By Catherine Mueller The FAFSA Submission Summary may be the unsung hero of the financial aid process. The FAFSA Submission Summary doesn’t get as much attention as the FAFSA application or as the financial aid offer, but it’s an important part of the process and may help a student find a college that’s a good financial […]
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By Marlene Seeklander Some FAFSA filers may have received an incorrect determination of their financial aid eligibility due to an error in calculating assets. The Department of Education recently resolved an issue which impacted some 2025-26 and 2026-27 FAFSA filers and how assets were used in calculating their Student Aid Index (SAI). In a November 20,
By Marlene Seeklander School counselors must keep current on a lot of topics, but trying to attend scheduled webinars can be challenging. After all, a student may need your help at any time and often it’s an issue that can’t wait. To address that challenge, ACT offers you a number of on-demand virtual events to watch
Latest ACT news available via on-demand virtual events Read More »
Tip of the Week November is National Scholarship Month Scholarships play a key role in reducing student debt and increasing access to higher education. And while always important, scholarships will become increasingly so as new federal student loan limitations are implemented in 2026. November is “National Scholarship Month” – a national campaign created and led
Tip of the Week – November 19, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Although submitting the FISAP is behind you, you still can make any needed corrections and updates by December 15. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education reminds schools that any changes, corrections, or edits to the recent FISAP must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time (ET) on Monday, December
FISAP edit corrections and updates due December 15, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Most students know that applying for scholarships takes a lot of work. Successful students know the time spent on scholarships is worth it because of the funds and recognition received. Scholarship America recently published a list of a few scholarships students may want to consider seeking, including: SMART Scholarship Program – This SMART
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Higher Ed News Vol. 17 – Issue 23 Upcoming changes to the FSA ID account process Creating a StudentAid.gov account or FSA ID shouldn’t be an obstacle for students and contributors when completing the FAFSA. 2026-27 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FAFSA
Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – November 13, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FAFSA – has been updated by the Department of Education for 2026-27. The Department announced the availability of the 2026–27 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for the postsecondary schools to
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By Marlene Seeklander What exactly is the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated by the FAFSA? While the SAI isn’t a new concept – it replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA – it may cause some confusion for students and families. The SAI, based on a range from –1500 to 999999, is
Student Aid Index – A deeper dive Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Student loans are an investment in your future. When you apply for financial aid and receive a financial aid offer from the college financial aid office, you may be offered student loans. A student loan is money you borrow and must repay with interest. Student loans can come from a variety of sources:
Understanding student loans Read More »
