College Aid Services

Now Available: PDF files of the 2025–26 Federal Student Aid Handbook

Alex Fuentes — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:49:20 +0000

FSA has announced the availability of PDF files for the 2025–26 Federal Student Aid Handbook. Schools can download the entire handbook or individual volumes. The Federal Student Aid Handbook consists of the Application and Verification Guide, nine numbered volumes, and appendices. The PDF files of the 2026–27 Federal Student Aid Handbook are not currently available. Access the 2025-2026 Federal… More »Now Available: PDF files of the 2025–26 Federal Student Aid Handbook

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NPRM Released for AIM; ED Proposes Major Changes to Higher Education Accreditation

Alex Fuentes — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:21:34 +0000

The U.S. Department of Education has released a proposed rule that could significantly reshape the federal higher education accreditation landscape, with a focus on student outcomes, institutional innovation, accountability, and changes to how accrediting agencies are recognized and operate. Published on August 20, 2026, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is based on consensus language… More »NPRM Released for AIM; ED Proposes Major Changes to Higher Education Accreditation

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OB3: How’s it going? – Webinar (Recording)

Alex Fuentes — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:31:33 +0000

The provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3), also known as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act (WFTCA), are now fully in effect, and financial aid offices across the country are putting the new requirements into practice. Join our panel discussion, where financial aid professionals will share how the changes are affecting day-to-day… More »OB3: How’s it going? – Webinar (Recording)

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ED Clarifies Public Institution Status Documentation Requirements

Alex Fuentes — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:40:24 +0000

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued an announcement to clarify the regulatory requirements for all institutions of higher education (IHEs) that identify as public institutions for purposes of the Title IV federal student aid programs. Federal regulations under § 34 CFR 668.171(b) and § 34 CFR 668.171(g)(1) outline the requirements for IHEs to demonstrate… More »ED Clarifies Public Institution Status Documentation Requirements

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2026–27 COD System Peak Processing Reminders

Alex Fuentes — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:30:57 +0000

Federal Student Aid has issued a reminder to institutions that the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System has entered a peak processing period for the 2026–27 award year. Schools should be prepared for the possibility of longer processing times as activity increases. Key COD Processing Reminders FSA highlighted several items institutions should keep in mind… More »2026–27 COD System Peak Processing Reminders

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Appendices Now Available for the 2026–27 Federal Student Aid Handbook

Alex Fuentes — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:11:47 +0000

FSA has announced the availability of the 2026–27 Federal Student Aid Handbook appendices. These appendices discuss the following: Appendix A: Orientation to Online Resources Appendix B: Required Actions When a Student Dies Appendix C: The FSA Assessments Appendix D: Other School Reporting Requirements Appendix E: Institutional Reporting and Disclosure Requirements Appendix F: Higher Education Act… More »Appendices Now Available for the 2026–27 Federal Student Aid Handbook

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FSA Training: Completing the 2027–28 FISAP

Alex Fuentes — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:30:46 +0000

FSA has announced the availability of an online, self-paced training course to assist with completing the Fiscal Operations Report for 2025–26 and Application to Participate for 2027–28 (FISAP). The 2027–28 FISAP is available on the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) website and must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2026, by schools that are requesting Federal Supplemental… More »FSA Training: Completing the 2027–28 FISAP

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FSA Issues New FVT/GE and STATS Guidance, Identifies Reporting Gaps at More Than 1,900 Institutions

Alex Fuentes — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:28:57 +0000

Federal Student Aid has published important guidance on Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) reporting and the transition to the new Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS). The announcement addresses three key areas: delinquent FVT/GE reporting from the 2024 and 2025 cycles, requirements for the current 2026 reporting cycle, and the option to early… More »FSA Issues New FVT/GE and STATS Guidance, Identifies Reporting Gaps at More Than 1,900 Institutions

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Comment Request: Federal Work Study (FWS) Wages for Student Aid Index

Alex Fuentes — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:01 +0000

The Department of Education has issued request for an extension without change of the reporting and recordkeeping associated with this information collection. This collection is used to gather information available to participating institutions of higher education (IHE) which is required to fully calculate eligibility for Title IV student financial aid for applicants under the Higher Education… More »Comment Request: Federal Work Study (FWS) Wages for Student Aid Index

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ED Releases New FAQ on Loan Limit Reductions for Less-Than-Full-Time Enrollment

Alex Fuentes — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:53:37 +0000

The U.S. Department of Education has released a new Frequently Asked Questions resource addressing the Schedule of Reductions for Direct Loan borrowers enrolled less than full time. Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, institutions must apply the Schedule of Reductions when determining annual loan limits for certain borrowers enrolled less than full time. The new… More »ED Releases New FAQ on Loan Limit Reductions for Less-Than-Full-Time Enrollment

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