FSA Partners Knowledge Center

Appendices for 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook Published

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid has published the appendices for the 2025-26 Federal Student Aid Handbook. These appendices cover various topics including online resources, student death procedures, FSA assessments, and reporting requirements for institutions.

Comment Request: Improper Payment Estimation Information Collection

The Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) is requesting comments on a new information collection requirement for institutions of higher education. This new form will be used to collect data necessary for estimating improper payments annually, as mandated by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019.

Federal Student Aid Updates SAIG Message Class File

Federal Student Aid has updated the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) message class file by adding new message classes for the FAFSA Processing System. This update is automatically applied to EDconnect transmission software when users connect to the SAIG network.

NSLDS User Guide and Record Layouts Updated

The U.S. Department of Education has updated the NSLDS Transfer Student Monitoring & Financial Aid History User Guide and Record Layouts, effective March 12, 2026. These updates, which will be implemented in late April 2026, include changes to file layouts and a new alert for loan limit exceptions, supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

FAFSA Processing Updates for Pell Grant Eligibility and Workforce Programs

The Department of Education announced system updates effective April 26, 2026, to implement changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) regarding Pell Grant eligibility for workforce programs and modified loan limits. These updates affect FAFSA processing systems and the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR).

Annual Notice of Variable-Rate FFEL Loan Interest Rates

The Department of Education has published its annual notice of variable interest rates for Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans made prior to July 1, 2010. These rates are effective for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Notice

The U.S. Department of Education has published its annual notice of interest rates for variable-rate Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. These rates are effective for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates Announced for July 2025-June 2026

The US Department of Education announced the annual interest rates for fixed-rate Federal Student Loans made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. These rates apply to loans with first disbursement dates between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Comment Request: Accrediting Agencies Reporting to Dept. of Education

The Department of Education is requesting comments on reporting requirements for recognized accrediting agencies. This notice concerns the collection of information regarding institutions and programs accredited by these agencies, as mandated by the Higher Education Act.

Student Loan Interest Payment Reporting for 2025

Federal Student Aid announced guidance on reporting student loan interest payments for the 2025 tax year. Loan servicers will report interest payments to the IRS on Form 1098-E if a borrower paid $600 or more in interest during the year.