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The past 180 days of articles are displayed below.
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#BetterFAFSA
December 06, 2023
It's a critical step for success.
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Tip of the Week
December 06, 2023
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December tasks for high school seniors
December 01, 2023
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Early Awareness E-News
December 01, 2023
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Financial aid offer changing with new FAFSA
November 30, 2023
Financial aid offers will look a little different next year.
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Five important things you should know about financial aid for graduate school
November 30, 2023
For many students, pursuing a graduate or professional degree can provide important career advantages, but for some students the advanced degree is not possible without financial aid.
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Five things you should know about the 2024-25 FAFSA
November 30, 2023
The better prepared you are for the new FAFSA, the easier it will be to complete.
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For a successful future, seniors must develop these five traits
November 30, 2023
Graduation is a significant milestone for high school students.
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Mapping Your Future 2024 holiday calendar
November 30, 2023
At Mapping Your Future, we look forward to working with students, families, schools, our Sponsors, and others in 2024.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
November 30, 2023
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Four things a high school junior should do now to prepare for the future
November 29, 2023
Although high school juniors in most cases shouldn't complete the FAFSA until their senior year, there's still plenty of things they can be doing to prepare for education after high school.
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Happy holidays from Mapping Your Future
November 29, 2023
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Tip of the Week
November 29, 2023
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Displaying your accomplishments
November 27, 2023
Winter break is a good time to get caught up on projects that are harder to find time for during the school year.
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More than 400 institutions placed on heightened oversight by Department
November 27, 2023
Nearly half of postsecondary institutions placed in a special payment monitoring status are for-profit institutions, according to data released recently by the Department of Education.
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Completing the FAFSA webinar recording available
November 21, 2023
Students and parents joined Mapping Your Future for the Completing the 2024-25 FAFSA webinar for guidance on how to complete the newly redesigned FAFSA.
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Tip of the Week
November 21, 2023
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2024-25 FAFSA available by December 31, 2023
November 15, 2023
Although the release of the FAFSA is later than usual, a December 31 release date does meet the requirements of the FAFSA Simplification legislation.
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Early Awareness E-News-Special Issue
November 15, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News - Special Issue
November 15, 2023
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Tip of the Week
November 15, 2023
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Insight into Borrower Defense claims
November 09, 2023
Financial aid professionals received some explanation this week into the borrower defense applications they've been receiving over the past few months.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
November 09, 2023
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Schools are being reminded again to upgrade software to handle Federal Tax Information
November 09, 2023
Even though you don't need it just yet, you will soon.
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Five things your institution's administration (and maybe your family too) should know about FAFSA simplification
November 08, 2023
It's been the focus of our attention for the past few years, but for those who don't work in financial aid, FAFSA simplification is news to them right now.
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Tip of the Week
November 08, 2023
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Early Awareness E-News
November 01, 2023
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November tasks for high school seniors
November 01, 2023
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
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Set up your FSA ID flyer updated
November 01, 2023
With the delay of the release of the 2024-25 FAFSA until December 2023, now is the time to get ready to act when it is released.
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Tip of the Week
November 01, 2023
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Students "invite" parents to FAFSA under new process
October 31, 2023
Students completing the 2024-25 FAFSA will "invite" parents to contribute to their FAFSA.
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Three reasons a FAFSA filer won't need to report assets
October 31, 2023
The asset information required and who has to report assets will change beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA.
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A four-step process for completing the 2024-25 FAFSA
October 26, 2023
With FAFSA Simplification being the biggest change to federal financial aid in 40 years, you can expect that the 2024-25 FAFSA process will be different.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
October 26, 2023
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Department of Education posts names of persons disbarred or suspended
October 25, 2023
If you do something to get suspended or debarred by the Department of Education, you should also expect your name to be publicly reported.
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Four things to like about the new FAFSA
October 25, 2023
We don't live in a perfect world and FAFSA Simplification may be proof of that.
