By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to implementing something new, particularly new financial aid regulations, financial aid professionals want to have their questions answered and receive the latest updates. The Department of Education announced that the financial aid community will have the opportunity to participate in questions and answers and updates on the implementation of the
By Marlene Seeklander Students can get a head start on their summer plans by registering now for the June ACT test. The registration deadline for the June 13 test is May 8. Registration takes about 30 minutes to complete and requires students to register online, pay the fee, and upload a recent photo. Fees for the
May 8 registration deadline for June ACT test Read More »
Communicating with borrowers about the defunct SAVE Plan Even for those of us who live and breathe financial aid, it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on with student loans. There are just too many moving parts, and the facts on one day can be absolutely wrong the next day. And yet, it’s critical
Tip of the Week – April 8, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals have one more tool available for the 2026-27 award year processing. The Department of Education announced that the Application and Verification Guide of the 2026-27 Federal Student Aid Handbook is now available. Financial aid administrators and counselors use this guide when helping students with the financial aid process, filing the
2026-27 FSA Handbook Application and Verification Guide now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although it seems it should go without saying, prison education programs should operate in the best interest of students. Institutions that offer a Prison Education Programs (PEP) are required to have an oversight entity review the program and submit a best interest determination to the Department of Education. In an April 6
Colleges required to operate Prison Education Programs in the best interest of students Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students who need extra funds to attend college can often benefit from access to campus-based federal financial aid. Schools and colleges wanting to participate in federal campus-based programs have until late April to apply for a waiver to the requirement of providing a share of the funds for the program. The Department outlined
Deadline approaching for colleges to provide access to campus-based financial aid Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Institutions who won’t be able to meet the community service requirements of the Federal Work Study program have until later this month to request a waiver. Schools may request a waiver from the Federal Work Study (FWS) program community service requirements if those requirements cause hardship for students. An April 1 Electronic Announcement
Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 7 Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available Scholarships can sometimes mean the difference between having enough money for a college education or having to borrow student loans. FY 2023 Draft Cohort Default Rates available Schools can begin reviewing their FY 2023 draft
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – April 2, 2026 Read More »
Early Awareness E-News April 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 4 Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available Scholarships can sometimes mean the difference between having enough money for a college education or having to borrow student loans. Federal student loan borrowers on SAVE repayment plan must choose a new plan soon Student
Early Awareness E-News – April 2026 Read More »
Financial pressure on Gen Z and their parents It’s tough to talk about money. That may be the reason that so many Gen Z’s are relying on social media for financial guidance. A Wells Fargo study released earlier this week reveals that Gen Z (which includes teenagers, college students and recent graduates ages 14-29) are
Tip of the Week – April 1, 2026 Read More »
