FSA has announced that additional enhancements are coming soon to the FSA Partner Connect portal, particularly to the application process for institutions via the E-App (Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Aid Programs). The updates are scheduled to roll out in December 2025.
December 2025 Updates to the E-App
In addition to correcting several existing issues, we FSA will implement the following E-App enhancements:
New Self-Certifications – FSA continues to expect institutional partners to attest to the accuracy and completeness of the information they submit on the E-App. By introducing several new self-certifications, FSA is minimizing the additional documentation required from partners and enhancing the efficiency of the application review phase.
The new self-certifications in the E-App are as follows:
- Policy & Procedures: Partners are no longer required to submit required Policy & Procedures during the recertification process and will self-certify to the accuracy of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, Return of Title IV Funds Policy, Refund Policy, and Admission Policy. FSA will continue to assist any partner that has questions regarding the required Policy & Procedures prior to submission of the application.
- Debarment List: On some application types, partners will self-certify that individuals on the Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR) are not listed on the U.S. Government’s Debarment list, located at SAM.gov.
- Gainful Employment (GE): Partners will self-certify that each GE program meets the requirements of 34 C.F.R § 668.604(d).
- Prison Education Program (PEP): Partners will self-certify that information about each PEP is true and correct, and that the institution will remain in compliance with PEP requirements.
Note: Self-certifications do not limit the U.S. Department of Education’s right to later determine that the information was incorrect and to require additional steps through an audit, program review, or in any other manner.
Personal Information No Longer Required for All Officials – The E-App will no longer require personal information from all officials. Instead, only the institution’s president and one additional official will provide personal information, as a precaution in the event of a natural disaster, major security breach, or school closure.
General Improvements – FSA is improving text and the user experience throughout the E-App.
FSA will be posting updated job aids in early December on the FSA Training Center to help partners understand the changes. College Aid Services will keep our readers updated once they are published.
SOURCE: (GENERAL-25-45) FSA Partner Connect –E-App Enhancements Planned for December 2025