By Marlene Seeklander The Federal School Code List – a key component of the FAFSA – has been updated by the Department of Education for 2026-27. The Department announced the availability of the 2026–27 Federal School Code (FSC) List of Participating Schools. Students enter these codes on the FAFSA in order for the postsecondary schools to […]
2026-27 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander What exactly is the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated by the FAFSA? While the SAI isn’t a new concept – it replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA – it may cause some confusion for students and families. The SAI, based on a range from –1500 to 999999, is
Student Aid Index – A deeper dive Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Creating a StudentAid.gov account or FSA ID shouldn’t be an obstacle for students and contributors when completing the FAFSA. The FSA ID is a “key first step” to completing the FAFSA, and Federal Student Aid (FSA) has made updates over the past few years to make the process easier. Aaron Lemon-Strauss, Executive Director
Upcoming changes to the FSA ID account process Read More »
By Catherine Mueller Despite the government shutdown, students and parents can complete the FAFSA and financial aid will be processed on the regular schedule according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Department announced on October 1 that despite the lapse in appropriations to fund the federal government, there will be minimal impact on students, borrowers,
Students and parents can complete FAFSA during federal shutdown Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Students have been able to complete the 2026-27 FAFSA since September 24, 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 and
Five tips to complete this important FAFSA first step Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander Those financial aid professionals who opt to use the Department of Education’s College Financial Plan template now have a new version for the 2026-27 award year. The Department of Education announced the release of the 2026-27 College Financing Plan (CFP), a consumer tool that colleges can use to notify students about their financial
Department of Education releases 2026-27 College Financing Plan Read More »
By Marlene Seeklander The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available for all students to complete. The availability of the FAFSA – a week ahead of the official release date of October 1 – is what the Department of Education (ED) said is the earliest launch of the FAFSA in the program’s
Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history Read More »
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. Here are some reasons why you should complete the 2026-27 FAFSA now that it
Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA Read More »
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
IRS Tax Return Transcript Matrix for 2025-26 Verification now available Read More »
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
2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available Read More »
