By Marlene Seeklander Schools and other entities have additional 2025-26 test ISIRs available to assist them in their 2025-26 set up and testing. In a recent update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that an additional set of system-generated 2025-26 ISIRs is now available. The ISIRs includes a wider array and higher […]
Additional 2025-26 test ISIRs available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The long-awaited processing of corrections to paper forms is finally available. In an October 18 update to a previous Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that the paper corrections functionality has been implemented. The Department estimates that by the end of October, they will have processed paper corrections received to date. After
2024-25 FAFSA paper processing now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Foreign institutions now have updated guidance on national emergencies. In a recent update to a prior Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education has expanded the types of emergencies and appropriate foreign authorities. The guidance now reflects the provisions under the CARES Act. Types of emergencies that may qualify for a waiver include: A
Guidance on national emergencies in foreign countries updated Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools and interested stakeholders can find updates on the 2025-26 FAFSA BETA testing by going to one central location. The Department of Education is providing updates to the BETA testing process at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/beta/Updates. Listed by date, with the newest information appearing at the top, schools and stakeholders can find updates on such topics
BETA Updates Page for 2025-26 FAFSA Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Students are completing the beta-test version of the 2025-26 FAFSA without encountering any critical errors and students are receiving the records of those students. Along with sharing the results of the first round of the 2025-26 FAFSA beta tests, the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday announced the launch of the second stage of
First round of 2025-26 FAFSA testing is complete, no major problems found Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools still participating in the Federal Perkins Loan Program need to watch for an important notification from the Department of Education. The Department recently announced that, as part of the wind-down process of the Federal Perkins Loan Program, they require an annual capital distribution from the school’s Perkins Fund. Schools will be
2024-25 Federal Perkins Loan Revolving Fund Distribution of Assets Timeline Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander You can make a note on your 2025-26 planning list to check out the recent additions to the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The Department of Education recently announced the addition of two volumes to the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. These volumes include: Throughout the 2025-26 cycle, the Knowledge Center website will be updated
Updates to 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander For those financial aid professionals affected by the recent weather-related disasters, the Department of Education has provided some relief to their offices and for their students. The Department of Education (ED) has announced guidance about regulatory relief to institutions located in federally declared disaster areas due to Tropical Storm Helene or Hurricane Helene.
Tropical Storm Helene and Hurricane Helene Title IV guidance Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Navigating the important recertification process can be daunting for financial aid administrators. The Department of Education announced the availability of a recorded webinar, presentation slides, and transcript to assist schools with the completion and submission of the recertification application. A school must submit a completed recertification application no later than 90 days
Title IV Recertification training webinar available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Borrowers with a joint consolidation loan with another individual can separate their joint debts into an individual Direct Consolidation loan. The Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act (JCLSA) was signed into law on October 11, 2022, and allows borrowers with either Direct Loans (DL) or Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) to separate their joint
