Early Awareness E-News

Early Awareness E-News September 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 9 Department of Education announces the launch of Beta 2 testing for 2027-28 FAFSA The testing of the 2027-28 FAFSA continues to move forward, allowing some students and families to complete the FAFSA form early. Preparing for the 2027-28 FAFSA There’s nothing like being prepared to make […]

Early Awareness E-News August 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 8 Beta testing plan announced for 2027-28 FAFSA In preparation for the upcoming launch of the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by October 1, the Department of Education (the Department) has announced its plans for beta testing. Identity fraud detection system now in

Early Awareness E-News July 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 7 Federal student loan borrowers to get rate reduction for enrollment in autopay Federal student loan borrowers could save some money on their student loans if they enroll in autopay. Real-Time FAFSA results now available Students completing the FASA will no longer have to wait to view

Early Awareness E-News June 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 6 Class of 2026 sets FAFSA completion record The class of 2026 has already done great things by setting an all-time high completion rate for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 2026-2027 ACT test dates now available Even though summer break just started for many

Early Awareness E-News May 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 5 Continuing the financial literacy month celebration Financial literacy is a year-long concern. Combating Federal Student Aid fraud across the country Students and families should benefit from federal financial aid instead of criminals. Real-time fraud detection announced for FAFSA With fraud prevention becoming an increasingly critical issue,

Early Awareness E-News April 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 4 Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available Scholarships can sometimes mean the difference between having enough money for a college education or having to borrow student loans. Federal student loan borrowers on SAVE repayment plan must choose a new plan soon Student

Early Awareness E-News March 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 3 Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical.  Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment and news of upcoming enhancements While many students, parents, and schools are currently focused on the

Early Awareness E-News February 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 2 Pell Grant award amounts remain flat for 2026-27 academic year The maximum amount a student could receive in Federal Pell Grant funding for college will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 academic year – at least for now. Why your college may ask for a tax transcript

Early Awareness E-News January 2026Vol. 18 – Issue 1 Historic milestone reached in FAFSA completions More students completed the 2026-27 FAFSA as of late December – at a rate more than double the previous year, according to the Department of Education. Five steps to obtain proof of federal tax return non-filing At first the request

Early Awareness E-News December 2025Vol. 17 – Issue 12 The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary The FAFSA Submission Summary may be the unsung hero of the financial aid process. Latest ACT news available via on-demand virtual events School counselors must keep current on a lot of topics, but trying to attend scheduled webinars can