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Information about school eligibility and operations added to 2023-24 Federal Student Aid Handbook
October 25, 2023
With the addition of another volume to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, financial aid professionals can now catch up on the latest instructions on managing the Direct Loan Program.
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Reminder about Veterans Day holiday closings
October 25, 2023
The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of the Veterans Day federal holiday on November 11.
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Tip of the Week
October 25, 2023
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Tip of the Week
October 18, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
October 12, 2023
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Register now for the 2023 Federal Student Aid Conference
October 12, 2023
As we come down to the wire for FAFSA Simplification, this year's Federal Student Aid Training Conference should be a hot ticket among financial aid professionals.
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Department updates draft 2024-25 Draft FAFSA Specifications Guide
October 11, 2023
If you downloaded or printed the draft 2024-25 FAFSA Specifications Guide, you're need to take out Volume 4 and replace it with a new one.
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How a campus tour can be critical to your college success
October 11, 2023
A key to a successful college experience for some students is being in the right environment.
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Spreading the word
October 11, 2023
This is a new experience for us all.
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Students and parents can now estimate federal financial aid eligibility for 2024-25
October 11, 2023
Even though the 2024-45 FAFSA won't be available until sometime in December, students are now able to use a new tool to determine their financial aid eligibility.
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Tip of the Week
October 11, 2023
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Early Awareness E-News
October 05, 2023
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Get ready for the big changes with the 2024-25 FAFSA webinar recording available
October 05, 2023
Mapping Your Future hosts FAFSA webinars each year for those who help students and parents complete the FAFSA.
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How to report 529 plans on the 2024-25 FAFSA
October 05, 2023
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA. . .
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October tasks for high school seniors
October 05, 2023
During your senior year, you will finalize your college choice.
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Strategies for students (and parents) when money for college runs short
October 05, 2023
With the fall semester well underway, most students have their minds on attending classes and getting good grades - and hopefully not on paying their tuition bill.
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The secrets of scholarship-winning students
October 05, 2023
Applying for scholarships can seem like a lot of work when there?s no guarantee that you will receive any money for your education.
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The Student Aid Index is new measure of financial need
October 05, 2023
A new measure will be used to award federal financial aid beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA.
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5 things to look for in a college financial aid offer
October 04, 2023
After the admissions acceptance letter, the financial aid offer is probably second when it comes to those highly anticipated notices from a college.
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Tip of the Week
October 04, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
September 28, 2023
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Tip of the Week
September 27, 2023
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Changes under FAFSA Simplification included in Guide
September 26, 2023
When the changes have been so numerous, you lose track of them all, that's when it's good to get a summary to make sure you haven't missed anything.
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Federal Student Aid partners must act this fall to receive student data under FAFSA Simplification
September 26, 2023
There's a few more things to squeeze onto your to-do list when it comes to FAFSA Simplification.
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Resources for financial aid professionals
September 26, 2023
The Financial Aid Professionals page on the Mapping Your Future website offers a variety of resources.
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Tip of the Week
September 20, 2023
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Beta Test Volunteers Needed for EDExpress 2024-25, Release 1.0
September 14, 2023
If you enjoy being on the leading edge of product development, the Department of Education is recruiting schools and servicers to participate in the beta test of EDExpress.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
September 14, 2023
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Mapping Your Future turns 27
September 14, 2023
When it comes to planning for the future, we could all use a little guidance.
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StudentAid.gov outages planned for upcoming weekend
September 14, 2023
Anyone planning to complete their FAFSA in the wee hours of Sunday morning may want to make some other plans.
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Tip of the Week
September 13, 2023
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A critical action you must take for your FAFSA to be processed
September 06, 2023
Even if you answer every question on the form, you won't be eligible for federal financial unless you take an important action when completing the FAFSA.
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Early Awareness E-News
September 06, 2023
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Tip of the Week
September 06, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
August 31, 2023
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September tasks for high school seniors
August 31, 2023
Preparing for college can be both exciting and stressful at the same time.
