Paying for College

FAFSA handwritten in a note. Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Students completing the FAFSA to be notified about colleges with lower earnings

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By Marlene Seeklander Students completing the FAFSA now have additional information when deciding which college they may want to attend. In a December 8 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced the implementation of a new lower earnings indicator as part of the FAFSA. This indicator—effective December 7, 2025, and only applicable to first-year undergraduate students—provides

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Computer keyboard with FAFSA button

FAFSA field adjustment resolves issue of reporting an address within the U.S. territories

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By Marlene Seeklander FAFSA users who previously encountered an issue when attempting to report their address within the U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, should no longer encounter an issue. In a December 4 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that on December 7 an update to adjust some users’ state and country  code information was

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Woman Writing on a Notebook Beside Teacup and Tablet Computer

2026-2027 FAFSA information to be verified and acceptable documentation

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By Marlene Seeklander Financial aid professionals can now plan for the upcoming FAFSA verification season with the latest guidance from the Department of Education. In a November 26 Dear Colleague Letter, the Department of Education details the changes in verification for 2026-27 and provides suggested text for schools to use in requesting additional documentation from students.

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Turquoise blue piggy bank with stacks of quarters next to it.

Paying for college with scholarships

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By Marlene Seeklander Students who apply for scholarships know it’s the smart way to pay for a college education. Scholarships are sometimes referred to as “free money” since it usually doesn’t have to be repaid. Scholarships are also a recognition of a student’s accomplishments – recognition that can sometimes lead to other opportunities or be included

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Female sitting at desk working on laptop computer.

Department provides new student data test files with Budget Reconciliation changes

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By Marlene Seeklander Colleges and state agencies which receive student FAFSA data can now better prepare for the 2026-27 academic year with some updated test records.                                     In a recent update to an earlier Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education announced that it has published an additional set of system-generated 2026-27 ISIRs. These ISIRs include updates to

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A young man and an older man looking at paperwork

Making the commitment to meet scholarship requirements

College preparation, Paying for College / By

By Marlene Seeklander Not all scholarships are considered “free money.” When you are awarded a scholarship, make sure you understand any terms and conditions. For example, some scholarships may require you to maintain a certain number of credits each semester and/or a minimum GPA, while some may have a “work commitment” as part of the requirements.

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

The importance of a FAFSA Submission Summary

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By Catherine Mueller The FAFSA Submission Summary may be the unsung hero of the financial aid process. The FAFSA Submission Summary doesn’t get as much attention as the FAFSA application or as the financial aid offer, but it’s an important part of the process and may help a student find a college that’s a good financial

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Piggy bank with graduation cap on money

Scholarship opportunities to help students pay for college

Newsroom, College preparation, Paying for College / By

By Marlene Seeklander Most students know that applying for scholarships takes a lot of work. Successful students know the time spent on scholarships is worth it because of the funds and recognition received. Scholarship America recently published a list of a few scholarships students may want to consider seeking, including: SMART Scholarship Program – This SMART

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View between two columns with a tree and a watch tower in the background at Iowa State University

2026-27 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools

Newsroom, Department of Education, FAFSA resources / By

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

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