We are recruiting schools and servicers to participate in the beta test of EDExpress for Windows 2024–25, Release 2.0. The brief beta testing period is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2024.
We are releasing a newly modernized user interface (UI) for the EDExpress for Windows software for the 2024–25 cycle, which began with Release 1.0 and continues with Release 2.0. We are excited to unveil a new look and feel for the software as well as functionality enhancements designed to improve the user experience. In addition, updates are being made to support changes required by the FAFSA Simplification Act and Future Act.
The Release 2.0 beta version will focus on testing setup, import, and entry functionality in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan), Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant modules.
If you are selected to participate, you will:
-
Download a pre-production version of the EDExpress software and test documentation,
-
Replicate typical usage of the software in a mock-production environment,
-
Report any problems encountered, and
-
Submit a summary report detailing test findings and software suggestions for our analysis.
If you are interested in being considered as a beta test participant for Release 2.0, please send an email to EDEBetaTest@cpssaig.ed.gov with the subject line “Attention: EDExpress 2024–25 Release 2.0 Beta Testing” and provide the following information:
-
Primary and secondary testing contact names, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
-
School name, TG number, and approximate student population at your school.
-
Are you a current EDExpress user? If so, how many years have you used EDExpress and do you currently use it to exchange Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and/or TEACH Grant records with the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System?
-
Do you use EDExpress in combination with a mainframe system or third-party software to process student aid data?
-
Windows operating system version(s) for PC workstations accessing EDExpress and environment (network/standalone).
We will select participants from a wide variety of processing environments to ensure a diverse and thorough testing of the software is performed.
We will contact all Release 2.0 beta test volunteers by April 15, 2024. If your school is selected for participation, further information will be provided by email at that time.
We appreciate your interest in EDExpress 2024–25, Release 2.0 and look forward to hearing from you.