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Training available on FISAP as deadline nears
August 31, 2023
With only a few short weeks away for the deadline, it's time to get ready to complete the application and reporting paperwork to participate in federal financial aid programs.
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Five things you can do while you wait for the 2024-25 FAFSA
August 30, 2023
If you haven't heard already, the 2024-25 FAFSA will be delayed.
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Tip of the Week
August 30, 2023
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FAFSA Simplification financial aid terminology updated
August 28, 2023
Just a few short weeks after releasing the new financial aid terminology, the Department of Education has done some fine tuning.
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New volume of Federal Student Aid Handbook consolidates grant information
August 28, 2023
The complex and changing nature of federal financial aid makes it critical for financial aid professionals to keep the Federal Student Aid Handbook within easy reach.
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Student Aid Index and Pell Eligibility Guide updated
August 28, 2023
One of the newer guides issued last fall to prepare financial aid administrators for FAFSA Simplification received a couple of revisions.
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New SAVE Plan flyer available to help you share information with borrowers
August 23, 2023
For some borrowers, the start-up of student loan repayment this fall won't be easy.
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Tip of the Week
August 23, 2023
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2024-25 FAFSA webinars scheduled
August 17, 2023
Mapping Your Future is offering two national FAFSA webinar options.
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Department of Education plans roles-based FAFSA completion
August 17, 2023
In the future, anyone who provides information on a student's application for federal financial aid will be known as a contributor.
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Department provides summary of major changes under FAFSA Simplification
August 17, 2023
So much is happening to financial aid with the implementation of FAFSA Simplification, it's hard to keep track of all the changes.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
August 17, 2023
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Program announced for Federal Student Aid Conference
August 17, 2023
As you might have guessed, FAFSA Simplification will be one of the topics at the 2023 Federal Student Aid Conference.
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Reminder about Labor Day holiday closings
August 17, 2023
The Department of Education is among the federal offices closed for the Labor Day federal holiday on Monday, September 4.
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Take a micro-vacation
August 17, 2023
Now that you’re back in the office and enjoying a little quiet time before the students return. . .
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Department of Education to offer Fundamentals of Financial Aid Training
August 16, 2023
Anyone who has worked in financial aid knows that training is essential to a job well done.
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FAFSA Simplification ushers in new financial aid terminology
August 16, 2023
One of the first important lessons for newcomers to financial aid is terminology.
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New name and new formula for determining federal financial aid need
August 16, 2023
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, students and parents will receive a Student Aid Index after completing the form.
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Tip of the Week
August 16, 2023
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Department of Education updates draft 2024-25 Draft FAFSA Specifications Guide
August 15, 2023
A new edition of the FAFSA Specifications Guide is available with three new volumes included.
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Tip of the Week
August 09, 2023
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
August 03, 2023
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Reasons you should complete your college degree now
August 03, 2023
Completing a college degree has always been a big life accomplishment, and rightfully so.
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Tip of the Week
August 02, 2023
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Early Awareness E-News
August 01, 2023
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Setting the trend
August 01, 2023
College students are trendsetters.
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August tasks for high school seniors
July 31, 2023
Starting your senior year is an exciting time.
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Schools encouraged to report work-study earnings by December
July 31, 2023
To ensure an accurate calculation of a student's financial need under FAFSA Simplification, schools are being asked to report federal work study wages by December 2023.
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New volume added to Federal Student Aid Handbook
July 28, 2023
With the addition of another volume to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, financial aid professionals can now catch up on the latest instructions on managing the Direct Loan Program.
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Pell Grant maximum increased for the 2023-24 academic year
July 28, 2023
Students eligible to receive the maximum Federal Pell Grant will get an increased amount in the upcoming academic year.
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Tip of the Week
July 26, 2023
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New flexibility for students with unusual circumstances
July 24, 2023
Beginning with the upcoming 2023-24 financial aid award year, colleges and universities have additional flexibility to help students with unusual circumstances in applying for financial aid.
