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Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA

By Catherine Mueller Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can make the difference when it comes to pursuing your dreams for the future. For many students, who couldn’t otherwise afford the cost of an education, the FAFSA makes it possible. Here are some reasons why you should complete the 2026-27 FAFSA now that it […]

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EDExpress for Windows 2024-25, Release 2.0 Service Release now available

By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to completing the FISAP, financial aid professionals would likely welcome any help. Schools using EdExpress for Windows now have a service release available that adds a new summary field on the FISAP reports, aiding in the completion of the FISAP. In a September 12 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education

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EDExpress for Windows 2026-27 Packaging Technical Reference

By Marlene Seeklander EDExpress for Windows users now have a resource available to help them in planning for the 2026-27 award year. The Department of Education announced the posting of the 2026–27 EDExpress for Windows Packaging Technical Reference in the Software and Other Tools area of the Knowledge Center website. The reference document includes instructions and record layouts for

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September tasks for seniors

By Catherine Mueller Most high school seniors anxiously await life after high school. And while that life offers new-found freedoms, those same seniors may experience stress over the responsibilities that come with those freedoms. Your senior year is a time to dream of the future and think about all your life’s possibilities. But college preparation also

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FSA Fundamentals Training Series available to new and experienced professionals

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals know that understanding the basics is critical to administering federal student aid. For those who are new to financial aid or want a refresher on the basics, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) offers a Fundamentals Training Series. The FSA Fundamentals Training Series consists of: To

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Preparing for the 2026-27 FAFSA

By Marlene Seeklander There’s nothing like being prepared to make something a little easier and less stressful, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With the launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA by October 1, 2025, students and families can start doing some prep work in advance. Federal Student Aid encourages students and families

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August tasks for high school seniors

By Marlene Seeklander Starting your senior year is an exciting time. During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. This year will be filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and the need to meet deadlines. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success, as well as

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 FSA announces updated course offerings for 2025-26 Award Year

By Marlene Seeklander Federal Student Aid (FSA) redesigned and updated its offerings in the FSA Training Center Learning Tracks. According to the July 1 FSA announcement, the new offerings include an updated FSA Basic Training for New Staff with 2025-26 content. Since the Learning Tracks are award year specific, FSA encourages the completion of training each

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 2025–26 FSA Fundamentals Training Series launched

By Marlene Seeklander Learning the fundamentals is essential for anyone taking on a new job, but it’s especially true in the world of financial aid. On July 1, the Department of Education announced the launch of Federal Student Aid’s (FSA) 2025–26 FSA Fundamentals Training Series. This training series consists of two courses: Participants must successfully complete the FSA

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