Higher Ed News Vol. 18 – Issue 1 FSA offers “Mid-year Transfer Students” learning track Financial aid administrators often face a complex process for determining eligibility for mid-year transfer students. Peak processing reminders for 2025-26 With the beginning of a new semester and increased demand for financial aid, the Department of Education is reminding schools […]
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – January 8, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander With the beginning of a new semester and increased demand for financial aid, the Department of Education is reminding schools that some processing may take longer. In an announcement, the Department shared the following peak processing reminders for the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system: Questions can be directed to the FSA Partner
Peak processing reminders for 2025-26 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid administrators and staff now have an opportunity to learn more about the impact of the Budget Reconciliation Bill on federal student aid programs through an online training course. The Department of Education announced that an online, self-paced training course is available, providing an overview of the Budget Reconciliation Bill (P.L. 119-21
Online training on the Budget Reconciliation Bill now available Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Institutions that need to submit foreign gifts and contract information can now use the new Section 117 reporting portal. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education is reminding institutions that the new Section 117 reporting portal located at ForeignFundingHigherEd.gov is now live. Institutions need to use the portal to submit foreign
New Section 117 Portal now live – Reminder of January 31 reporting deadline Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools and other organizations will soon be able to test the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system for the 2026-27 award year. In a January 7 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that the FSA Partner and School Relations Center will allow school testing of the COD system for the 2026-27 award
COD school testing for the 2026-27 award year available soon Read More »
Tip of the Week Auld Lang Syne Often my appreciation for the precious is late in arriving. It may be something I’ve taken for granted, seen or heard but never took the time to understand. Sometimes, it just takes a nudge to help me grow in my appreciation. Such was the case this past holiday
Tip of the Week – January 7, 2026 Read More »
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
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By Marlene Seeklander 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. In a recent press release, the Department announced that more than 5 million 2026-27 FAFSA forms have been successfully submitted by students and families, an increase of
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By Marlene Seeklander At first the request seems like a paradox – you didn’t file a tax return, and the college financial aid office is asking you to prove something you didn’t do. While it may seem unusual to prove that you didn’t file a tax return, you may need to do just that and depending
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By Catherine Mueller With graduation just months away, now is the time for high school seniors to complete tasks for college and other life plans. This year is filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and the need to meet deadlines. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success,
January tasks for high school seniors Read More »
