The ability to pay for a college education usually depends on stable economic conditions and clear, predictable rules. But what happens when everything seems to change every day? Amy and Mike invited financial aid advisor Ed Recker to explain what federal policy changes mean for financial aid.
What are five things you will learn in this episode?
- What federal policy changes will have the potential biggest impacts to students?
- What federal policy changes will have the potential biggest impacts to colleges & universities?
- Has the U.S. Department of Education’s reduction in force (RIF) impacted the financial aid process?
- Were there any changes to the FAFSA or federal student loans?
- Are there any benefits to completing the FAFSA early?
MEET OUR GUEST
Ed Recker is a Director of High School Relationship Management with Sallie Mae, serving high schools, states, and professional organizations throughout the U.S. He joined Sallie Mae in 2019, and has over 20 years’ experience in the financial aid and enrollment industry. Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Ed was a Senior Consultant within the Enrollment Division of Ruffalo Noel Levitz, held the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management at the University of Findlay, and held various financial aid positions at the University of Findlay, Terra State Community College, and Bowling Green State University. Ed holds a M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Toledo, and resides in Ottawa, OH with his wife Kate and daughter Evelyn.
Ed appeared on the podcast in episode #492 to discuss The Better FAFSA For New And Previous Filers and in episode #544 to discuss First Impressions Of The Better FAFSA.
Find Ed at Edward.Recker@salliemae.com.
LINKS
FAFSA 2026-27 – How to Apply for Financial Aid
FAFSA Simplification: A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Borrowers | Federal Student Aid – Financial Aid Toolkit
RELATED EPISODES
HOW ARE POLITICAL CHANGES SHAPING HIGHER ED
UNDERSTANDING YOUR COLLEGE TUITION BILL
WHAT IS A NET PRICE CALCULATOR?
THE PRICE YOU REALLY PAY FOR COLLEGE
ABOUT THIS PODCAST
Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our past episodes on the show page and keep up with our future ones by subscribing to our email newsletter.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright, Roots2Words, and College Eagle. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. Get in touch with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, consulting, or anything podcast related through our contact page. We’d love to hear from you!