Certain Budget Reconciliation Bill changes effective upon enactment

Financial aid administrators will want to make note that certain provisions of the Budget Reconciliation Bill were effective upon enactment.

Borrowing Parent Loans – 2026 and beyond

It’s hard to find an equilibrium.

Changes to V4 and V5 verification tracking groups for 2025-26

To cut down on potential fraud and streamline processes, the Department of Education outlined instructions for the V4 and V5 verification groups in the latest Federal Register.

Reallocation of 2024-25 campus-based funds

The clock is ticking for schools to release any 2024-25 campus-based funds which haven’t been used.

FVT/GE Required Reporting for the 2025 Cycle reminder

Schools can now begin reporting Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) data for the just-completed academic year.

Additional updates to 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide

In preparation for the upcoming FAFSA cycle, financial aid professionals will want to review the most recent additions to the 2026-27 FAFSA Specifications Guide.

Test ISIR data file available for 2026-27

Schools and other entities that want to test their processing system for 2026-27 can use a test data file that is available from Federal Student Aid.

2023-24 Direct Loan closeout deadline nears; Department provides additional information

With the end of July deadline looming, the Department of Education is providing additional guidance to those schools that have not yet closed out their 2023-24 Direct Loan program year.

Staff enrollment for access to federal aid functions now through FSA Partner Connect

To add or update staff access to federal student aid systems, schools will now make those changes through FSA Partner Connect.

Reminders for the Fiscal Operations Report for 2024–25 and Application to Participate for 2026–27 (FISAP)

While financial aid professionals are in the midst of processing FAFSAs and making corrections for the upcoming school year, the deadline for another important responsibility is looming.

Learning Tracks from Federal Student Aid

New and experienced financial staff can usually benefit from additional training, especially training that incorporates hands-on activities.

Financial Aid Offers – A closer look

A financial aid offer is often a key component of the college decision making process.

Tips for protecting yourself from email scams

Scammers are out in full force, and we are all targets.