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ELM Resources. Welcome to the next generation of ELMOne. Six-digit certification is just one of the new ELM features available to help your financial aid office simplify processing, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for evolving borrower needs as OBBB takes effect. Stop by our booth at NASFAA 2026 or contact us today to learn what's next.

The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) committee met on Tuesday for another day of negotiated rulemaking, continuing discussion on key provisions regarding loan limits, repayment plans, loan proration, loan rehabilitation and deferment, and more of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

The Department of Education (ED) published a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) on Tuesday detailing its current guidance on the permitted access, disclosure, and use of Federal Tax Information (FTI), FAFSA data, and non-FAFSA data by institutions of higher education, state higher education agencies that administer state-based financial aid, and contractors. This DCL now supersedes previous guidance published in the November 7, 2024 Electronic Announcement, and provides long awaited guidance related to FTI data use and disclosure.

Students don’t read emails, or do they? Poorly framed messages lead to repeat phone calls, confusion, and potentially missed deadlines, but clear, targeted, and personalized messages can save staff time. During a recent episode of Voices of NASFAA, three financial aid communication experts answered questions about improving financial aid communications for students and families.

Celebrated each year on the third Wednesday in October, Financial Aid Day (FAD) is a special day set aside to celebrate and recognize the contribution of all financial aid professionals across the United States for helping students make their college-going dreams a reality. On FAD colleagues are encouraged to do something special—have an office party, a potluck, a toast, etc.—to celebrate financial aid administrators' contributions to the profession. There are endless ways to celebrate each other, but the most important thing is to have fun and intentionally recognize everyone’s efforts. What is your office doing to celebrate the occasion? Send your stories and pictures to [email protected] or use our new FAD Canva Template to create custom social media graphics. Be sure to share them on social media and tag NASFAA!

Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.

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