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 […]
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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
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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
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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
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 »
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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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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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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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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