NASFAA

By Hugh T. Ferguson, NASFAA Managing Editor NASFAA’s 2026 Virtual Summit kicked off on Monday, offering attendees the opportunity to tune into unique sessions focusing on professional development, the latest financial aid policy guidance, and much more. The reimagined summit — designed with more targeted content, greater flexibility, and learning opportunities based on member feedback — began with an extensive Cash Management Professional Credential session.

"A sweeping overhaul of the federal student loan system took effect this month, thrusting millions of borrowers into new repayment plans that could leave some with higher monthly payments," Axios Tampa Bay reports. ... "Of course, the best option depends on each borrower's scenario. Check out Federal Student Aid's situational illustrations here.

By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter A group of House Republicans on Thursday introduced a 10-bill legislative package to transfer the Department of Education's (ED) responsibilities and appropriations to other federal agencies. The group, led by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), chair of the House Education & Workforce Committee, introduced this package, dubbed "Less Bureaucracy, Better Education," seeking to codify the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle ED.

Thank you for joining us! While NASFAA's 60th Anniversary National Conference was filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments, one of the highlights of the week was seeing our community come together to support an incredible cause. This year's conference charity partner, First Generation College Bound (FGCB), has spent more than 35 years helping students and families in Prince George's County, Maryland, access higher education.

"After a federal judge halted the Department of Education’s definition of 'professional' programs, the department said it stood by its original definition—which included just 11 degrees. But following the court order, the agency released a new list of 29 programs that will be considered 'professional' while litigation continues," Inside Higher Ed reports. ...

"Students hoping to borrow more for graduate degrees in nursing and other fields were handed at least a short-term victory in late June, when a judge's order prompted the Education Department to temporarily expand its list of "professional" degrees that qualify for higher federal loan limits," U.S. News & World Report writes. ...

By Megan Walter, Senior Policy Analyst The Department of Education (ED) has revised Electronic Announcement (EA) (GENERAL 26-42), updating the list of Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes temporarily eligible for professional degree loan limits by adding degree programs not included in its original June 29 guidance.

By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter A new NASFAA task force report outlined several recommendations for the association to take to “fill the gap” when it comes to resources in using artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial aid office, along with future considerations and research for NASFAA to take as it relates to AI use in the profession. This report is the fourth and final in a series from NASFAA’s Task Force on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Aid Offices.

"More than a week after the Department of Education expanded the list of degree programs eligible for higher loan limits after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect on July 1, several trade associations and legal experts say the latest expansion is not enough," Inside Higher Ed reports. ...

"July 1 brought with it big changes to federal student loans, as revisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect," Moneywise reports. ...