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College Ave. College Ave started with a big vision and a simple mission – take the stress out of paying for college. Now a top 2 lender, College Ave remains committed to using best-in-class technology and deep industry expertise to deliver practical and personal solutions that give young adults financial success.

The NASFAA 2026 National Conference begins today in National Harbor, MD! This year, we are welcoming over 2,400 attendees who are gathering for the most up-to-date information on student aid programs from financial aid veterans. During this year’s conference, the NASFAA community will also proudly celebrate our 60th anniversary. Throughout the week, we will have special sessions catered to first-time attendees, updates from Department of Education (ED) leadership, and much more. Be sure to download the NASFAA Conference App and check out all of the available sessions. Stay tuned to Today’s News for news coverage recapping several high-profile sessions, and be sure to follow us on our social media channels using #NASFAA2026.

NASFAA on Thursday submitted comments to the Department of Education (ED) on its second and final round of revisions to the 2027-28 FAFSA. In the comments, NASFAA expressed appreciation for changes made as a result of the 60-day comment period, such as better help text for several questions, revising the timeframe specified in the student homelessness question, and rewording the question about high school completion status. NASFAA also reiterated concerns ED had not taken into consideration from the first commenting round.

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in professional settings continues to rise, but financial aid offices are still in the early stages of adoption and, according to recent listening sessions, are still operating without a formal process for decision-making regarding AI use. 

The Department of Education (ED) on Friday released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) reminding institutions of their new authority, effective July 1, 2026, to establish lower annual loan limits for specific programs through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

First-dollar and last-dollar state grants or scholarships with no federal funds are treated no differently than any other state grants or scholarships when applying the provisions under 34 CFR 690.5 and 690.80(d) and evaluating whether the student's total nonfederal grants and scholarships equal or exceed the cost of attendance (COA). View the full answer to this question to learn more.

Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC^® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.

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