By Marlene Seeklander Colleges participating in the Work Colleges Program under Federal Work Study program must apply by March 2 if they want to continue participating in the program in the next academic year. A February 18 Electronic Announcement outlined the application process for colleges interested in participating in the Work Colleges Program for the 2026-27 […]
Work Colleges Program 2026-27 application information Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander More than 1800 higher education institutions across the country are at risk of losing access to federal student aid due to high rates of nonpayment by student loan borrowers. In a February 18 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education released updated data indicating over 1800 institutions have nonpayment rates at or exceeding 25
Nonpayment rates among student loan borrowers put colleges and universities at risk Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Schools and other organizations may need to act soon to avoid losing access to federal financial aid systems. In a February 18 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education said it plans to implement technical updates on March 8 to the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG). As a result of these updates, a school
Federal Student Aid system changes may require new firewall settings to maintain access Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Graduation is a major milestone for high school students. After all, it’s an important marker on the road to life-long success. But along the way to graduation, there are many other traits for students to develop for life-long success, including: If you are well on your way to graduation, you’ve likely already developed
Five traits for a successful future Read More »
Tip of the Week Keys to a successful scholarship strategy – topic of upcoming webinar When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue a postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful
Tip of the Week – February 18, 2026 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander When it comes to getting money for college, scholarships can be critical. Even a small scholarship could mean the difference between being able to continue a postsecondary education or having to withdraw. Mapping Your Future’s “Four Components of a Successful Scholarship Strategy” webinar will address tips and techniques for applying for scholarships. The
Keys to a successful scholarship strategy topic of upcoming webinar Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander While students and schools are currently focused on the 2026-27 FAFSA, the Department of Education is looking ahead to next year’s FAFSA to prepare for its launch on October 1, 2026. In a February 13 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the availability of the 2027-28 FAFSA materials for public comment. The
Draft 2027-28 FAFSA application materials available for comment Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students often have lots of questions about “what happens next” with the financial aid process. The general answer to all the questions is students who have submitted a FAFSA have now taken their first step to determine eligibility for financial aid. There are many specific things that happen now that a FAFSA has
What happens after you submit the FAFSA? Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Secretary of Education is seeking comments on proposed federal student loan regulatory changes, which stem from legislative action last summer. In a Federal Register Notice published on January 30, 2026, the Secretary proposes to amend some of the regulations governing the Federal student loan programs in order to implement changes that were
Comments sought on proposed changes to federal student loan program regulations Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander If your school is open on Monday, February 16, don’t forget that federal offices will be closed to observe Washington’s Birthday. The Department of Education recently announced the processing schedule and customer service hours for the various Federal Student Aid centers. The FAFSA Processing System (FPS) will accept data on February 16 but
Federal holiday processing and hours for February 16, 2026 Read More »
