By Catherine Mueller You have the freedom to do what you want with your life and knowing that can be both a liberating gift and a heavy burden. Your future is an important one and making decisions now that will last a lifetime can be overwhelming. One of the best ways to make any decision is
One simple question for the best college and career advice Read More »
Tip of the Week Going forward with the 2025-26 FAFSA Although you may still be mired in figuring out issues with the 2024-25 FAFSA, there’s some news today, providing some hope for the 2025-26 FAFSA. The Department of Education announced the availability of the 2025-26 FAFSA prototype. In announcing the prototype, the Department said it offers
Tip of the Week – September 4, 2024 Read More »
By Catherine Mueller For many students, pursuing a graduate or professional degree can provide important career advantages, but for some students an advanced degree is not possible without financial aid. Whether you plan to pursue a graduate program right after completing your undergrad degree or if you’ve taken a few years off, there are some things
Five important things you should know about financial aid for graduate school Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Some schools may be in line to receive some additional funding to help their students pay for their education. The Department of Education announced how they will distribute 2024-25 supplemental award funds for Campus-Based programs. Supplemental funds are based on the information collected on the Campus-Based Reallocation Forms that were due by August
Department outlines process for distributing last year’s unspent campus-based funds Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although the 2024-25 FAFSA processing cycle has been underway for months, the Department of Education has just released the 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix. The August 29 Electronic Announcement includes the 2022 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix in Excel format. The matrix is designed to assist financial aid administrators in mapping the
IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix for 2024-25 Verification now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Interested community-based organizations (CBOs) can apply to participate in the first beta testing period of the 2025-26 FAFSA. The Department announced that interested CBOs can submit an interest form to participate in the BETA 1 testing period. Interested CBOs will have until the September 5 deadline to submit the interest form and describe
2025-26 FAFSA Beta 1 Interest Form available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Federal Student Aid (FSA) recently announced the launch of their 2024-25 Learning Tracks and Training Courses, which have been revised to incorporate changes made through FAFSA Simplification and other guidance. According to an FSA announcement, financial aid professionals should find the training more engaging, interactive, and modern. Whether a comprehensive or a more
New and enhanced training available on the FSA Training Center Read More »
Tip of the Week Your input on the FAFSA is valuable If you ever wondered how making something easy can be really difficult, then look no further than the 2024-25 FAFSA. While the new process in theory may be easier, the problem is there are, in reality, a lot of moving parts necessary to make
Tip of the Week – August 28, 2024 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Some reading material that will help you start your 2025-26 planning is now available. FSA announced the availability of the 2025–26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. This guide will assist schools and other FSA partners in incorporating the functionality of the electronic FAFSA into their institutional systems. FSA will post volumes of the guide throughout fall
2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander As schools are ramping up for the start of the 2024-25 school year, the COD system is doing the same. In an announcement from the Department, the following peak processing reminders were shared: Questions can be directed to the FSA Partner and School Relations Center at 1-800-848-0978 or via email at CODSupport@ed.gov.
COD system peak processing reminders Read More »
