Ever wonder what resources are being used by other Financial Aid Administrators? HEAG learned what websites are used most by Financial Aid Administrators through a recent survey:
U.S. Department of Education’s Common Origination and Disbursement (COD): The COD is a streamlined method for processing, storing and reconciling Academic Competitiveness Grant, National Science and Mathematics Access To Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant), Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant) and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) financial aid data. The COD website is a tool for processing and viewing these databases as well as assisting schools with trouble-shooting and problem resolution. Schools can use the COD Web site to set or change their processing options for Direct Loan Electronic MPNs. Schools can also search and view completed electronic MPNs, as well as completed TEACH Grant.
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators in all sectors of post-secondary education. NASFAA is a peer group of more than 18,000 financial aid professionals who represent more than 2,800 institutions. NASFAA offers information about continuing education; critical legal and regulatory updates; student aid advocacy; professional practice resources; and valuable networking opportunities.
Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) : IFAP is an application that was developed to provide school and financial partners with electronic access to the many FSA publications that guide the administration of the Title IV Student Financial Assistance programs. The IFAP Web site consolidates guidance, resources, and information related to the administration and processing of Title IV federal student aid into one online site for use by the entire financial aid community.
Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA): SASFAA is an organization of over 1,200 financial aid professionals working within the nine southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. SASFAA’s purpose includes promoting the professional preparation of individuals within financial aid; developing effective programs related to student financial aid; and facilitating communication between all interested parties within the financial aid community. Financial Aid Administrators from the southern region use this website to access information about membership in a timely manner.
Ed.gov: The U.S. Department of Education is the agency of the federal government that establishes policy for administers and coordinates most federal assistance to education. The Department’s mission is to serve America’s students-to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. The website includes information about money and funding; research and facts; teachers; policy and regulations; college; rights, complaints and FOIA; and Special Education.
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS): The NSLDS is the U.S. Department of Education’s central database for student aid. It receives data from schools, agencies that guaranty loans, the Direct Loan program, and other U.S. Department of Education programs. NSLDS provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants that are tracked through their entire cycle. The site displays information on loan and/or grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements.
Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA): Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds each year. Federal Student Aid is responsible for managing the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs provide grants, loans, and work-study funds to students attending college or career school.
South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SCASFAA): SCASFAA promotes the advancement of financial assistance programs as an essential part of student access to post-secondary education. SCASFAA provides personal and professional development opportunities that embrace sound principles, practices, and ethics of aid administration.