Higher Ed News

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 21 Federal report provides insight on 2025 college costs; recent tuition rate hikes and trends Students, families, and taxpayers now have easier access to information about college costs thanks to a new report released this week by the Department of Education. Borrower Defense to Repayment system functionality restored

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 20 Updated reports posted by Federal Student Aid to FSA Data Center Student loans now total more than $1.7 trillion with nearly 14 percent or $234 billion of the federal student loan portfolio in default. 2027-28 FAFSA now available for all students and contributors Students and parents can

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 19 2027-28 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available Financial aid and college access professionals can now access information and screenshots for the 2027-28 FAFSA to use for planning purposes, communicating changes, and training. 2027-28 FAFSA prototype now available Financial aid and college access professionals now have a tool available

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 18 Department releases report on which institutions have reported financial value data; reminds institutions about upcoming 2026 deadline Institutions now have a little less than a month to submit their Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) data for 2026. Federal Student Aid offers webinars aimed at reducing

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 17 Online training available for completing the 2027-28 FISAP In addition to many responsibilities, financial aid professionals have an important responsibility coming up – completing the FISAP (fiscal reports and application to participate in federal financial aid). Guidance released on FVT/GE Data Reporting and STATS early implementation Institutions

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 16 Federal Student Aid fraud alert from U.S. Department of the Treasury Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, particularly when it comes to federal student aid fraud. Updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide (July 2026) now available Financial aid professionals now have a new enrollment reporting guide, updated with information

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 15 Department of Education issues FAFSA Fraud Detection FAQs for institutions Among the many new job responsibilities this year, financial aid professionals must now follow new procedures in managing student FAFSA records that could be fraudulent. Beta testing plan announced for 2027-28 FAFSA In preparation for the upcoming

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 14 Schools can set lower, program specific student loan limits As of July 1, schools can establish lower annual loan limits for specific programs, beginning with the 2026-27 award year. National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) updates as a result of new provisions When it comes to NSLDS

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 13 Millions of student loan borrowers in default, totaling billions of dollars More than 9 million borrowers with $220 billion in outstanding federal student loans are in default, according to the latest data available. Department of Education offers guidance on which programs to add to federal report In

Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 12 Best Practices for preventing FAFSA fraud and protecting Title IV funds Financial aid professionals and others on the campus can look to the proven practices of other institutions to help prevent FAFSA fraud and protect federal student aid funds. Federal Need Analysis Methodology for the 2027-28 award