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A key strategy for choosing the right college for you

By Catherine Mueller It’s always nice to have options. But sometimes too many options can be overwhelming – especially when you’re making an important life decision such as where to go to college. If you are considering 2, 5, or even 10 colleges and having a hard time deciding, maybe it’s time to change your thinking. Changing […]

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Determining the parent for the 2025-26 FAFSA

By Marlene Seeklander For some students, one of the most challenging parts of the FAFSA is knowing which parent to invite to the FAFSA. The Department of Education has the 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

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – February 20, 2025

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 4 Nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities receiving federal financial assistance from the Department of Education Colleges and universities were reminded last week of their obligations to comply with nondiscrimination requirements as a part of receiving federal funding. FAFSA Question 11 updated Institutions will want to take

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Update on accessing NSLDS Post-screening files

By Marlene Seeklander While the NSLDS post-screening functionality still isn’t available, schools can continue to download files that include changes in eligibility. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education stated that they have uploaded NSLDS Post-screening Eligibility Changes files to TG mailboxes as some schools were experiencing an account access issue that prevented them

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – February 6, 2025

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 3 2025-2026 Federal Pell Grant award amounts The minimum and maximum Federal Pell Grant amount for 2025-2026 remains unchanged from 2024-2025. Draft 2026-27 FAFSA application materials available for comment While many students and parents are completing the 2025-26 FAFSA, the Department of Education is already looking ahead to

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Tip of the Week – February 5, 2025

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

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NSLDS Financial Aid History Report (FAT001) now available

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals often want to get to know their students to provide the most appropriate assistance. One way to do that is to know a student’s financial aid history and a new report is now available to make that part of the job easier. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the National Student

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