By Marlene Seeklander An updated 2026-27 Federal School Code List, which plays a key role in the FAFSA, has been released by the Department of Education (the Department). The Department announced the availability of the updated 2026–27 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Although it’s usually not necessary, students can enter these codes on […]
Updated 2026-27 Federal School Code List now available Read More »
By Catherine Mueller To thwart would-be fraudsters, the financial aid application now includes an identity screening process. Earlier this year, the Department of Education launched a new, real-time fraud detection capability for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Every applicant will be evaluated in real-time through a risk-based identity screening. Applicants who display
Identity fraud detection system now in FAFSA Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Students completing the FAFSA will no longer have to wait to view their FAFSA Submission Summary. This summer, the U.S. Department of Education announced they have launched a processing enhancement that allows students to immediately view their FAFSA Submission Summary when signing and submitting an initial application or correction of a 2025-26 or
FAFSA results now available in real time Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students can get a head start on completing a college admissions requirement by registering now for the September ACT test. The early registration deadline for the September 19, 2026, test is August 14, with the late registration deadline on September 1. Registration takes about 30 minutes to complete and requires students to register
August 14 early registration deadline for September ACT test Read More »
Tip of the Week Federal Student Aid fraud alert from U.S. Department of the Treasury Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, particularly when it comes to federal student aid fraud. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), colleges are seeing an increase in “ghost students,” stolen identities, synthetic identities, AI-generated documents, and other methods used
Tip of the Week – July 29, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander A financial aid offer is often a key component of the college decision making process. Financial aid offers are not always alike and comparing offers can be challenging. To effectively review offers, here are some key points: While financial aid offers may differ in appearance from college to college, this sample College Financing
Financial Aid Offers – A closer look Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Not to ruin anyone’s summertime vibe, but just a reminder – it won’t be long now before fall semester tuition bills come due. If you are running short of funds, there are some actions you can take now if you are worried about paying for college this fall: Students have other options as
Strategies for students (and parents) when money for college runs short Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education has again pushed back its planned publication of all foreign sources of ownership, gifts or contracts involving those institutions of higher education required to submit reports. In a July 24 update to a July 6 Electronic Announcement, the Department has agreed to delay the planned publication of the names
Report of foreign involvement in U.S. higher education delayed Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals now have a new enrollment reporting guide, updated with information on reporting enrollment statuses related to the new Return to Title IV Funds withdrawal exemption. On July 27, the Department of Education announced an updated version of the Enrollment Reporting Guide. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for NSLDS enrollment reporting.
Updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide (July 2026) now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Federal Trade Commission is reminding student loan borrowers how to avoid debt relief scams, after news of a court-issued orders banning Nevada-based operators from engaging in the debt relief industry. In a July 21 press release, the FTC said that Dennise Merdjanian, an operator of a student loan debt forgiveness scheme, will
FTC warns of student loan forgiveness scams Read More »
