U.S. Department of Education Releases Key Updates for Higher Education Institutions, Including NSLDS Changes and FAFSA Fraud Detection Guidance

The U.S. Department of Education has issued several important announcements for higher education institutions. These include updates to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Professional Access website to support the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), with revised reporting requirements for the October 1, 2026, cycle. Additionally, new guidance and FAQs have been released regarding real-time FAFSA fraud detection and identity confirmation processes. The Department also notified institutions of their approved Federal Work-Study (FWS) and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) allocations for the 2026–27 award year and reminded them of the July 31, 2026, deadline for reporting foreign gifts and contracts under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act. Further, the Department announced a series of webinars and virtual office hours for August 2026 to provide updates on new regulations from the OBBBA, including changes to loan limits.