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# Mapping Your Future

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://mappingyourfuture.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [A routine matter of great importance](https://mappingyourfuture.org/a-routine-matter-of-great-importance/): Getting up every morning, making the coffee, letting the dogs out, driving to the office, and all the other daily things we do in our personal and work lives are a matter of habit.
- [Early registration deadline approaching for December ACT test](https://mappingyourfuture.org/early-registration-deadline-approaching-for-december-act-test/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [New release of EDExpress software for financial aid offices resolves reported problems; includes enhancements](https://mappingyourfuture.org/new-release-of-edexpress-software-for-financial-aid-offices-resolves-reported-problems-includes-enhancements/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – October 21, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-october-21-2026/): Happenstance. It’s how many of us ended up working in financial aid.
- [Department answers Workforce Pell questions in new FAQ document](https://mappingyourfuture.org/department-answers-workforce-pell-questions-in-new-faq-document/): By Catherine Mueller
- [Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – October 15, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/mapping-your-future-higher-ed-news-october-15-2026/): Vol. 18 - Issue 21
- [Federal report provides insight on 2025 college costs; recent tuition rate hikes and trends](https://mappingyourfuture.org/federal-report-provides-insight-on-2025-college-costs-recent-tuition-rate-hikes-and-trends/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Schools behind on financial value reporting encouraged to attend upcoming training](https://mappingyourfuture.org/schools-behind-on-financial-value-reporting-encouraged-to-attend-upcoming-training/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Changes to Campus Security Requirements through the Stop Campus Hazing Act](https://mappingyourfuture.org/changes-to-campus-security-requirements-through-the-stop-campus-hazing-act/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Borrower Defense to Repayment system functionality restored](https://mappingyourfuture.org/borrower-defense-to-repayment-system-functionality-restored/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – October 14, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-october-14-2026/): As years go by, a lot changes with time.
- [2027-28 FAFSA resources now available](https://mappingyourfuture.org/2027-28-fafsa-resources-now-available/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Borrower Defense to Repayment functionality temporarily unavailable](https://mappingyourfuture.org/borrower-defense-to-repayment-functionality-temporarily-unavailable/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Columbus Day holiday closings for October 12](https://mappingyourfuture.org/columbus-day-holiday-closings-for-october-12/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Access to FSA data systems contingent on confirmation of users](https://mappingyourfuture.org/access-to-fsa-data-systems-contingent-on-confirmation-of-users/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [FY 2023 national default rate briefing released](https://mappingyourfuture.org/fy-2023-national-default-rate-briefing-released/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Release of FY 2023 official cohort default rates](https://mappingyourfuture.org/release-of-fy-2023-official-cohort-default-rates/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – October 7, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-october-7-2026/): It’s not just a financial aid office issue.
- [2027-28 FAFSA Preview Presentation updated by Federal Student Aid](https://mappingyourfuture.org/2027-28-fafsa-preview-presentation-updated-by-federal-student-aid/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – October 1, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/mapping-your-future-higher-ed-news-october-1-2026/): Vol. 18 - Issue 20
- [Early Awareness E-News – October 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/early-awareness-e-news-october-2026/): October 2026Vol. 18 - Issue 10
- [Defaulted Loans Support Center launched to assist borrowers with defaulted federal student loans](https://mappingyourfuture.org/defaulted-loans-support-center-launched-to-assist-borrowers-with-defaulted-federal-student-loans/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [The difference between sticker price and what you will pay for college](https://mappingyourfuture.org/the-difference-between-sticker-price-and-what-you-will-pay-for-college/): By Catherine Mueller
- [October checklist for seniors](https://mappingyourfuture.org/october-checklist-for-seniors/): By Catherine Mueller
- [Tip of the Week – September 30, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-september-30-2026/): Student loan borrowers have an additional three months to enroll in auto pay and receive a one percent interest rate reduction benefit.
