IHEP Institute for Higher Education Policy

JULY 2, 2025

Data from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provide vital insights on key higher education issues that inform evidence-based policymaking across the country. Federal data are especially important in states where higher education offices have limited authority to collect such information directly from institutions.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

DECEMBER 30, 2024

Right before the holidays, the Department released an update on where they are with reprocessing 2024-25 FAFSA records to Address Conflicting Information, Asset Known Issues, and Incorrect Reject Codes.

FAFSA

College Aid Services

JULY 23, 2025

Department of Education has published in the Federal Register the finalized verification requirements for FAFSA applicants in the 2025–2026 academic year (90 FR 34486). The updated notice supersedes the notice published on September 4, 2024 (89 FR 71893).

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

DECEMBER 2, 2024

High school seniors who are ready to unlock financial aid and take the next step toward your education, it’s time to file your FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is one of the most important tasks you’ll need to tackle as you prepare for college. How to do it: Go to fsaid.ed.gov to create your ID.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

DECEMBER 9, 2024

For students preparing to apply for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial part of the process. With recent changes to the FAFSA process, it’s important to stay informed about whats going on. This can help to maximize your eligibility for aid and financial aid funding.

Financial aid

The College Pod

JUNE 1, 2024

The US Department of Education revamped the FAFSA for the 2024-25 academic school year to make this process less painful. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now shorter than its predecessor, is a key part of getting money to help pay for your child's college education. What is FAFSA?

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

DECEMBER 23, 2024

Heres a breakdown of the next steps after you submit your FAFSA. Confirmation of Submission Once you submit your FAFSA, youll receive a confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. This confirmation will include a Student Aid Report (SAR) , which summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

AUGUST 11, 2025

They need to plan ahead financially and begin their FAFSA prep now. Students should file the FAFSA on or soon after October 1st, 2025, which is when the application opens. Waiting until the FAFSA cut off date could cost you. This is why filing early is so crucial! The major item needed is your previous tax records from the IRS.

FAFSA

Student Research Foundation

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Complete the FAFSA, CSS profile, and any scholarship applications. Be sure to complete the FAFSA and the CSS profile accurately and on time. Instead of having to input information separately for each college on your list, you can submit all of your information at once.

Application

College Aid Services

JULY 16, 2025

FSA has released the July 2025 update to the 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide, a comprehensive resource for financial aid administrators, software developers, and data processing professionals. This guide provides detailed information on integrating and managing electronic FAFSA data within institutional systems.

FAFSA

College Aid Services

JULY 23, 2025

Federal Student Aid has released volumes of the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The volumes contained in this guide contain FAFSA Processing System (FPS) technical information for the 2025-26 award year and are only available as PDF documents at this time.

FAFSA

College Aid Services

AUGUST 4, 2025

FSA has released the August 2025 update to the 2026–27 FAFSA Specifications Guide, a comprehensive resource for financial aid administrators, software developers, and data processing professionals. This guide provides detailed information on integrating and managing electronic FAFSA data within institutional systems.

FAFSA

The College Pod

JUNE 28, 2024

After submitting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the Federal Student Aid office will send you a FAFSA Submission Summary. Below, I will provide a detailed explanation of the FAFSA Submission Summary, its significance, and what each section of the report contains. What is the FAFSA Submission Summary?

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MARCH 3, 2025

You need to apply for federal student aid (FAFSA) to be considered for work-study. Its not guaranteed, so make sure to fill out your FAFSA form early. This is based on your FAFSA application and your familys financial situation. Its a great way to gain work experience while earning extra cash for your expenses.

Financial aid

Counselors' Corner

JANUARY 7, 2025

If I had done so last year, I would have predicted a FAFSA nightmare, an election that would take our breaths away, and a very different landscape for college athletes. Early trials suggest were in for a much better, maybe normal, year of FAFSA. What could happen is the weakening of ED by shipping key programs (FAFSA?)

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Completing the FAFSA is one of the first steps that students and families must complete to start their journey to college. Last year, the FAFSA underwent some big changes and now, there’s a few more that families should know about before beginning to file their FAFSA. This includes federal loans, grants, and work study programs.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

The timing of your application—whether you choose Early Action or Regular Decision—can influence both the financial aid options available to you and your ability to make a fully informed decision. By receiving your financial aid package later, you’re in a better position to make a fully informed decision.

Financial aid

Student Research Foundation

JANUARY 9, 2025

If possible, arrange campus visits or attend virtual information sessions hosted by the schools on your list. Familiarize yourself with the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and begin compiling the information youll need to complete these forms. To explore more college prep resources and information, check out these other great blog posts!

