By Marlene Seeklander For some students, one of the most challenging parts of the FAFSA is knowing which parent to invite as a contributor. The Department of Education provides a 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 2027-28 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The 2027-28 FAFSA now makes things a little easier for those who file an income tax return with both the IRS and a U.S. territory. In an October 28 update to a previous Electronic Announcement, Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that it implemented a solution allowing dual tax filers to indicate they have
Solution implemented for dual tax filers when completing the 2027-28 FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander A key component of the FAFSA – the Federal School Code List – has been updated by the Department of Education for 2027-28. The Department announced the availability of the initial 2027–28 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for the postsecondary schools
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By Marlene Seeklander Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent a student from finishing a degree and pursuing their dreams. Students attending a U.S. college who are experiencing financial barriers may want to review these funding opportunities through Last Mile Education Fund.
Last Mile Education Fund supports students facing financial barriers Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can now plan for the upcoming FAFSA verification season with the latest guidance from the Department of Education. An October 23 Federal Register Notice announced that the Secretary of Education has published a notice regarding the FAFSA information that an institution and an applicant may be required to verify, as
2027-2028 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Some students are being asked to show their government-issued identification when completing the 2027-28 FAFSA. The request is a part of the Department of Education’s real-time fraud detection system, which is estimated to impact less than 4 percent of FAFSA filers. Before processing the FAFSA, the fraud detection system, implemented in April 2026,
Government-issued identification may now be needed when completing the FAFSA Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students have been able to complete the 2027-28 FAFSA since September 23, 2026, in advance of the official October 1 release date. Prior to completing the FAFSA, students and parents can go ahead and set up their account at StudentAid.gov, also known as creating an FSA ID. An FSA ID is the username
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By Catherine Mueller Scholarships are the best kind of financial aid, but students should be careful to avoid scams. Because so many students are looking for scholarships, there are, unfortunately, a lot of bad actors that want to take advantage of these students. Therefore, it’s important to be careful and make sure the scholarship offer is
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By Marlene Seeklander It’s never too early to begin your search for college scholarships. All high students – not just seniors – should pursue scholarships. In fact, some scholarships are aimed at students as young as those in elementary or middle school. And, even if you can’t apply for some scholarships until you are senior, here
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By Marlene Seeklander Students, families, and taxpayers now have easier access to information about college costs thanks to a new report released this week by the Department of Education. In an October 14 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education (the Department) announced the release of the 2025 College Affordability and Transparency Report (CATR), which is based