- [Department of Education provides guidance to educational institutions on swatting events](https://mappingyourfuture.org/department-of-education-provides-guidance-to-educational-institutions-on-swatting-events/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [EDExpress for Windows 2027-28, Release 1.0 now available](https://mappingyourfuture.org/edexpress-for-windows-2027-28-release-1-0-now-available/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Federal Student Aid Training Conference to be held December 14-16, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/federal-student-aid-training-conference-to-be-held-december-14-16-2026/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Planning how to pay for college – topic of podcast program featuring Mapping Your Future](https://mappingyourfuture.org/planning-how-to-pay-for-college-topic-of-podcast-program-featuring-mapping-your-future/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [2027-28 FAFSA now available for all students and contributors](https://mappingyourfuture.org/2027-28-fafsa-now-available-for-all-students-and-contributors/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [ACT Regional Events offer educational and networking opportunities](https://mappingyourfuture.org/act-regional-events-offer-educational-and-networking-opportunities/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Updated reports posted by Federal Student Aid to FSA Data Center](https://mappingyourfuture.org/updated-reports-posted-by-federal-student-aid-to-fsa-data-center/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Transition to new Perkins Loan servicer to impact schools and borrowers](https://mappingyourfuture.org/transition-to-new-perkins-loan-servicer-to-impact-schools-and-borrowers/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Guidance issued for Prison Education Programs (PEP) – Reporting and Approval Documentation](https://mappingyourfuture.org/guidance-issued-for-prison-education-programs-pep-reporting-and-approval-documentation/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [FAFSA Specifications Guides updated](https://mappingyourfuture.org/fafsa-specifications-guides-updated/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – September 23, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-september-23-2026/): Although the FAFSA application is much simpler to complete, financial aid remains a complex topic for students and parents.
- [Mapping Your Future offers FAFSA Presentation video](https://mappingyourfuture.org/mapping-your-future-offers-fafsa-presentation-video/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [EDExpress changes addressed in latest FSA training offering](https://mappingyourfuture.org/edexpress-changes-addressed-in-latest-fsa-training-offering/): By Catherine Mueller
- [Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – September 17, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/mapping-your-future-higher-ed-news-september-17-2026/): Vol. 18 - Issue 19
- [Workforce Pell online self-paced training course now available](https://mappingyourfuture.org/workforce-pell-online-self-paced-training-course-now-available/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Reminder: FISAP deadline October 1, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/reminder-fisap-deadline-october-1-2026/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [FSA Training Center has new and improved course offerings](https://mappingyourfuture.org/fsa-training-center-has-new-and-improved-course-offerings/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Department of Education releases 2027-28 College Financing Plan](https://mappingyourfuture.org/department-of-education-releases-2027-28-college-financing-plan/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Department of Education announces new Borrower Defense portal](https://mappingyourfuture.org/department-of-education-announces-new-borrower-defense-portal/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – September 16, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-september-16-2026/): Depending on where you live, it may feel more like fall than it had been even a week or two ago.
- [2027-28 FAFSA Preview Presentation now available](https://mappingyourfuture.org/2027-28-fafsa-preview-presentation-now-available/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [2027-28 FAFSA prototype now available](https://mappingyourfuture.org/2027-28-fafsa-prototype-now-available/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Tip of the Week – September 9, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/tip-of-the-week-september-9-2026/): Do you remember where you were or what you were doing on September 11, 2001?
