The U.S. Department of Education has released guidance for institutions seeking FY 2026 designation as a Title III eligible institution, with applications due by April 23, 2026.
Why This Matters
Institutions designated as Title III eligible may qualify for a waiver of the non-federal share requirement for:
- Federal Work-Study (FWS)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This waiver can significantly reduce the institutional contribution required to participate in these campus-based aid programs.
Who Should Apply?
Institutions should submit an application if they:
- Are not listed as eligible in the Department’s official Eligibility Matrix
- Want to request the non-federal share waiver for FWS and FSEOG for the 2026–27 award year
Institutions that already appear as eligible in the Eligibility Matrix do not need to apply, but should verify their status.
Key Details
- Deadline: April 23, 2026
- Applies to: FY 2026 eligibility designation
- Purpose: Establish Title III eligibility and/or request cost-share waiver
- Data Source: Eligibility is largely based on institutional data reported through IPEDS
Important Reminders
- The waiver applies only to approved institutions for the applicable award year
- Institutions must continue to meet program reporting requirements (such as FISAP submissions)
- Eligibility determinations are made annually unless otherwise specified
In Summary
If your institution is not already listed as Title III eligible and wants to reduce its share of FWS or FSEOG funding, you must apply by April 23, 2026.
Now is the time to confirm your status in the Eligibility Matrix and submit an application if needed.