USA Funds Update

Fall Workshop Webcast Series Begins Nov. 10
USA Funds^® University’s fall workshop webcast series will offer information about current and past legislation and regulations, options for professional judgment, and the life cycle of a Stafford loan. Learn more.

USA Funds University Offers Professional Judgment Information
As students and their families cope with education expenses during an economic downturn, USA Funds University reminds schools that they may use the authority granted from the U.S. Department of Education to exercise professional judgment. Read more.

Access to Education

College Board Reports College Costs Continue to Rise, Private Student Loans Decline
The College Board reports that declines in state appropriations and the value of college and university endowments were behind another round of college cost increases for the current academic year. Meanwhile, the volume of private student loans declined dramatically during the previous academic year. The College Board issued its annual “Trends in Student Aid” and “Trends in College Pricing” reports. You will need Adobe Reader to access the reports online.

Operations Bulletin

Policy Frequently Asked Question: Resolving Conflicting Tax Status Information
USA Funds’ policy experts describe what a financial aid administrator should do when tax returns provided by a student reflect what that aid administrator believes is an incorrect tax status. Learn more.

Department Announces Final Regulations on Institutional Eligibility and Accrediting Agencies
The U.S. Department of Education has issued final regulations governing institutional eligibility and recognition of accrediting agencies. The Federal Register notes that the amended regulations are related to the Higher Education Reconciliation Act and Higher Education Opportunity Act and also aim to “clarify, improve and update the current regulations.” The regulations are effective July 1, 2010.