installment of the 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide, which includes the Microsoft Excel version of the 2026–27 Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) record
2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide released Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools wanting to submit batch corrections for 2024-25 and 2025-26 through the Electronic Data Exchange finally have good news. An Electronic Announcement released by the Department of Education provides on update on the launch of batch institutional corrections for 2024-25 and 2025-26 cycles via the Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) starting at 12:01 p.m.
By Catherine Mueller As your senior year gets closer to winding down, make sure to complete the necessary admission applications, scholarship essays, and financial aid information – keeping in mind the necessary deadlines. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed with the tasks at hand but continue to progress through your to do list. Below are the tasks
March tasks for high school seniors Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools can begin reviewing their FY 2022 draft cohort default rate information and prepare for making any necessary appeals. The Department of Education announced the distribution of the FY 2022 draft cohort default rate (CDR) packages on February 24 to all eligible domestic and foreign schools. The information, sent to the SAIG mailbox
FY 2022 Draft Cohort Default Rates available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid offices that haven’t closed out their 2023-24 Direct Loan Program Year will want to make note of an important date. The Department of Education announced that all school data must be received and accepted by the July 31, 2025 closeout deadline in order to be included in the final Ending Cash
2023-24 Direct Loan Closeout Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education recently made an update to a key resource for schools. On February 26, the Department posted an update to the 2025–2026 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference by adding Volumes 3 (Combination System Supplement) and 5 (School Testing Guide). Volumes 1, 2, 6, and 7 remain unchanged. Questions
Additional volumes added to the 2025-2026 COD Technical Reference Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander College financial aid staff have the opportunity to increase their professional knowledge by attending two Department of Education webinars this spring. The Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) updated an earlier announcement to remind schools of two upcoming trainings offered as a part of their Wednesday Webinar series: No registration is required
More upcoming FSA Wednesday Webinars announced Read More »
By Catherine Mueller An online video can sometimes be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re working late at night and can’t figure out the instructions on some project. Do an online search and, more than likely, you’ll find a video that solves your problem. Fortunately, for many students and parents, who often complete the FAFSA late at night
This season’s lineup on the Mapping Your Future YouTube channel Read More »
Tip of the Week This season’s lineup on the Mapping Your Future YouTube channel An online video can sometimes be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re working late at night and can’t figure out the instructions on some project. Do an online search and, more than likely, you’ll find a video that solves your problem. Fortunately, for
Tip of the Week – February 26, 2025 Read More »
