Higher Ed News

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 20 Department of Education issues reminder: Federal grant funds may not be used on lobbying activity Higher education officials may already know that federal grant funds cannot be used for lobbying efforts but just in case anyone didn’t know, the Department of Education sent out a reminder earlier […]

Higher Ed News Special Edition Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for all students to complete.

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 19 Reminder: FISAP deadline October 1, 2025 The clock is ticking for a critical deadline for financial aid administrators. Impact of end of Federal Fiscal Year 2025 on federal financial aid systems The Department of Education last week alerted financial aid professionals about the upcoming end to the

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 18 Updates to the 2026-27 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide The 2026-27 Student Aid Index and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide now includes updates based on recent statutory changes made through the Budget Reconciliation Bill. The good and bad of student loans Student loans have

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 17 2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available 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. Verification reporting available soon; deadlines adjusted Although financial aid professionals still face some deadlines for “verification

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 16 Nonpayment Rates by Institution report now available in the Federal Student Aid Data Center Schools now have a report available to assist them in understanding the delinquency and default risks of their most recent borrowers – something that will be important as cohort default rates potentially rise.

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 15 Certain Budget Reconciliation Bill changes effective upon enactment Financial aid administrators will want to make note that certain provisions of the Budget Reconciliation Bill were effective upon enactment. Borrowing Parent Loans – 2026 and beyond It’s hard to find an equilibrium. Changes to V4 and V5 verification

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 14 Summary of Budget Reconciliation Changes for Students and Parents When it comes to paying for college, many students and parents face uncertainty. Financial Aid Processing Feedback Survey available If you’ve always wanted to provide feedback to the Department of Education on how the FAFSA processing system and

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 13 Federal Student Aid announces webinars and additional resources for FSA Partner Connect Financial aid professionals will soon have some training resources available to help them understand and transition to FSA Partner Connect for enrollment and user management services. 2026-27 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 12 Direct Loan interest rates for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025 announced Student loan borrowers will see slightly lower interest rates starting July 1 for Direct Loans borrowed on or after July 1, 2025. 2025-26 FSA Handbook Volume 8 (Direct Loans) now available You