By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals now have some new tips for resolving a FAFSA error that has created confusion both students and schools. An August 21 Electronic Announcement provided an update from the Department of Education about the FAFSA Reject Code 68 and guidance for resolving issues related to this code. Reject Code 68 indicates […]
FAFSA Reject Code 68 update Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education wants to know who to contact when program issues arise, so they are reminding schools and servicers to keep their contact information current. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department reminded schools and third-party servicers to keep their contact information in the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) current in
Schools are reminded to keep contact information current Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander With the start of the 2025-26 school year, the Department of Education is reminding schools that processing financial aid may take longer during this peak season. In an announcement, the Department shared the following peak processing reminders for the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system: Questions can be directed to the FSA Partner
Financial aid peak processing season – reminders for 2025-26 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Institutions will want to take note of updated guidance on the distribution of voter registration information and the allowable use of Federal Work Study (FWS) funds for these activities. On August 19, 2025, the Department of Education (ED) released a Dear Colleague letter GEN-25-05 outlining their interpretation of the allowable use of Federal
By Marlene Seeklander Although the 2025-26 FAFSA processing cycle has been underway for months, the Department of Education has just released the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix. The August 14 Electronic Announcement includes the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix in Excel format. The matrix is designed to assist financial aid administrators in mapping the
IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix for 2025-26 Verification now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals, whose schools participate in the TEACH Grant Program will want to update their reading list with the latest volume of the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook. A recent Electronic Announcement from ED announced the availability of Volume 9 – The TEACH Grant Program. This volume includes information for schools about the eligibility requirements
2025-26 FSA Handbook Volume 9 – The TEACH Grant Program – now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid and college access professionals can now access information and screenshots for the 2026-27 FAFSA to use for planning purposes, communicating changes, and training. An August 14 Electronic Announcement from Federal Student Aid (FSA) includes a presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the 2026–27 online FAFSA form. The screenshots can be
2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education has outlined specifics on how federal budget reconciliation will impact the FAFSA form and Pell Grant eligibility. In an August 15 Electronic Announcement, the Department provided information about the key changes to the 2026-27 FAFSA and Federal Pell Grant eligibility that were part of the Budget Reconciliation Bill signed
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals know that understanding the basics is critical to administering federal student aid. For those who are new to financial aid or want a refresher on the basics, the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) offers a Fundamentals Training Series. The FSA Fundamentals Training Series consists of: To
FSA Fundamentals Training Series available to new and experienced professionals Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although financial aid professionals still face some deadlines for “verification of identity” reporting, the Department of Education has revised those deadlines somewhat due to a delay with the reporting system. In an August 12 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education said the reporting deadlines would be adjusted to match the availability of the
Verification reporting available soon; deadlines adjusted Read More »