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

This timing is crucial for making a fully informed decision about which school fits your academic and financial needs. Since the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1st (December 1st this year!) It ensures you can weigh all options side-by-side, allowing you to pick the best value for your family. #2.

Financial aid

College Planners of America

MAY 19, 2025

Application Process The process of applying for Federal Direct Loans begins with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting it to the ED. Students can start submitting FAFSA applications on October 1 of each year for the following academic year.

Student loans

College Aid Services

JUNE 25, 2025

This data will be utilized in the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) processing cycle. Key… More » Operational Information – Reporting Calendar Year 2024 Federal Work-Study Earnings to the COD System Using the Campus-Based XML Schema Version 1.0b first appeared on College Aid Services.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 9, 2025

Otherwise, you’re unable to make informed decisions with your family about how to pay for school! FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) The FAFSA is a form that students and their families fill out to determine their eligibility for financial aid, including federal grants, work-study programs, and loans.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

AUGUST 4, 2025

Many colleges have early application deadlines as early as October, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens October 1, which seems far away, but trust me, it comes fast. Items to Add to Your To-Do List This Month: Both students and parents should have a FSA ID for FAFSA access.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MARCH 24, 2025

If something has changed since you submitted your FAFSA, or if you’re facing unexpected costs, it might be time to ask for a little more help. Financial aid packages are based on information submitted in the FAFSA, but schools can adjust awards based on changes in circumstances.

Financial aid

School & Student Services by Community Brands

JULY 1, 2025

Easing the FAFSA Transition Through Preparation now For families beginning with private K‑12 school aid, the process sets foundational skills—budgeting, deadline‑management, document gathering—that naturally prepare them for future higher‑ed applications like FAFSA. FAFSA completion events: Colleges offer on-site assistance nights.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

Federal Student Aid has released volumes of the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The volumes contained in this guide contain FAFSA Processing System (FPS) technical information for the 2025-26 award year and are only available as PDF documents at this time. Update on Feb. Update on Feb.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 28, 2025

You Have to Reapply Every Year Yes, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) needs to be completed annually. Set a reminder to complete your FAFSA as soon as it opens (typically in the fall) and make sure both you and a parent update your information if you’re a dependent student.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MAY 26, 2025

Ive seen how early preparation can help families make more informed decisions. Understanding these factors early will help your child make more informed decisions about financial aid. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) now can help ensure a smooth application process later on.

Financial aid

College Planners of America

JULY 8, 2025

The CSS Profile does not replace the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to qualify students for Federal student aid programs at all colleges. However, instead of the FAFSA, certain colleges use the CSS Profile to qualify applicants for their proprietary student aid programs.

Scholarship

Counselors' Corner

MAY 7, 2025

The legislative hearings were focusing on a very simple idea in order to graduate from high school, a student would either have to complete the FAFSA, or fill out a form saying theyd thought about it and they didnt see any reason to fill out the FAFSA, so theyre waiving the requirement.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

You’ll be able to make a more informed decision about which school to attend. More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. Good luck, and happy applying!

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JULY 7, 2025

Gather Your Financial Documents FAFSA and other financial aid forms will require information from your most recent tax return, as well as details about income, assets, and benefits. Create Your FSA ID You and your student will each need an FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA online. Keep them organized.

Financial aid

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

MARCH 10, 2025

Heres a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision about your college financial aid package. More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid.

Financial aid

College Aid Services

MARCH 5, 2025

Federal Student Aid has released volumes of the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The volumes contained in this guide contain FAFSA Processing System (FPS) technical information for the 2025-26 award year and are only available as PDF documents at this time.

FAFSA

College Aid Services

DECEMBER 17, 2024

The text is designed for financial aid professionals and counselors to help students file their FAFSA applications, make corrections, and verify information. The Department of Education has released the Application and Verification Guide of 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook.

Application

College Aid Services

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Federal Student Aid has updated the 2024–25 FAFSA Specifications Guide. The volumes contained in this guide contain FAFSA Processing System (FPS) technical and processing information for the 2024–25 award year. Update on November 27, 2024: We updated multiple edits in Volume 5 – Edits and Rejects.

FAFSA

CFAA College Financial Aid Advisors

JUNE 23, 2025

Prep for the FAFSA (Even Before It Opens) While the FAFSA won’t open until October, your family can prepare now for the application. Understanding what you’re reading on the award paperwork will help you make more informed decisions about the money you’re borrowing!

Financial aid