USA Funds Update

Online-Learning Curriculum Includes Latest HERA Guidance
USA Funds^® University’s online-learning curriculum now reflects current guidelines based on the student-aid provisions of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. The courses offer updated information and reflect significant changes such as the availability of Federal PLUS loans for graduate and professional students, updated need analysis, and the new Academic Competitiveness Grant and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. To view descriptions of the 32 online courses available or to register, visit USA Funds University’s online learning site.

USA Funds Supports National College Goal Sunday Training
Before the recent conference of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, USA Funds sponsored a session that provided training and fostered communication between states that host College Goal Sunday. Read more.

Operations Bulletin

Policy Frequently Asked Question: Loan Eligibility for a Student With an Incarcerated Parent
USA Funds policy experts offer insight into whether a student with an incarcerated parent is eligible for additional Federal Stafford loans. Learn more.

Special-Allowance Rates Announced for Quarter Ending June 30, 2006
The U.S. Department of Education has published Special-Allowance Rates for the quarter ending June 30, 2006. You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the latest rates.

Revised Teacher Loan-Forgiveness Application and Forbearance Form Approved
The U.S. Department of Education announced the approval of a new Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Forbearance Form. In Dear Colleague Letter GEN-06-13, the Department notes that the revised forms reflect changes to Federal Family Education Loan Program provisions that resulted from the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. The law includes a definition of “highly qualified” for nonprofit private elementary- and secondary-school teachers, and it increases the amount for the teacher loan-forgiveness program beyond Oct. 1, 2005.

Debt-Management Perspectives

Five Tips Help Your Adult Students Manage Their Funds
USA Funds Life Skills^® Module 9, “Live Like a Student — Managing Your Funds,” offers suggestions to help your graduate and professional students and other adult learners make the most of their investment in education. Read more.