An excellent resource for Federal Student Aid (FSA) loan borrowers is the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Unfortunately, many students do not realize that this resource even exists. Indeed, I never logged into NSLDS until after I completed my master’s degree and I was ready to sign a mortgage. If you are borrowing or have borrowed FSA loans in the past, you should visit NSLDS occasionally to make sure all of your loan information is accurate.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
As with many things in life, one poor decision can lead to major negative consequences. It is always a good idea just to be mindful of how damaging an illegal drug conviction can be. Even outside of the legal ramifications, students can face serious consequences when it comes to their FSA eligibility.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
To obtain a degree/certificate, you must excel academically and complete all the course work that is required. However, some students may not necessarily realize that many colleges actually make academic engagement a requirement to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) disbursements.
By Rob Hassinger
In Military Education, Special Contributor
Communicating with your academic advisor is one of the most important aspects of being a college student. They are a wealth of knowledge and how you interact with them can have a direct impact on your academic success.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
For FSA loans, the standard grace period is six months. Therefore, after your loan(s) comes due, you will have six months from that date until you actually have to start making payments.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
You may not think about it while you are using them, but Federal Student Aid (FSA) loans have a four-part life cycle. All of these parts are important to think about.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
As you work your way through college, you already know that your tuition and fees are going to continue to mount. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that it is expensive to attend college. Some students are able to earn scholarships and use other kinds of Federal Student Aid (FSA) to cover costs of tuition and fees. However, one cost associated with college can continue to pile up without you realizing just how much money you are spending: textbooks.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
Since the Pell Grant is a need-based financial aid, it will be the first kind of aid that your school will use to package your financial aid award. If you are eligible, it is a great resource to take advantage of.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews
Since SAP policies can differ amongst schools, it is important that you take the time to research your school’s SAP policy. SAP policies should always be outlined in the student handbook, but FSA specialists at your school will always be willing to help you understand.
By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews
While it is obvious that taking out federal funds using someone else’s identity is a serious offense, there are other forms of FSA fraud that are not quite as obvious; however, they are serious and can result in negative consequences.