Top Eight July 2026 Announcements for Higher Education Institutions

Jul 31, 2026

Here is a summary of the top eight July 2026 U.S. Department of Education (ED) and other announcements, plus additional helpful resources for higher education institutions:

Upcoming Title IV Requirements and Other Notifications

FSA Electronic Announcement GENERAL-26-43, One Big Beautiful Bill Act NSLDS Professional Access Updates – ED updated the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Professional Access website to support implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This includes changes related to Workforce Pell and the transition from Financial Value Transparency/Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) reporting to the new STATS framework. Institutions should review the revised reporting requirements and optional data fields now available for the October 1, 2026, reporting cycle.
FSA Electronic Announcement GENERAL-26-42, Update to List of Professional Degree Programs Due to Court Order – Guidance has been issued regarding Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes designated as professional degree programs following a federal court order. This affects loan limit administration and COD reporting. This article from the Higher Education Assistance Group has additional details.
Final 2027–28 FISAP Form, Instructions, and Desk Reference – The final 2027–28 Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) form, instructions, and reporting guidance have been released, as well as a reminder that the Fiscal Operations Report for 2025–26 and Application to Participate for 2027–28 must be submitted by October 1, 2026. Institutions should begin reconciling Campus-Based program data and review the updated materials to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Reporting reminders are available here.
FSA Electronic Announcement GRANTS-26-03, TEACH Grant Closeout Information for 2025–26 Award Year – ED released guidance on the TEACH Grant and Direct Loan closeout requirements for participating institutions. TEACH closeouts for 25/26 are due September 30, 2026. Direct Loan closeouts for 24/25 are due July 31, 2026—see this announcement for more information.
FSA Electronic Announcement CB-26-12, Information about the Reallocation Process, the 2025–26 Campus-Based Reallocation Form, and the Process to Request Supplemental Federal Work-Study Funds for 2026–27 – The 2025–26 Campus-Based Reallocation Form is now available, along with guidance for institutions with unexpended Federal Work-Study (FWS) or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) funds and those seeking supplemental FWS funding for 2026–27. Institutions should review Campus-Based expenditures and submit the required form by September 1, 2026, if they plan to release unused funds or request supplemental funding.
Notification of Campus-Based Funding for the 2026–27 Award Year – ED released its 2026–27 Campus-Based Funding report notifying institutions of approved FWS and FSEOG allocations for the award year. Institutions should review their funding awards and incorporate approved allocations into financial aid planning and program administration activities.
FSA Electronic Announcement GENERAL-26-45, Reminder: Reporting Deadline for Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 – The upcoming deadline for reporting foreign gifts, contracts, and ownership interests under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act is July 31, 2026. Institutions should review their foreign funding activity and ensure the required disclosures are submitted accurately and on time to avoid potential enforcement actions.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Announcements

FSA Electronic Announcement APP-26-09, Real-Time FAFSA Fraud Detection and Identity Confirmation - Frequently Asked Questions – New guidance and FAQs have been released on ED’s real-time FAFSA fraud detection and identity confirmation processes. Institutions should familiarize themselves with the updated verification procedures and remain alert to potential fraud indicators as additional safeguards are put in place. This overview of the ED Fraud Summit from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators is also helpful.

Additional Resources

Beyond Borrowing Limits - Preparing FA Offices for the New OB3 WFTCA Student Loan Reality Through Scenario-Based Advising – This Higher Education Assistance Group article examines how institutions can use scenario-based advising as they prepare for major federal student loan changes under the OBBBA, including new borrowing limits and the elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans. Financial aid offices should evaluate how these changes may affect financing gaps for students and consider proactive counseling strategies to support student persistence and enrollment planning.
FSA Electronic Announcement ANN-26-13, Training Workshops – 2026–27 FSA Fundamentals Training Series – Upcoming FSA training workshops will cover core Title IV administration requirements and operational fundamentals. These sessions are particularly useful for newer staff and institutions onboarding team members during regulatory transition periods. You can view other updated FSA course offerings here.
Department of Homeland Security Issues Final Rule on International Student Visas – As noted in this NACUBO article, the Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule that changes how international student and exchange visitor visas are administered, including establishing fixed admission periods and new extension requirements. Institutions serving international students should review the rule’s provisions and assess the potential impact on enrollment, advising, immigration compliance, and student support processes.
NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide – ED released an updated NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide, including new guidance on reporting enrollment statuses related to the Return of Title IV Funds withdrawal exemption. Institutions should review the updated requirements and ensure enrollment reporting processes remain accurate and compliant with federal reporting expectations.