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Department issues updated signature requirements for the Program Participation Agreement

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By Marlene Seeklander In response to a legal challenge, the Department of Education revised the requirements for an authorized representative of an institution to sign the agreement to participate in federal financial aid programs. In a January 16 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education addressed the situations in which an owner-entity of an eligible higher education […]

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Direct vs. indirect costs for college

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By Marlene Seeklander When planning to pay for college, students and parents need to consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct and indirect costs are an important part of the estimated cost of attendance. And while financial aid can cover both types of college expenses, indirect costs is an area where students and parents can save

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Department delays collections on student loans

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By Catherine Mueller Borrowers, who have defaulted on the federal student loans, received a temporary reprieve recently with a decision to delay collections activities. On January 16, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced that it will delay the implementation of involuntary collections on federal student loans, including Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG) and the Treasury

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Registration for the 2026 FSA Training Conference requires action by January 23

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By Marlene Seeklander Schools interested in attending the upcoming Federal Student Aid (FSA) Conference need to act by January 23 to express interest in attending. On January 14, FSA announced that due to the limited number of seats at the conference site, they will hold a lottery if interest exceeds the number of seats available. The

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Winter 2026 Wednesday Webinars announced by Federal Student Aid

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can make note of some upcoming Wednesday Webinars offered by Federal Student Aid (FSA). FSA announced two live webinars covering key Title IV topics that will be held in January and February 2026. Participants can ask questions by typing them into the chat during the webinar, and a live Q&A

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Requirements for Title IV disbursement reporting, excess cash, and reconciliation

Newsroom, Department of Education, Latest / By

By Marlene Seeklander College financial aid and business professionals manage many critical responsibilities. Among those responsibilities are the requirements for disbursement and financial data. In a January 8 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education outlined the key components of the disbursement and financial data requirements. More detailed information on each is included in the announcement. Questions

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New NSLDS guide and record layouts for 2026

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By Marlene Seeklander With the beginning of the new year, financial aid professionals and others who use the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) now have some new tools for using the system. The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) has announced the availability of the updated NSLDS Transfer Student Monitoring & Financial Aid History User

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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – January 8, 2026

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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

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Peak processing reminders for 2025-26

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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

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