Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Aid Office
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly portrayed as influential in how work gets done across higher education, and financial aid offices are navigating that shift in a context unlike most: one defined by federal compliance requirements, sensitive student data, and a professional obligation to accuracy in student service that leaves little room for error. NASFAA convened the Task Force on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Aid Offices to understand where the profession actually stands, and to develop recommendations for how NASFAA can best support members as this technology evolves. You can also read more about this Task Force work in NASFAA's Q&A With Samantha Hicks, FAAC®, Chair of Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Aid Offices Task Force.
The task force's work is organized in three phases.
- Phase 1: Reviewed relevant literature and reports from peer associations to ground their work in existing knowledge.
- Phase 2: Conducted research with NASFAA members. These efforts included:
- A member survey that included an institutional AI policy analysis to gain a comprehensive picture of how financial aid professionals are engaging with AI and the governance structures currently in place across the field.
- Listening sessions with financial aid professionals to deepen understanding of the survey findings and gather additional perspectives from the field.
- Phase 3: Deliver final report to the NASFAA Board of Directors containing recommendations for how the association can support members in responsibly and effectively engaging with AI.
NASFAA will share each phase of this work as it is completed to keep the field informed.
Survey Findings Report
This report presents findings from a national survey of 1,233 financial aid professionals at 834 institutions, conducted in January and February 2026. It examines AI adoption rates, barriers to use, training and access gaps, risk perceptions, governance practices, and staff experience — and includes qualitative findings from open-ended responses that capture the full range of perspectives in the field, including those of members with principled reservations about AI.
Download Report (PDF) | Today's News Coverage
Findings from a Review of Institutional AI Policies
This report presents findings from a scan of 54 institutional AI policies and guidance documents submitted by NASFAA member institutions. It examines what institutions are addressing, and not yet addressing, on data privacy, human oversight, disclosure, and staff training, with implications for financial aid practitioners navigating a highly regulated work context.
Download Report (PDF) | Today's News Coverage
Additional Resources
- Listening Session Findings — Forthcoming
- Task Force Recommendations — Forthcoming
Publication Date: 5/13/2026
