Financial aid professionals will soon see updates to the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs, also known as the E-App.
In a November 26 Electronic Announcement, the Department of Education outlined the updates that will be implemented on December 7, 2025 and are designed to improve the user experience and correct some existing issues. The changes will apply to any E-App submitted on or after December 7 and include:
- New Self-Certifications – While institutions are expected to attest to the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted on the E-App, changes will minimize the additional documentation required and enhance the efficiency of the application review process.
The new self-certifications in the E-App are as follows:
- Policy & Procedures: Schools will no longer be required to submit Policy & Procedures during the recertification process and will instead self-certify to the accuracy of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Return of Title IV Funds Policy, Refund Policy, and Admission Policy.
- Debarment List: On some application types, partners will self-certify that individuals on the Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR) are not listed on the U.S. Government’s Debarment list, located at SAM.gov.
- Gainful Employment (GE): Partners will self-certify that each GE program meets the requirements of 34 C.F.R § 668.604(d).
- Prison Education Program (PEP): Partners will self-certify that information about each PEP is true and correct, and that the institution will remain in compliance with PEP requirements.
It was noted in the Electronic Announcement that self-certification does not limit the Department’s right to later determine that the information was incorrect and to require additional steps through an audit, program review, or in any other manner.
- Personal Information No Longer Required for All Officials – The E-App will no longer require personal information from all officials. Instead, only the institution’s president and one additional official will provide personal information, as a precaution in the event of a natural disaster, major security breach, or school closure.
- General Improvements – The Department is improving text and the user experience throughout the E-App.
Future enhancements to the FSA Partner Connect will be provided in upcoming communications, which will be posted to the Knowledge Center.
To help partners understand the changes, training and updated job aids will be posted in early December on the FSA Training Center.
Questions can be directed to the SA Partner and School Relations Center at 1-800-848-0978 or by completing the Customer Support form in the FSA Partner Connect Help Center.
