STATS, Earnings Accountability and Early Implementation: What Schools Need to Consider Before October 1
In our last blog post, we shared updates regarding the STATS final rule and reminded institutions of the upcoming October 1st reporting deadline. In this blog post, we want to expand on the final regulations in light of a recent Federal Student Aid (FSA) training on Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) reporting requirements and Earnings Accountability framework. At the same time, institutions are facing an important decision: whether to early implement the new Accountability regulations or remain subject to the existing Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) regulations until the new rule becomes mandatory on July 1, 2027.
For many schools—particularly those offering cosmetology, barbering and wellness programs—the answer may not be as straightforward as it first appears.
Regulatory Update: What Institutions Need to Know About STATS, GE/FVT Reporting, and Recent Department of Education Changes
The past several weeks have brought significant developments for institutions participating in federal student aid programs. From delayed implementation of portions of the new Student Success, Transparency, and Accountability by Taxpayer Support (STATS) framework to new guidance on 2026 reporting requirements, schools are facing important decisions that will shape this year’s accountability reporting.
At DJA, we’ve been closely monitoring each development and helping our clients understand not just what has changed—but what actions need to be taken next.
Welcome to the DJA Compliance Corner
In today’s higher education environment, one thing is certain—change is constant.
Between evolving federal regulations, Electronic Announcements, Dear Colleague Letters, negotiated rulemaking, court decisions, and legislative updates, staying informed has become more challenging than ever. Compliance professionals aren’t just managing financial aid anymore—they’re interpreting complex guidance, implementing new requirements, and making critical institutional decisions, often with little time to prepare.
That’s why we’re excited to launch our online blog, the DJA Compliance Corner.