2025-26 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide now available

With the 2024-25 FAFSA work still underway, an important guide for 2025-26 is now available for financial aid professionals.

School participation information posted by Federal Student Aid (FSA)

To improve transparency, institutional accountability, and general deterrence, the Department of Education will be posting the status, including any enforcement actions, of colleges participating in federal financial aid programs.

Draft Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment Completers List sent to schools

Financial aid professionals have another deadline to add to an already busy fall calendar and issues that would have impeded meeting the deadline have been resolved.

Temporary change to DHS/SAVE process allows schools to complete third-step verification

 Although it’s only temporary for now, financial aid professionals are getting an elevated permission status with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

2024 Virtual FSA Training Conference program information

Participants can now start reviewing the FSA Training Conference session information and descriptions before registration opens in October. 

Identity validation flexibilities for those without a social security number

A flexibility that allowed students and their family members without a Social Security number to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA will be extended to the 2025-26 FAFSA. 

Labor Day holiday closings for federal offices

The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed for the Labor Day federal holiday on Monday, September 2. 

Updated timeline for 2024-25 FAFSA paper processing

The long-awaited processing of 2024-25 paper FAFSAs is now underway but won’t be complete until after the fall semester begins for many institutions.

Online training available for completing the 2025-26 FISAP

Accurately completing the FISAP is important and those responsible for it can complete an online, self-paced training course.

Batch corrections not available for 2024-25, additional support, and flexibilities

Many schools may now need to dedicate staff to performing individual corrections to FAFSA information. 

Updated scholarship tracking sheet now available

Applying for scholarships and keeping track of that information doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

FAFSA Partner Portal corrections training resource

This past academic year has been one of change for the Department of Education and, as a result, for financial aid professionals. 

Your suggestions are needed

You probably have a lot to share when it comes to giving recommendations about the 2024-25 FAFSA.

Just what you need in case of emergency

When we’re under stress or facing an urgent situation, relief can sometimes come in the most unlikely of places or ways.