Higher Ed News

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 […]

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 11 Use and Disclosure of Federal Tax information and FAFSA Data training available New financial aid professionals will likely benefit the most from a new training course on the handling of student data, but experienced professionals may want to attend the course as a refresher. Campus-Based school testing

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 10 National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) post-screening functionality to resume Financial aid professionals will – hopefully – see the return of the automated NSLDS post-screening functionality soon. Mapping Your Future flyer to help colleges provide repayment information to former students The Department of Education is extending an

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 9 More volumes of 2025-26 FSA Handbook now available If you want to update your financial aid reading list, the latest volumes of the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook have just been released by the Department of Education (ED). Final 2026-27 FISAP Form and related materials now available While the

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 8 Department of Education seeking public feedback for proposed regulations The Department of Education is inviting public feedback on several student loan related topics. What student loan borrowers need to know Student loan borrowers may feel overwhelmed right now and it may not just be about the amount

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 7 Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Public feedback sought by Department of Education to establish Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations are being sought by the Department of Education for negotiators who represent

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 6 Letter to education stakeholders from Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron The FAFSA and student loan servicing are two areas left unimpacted by the recent Department of Education layoffs, according to a letter sent out late last week. Updated School Participation Division contact information Schools with questions related

Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 5 Two-day live virtual training course on Policies and Procedures being offered by FSA The power of the written word is epitomized in the Policies and Procedures manual. More upcoming FSA Wednesday Webinars announced College financial aid staff have the opportunity to increase their professional knowledge by attending

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

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