Financial aid professionals have a new tool available to help them comply with the earnings accountability reporting requirement.
Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) reference tool – NSLDS Earnings Accountability User Guide is now available and provides instructions and guidance for schools in order to comply with the earnings accountability reporting requirements.
The Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and earnings accountability final regulations were published on July 1, 2026, and require higher education institutions to annually report certain information to FSA, review reports generated by FSA using existing NSLDS enrollment data and make necessary revisions. FSA will use the data to provide valuable transparency information to students, stakeholders, and the public as required under the regulations.
The user guide will be published by individual chapters, starting with Chapter 1 – Completers List. Additional chapters will be added that cover reporting methods (batch, web, spreadsheet submittal), reporting content, the STATS calculations, and other relevant topics.
Financial aid professionals are encouraged to monitor the Student Tuition and Transparency System Information page on the Knowledge Center for the most current guidance, information, and training related to the STATS and earnings accountability.
Questions about the user guide should be directed to the NSLDS Customer Support Center at 1-800-999-8219 or by email at nslds@ed.gov. General questions about the STATS and earnings accountability regulations or processes, should be sent to ReportingSTATS@ed.gov.
