By Marlene Seeklander If you’ve always wanted to provide feedback to the Department of Education on how the FAFSA processing system and services can be improved, you now have that opportunity. The Department of Education recently announced that they are gathering feedback from financial aid administrators and state agencies on the FAFSA processing systems and services […]
Financial Aid Processing Feedback Survey available Read More »
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. If you haven’t completed the 2025-26 FAFSA, here’s some reasons why you should:
Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Although many of the major stumbling blocks with the simplified FAFSA have been overcome, there have been a few remaining issues for students and parents. The Department of Education has now announced plans to fix two of those issues involving the identity verification and the contributor invite processes. Real-time identity verification – Starting
More steps toward simplification planned for the 2026-27 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education is among the federal offices that will be closed for the Independence Day federal holiday on Friday, July 4. The June 24 Electronic Announcement states that the Federal Student Aid (FSA) processors and contact centers will be closed on July 4. All FSA websites will be operational on the holiday. The FAFSA
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By Catherine Mueller Although rising high school seniors shouldn’t complete the FAFSA until next fall, there’s still plenty of things they can be doing right now to prepare for education after high school. Completing the 2026-27 FAFSA when it is available next October, will be important for high school seniors who want to seek financial aid
Four things rising seniors can do over the summer to prepare for the future Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Congratulations on your graduation from high school! Like most high school graduates, you may be just now catching your breath after all the activity surrounding the end of the senior year. It’s a good time for you to relax and reflect on your accomplishments. But once you’ve had some time to consider all
June tasks for high school seniors Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students impacted by an issue that prevented an official SAI (Student Aid Index) from being calculated may now be eligible to receive a Title IV loan. In a May 27, 2025 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education (ED) announced that they are amending and extending flexibilities for late disbursements that were published in
By Catherine Mueller It was an act of sacrifice and service so great we should never forget. And yet, I am embarrassed to say, I had never heard about it until just the other day. It was 80 years ago this week during World War II when four Army chaplains all gave up their lives in
By Marlene Seeklander Although graduation ceremonies are just now getting underway for many students, it won’t be long before move-in day on college campuses. If you plan to live in a residence hall for the fall semester, you can start preparing now by knowing what you plan to take with you. The Mapping Your Future Packing
A handy packing list with everything you need for college Read More »
By Catherine Mueller The Department of Education has three important reminders for those borrowers who are just beginning to repay student loan debt or are resuming repayment after some time in forbearance or deferment. Mapping Your Future has created a “3 Important Reminders for Borrowers of Federal Student Loans” flyer to help borrowers understand obligations and
Department of Education issues reminders for student loan borrowers Read More »
