NASFAA 2026 Reflections: Financial Aid Compliance, Federal Changes, and Institutional Readiness

Financial Aid Offices Continue Managing Regulatory Change

As a vendor representing Attain Partners at this year’s NASFAA National Conference, I had the opportunity to connect with financial aid professionals from institutions across the country.

One message came through clearly in nearly every conversation: federal student aid regulations continue to change, creating new compliance responsibilities and operational challenges for institutions.

With new regulatory requirements and responding to increased compliance and reporting expectations, financial aid offices are balancing significant change while remaining focused on supporting students and ensuring they have access to the resources and services needed to achieve their educational goals.

Professional Degree Programs and Federal Loan Eligibility

Many of the professionals I spoke with shared concerns about managing ongoing regulatory implementation, maintaining compliance, and preparing for additional changes that may be on the horizon. Having served as an Interim Director of Financial Aid for a client, I have firsthand experience with the operational challenges institutions face when implementing new federal requirements.

Institutions offering graduate programs that are now classified as professional degree programs should take a proactive approach to monitoring loan awards for these students. Closely reviewing annual loan eligibility and disbursement amounts will help ensure students receive the correct funding levels associated with professional degree programs, minimize compliance risk, and support a seamless student financial aid experience.

How Financial Aid Leaders Are Responding to Compliance Challenges

While every institution faces its own unique circumstances, the common themes were clear: strong processes, reliable data, and well-trained staff are essential to successfully navigating the current federal regulatory environment. Just as important is ensuring that administrative and compliance demands do not detract from the institution’s ability to deliver high-quality student services. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collaborating with experienced partners to help institutions adapt while keeping student success at the center of their efforts.

One of the reasons NASFAA remains such a valuable conference is its ability to bring together practitioners, business partners, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and practical solutions. Beyond the presentations and regulatory updates, the most valuable insights came from conversations with financial aid professionals who shared how their institutions are addressing compliance requirements, operational challenges, and student service priorities.

Looking Ahead for Financial Aid Professionals

I left the conference energized by the dedication, resilience, and commitment of the financial aid community. I sincerely appreciate everyone who stopped by the Attain Partners booth to share their experiences, discuss their institutional priorities, and exchange ideas for strengthening financial aid operations.

As the higher education landscape continues to change, Attain Partners remains committed to partnering with institutions as they strengthen compliance, improve operational effectiveness, and create efficiencies that allow financial aid professionals to devote more time to supporting students.

Attain Partners – Higher Education Financial Aid and Compliance Specialists

Financial aid offices continue to navigate changing federal requirements while maintaining a strong focus on student service and institutional compliance. At Attain Partners, we work alongside colleges and universities to strengthen financial aid operations, improve compliance processes, and support sustainable administrative practices that help institutions adapt to ongoing regulatory change.

About the Author

Carmin Cobb is a seasoned financial aid expert at Attain Partners, bringing deep, practitioner-level experience supporting colleges and universities as they navigate the evolving financial aid landscape. With a strong background in financial aid administration, compliance, and student-centered service delivery, Carmin helps institutions strengthen operations, improve accuracy and timeliness, and adapt to regulatory and policy changes with confidence.