Federal Student Aid (FSA) has announced the availability of EDExpress for Windows 2027–28, Release 1.0. The new release is available for download from the Software and Other Tools page on the FSA Partner Connect Knowledge Center.
Release 1.0 includes functionality for Global, Application Processing, Packaging, and the College Financing Plan and incorporates updates for the 2027–28 processing cycle.
Important Technology Changes for 2027–28
A significant change with EDExpress 2027–28 is the transition to a Microsoft SQL Server database and a 64-bit application. According to FSA, these changes are designed to improve reliability, performance, security, multi-user support, and network functionality.
Institutions using EDExpress 2027–28 must have Microsoft SQL Server 2019 or later, using the Express, Standard, or Enterprise edition. Other database platforms, including Oracle and PostgreSQL, are not supported.
EDExpress does not install or provide SQL Server. Institutions are responsible for providing and maintaining their own SQL Server environment. Schools that use EDExpress should coordinate with their IT teams to ensure the appropriate environment is available and configured.
The installation may also prompt users to install Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 10.0, which is required for EDExpress 2027–28. FSA recommends allowing the installation to proceed if prompted.
New Getting Started Process
FSA has introduced an enhanced Getting Started process that launches when EDExpress 2027–28 is opened for the first time after installation.
The guided process assists users with:
- Selecting optional Packaging and College Financing Plan functionality. Global and Application Processing are required and are installed automatically.
- Configuring SQL Server settings.
- Creating a new 2027–28 EDExpress database or connecting to an existing database.
- Establishing the application password EDExpress will use to connect to the SQL Server database.
- Optionally importing setup parameters, queries, and file formats from the 2026–27 database when creating a new database.
- Establishing the initial user credentials and security settings.
For institutions operating EDExpress in a networked environment, the Getting Started process must also be completed on each workstation connecting to the shared 2027–28 database. Institutions will need the appropriate SQL Server connection information and application password when configuring those workstations.
Password and User Security Changes
New EDExpress passwords must initially contain at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a non-alphanumeric character. Administrators can modify certain password requirements after the initial login.
The primary user established during the Getting Started process is automatically assigned to the Express Administration security group, providing access to all EDExpress functionality. FSA recommends that administrators subsequently establish unique user IDs and assign users to appropriate security groups based on the access thSet featured imageey need.
Resources Available
FSA has published several resources to help institutions install and begin using the new release, including:
- EDExpress for Windows 2027–28 Installation Guide
- EDExpress 2027–28, Release 1.0 Cover Letter
- EDExpress 2027–28, Release 1.0 Desk Reference
- 2027–28 Packaging Technical Reference
- Software Download
Institutions preparing for the transition may also want to review FSA’s recently released EDExpress SQL Database training course for additional guidance on connecting EDExpress to SQL Server.
Financial aid offices that rely on EDExpress should review the new requirements and coordinate with their IT teams early, particularly regarding SQL Server and workstation configuration, to prepare for 2027–28 processing.
Questions about EDExpress can be directed to the FPS Help Desk at 1-800-330-5947 or support@fps.ed.gov.
SOURCE: (EDESUITE-26-06) Availability of EDExpress for Windows 2027–28, Release 1.0