Streamlining federal student loan paperwork forms

2026-17239, Education Department General Administrative Regulations

The Secretary of Education proposes to amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and other provisions in 2 CFR parts 3474 and 3485 to update the regulations and better align them with other U.S. Department of Education (Department) regulations and procedures, and to include technical updates from the Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024. The Department intends to finalize these regulations in late 2026.

2026-17001, Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization: The Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies: Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Student Assistance General Provisions

The Department proposes to revise the existing accrediting agency recognition regulations at 34 CFR part 602 to implement the directives set forth in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and other Administration priorities, align the regulations more closely with statute, and reduce regulatory burden.

2026-15019, Rescinding Portions of the Department of Education Title VI Regulations To Align With the Statutory Text and Conform to Executive Order 14281

The Department of Education is changing its rules to stop punishing unintentional discrimination under Title VI, focusing only on intentional discrimination instead. This update, effective July 24, 2026, will make things clearer, cut costs for schools and organizations getting federal money, and follow a new executive order about fairness and opportunity. If you receive federal funds, these changes affect how you follow civil rights rules.

2026-13286, Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand- Driven Workforce Pell: Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability

Starting July 1, 2027, colleges must prove their programs help students earn enough money to keep getting federal student loans. This new rule affects schools offering Direct Loans and aims to stop loans for programs where graduates don’t make enough. Some parts kick in earlier on August 31, 2026, so schools better get ready to show they’re helping students succeed in the workforce!

2026-10013, Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Pell Grant Exclusion Relating to Other Grant Aid; and Workforce Pell Grants

Starting July 20, 2026, students and schools will see new rules for Pell Grants thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Now, some other grants won’t count against Pell Grant eligibility, and a new Workforce Pell Grant will help students in short, job-focused programs get financial aid. This means more chances for students to get money for education that leads straight to good jobs!

2026-08556, Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations

Starting July 1, 2026, new rules will change how federal student loans work for grad students, parents, and professionals. The Grad PLUS loan is being phased out, and repayment plans are getting simpler with a fresh new income-driven option. Plus, folks who’ve defaulted before get a second chance to fix their loans and get back on track.

Previous: 2026-06889, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Native American Language (NAL@ED) Application Package (1894-0001)

The Department of Education is asking to keep collecting info for the Native American Language program without changing the current forms. This affects state, local, and tribal governments who apply for funding to support Native languages. You’ve got until May 11, 2026, to share your thoughts, and the paperwork won’t cost extra or take more time than before.

Next: 2026-06893, Notice of Public Meeting of the Wisconsin Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The Wisconsin Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a public Zoom meeting on April 28, 2026, to vote on their next study topic. Anyone interested can join, listen, and even share their thoughts during the open comment time. This meeting helps shape important civil rights work in Wisconsin, with no cost to attend except possible phone charges.