- [Department updates 2026-27 Federal Student Aid Handbook with latest school eligibility and operations requirements](https://mappingyourfuture.org/department-updates-2026-27-federal-student-aid-handbook-with-latest-school-eligibility-and-operations-requirements/): By Marlene Seeklander
- [Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News – September 3, 2026](https://mappingyourfuture.org/mapping-your-future-higher-ed-news-september-3-2026/): Vol. 18 - Issue 18
- [Federal Student Aid offers webinars aimed at reducing student loan defaults](https://mappingyourfuture.org/federal-student-aid-offers-webinars-aimed-at-reducing-student-loan-defaults/): By Marlene Seeklander

## Pages
- [Accessibility Statement](https://mappingyourfuture.org/accessibility-statement/): Last Updated: June 2024
- [Privacy Policy](https://mappingyourfuture.org/privacy-policy/): Last Updated: June 2024
- [Public Service Loan Forgiveness-The numbers](https://mappingyourfuture.org/public-service-loan-forgiveness-the-numbers/): The Institute of Student Loan Advisors-PSLF Peace of Mind
- [Public Service Loan Forgiveness-Eligibility Background](https://mappingyourfuture.org/public-service-loan-forgiveness-eligibility-2/): The Institute of Student Loan Advisors-PSLF Peace of Mind
- [Public Service Loan Forgiveness-Eligibility](https://mappingyourfuture.org/public-service-loan-forgiveness-eligibility/): The Institute of Student Loan Advisors-PSLF Peace of Mind
- [Public Service Loan Forgiveness index page](https://mappingyourfuture.org/public-service-loan-forgiveness-index-page/): The Institute of Student Loan Advisors-PSLF Peace of Mind
- [Research Careers](https://mappingyourfuture.org/research-careers/): Research Careers
- [Guide to Life after High School: Senior Year](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/guide-to-life-after-high-school/guide-to-life-after-high-school-senior-year/): Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be when they are adults — and how they can get there. Others aren't sure of their plans, and that's okay too.
- [Guide to Life after High School: Junior Year](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/guide-to-life-after-high-school/guide-to-life-after-high-school-junior-year/): Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be when they are adults — and how they can get there. Others aren't sure of their plans, and that's okay too.
- [Guide to Life after High School: Sophomore Year](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/guide-to-life-after-high-school/guide-to-life-after-high-school-sophomore-year/): Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be when they are adults — and how they can get there. Others aren't sure of their plans, and that's okay too.
- [Guide to Life after High School: Freshman Year](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/guide-to-life-after-high-school/guide-to-life-after-high-school-freshman-year/): Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be when they are adults — and how they can get there. Others aren't sure of their plans, and that's okay too.
- [Review your Loan Options While Continuing Your Education](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/review-your-loan-options-while-continuing-your-education/): If you borrowed federal student loans in the past and now are returning to school, you have a few options:
- [Questions About Financial Aid for Graduate Studies](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-for-graduate-studies-faq/): Below are some frequently asked questions from graduate students. Visit our financial aid for graduate studies page for more information.
- [Options for Defaulted Federal Student Loans](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/options-for-defaulted-federal-student-loans/): If you got behind on your student loan payments and are now in default, don't give up hope; you CAN get back on track!
- [Deferments For Perkins Loans Disbursed On or After July 1, 1993](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/deferments/deferments-for-perkins-loans-disbursed-on-or-after-july-1-1993/): For Perkins Loans disbursed beginning July 1, 1993
- [Loan Rehabilitation](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/loan-rehabilitation/): Student loan rehabilitation allows you to remove your loan from a default status.  Here’s what you need to do:
- [Reinstate Your Eligibility for Federal Student Aid](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/reinstate-your-eligibility-for-federal-student-aid/): You cannot receive additional financial aid if you have an outstanding, unresolved default on any federal student loan. Fortunately, you have options to help you quality for additional financial aid now:
- [Alternatives to Direct PLUS Loans for Parents](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-plus-loans-for-parents/alternatives-to-direct-plus-loans-for-parents/): As a parent, you may wonder if borrowing for your student's education is best done through Direct PLUS Loans, or if you should pursue other avenues. The following are just some of the differences you'll find between private industry loans and Direct PLUS Loans.
- [Military Educational Benefits](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/military-educational-benefits/): The military develops skills such as leadership, perseverance, and discipline. In addition, service members might be eligible for education benefits and training that could transfer to the civilian world:
- [Subscribe to Our Newsletters](https://mappingyourfuture.org/newsroom/subscribe/): If you are going to sign up for another newsletter, you want to make sure it is something you can use. Mapping Your Future's newsletters offer timely tips and important industry information.
