By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant

In the past year, every season has seemed busy for financial aid offices. As we shift into the fall, we know your days are getting shorter, making your time all the more precious. That's why NASFAA has developed our online courses to reach your offices in the most efficient ways to help bolster your professional development.

Are you looking to become more proficient, more knowledgeable, and more valuable to your organization? Then a NASFAA U Online Course might be right for you. Our courses give you the ability to interact with your colleagues through discussions and offer you the option to work towards credentials and even certification.

Here are 5 reasons you should consider enrolling in an upcoming course:

1. Invest in Yourself – Save Time and Enhance Your Skills

NASFAA U Online Courses are like planting a tree — they require time but yield long-term benefits. Investing 6 hours a week in an online course might feel like a lot, but this training will make you more efficient and improve your problem solving skills.

In less than a year, you’ll recoup your initial time investment. Every hour saved afterward is a bonus. Over two years, this adds up to roughly 1.5 extra workweeks. It’s not just education; it’s an investment in yourself, your future, and your institution.

2. Flexible Learning That Works Around Your Schedule

We know that Financial Aid Administrators are busier than ever these days, and we understand that training in order to stay up to date with the demands of your roles requires valuable time. Our NASFAA U courses usually host two live class meetings, or “Get-Togethers” each week. Course assignments have regularly scheduled due dates and are completed asynchronously, when it is convenient for you. 

Attendance in the live classes is not required, and they are recorded for on-demand viewing by the course attendee. However, we do encourage attending the live classes due to the highly collaborative nature of the courses and the opportunity to connect with your peers. 

3. Cost-Effective Professional Development

Training can be expensive and time-consuming, often taking someone away from their other essential duties. Online courses are cost-effective, saving resources like travel, training materials, and other administrative costs. With tight budgets, it's crucial to find ways to stay current on new policies and procedures without breaking the bank. The registration cost includes all necessary training materials and complimentary access to the credential exam.

4. Earn a NASFAA U Certificate and Open New Doors

Upon successful completion of a course, you’ll receive a certificate that serves as proof of your new knowledge and skills. A NASFAA U Certificate highlights your dedication to mastering complex topics and sets you apart in a competitive field. 
The certificate is also a stepping stone for earning a NASFAA Professional Credential. Those who successfully complete and pass a NASFAA U course are provided with complimentary access to credential exams. Our professional credentials are excellent ways to build a portfolio of demonstrated knowledge in specialized financial aid topics. 

5. Learn from Experienced Instructors and Colleagues in the Field

Our dedicated team of NASFAA U course instructors bring a wealth of industry expertise in administering the Title IV student financial aid programs, catering to both new and seasoned financial aid professionals. 
Additionally, our courses foster a collaborative learning environment where you can interact with peers from across the country, sharing insights and solutions for common challenges in financial aid together.

NASFAA U Online Courses help you become more proficient, more knowledgeable, and more valuable to your organization.

Learn more about the upcoming Application Processing course starting October 22 and the Packaging and Aid Notification course starting November 18.

Publication Date: 10/10/2024