Tip of the Week A month that could change a life Financial aid awareness really needs a year-long celebration. Even though February is the only official recognition of financial aid awareness, financial aid professionals and many others are observing it every day. In reality, there shouldn’t be only one month dedicated to financial aid awareness […]
Tip of the Week – February 4, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can stay current with how to handle federal financial aid data with updated training modules now available. Federal Student Aid recently announced that they have updated the “Aid Application Process” training track with the latest information and guidance that was published in the September 30 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) GEN-25-08.
Federal Student Aid updates “Aid Application Process” training track Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although funding amounts have not yet been determined, the Department of Education has posted tentative funding levels for 2026-27. In a January 30 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education said tentative funding levels and worksheets for Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) programs for the 2026-27 award year have
Tentative 2026–27 Funding Levels available for Campus-Based Programs Read More »
Early Awareness E-News February 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 2 Pell Grant award amounts remain flat for 2026-27 academic year The maximum amount a student could receive in Federal Pell Grant funding for college will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 academic year – at least for now. Why your college may ask for a tax transcript
Early Awareness E-News – February 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Completing the FAFSA isn’t a “one and done” deal for college students. Although students may hear a lot about financial aid when they are just beginning to pursue college, it’s an important factor throughout their education beyond high school. Because eligibility for federal financial aid (and other types of financial aid) is determined
What current college students need to know about the FAFSA Read More »
By Catherine Mueller The maximum amount a student could receive in Federal Pell Grant funding for college will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 academic year – at least for now. On January 30, the Department of Education announced the Pell Grant maximum and minimum award amounts for the 2026–27 award year (July 1, 2026, through June
Pell Grant award amounts remain flat for 2026-27 academic year Read More »
By Catherine Mueller It’s just a few, busy months away from graduation for high school seniors. During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. This year is 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
February tasks for high school seniors Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals looking for a little more guidance on reconciling federal financial aid programs have now received some from the Department of Education. On January 27, the Department released an Electronic Announcement that provides more specific information to assist schools in reconciling the Direct Loan, Pell Grant, and TEACH Grant programs. Reconciliation
By Marlene Seeklander The latest volume of the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook has just been released by the Department of Education (ED). A January 29 Electronic Announcement from ED announced the availability of Volume 5 – Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds. This volume includes information on how a school should manage Title IV funds when a student
Tip of the Week Weathering the storm Weather, particularly in the winter, can often be unpredictable. This past weekend the weather was a dominating force in the lives of many across the country. The Weather Channel dubbed the event Winter Storm Fern. If you were impacted by the weather this past weekend, you most likely
Tip of the Week – January 28, 2026 Read More »
