Tip of the Week Beta testing plan announced for 2027-28 FAFSA In preparation for the upcoming launch of the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by October 1, the Department of Education (the Department) has announced its plans for beta testing. In a July 21 Electronic Announcement, the Department released its plan […]
Tip of the Week – July 22, 2026 Read More »
Tip of the Week New resources for those seeking guidance in implementing Working Families Tax Cuts Act regulations Just when you have the new regulations all figured out, a new situation arises – making you question all you thought you knew. That’s the circumstance for many financial aid professionals who are working hard to implement
Tip of the Week – July 15, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals have more training opportunities available for the 2026-27 award year. In a July 9 announcement, Federal Student Aid announced the launch of the 2026-27 FSA Fundamentals Training series which includes the FSA Fundamentals Online self-paced course and the FSA Fundamentals Virtual Workshop, which is an instructor-led four and one-half day
2026-27 FSA Fundamentals Training Series announced Read More »
Tip of the Week Tax Transcript Matrix for 2026-27 Verification now available Although the number of FAFSAs selected for verification is down, financial aid professionals will, no doubt, appreciate any tool to assist with verification – particularly tax information. In a July 8 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education released the 2024 IRS Tax Return
Tip of the Week – July 8, 2026 Read More »
Tip of the Week It’s been a fireworks show For many of us, the highlight of July 4th is the fireworks show. It’s always been one of my favorite things, especially seeing the night sky light up with the vibrant colors and patterns produced by the fireworks and hearing the “oohs and aahs” of the
Tip of the Week – July 1, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander During your senior year, you made a lot of decisions, including finalizing your college choice. This year was filled with submitting admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and deadlines. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of July: Congratulations! It’s time to get ready to start your life after
July checklist for high school graduates Read More »
By Catherine Mueller No one enters college with a plan to fail. Well, at least no one who is serious about their education. However, some students do fail – despite their desire to succeed. What do successful students do to achieve their educational goals? Successful students employ strategies to master the art of being a good
How to master the art of being a good student Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices that will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day federal holiday. A recent Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on July 3. All FSA websites will be operational on the
Independence Day holiday closings for federal offices Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Although rising high school seniors shouldn’t complete the FAFSA until fall, there’s still plenty of things they can be doing right now to prepare for education after high school. Completing the 2027-28 FAFSA when it is available in October, will be important for high school seniors who want to seek financial aid to
Four things rising seniors can do this summer to prepare for the future Read More »
Tip of the Week Achieving the dream; the greatness of financial aid A time to celebrate. Just in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the NASFAA conference will be in Washington, D.C., next week and celebrating its own 60th anniversary. The conference, of course, is an important time to get the latest information on the
Tip of the Week – June 24, 2026 Read More »
