As of May 5, 2025, the Department of Education resumed automated NSLDS post-screening updates via ISIR transactions, as outlined in Electronic Announcement APP-25-14. This development has significant implications for institutions participating in Title IV programs. What to Expect • ISIR Updates via FPS: Institutions will receive updated 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 ISIRs containing...
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new negotiated rulemaking process to revise Title IV regulations, aiming to simplify federal student aid programs and strengthen institutional accountability. Colleges and universities should be aware of the proposed changes and prepare for their potential impact. What it means for your institution and...
In early March, I joined over 100 career education leaders in Washington, D.C. for CECU’s annual Washington Briefing and Advocacy Day. Held at the Capitol Hill Club, the event offered a timely look at the future of higher education policy, with robust participation from members of Congress, policy experts, and...
In a troubling development for America’s 43 million student loan borrowers, delinquency rates have doubled since the pandemic payment pause ended, leaving millions at risk for severe financial consequences. Here’s what you need to know about this growing crisis. The Shocking Numbers Behind the Student Loan Delinquency Surge According to a recent...
For those of us invested in the future of higher education, the past few years have been anything but predictable. From shifting federal policies to mounting student loan concerns, institutions are navigating a landscape that’s constantly evolving. That’s why gathering in Washington, D.C., for CSPEN’s 7th Annual Higher Education Policy Meeting...
Attending the 2025 NASFAA Leadership Conference felt like stepping into a whirlwind of financial aid challenges, policy shifts, and pressing workforce concerns. This year’s discussions painted a complex picture of the financial aid landscape—one filled with uncertainty, under-resourcing, and constant change. But amid all the challenges, there was also a...
The U.S. Department of Education has updated the Return to Title IV (R2T4) regulations (34 CFR 668.22), effective July 1, 2026, with an option for early implementation starting February 3, 2025 on certain regulations. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for institutions while maintaining compliance with federal guidelines. Let’s break...
For higher education professionals, the annual audit process can feel like an intense period of juggling responsibilities, complying with evolving regulations, and making sure everything is in order. Under these conditions, even a dependable team can feel stretched. It’s understandable, then, that many institutions occasionally wonder if their auditor is...