Paying for College

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Debunking FAFSA myths

By Marlene Seeklander Spreading myths may not seem a serious issue and, yet it can be when it impacts choices that have a life-long impact. Such is the case with the FAFSA. When students choose not to complete a FAFSA because they believe they won’t be eligible or it’s not worth the time, it can impact […]

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Dark blue folder with FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the front.

2025-26 FAFSA spring renewal campaign reminders sent

By Marlene Seeklander Despite the importance of students and parents completing a renewal FAFSA, it’s understandable that because of their busy lives, they still sometimes need a reminder to complete the form. In an April 23 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that between April 14 and 22 they emailed 2024-25 FAFSA filers (and parents

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2024-25 verification reporting reminders and “W” warning message

By Marlene Seeklander Schools may need to update verification records soon or possibly risk having their students considered to be in an over-award situation. A recent Electronic Announcement outlined several verification reminders for schools that should be reviewed to ensure compliance. Beginning April 23, the Department started sending messages to schools with one or more 2024-25

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Financial aid offers – the bottom line

By Marlene Seeklander Choosing a college is an important financial decision. After all, you are making an investment in your future. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review all the financial aid offers you receive from the colleges you’ve listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Bottom line, you want to make sure the

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Mapping Your Future hosts scholarship strategies webinar – recording now available

By Marlene Seeklander Scholarships can sometimes mean the difference between having enough money for a college education or having to borrow student loans.   Knowing the strategies of how to make the most of scholarships can be a key component in finding money for college. The “Strategies for making the most of scholarship applications” webinar, hosted

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Magnifying glass with FAFSA being magnified

Updates to 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA form processing

By Marlene Seeklander Financial Aid Administrators have some new workarounds and functionality to address some of the lingering issues related to 2024-25 and 2025-26 FAFSA form processing. An April 14 Electronic Announcement provided updates and guidance for several items, including: Student Records with a Pseudo-SSN First-time FAFSA filers from the Freely Associated States (the Republic of

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Magnifying glass with FAFSA being magnified

Draft 2026-27 FAFSA application materials available for comment

By Marlene Seeklander While many students and parents are completing the 2025-26 FAFSA, the Department of Education is already looking ahead to next year’s FAFSA. Now is your opportunity to submit comments on or before April 7 to the Department of Education about the proposed draft 2026-27 FAFSA form and FAFSA Submission Summary. In an Electronic

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5 things to look for in a financial aid offer

By Marlene Seeklander After the admissions acceptance letter, the financial aid offer is probably second when it comes to those highly anticipated notices from a college. For some students, getting admitted is just the first hurdle to overcome. Knowing they will get the financial aid they need can be critical to pursuing their education. After all,

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