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ScholarNet. ScholarNet is a proven, lender-neutral private loan processing solution that automates certification and disbursement with fast, precise tools that cut down manual work. Support for the new 6-digit loan amount standard is coming soon to help ensure smooth, accurate processing as the industry transitions. Schedule your demo today!

Parts of the federal government experienced a lapse in funding over the weekend, but a revised spending bill that would fund the Department of Education (ED) and other agencies through the end of the 2026 fiscal year (FY) is currently moving through both chambers of Congress. The Senate has advanced the bill by a vote of 71-29, and so long as the measure is not rejected in the House or vetoed by the White House, the impact of a government shutdown should be averted, and ED should continue to operate without another short-term contingency plan. Stay tuned to Today’s News for updates.

Mershawn serves as the assistant director of financial aid at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, where he helps graduate students navigate their financial options and understand the resources available to them. His work centers on ensuring students receive clear, accurate information to make informed decisions about their education. Learn more about Mershawn and his career in financial aid in this brief Q&A.

No. During a December 11, 2025, Software Vendor Focus Group session on loan limits, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) confirmed that a student cannot borrow additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits under 34 CFR 685.203(c) (for dependent students whose parents are unable to borrow PLUS due to exceptional circumstances) just because the student's parent has reached the parent PLUS aggregate loan limit of $65,000 under proposed 685.203(g)(2). View the full answer to this question to learn more.

Join NASFAA this summer in National Harbor, MD—alongside thousands of fellow financial aid professionals—for the can’t-miss event of the year. Dive into timely, in-depth training on the latest regulatory updates, smart implementation strategies, and emerging best practices shaping the future of student financial aid. Your registration fee includes access to all sessions, exhibits, and handouts provided, as well as several of our featured events. Register today to take advantage of the early bird discounted pricing.

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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