- [Take the Standardized Tests](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/standardized-tests/): There are four primary standardized tests. You probably have to take at least one if you are considering going to college. If you are already in college and are preparing to go on to graduate, business, law, or medical school, there are additional exams you may have to take.
- [Visit Other College Admissions Resources](https://mappingyourfuture.org/prepare-for-college/admissions-resources/): Mapping Your Future offers a list of other websites as a resource and a convenience to you. Mapping Your Future does not endorse these sites and is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these sites. We review our site content regularly to ensure links are working and go to the sites described; however, links might break or be re-directed to another site in between reviews.
- [Prepaid Tuition Programs and College Savings Plans](https://mappingyourfuture.org/manage-your-money/prepaid-tuition-programs-and-college-savings-plans/): Mapping Your Future offers a list of other websites as a resource and a convenience to you. Mapping Your Future does not endorse these sites and is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these sites. We review our site content regularly to ensure links are working and go to the sites described; however, links might break or be re-directed to another site in between reviews.
- [Media Kit](https://mappingyourfuture.org/media-kit/): Mapping Your Future is a national collaborative, public-service, nonprofit organization providing career, college, financial aid, and financial literacy services for students, families, and schools.
- [Prevent Defaults and Encourage Debt Management on Campus](https://mappingyourfuture.org/education-and-training/financial-aid-professionals/prevent-defaults-and-encourage-debt-management-on-campus/): Financial aid professionals are in an ideal position to help at-risk borrowers understand the importance of repaying student loan and consumer debt. You can increase student retention and reduce student loan delinquency and default through a variety of techniques.
- [Solutions for Direct PLUS Loans Repayment Problems](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/direct-plus-loans-repayment-solutions/): If you experience financial difficulty, your loan holder offers options that may temporarily reduce or suspend your monthly payments. Don’t wait! Contact your loan holder immediately to check on a possible deferment or forbearance. However, continue making your payments until you receive written notification that deferment or forbearance is granted.
- [Repay Your Direct PLUS Loans for Parents](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-plus-loans-for-parents-repayment/): You would normally be required to start repaying your loan effective the date the loan is fully disbursed, with the first payment due no more than 60 days later. However, for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, you can request to defer repayment during the time you or your child are enrolled at least half time and up to six months after you or your child graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment. Interest continues to accrue on the loan even during a deferment.
- [Newsletters](https://mappingyourfuture.org/newsroom/newsletters/): Newsletters
- [Browse](https://mappingyourfuture.org/newsroom/browse/): Browse
- [Popular](https://mappingyourfuture.org/newsroom/popular/): Popular
- [Latest](https://mappingyourfuture.org/newsroom/latest/): Latest
- [Repay Your Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Students](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/repay-your-direct-plus-loans-for-graduate-and-professional-students/): Repayment begins the date the loan is fully disbursed, with your first payment due no more than 60 days later.
- [Direct Loan Borrowing Limits](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-loan-borrowing-limits/): First year total $5,500 (maximum $3,500 subsidized)Second year total $6,500 (maximum $4,500 subsidized)Third year and beyond total (each year) $7,500 (maximum $5,500 subsidized)
- [Organization and Staff](https://mappingyourfuture.org/about/organization-and-staff/): Mapping Your Future is 501(c)3 organization and has a national Board of Directors and Advisory Committee. Both the Board and Advisory Committee oversee the operations of Mapping Your Future.
- [Deferments For Perkins Loans Disbursed Prior to July 1, 1993](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/deferments/deferments-for-perkins-loans-disbursed-prior-to-july-1-1993/): For Perkins Loans disbursed prior to July 1, 1993
- [Delinquency and Default for Direct PLUS Loans for Parents](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-plus-loans-for-parents/delinquency-and-default-for-direct-plus-loans-for-parents/): Notify your loan holder immediately if you anticipate difficulty making a payment!
