Paying for College

Photo of the top edge of a federal tax return.

Why your college may ask for a tax transcript and how to get one

Newsroom, FAFSA resources, Latest, Paying for College / By

By Catherine Mueller Just when you think you have completed all the financial aid applications, your college financial aid office notifies you they need an IRS tax transcript. The request is part of the verification process – something that any postsecondary institution offering federal financial aid must do. College and university financial aid offices are […]

Why your college may ask for a tax transcript and how to get one Read More »

Individual adding numbers on calculator.

Things to know when calculating assets for the 2026-27 FAFSA

Newsroom, College preparation, FAFSA resources, Paying for College / By

By Catherine Mueller While several steps have been taken to simplify the FAFSA, students and parents often still have questions about calculating the value of assets. To help students and parents understand and be prepared to answer the asset questions, here are some things to know: To determine the value of an investment, the student or

Things to know when calculating assets for the 2026-27 FAFSA Read More »

FAFSA handwritten in a note. Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Students completing the FAFSA to be notified about colleges with lower earnings

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

By Marlene Seeklander Students completing the FAFSA now have additional information when deciding which college they may want to attend. In a December 8 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the implementation of a new lower earnings indicator as part of the FAFSA. This indicator—effective December 7, 2025, and only applicable to first-year undergraduate students—provides

Students completing the FAFSA to be notified about colleges with lower earnings Read More »

Computer keyboard with FAFSA button

FAFSA field adjustment resolves issue of reporting an address within the U.S. territories

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

By Marlene Seeklander FAFSA users who previously encountered an issue when attempting to report their address within the U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, should no longer encounter an issue. In a December 4 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that on December 7 an update to adjust some users’ state and country  code information was

FAFSA field adjustment resolves issue of reporting an address within the U.S. territories Read More »

Woman Writing on a Notebook Beside Teacup and Tablet Computer

2026-2027 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can now plan for the upcoming FAFSA verification season with the latest guidance from the Department of Education. In a November 26 Dear Colleague Letter, the Department of Education details the changes in verification for 2026-27 and provides suggested text for schools to use in requesting additional documentation from students.

2026-2027 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation Read More »

Turquoise blue piggy bank with stacks of quarters next to it.

Paying for college with scholarships

Newsroom, College preparation, Paying for College / By

By Marlene Seeklander Students who apply for scholarships know it’s the smart way to pay for a college education. Scholarships are sometimes referred to as “free money” since it usually doesn’t have to be repaid. Scholarships are also a recognition of a student’s accomplishments – recognition that can sometimes lead to other opportunities or be included

Paying for college with scholarships Read More »

Female sitting at desk working on laptop computer.

Department provides new student data test files with Budget Reconciliation changes

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

By Marlene Seeklander Colleges and state agencies which receive student FAFSA data can now better prepare for the 2026-27 academic year with some updated test records.                                     In a recent update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that it has published an additional set of system-generated 2026-27 ISIRs. These ISIRs include updates to

Department provides new student data test files with Budget Reconciliation changes Read More »

A young man and an older man looking at paperwork

Making the commitment to meet scholarship requirements

College preparation, Paying for College / By

By Marlene Seeklander Not all scholarships are considered “free money.” When you are awarded a scholarship, make sure you understand any terms and conditions. For example, some scholarships may require you to maintain a certain number of credits each semester and/or a minimum GPA, while some may have a “work commitment” as part of the requirements.

Making the commitment to meet scholarship requirements Read More »

FAFSA spelled out with blocks and stack of books with a piggy bank on top.

The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary

Newsroom, FAFSA resources, Paying for College / By

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

The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary Read More »

Scroll to Top