FAFSA resources

IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix for 2025-26 Verification now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Although the 2025-26 FAFSA processing cycle has been underway for months, the Department of Education has just released the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix. The August 14 Electronic Announcement includes the 2023 IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix in Excel format. The matrix is designed to assist financial aid administrators in mapping the […]

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2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid and college access professionals can now access information and screenshots for the 2026-27 FAFSA to use for planning purposes, communicating changes, and training. An August 14 Electronic Announcement from Federal Student Aid (FSA) includes a presentation and PDF file with information and screenshots of the 2026–27 online FAFSA form. The screenshots can be

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Preparing for the 2026-27 FAFSA

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By Marlene Seeklander There’s nothing like being prepared to make something a little easier and less stressful, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With the launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA by October 1, 2025, students and families can start doing some prep work in advance. Federal Student Aid encourages students and families

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Updated 2025–26 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools

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By Marlene Seeklander A key component of the FASFA – The Federal School Code List – has been updated by Federal Student Aid (FSA). A recent Electronic Announcement provided information on the most recent 2025–26 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools.  Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for colleges to receive their FAFSA

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August tasks for high school seniors

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By Marlene Seeklander Starting your senior year is an exciting time. During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice. This year will be filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and the need to meet deadlines. Throughout your senior year, continue to build your resume by achieving academic success, as well as

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Financial Aid Offers – A closer look

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By Marlene Seeklander A financial aid offer is often a key component of the college decision making process. Financial aid offers are not always alike and comparing offers can be challenging. To effectively review offers, here are some key points: While financial aid offers may differ in appearance from college to college, this sample College Financing

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2023-24 Direct Loan closeout deadline nears; Department provides additional information

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By Marlene Seeklander With the end of July deadline looming, the Department of Education is providing additional guidance to those schools that have not yet closed out their 2023-24 Direct Loan program year. In a recent Electronic Announcement, the Department provided additional information to supplement guidance provided in two earlier Electronic Announcements on February 20 and

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Blue clipboard with white paper next to computer keyboard that says FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Additional updates to 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide

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By Marlene Seeklander In preparation for the upcoming FAFSA cycle, financial aid professionals will want to review the most recent additions to the 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The Department of Education recently announced the addition of several volumes to the 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide. These volumes include: Along with the new volumes that have been added, updates have also

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July tasks for high school seniors

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By Marlene Seeklander During your senior year, you finalized your college choice. This year was filled with admission applications, scholarship essays, financial aid information, and deadlines. Below are the tasks you should complete during the month of July: Congratulations! It’s time to get ready to start college.

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Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA

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By Catherine Mueller Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can make the difference when it comes to pursuing your dreams for the future. For many students, who couldn’t otherwise afford the cost of an education, the FAFSA makes it possible. If you haven’t completed the 2025-26 FAFSA, here’s some reasons why you should:

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