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Department of Education announces resolution of Federal Pell Grant eligibility issues

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By Marlene Seeklander Two “bugs” in the FAFSA Processing System that resulted in incorrect Pell Grant eligibility data have been resolved. The Department of Education announced that they unintentionally introduced two errors into the FAFSA Processing System that resulted in incorrect Pell Grant eligibility data being shared with institutions and applicants. The issues have since been […]

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October tasks for seniors

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By Catherine Mueller During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. 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, as well as participating in extracurricular activities. Colleges are interested in well-rounded

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Department of Education releases 2026-27 College Financing Plan

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By Marlene Seeklander Those financial aid professionals who opt to use the Department of Education’s College Financial Plan template now have a new version for the 2026-27 award year. The Department of Education announced the release of the 2026-27 College Financing Plan (CFP), a consumer tool that colleges can use to notify students about their financial

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Federal Need Analysis Methodology updated for the 2026-27 Award Year

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By Marlene Seeklander To keep pace with the cost of living, the Department of Education recently updated the numbers used in determining whether a student qualifies for need-based federal financial aid. In a September 24 Dear Colleague Letter, the Secretary of Education announced the annual updates to the tables used in the Federal Needs Analysis

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FY 2022 national default rate briefing released

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By Marlene Seeklander The national student loan default rate remains at 0% for the third year in a row. The Department of Education (ED) released their FY 2022 national default briefing and, as expected, the FY 2022 cohort default rates were affected by the pause on federal student loan payments that began in March 2020.

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Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history

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By Marlene Seeklander The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for all students to complete. The availability of the FAFSA – a week ahead of the official release date of October 1 – is what the Department of Education (ED) said is the earliest launch of the FAFSA in the program’s

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Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA

Newsroom, College preparation, FAFSA resources, Mapping Your Future features, Paying for College / By

By Catherine Mueller Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can make the difference when it comes to pursuing your dreams for the future. For many students, who couldn’t otherwise afford the cost of an education, the FAFSA makes it possible. Here are some reasons why you should complete the 2026-27 FAFSA now that it

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Tip of the Week – September 24, 2025

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Tip of the Week Remember, you’re not superhuman Sometimes we may feel superhuman or others may expect us to be superhuman. As another academic year settles in, a long “To Do” list continues. For financial aid administrators, this list includes some important reporting deadlines, along with information that may be requested of you by your

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