FAFSA resources

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) text on graduation cap and money.

Department of Education releases 2026-27 College Financing Plan

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources, Paying for College / By

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 »

FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Concept with keywords, letters and icons. Flat vector illustration. Isolated on white background.

Launch of the 2026-27 FAFSA is the earliest in the program’s history

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources, Paying for College / By

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 »

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

Five reasons you should complete the FAFSA

Newsroom, College preparation, FAFSA resources, Mapping Your Future features, Paying for College / By

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 »

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

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

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 »

Magnifying glass with FAFSA being magnified

2026-27 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

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 »

Wooden cubes with the abbreviation Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA

Preparing for the 2026-27 FAFSA

Newsroom, College preparation, FAFSA resources, Mapping Your Future features, Paying for College / By

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

Preparing for the 2026-27 FAFSA Read More »

Photo of a college campus with building in background.

Updated 2025–26 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

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

Updated 2025–26 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools Read More »

Group of African students in library

August tasks for high school seniors

Newsroom, College preparation, FAFSA resources, Mapping Your Future features, Paying for College / By

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

August tasks for high school seniors Read More »

A young man and an older man looking at paperwork

Financial Aid Offers – A closer look

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

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

Financial Aid Offers – A closer look Read More »

Keyboard with an old-fashioned red alarm clock on it.

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

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources, Latest / By

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

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

Scroll to Top