By Marlene Seeklander For some students, one of the most challenging parts of the FAFSA is knowing which parent to invite as a contributor. The Department of Education provides a parent wizard tool available outside of the FAFSA form, making it easier for students, families, and others to make this determination ahead of time. In addition, Mapping Your
Determining the parent for the 2027-28 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The 2027-28 FAFSA now makes things a little easier for those who file an income tax return with both the IRS and a U.S. territory. In an October 28 update to a previous Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that it implemented a solution allowing dual tax filers to indicate they have
Solution implemented for dual tax filers when completing the 2027-28 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals who regularly use the 2026-27 FSA Handbook could be impacted by some recent changes to the Appendix. In a November 2 update to an August 14, 2026 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the following changes to the Appendix:
Updates made to 2026-27 FSA Handbook Appendix Read More »
Tip of the Week The all-too familiar feeling of working in financial aid The following feelings may be all too familiar to you: your heart starts racing, you feel the tension rising in your neck and shoulders, or your heart starts beating rapidly. With all the changes and confusion with financial aid recently, it’s probably
Tip of the Week – November 4, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The deadline for submitting the FISAP is past, but financial aid professionals, who need to make some corrections or updates to the form, receive some grace in the form of a second deadline. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education reminds schools that any changes, corrections, or edits to the recent FISAP
FISAP edit corrections and updates due December 15, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander A key component of the FAFSA – the Federal School Code List – has been updated by the Department of Education for 2027-28. The Department announced the availability of the initial 2027–28 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for the postsecondary schools
2027-28 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools Read More »
Early Awareness E-News November 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 11 Federal report provides insight on 2025 college costs; recent tuition rate hikes and trends Students, families, and taxpayers now have easier access to information about college costs thanks to a new report released this week by the Department of Education. 2027-28 FAFSA resources now available Additional
Early Awareness E-News – November 2026 Read More »
By Catherine Mueller During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success, as well as participating in extracurricular activities. Colleges are interested in well-rounded students. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of November:
November checklist for seniors Read More »
Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 22 2027-2028 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation Financial aid professionals can now plan for the upcoming FAFSA verification season with the latest guidance from the Department of Education. FSA Training Center currently unavailable Financial aid professionals wanting to access training in the FSA Training Center
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – October 29, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent a student from finishing a degree and pursuing their dreams. Students attending a U.S. college who are experiencing financial barriers may want to review these funding opportunities through Last Mile Education Fund.
Last Mile Education Fund supports students facing financial barriers Read More »