- [Understand Direct PLUS Loans For Parents](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-plus-loans-for-parents/understand-direct-plus-loans-for-parents/): You must repay Direct PLUS Loans, even if the student:
- [Deferments Disbursed from July 1, 1987 through June 30, 1993](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/deferments/deferments-disbursed-from-july-1-1987-through-june-30-1993/): Loans disbursed from July 1, 1987 through June 30, 1993
- [Applying for a Direct PLUS Loans for Parents](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-plus-loans-for-parents/applying-for-a-direct-plus-loans-for-parents/): Applying for financial aid is an important step your child should take toward funding his or her education.
- [Career Plan Sample](https://mappingyourfuture.org/plan-your-career/develop-a-career-plan/career-plan-sample/): To become a Physical Therapy Assistant (assist physical therapists in providing treatments and procedures)
- [Financial Aid for Graduate Studies](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-for-graduate-studies/): Although graduate and professional students are not eligible for some forms of financial assistance that are available to undergraduate students, you still have several options to help finance your graduate studies.
- [Deferments Disbursed Prior to July 1, 1987](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/deferments/deferments-loans-disbursed-prior-to-july-1-1987/): Loans disbursed prior to July 1, 1987
- [Steps for Managing Your Student Loan Debt](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/steps-for-managing-your-student-loan-debt/): Steps for Managing Your Student Loan Debt Consider student loans only after you have researched all the sources of free financial aid (including scholarships, grants and work-study). Consider all the loan programs available, and compare all your options before making a final decision. Only consider alternative/private loans as a last resort. Plan an in-school and after-school budget before you take out your first student loan. Determine how much you can afford to borrow and how much you can realistically repay. Estimate your student loan payment so you will know how much you will be expected to repay each month. Establish a good credit history by repaying your student loan on time. Contact your loan holder about any changes in your status or anything that may affect your ability to pay your loan. These changes may include transferring to another school, changing your name or address, leaving school, or graduating. Consider deferments or forbearance if you need to adjust or suspend your payments temporarily. You also might be eligible to change repayment plans. Look into a Direct Consolidation Loan if you want to consolidate several loans or types of loans into one loan. If you have an issue you've been unable to resolve with your school, loan holder, or guarantor, contact your student loan ombudsman.
- [Alternative/Private Student Loans](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/alternative-private-student-loans/): Because alternative loans are funded and administered by private lenders, each has its own unique terms and conditions. The following information will provide some general guidance, but you must obtain details about specific loans from the lender.
- [Communication Services](https://mappingyourfuture.org/communication-services/): Communication Services Financial Aid Professionals
- [Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Repayment Programs](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/tuition-reimbursement-and-loan-repayment-programs/): Tuition assistance benefits are available through many employers. If you qualify for your company's tuition assistance benefits, you could strengthen your job security. Be sure to contact the Human Resource Department to apply for these benefits.
- [Understand Loan Cancellation, Forgiveness, and Discharge](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/loan-cancellation-forgiveness-discharge/): Under certain circumstances, your student loan, or a portion of your loan, may be cancelled, forgiven, or discharged (in other words, you won't have to repay it). If, based on the chart below and its linked definitions, you think you are eligible for loan cancellation, contact your loan holder/servicer.
- [Solutions for Student Loan Repayment Problems](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/student-loan-repayment-solutions/): Having problems repaying your student loans? Don't panic – you have OPTIONS!
- [Learn More About Direct Loan Servicers](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/direct-loan-servicers/): As a Direct Loan or Direct PLUS Loan borrower, you know that one key to successful management of your loans is to understand your obligations and how to manage those loans. That includes knowing what changes are occurring that could impact your student loan repayment. Right now, some borrowers are experiencing changes in the servicer for their loans and possibly how those loans are being processed.
- [Repay Your Direct Loan](https://mappingyourfuture.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid/student-loans/direct-loan-repayment/): Here are a few details about repaying Direct Loans and Federal Stafford Loans: