Program Integrity, Distance Education, and Return of Funds Final Rule

The Department of Education has issued a final rule concerning program integrity, distance education, and the return of Title IV, HEA funds. This rule revises regulations across multiple CFR parts related to institutional quality and student financial aid.

Proposed Rule: Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facilities Program Definitions

The Department of Education has proposed amendments to the definitions and related provisions under the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facilities Program. This proposed rule aims to update the program's regulatory framework. Public comments are due by March 11, 2025.

Education Department Withdraws Randolph-Sheppard Vending Rules

The Department of Education has withdrawn a proposed rule concerning amendments to definitions and related provisions under the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program. This withdrawal means the previously proposed changes will not be implemented.

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.

2026-2027 COD Technical Reference and OBBBA Amendments

The U.S. Department of Education has posted a partial 2026-2027 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference. This notice also addresses amendments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that will become effective July 1, 2026, with preliminary information subject to change pending final rulemaking.

EDExpress Software Update for COD Country Code Reporting

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid has released an update for EDExpress 2025-26, Release 2.0. This update corrects an issue with reporting U.S. territory country codes to the COD System, ensuring proper data submission for students from these regions.

2026-2027 COD Technical Reference Published

The U.S. Department of Education has published the 2026-2027 Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) Technical Reference. This document provides development information for the upcoming award year and details amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

EDExpress 2025-26 Release 2.0 Service Update Available

The U.S. Department of Education has released an update for its EDExpress software for the 2025-26 award year. Release 2.0 is now available for download, providing necessary program updates for institutions participating in federal student aid programs.

USCIS Updates VAWA Program Integrity Guidance

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual guidance for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) program to restore program integrity and combat fraud. The changes clarify eligibility requirements and evidence expectations for self-petitioners, particularly in response to increased filings from non-traditional demographics and recent fraud convictions.

DHS, DOJ Rule on Asylum Eligibility for Security and Health Risks

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued a final rule, effective December 31, 2025, that withdraws certain outdated amendments from a 2020 rule. This action retains the ability to consider public health risks as a security bar to asylum and withholding of removal during public health emergencies.