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 »
Tip of the Week The magic of your kindness If it weren’t for the kindness of friends and strangers, I am not sure where I would be. When I think about what I am thankful for, I am aware of the many times someone helped me. Much of that help has come from family, friends,
Tip of the Week – November 12, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Creating a StudentAid.gov account or FSA ID shouldn’t be an obstacle for students and contributors when completing the FAFSA. The FSA ID is a “key first step” to completing the FAFSA, and Federal Student Aid (FSA) has made updates over the past few years to make the process easier. Aaron Lemon-Strauss, Executive Director
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Tip of the Week An offering of thanks – financial aid for veterans To those veterans who have sacrificed and served our country, we owe much. Veterans’ educational benefits is one way as a country we can express our gratitude. But understanding veteran education benefits can be a challenge – especially with different programs, different
Tip of the Week – November 5, 2025 Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Despite the government shutdown, students and parents can complete the FAFSA and financial aid will be processed on the regular schedule according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Department announced on October 1 that despite the lapse in appropriations to fund the federal government, there will be minimal impact on students, borrowers,
Students and parents can complete FAFSA during federal shutdown Read More »
Early Awareness E-News November 2025Vol. 17 – Issue 11 Borrowing Parent Loans – 2026 and beyond It’s hard to find an equilibrium. Tips for avoiding scholarship scams Scholarships are the best kind of financial aid, but students should be careful to avoid scams. Five tips to complete this important FAFSA first step Students have been
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