If you’ve followed the news lately, you may have noticed the same legislative package referred to by multiple names—the Reconciliation Bill, House Bill, Senate Bill, and even “The Big Beautiful Bill." This terminology confusion has made it challenging to determine what’s proposed, what’s final, and most importantly, what applies to...
On Friday, July 4th, President Trump signed the Reconciliation Bill (“Big Beautiful Bill”) into law. With changes taking effect as early as July 2026, financial aid leaders face their most significant operational overhaul in decades. It’s important to note that no provisions will take effect during the current 2025–26 award...
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...
As financial aid leaders track the federal financial aid changes moving through Congress, the emergence of different House and Senate proposals might seem to complicate planning. But there’s a strategic silver lining: by focusing on the common ground between both versions, you can prepare efficiently for the changes most likely...
Federal Student Aid (FSA) has announced significant changes to identity verification requirements that are already affecting institutions nationwide. Because fraud prevention is one of the current administration’s top priorities, schools will see a sharp increase in V4 verifications—particularly for first-time Title IV applicants this summer. Alongside this increase, FSA has...
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...