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...
Nonprofit institutions that manage Federal Student Aid funds often focus solely on navigating the annual Single Audit. However, a more significant threat looms: the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) Program Review. This in-depth examination delves into your institution’s administration of Title IV federal financial aid programs, uncovering compliance issues that...
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...
In two separate Electronic Announcements, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) detailed significant changes in the Federal Student Aid identity verification process. These changes affect how schools handle verification for those students who are already selected, or who should be selected, for V4 or V5 verification. While temporary, they will...
One of the final pieces of the FAFSA Simplification Act has arrived, and with it, changes to Pell Grant processes beginning in the 2024/25 academic year. As the new award year unfolds, it’s crucial that your financial aid office is prepared to implement new compliance processes and updated calculations. McClintock’s...
Understanding Gainful Employment Reporting Requirements: An Overview Gainful Employment (GE) reporting requirements have been a focal point of compliance challenges for postsecondary institutions since their introduction by the Department of Education (ED) in 2010. This is especially the case for those offering vocational and career-oriented programs. This article will delve into...