PNPI’s FSA 101 is an online, completely asynchronous course focused on federal student aid (FSA). Designed to offer maximum flexibility, the course will provide participants with the content they need to understand, assess, create, consider, and influence federal postsecondary policy related to federal student aid. It is a perfect learning opportunity for advocates, policymakers, researchers, members of the media, and policy students who want to expand their knowledge of federal student aid or are new to the field. This year, we’re excited to offer FREE registration for students and members of the media.
Course Details
PNPI’s FSA 101 course consists of seven distinct learning modules, each including video presentations and supplemental readings. Participants who complete all modules and activities on our virtual course platform will be awarded a digital badge at no additional cost. These web-enabled credentials can be easily shared with current or future employers and added to participants’ LinkedIn profiles and other social media platforms. More information can be found under the “Digital Badge” tab.
The seven modules are:
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) Overview, including information on college cost
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Student Aid Index (SAI)
- The Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Student Loans
- Federal Student Loan Debt
- Federal Student Loan Default
- Federal Student Loan Repayment
July 28: Registration opens
September 1: Course opens
September 15: Last day to register
September 30: Course ends
Registration for FSA 101 will open on July 28 and remain open through September 15, 2026. Participants will have access to the course for the entire month of September.
Student: FREE (must be a degree-seeking student at a federally accredited institution and must email a copy of your student ID to pnpi@pnpi.org to verify student enrollment)
Member of the Media: FREE (must email a copy of your press credential to pnpi@pnpi.org to verify status)
Government Staff: $69 (must register with a .gov email address)
Nonprofit Staff: $69 (must register with a .org email address)
All Other Registrants: $99
Organizations registering four participants will receive one free registration. Please email pnpi@pnpi.org for details.
PNPI provides our participants with a digital credential for participating in FSA 101. All badge earners will receive an email inviting them to claim their badge within 30 days of course completion.
Offered on the Credly platform, digital badges can be displayed in email signatures, on electronic copies of résumés, and on social media sites such as LinkedIn. There is no fee for the badge, and acceptance of the badge lies with the participant once it is issued by PNPI.
What are the benefits of PNPI’s digital badge? Participants are provided with:
- A web-enabled version of their credential that can easily be shared online
- Labor market insights that relate your skills to jobs
- A trusted method for real-time credential verification
The digital badge is ONLY available to participants who complete all course modules, including assessments, and submit a completed course evaluation.
You can read more about the badge by clicking on the badge icon below.
