U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance on New Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Direct Loan Requirements

The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance on the transition to the new Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) framework, offering institutions the option for early implementation in the 2026 reporting cycle. Additionally, formal guidance was released for the new Schedule of Reductions requirements affecting Direct Loan borrowers enrolled less than full-time, starting in the 2026–27 award year. These announcements are part of a series of updates impacting higher education institutions and student financial aid.