By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid offices that haven’t closed out their 2023-24 Direct Loan Program Year will want to make note of an important date. The Department of Education announced that all school data must be received and accepted by the July 31, 2025 closeout deadline in order to be included in the final Ending Cash […]
2023-24 Direct Loan Closeout Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The Department of Education recently made an update to a key resource for schools. On February 26, the Department posted an update to the 2025–2026 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference by adding Volumes 3 (Combination System Supplement) and 5 (School Testing Guide). Volumes 1, 2, 6, and 7 remain unchanged. Questions
Additional volumes added to the 2025-2026 COD Technical Reference Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander College financial aid staff have the opportunity to increase their professional knowledge by attending two Department of Education webinars this spring. The Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) updated an earlier announcement to remind schools of two upcoming trainings offered as a part of their Wednesday Webinar series: No registration is required
More upcoming FSA Wednesday Webinars announced Read More »
By Catherine Mueller An online video can sometimes be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re working late at night and can’t figure out the instructions on some project. Do an online search and, more than likely, you’ll find a video that solves your problem. Fortunately, for many students and parents, who often complete the FAFSA late at night
This season’s lineup on the Mapping Your Future YouTube channel Read More »
Tip of the Week This season’s lineup on the Mapping Your Future YouTube channel An online video can sometimes be a lifesaver. Maybe you’re working late at night and can’t figure out the instructions on some project. Do an online search and, more than likely, you’ll find a video that solves your problem. Fortunately, for
Tip of the Week – February 26, 2025 Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander It’s always better to be safe than sorry. That can be true in many aspects of life, but especially when it comes to protecting personal data such as your name, date of birth, Social Security number, bank, and credit card information. Some tips to keep in mind: Taking these simple precautions will keep
Protecting your identity is key 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 »
By Catherine Mueller It’s always nice to have options. But sometimes too many options can be overwhelming – especially when you’re making an important life decision such as where to go to college. If you are considering 2, 5, or even 10 colleges and having a hard time deciding, maybe it’s time to change your thinking. Changing
A key strategy for choosing the right college for you Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander For some students, one of the most challenging parts of the FAFSA is knowing which parent to invite to the FAFSA. The Department of Education has the parent wizard tool available outside of the FAFSA form, making it easier for students, families, and others to make this determination ahead of time. In addition, Mapping Your
Determining the parent for the 2025-26 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander If you plan to take the ACT test this spring, it’s time to get prepared. The regular registration deadline for the April 5 test date is February 28. After that date, late fees apply but you can still register until March 16. For students who plan to take the test on April 5,
Important deadlines coming up for April 5 ACT test date Read More »
