NASFAA

10/17/2026

This week on "Off the Cuff," Natalie is joined by Brandi Blanton, M. Ed., director of financial aid at the Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University.

Throughout the conversation, Brandi talks about her passion for professional development, financial wellness, how community and connection have shaped her career, and the many ways she supports students beyond financial aid.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or on our website.

10/16/2026

The NASFAA 2027 National Conference is your perfect chance to share your insights, lead important conversations, and help shape the future of financial aid.

Whether you have experience in professional development, advocacy, or compliance—or want to spark discussion in an open forum—we welcome your voice and your ideas.

Our conference program task force is especially interested in sessions that offer practical takeaways for financial aid administrators and speak directly to the challenges and opportunities we are facing today—or will be in the future.

Submit your session proposal by Friday, October 23: https://ow.ly/YLlW50ZYqwM

10/16/2026

FAFSA Friday Quick Tip: Be Aware of Deadlines

While there is technically no deadline to apply for federal aid — students can complete the FAFSA at any time during the award year — states and institutions may have deadlines for distributing their own aid, many of which are first-come, first-served.

Stay tuned for more FAFSA tips every Friday in October for financial aid offices to repost, so your students can avoid common mistakes when filling out the FAFSA this fall.

10/15/2026

Financial aid professionals are navigating constant change while supporting students and families. In this free webinar, discover how NASFAA can support you in your work and throughout your career.

Whether you're new to NASFAA or looking to reconnect, you'll leave with practical places to turn for information, professional growth, and community.

Register now to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/6izc50ZY0mO

10/15/2026

"On October 21, colleges and universities across the country will recognize Financial Aid Day, an annual observance celebrating the professionals who help students and families navigate the financial aid process that opens doors to higher education.

This year, we are asking you to do more than thank your financial aid team. We are asking you to see them, to listen to them, and to support them," NASFAA President & CEO Melanie Storey writes in an open letter to college and university leaders.

“When financial aid works, its complexity can be almost invisible. … But when something goes wrong — even when the cause is a system failure, delayed guidance, an abrupt policy change, or another circumstance outside an aid office’s control — financial aid professionals are often among the first to hear the frustration and be on the front line of blame.

Supporting your financial aid office means supporting your institution.”

Read the rest of Melanie's letter linked in the comments below. ⬇️

10/14/2026

We're thrilled to have Brandi Blanton, M. Ed., as our Voices of NASFAA guest for this week's episode of NASFAA's "Off The Cuff" podcast!

Brandi is the director of financial aid at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University and a member of NASFAA's Developing Leaders Pipeline (DLP) 2025-26 class.

Listen to the episode when it drops this Friday to learn about Brandi's unexpected career path in financial aid, how she found her community, and the creative initiatives she is implementing on her campus to better serve her students' needs.

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

Do you want an easy way to recognize Financial Aid Day on October 21? Use our FAD Canva Template: https://canva.link/hajuzt898tdyne8

All you need to do is insert a photo of your financial aid team, add your institution's name, download it, and post it! Don't forget to tag NASFAA and use .

10/14/2026

With midterm elections just under a month away, the incoming Congress’s priorities for federal student aid policy and funding will take shape with new committee leadership and the possibility of a divided government, which will significantly impact legislative dynamics.

Read NASFAA's breakdown for financial aid professionals of what to expect in student aid policy after the 2026 midterms: https://ow.ly/GjuY50ZXhg8

10/13/2026

👏 Thank you, Brad and Keri, for taking time out of your busy schedules to advocate for investment in federal student aid programs!

The Student Aid Alliance, a coalition of over 40 higher education organizations, hosted a Student Aid Briefing on Capitol Hill. The panel discussion, with more than 100 congressional staffers and members of the policy community in attendance, included NASFAA members Brad Barnett, FAAC® (James Madison University), and Keri Gilbert, FAAC® (Stephens College), and focused on the importance of student aid programs and how they may be impacted by proposed funding cuts for Fiscal Year 2027.