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NASFAA has received a significant number of questions from members seeking clarification on calculating the “expected time to credential” (ETTC) exception to the statutory loan limits imposed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This Question and Answer (Q&A) document is intended to address questions that have been raised as a result of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED’s) initial published guidance and subsequent information communicated via webinars and office hours.

NASFAA is pleased to share a draft of its response to the Department of Education's (ED) request for comments on its re-established matching program between ED and the Social Security Administration (SSA). The matching program helps simplify the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge process for borrowers whom SSA identifies as disabled with Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE) status. While NASFAA supports the matching program, the published Federal Register notice re-establishing the program contains language referencing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veterans, rather than the SSA and its MINE data. In its comments, NASFAA asks ED to correct the notice and associated Computer Matching Agreement to ensure that it accurately reflects the SSA-ED matching program. Comments are due to ED on September 24, 2026.

The union representing employees of the Department of Education (ED), along with three former Education secretaries from the Obama and Biden administrations, sent a letter to ED’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) calling for an investigation into the financial impact of the department’s reduction in force (RIF).

NASFAA's award-winning Developing Leaders Pipeline (DLP) program established in 2018 is designed to provide professional development opportunities to NASFAA's next generation of leaders across all six regions. The program provides participants with a robust portfolio of benefits, mentorship, and guidance on how to develop as a financial aid association leader at the state, regional, and national level. Applications are peer-reviewed, and six financial aid professionals, one from each region, are selected by a group of their colleagues. Applications are due September 30, 2026.

This eight-week interactive online course, starting October 19, will review the types of higher education loan programs. It will cover the Direct Loan application and origination process, eligibility criteria, annual and aggregate limits, expected time to credential, schedule of reductions, loan periods, loan repayment plans, deferments, forbearance, discharges, and counseling requirements. It will also cover private education loans, institutional loans, and loan disclosures and practices. Reserve your seat today!

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