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Completing the 2024-25 FAFSA webinar scheduled
July 20, 2023
Students and parents are invited to join Mapping Your Future for the Completing the 2024-25 FAFSA webinar for guidance on how to complete the newly redesigned FAFSA.
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Department reschedules 2024-25 FAFSA Demonstration
July 20, 2023
The Department of Education's demo of the new simplified FAFSA has been pushed back a few weeks.
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Department updates draft 2024-25 FAFSA Specifications Guide
July 20, 2023
You could call it a work in progress.
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Department working to modernize grants and financial management website
July 20, 2023
Just in time for fall disbursement, the Department of Education will take the first step in transition to a new grants and financial management website.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
July 20, 2023
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Mapping Your Future to offer 2024-25 FAFSA webinars this fall
July 20, 2023
FAFSA Simplification, which will be implemented with the 2024-25 FAFSA, is the first major redesign of the financial aid process in more than 40 years.
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New functionality for Common Origination and Disbursement
July 20, 2023
Financial aid administrators managing campus-based programs have an enhanced Common Origination and Disbursement system after changes were made to the system earlier this week.
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The order of things
July 20, 2023
I needed balance.
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The right time to start seeking scholarships
July 20, 2023
A successful scholarship search involves a lot of preparation.
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Tip of the Week
July 19, 2023
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Tip of the Week
July 12, 2023
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Early Awareness E-News
July 06, 2023
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Guide to Life after High School printable guides updated
July 06, 2023
High school students have always faced challenges in planning for the future, but there's no question that students today face a lot of hurdles.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
July 06, 2023
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New name coming for a student's FAFSA report
July 06, 2023
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, students submitting the form will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary.
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Plan now for ACT testing in 2023-24
July 06, 2023
Students planning to take the ACT in the upcoming academic year will soon be able to register for their desired fall 2023 test date.
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Repayment flyer updated with new information
July 06, 2023
Financial aid professionals are facing a lot of challenges right now - often with a reduced number of staff.
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Report outlines campus-based federal financial aid amounts for 2023-24
July 06, 2023
Students attending more than 3,500 postsecondary institutions in the United States and territories will have access to more than $2 billion in campus-based federal financial aid for the 2023-24 award year.
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SAI to replace FAFSA's EFC
July 06, 2023
Students applying for financial aid will receive Student Aid Index beginning with the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
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U.S. Department of Education delays 2024-25 FAFSA
July 06, 2023
The U.S. Department of Education will release the 2024-25 FAFSA in December 2023.
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Tip of the Week
July 05, 2023
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July tasks for high school seniors
July 01, 2023
During your senior year, you finalized your college choice.
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Tip of the Week
June 28, 2023
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Tip of the Week
June 21, 2023
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A real treasure
June 15, 2023
At first, I wondered what was lost or forgotten.
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Department reminds schools about the end of COVID-19 waivers and flexibilities
June 15, 2023
Even though the impact of the national pandemic will likely be with us forever, every day we get a little closer to closing that chapter of our lives.
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Mapping Your Future Higher Ed News
June 15, 2023
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Mapping Your Future resources for financial aid professionals
June 15, 2023
Make sure you are taking advantage of services that Mapping Your Future offers for financial aid professionals.
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Mapping Your Future's calculators help borrowers with return to repayment
June 15, 2023
With the return to repayment looming, many of the millions of student loan borrowers may face a challenging financial situation.
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Reminder about Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday closings
June 15, 2023
The Department of Education's federal offices and many Federal Student Aid processors and contact centers will be closed Monday, June 19 to observe the Juneteenth National Independence Day federal holiday.
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Data Retrieval Tool planned outage on Sunday, impacting FAFSA completion and IDR Plan Requests
June 14, 2023
If you planned on completing the FAFSA this weekend, you might want to get it done on Saturday or later in the day on Sunday.
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New fax number for Pell Grant Overpayment Assignment
June 14, 2023
If you work in financial aid and manage your institution's Pell Grant program, you might want to take note of a new fax number for Pell Grant Overpayment Assignment.
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Tip of the Week
June 14, 2023