Higher education continues to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, with evolving regulations, increased workloads, and ongoing demands on financial aid teams. As institutions prepare for the year ahead, many are turning to HEAG for experienced, dependable support.
Our consultants bring deep, hands-on expertise to every engagement, including regulatory specialists, compliance experts, and former U.S. Department of Education professionals who understand the work from the inside out.
Whether addressing staffing needs, navigating complex Title IV requirements, preparing for audits, or managing specialized projects, we provide responsive, practical support tailored to each campus. With strong relationships across the Department of Education and a consistent track record of results, we help institutions meet challenges, strengthen their operations, and move forward with confidence.
The U.S. Department of Education has approved the first program under the new Workforce Pell Grant authority, signaling that colleges and universities can begin moving eligible short-term programs through the approval process. The final regulations allow Pell Grants to be used for accredited programs lasting eight to fifteen weeks, provided programs meet requirements related to earnings, job placement, and completion and receive approval from both the Secretary of Education and a state governor. For institutions considering Workforce Pell, now is the time to identify potential programs, assess outcomes data, map the approval process, and prepare the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance. In this post, we cover the new Workforce Pell pathway and practical steps institutions can take to prepare.
The Morrison Institute of Technology turned to HEAG during a transition in its Financial Aid department two years ago. Since then, HEAG has continued to work with the college, most recently providing expertise and guidance as it welcomed a new Director of Financial Aid and navigated a change in leadership.
As our client shared, "HEAG will be my first call" if support is needed in the future. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help colleges and universities navigate change and strengthen their financial aid operations.
Learn what our clients have to say about working with HEAG.
Federal proposals surrounding the future administration of Federal Student Aid are creating questions and uncertainty for students, families, and higher education institutions. While the legislative process continues to unfold, colleges and universities can take proactive steps to prepare clear, consistent communications, anticipate student concerns, and provide students with accurate guidance about what they need to do now—and what they don’t.
Read our full post for practical strategies your institution can use to help students navigate uncertainty around potential changes in Federal Student Aid.
I have been a consultant with HEAG for almost three years.
What was your first job?
My first job was delivering newspapers. I later worked in retail to help pay for college.
What do you enjoy most about your role with HEAG?
HEAG provides the opportunity to work with a variety of institutions while giving consultants the flexibility to do what they do best. The firm is incredibly supportive, and there is a tremendous amount of collective knowledge available whenever a client faces a difficult challenge.
I enjoy solving problems and helping institutions navigate complicated financial aid processes. The role can be hectic, but at the end of the day I know I've helped improve an institution or guided a college through a complex procedural challenge.
What makes HEAG unique or special compared to your work experiences elsewhere?
HEAG does an excellent job matching consultants with assignments that fit their experience and strengths. It's a highly collaborative organization with an impressive depth of expertise. No matter the situation, there's always someone willing to share their knowledge and help find the best solution.
When you’re not consulting, what other hobbies/interests do you have?
I enjoy antiquing, attending estate sales, and collecting vintage toys and military memorabilia. Whenever I have the chance, I also enjoy spending time fishing.
Consultant Spotlight
Jim Trimboli
Tell us a little about yourself.
I hold a master's degree in Applied Economics from Buffalo State College and a bachelor's degree from Medaille College. After completing my degrees, my professional career started in banking, where I gained experience in fraud prevention, collections, underwriting, and repossessions. In 1999, I transitioned into higher education, joining ITT Technical Institute as a financial aid administrator. Five years later, I accepted what would become a defining opportunity in my career when I joined Niagara County Community College (now SUNY Niagara) as Director of Financial Aid. I served in that role for more than 22 years and, in 2015, also assumed the responsibility of Director of Admissions.
After retiring from SUNY Niagara in 2025, I began consulting for the college while it conducts a national search for my successor. That transition also allowed me to expand my consulting work with HEAG.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about leadership and professional development in financial aid. I co-authored You're the Director: A Guide to Leadership in Student Financial Aid, published by NASFAA, and later authored A Parent's Survival Guide to College and Financial Aid. I am currently working on the third edition of A Parent's Survival Guide.
What are some of the tasks you have excelled at as a consultant?
My strengths are mentoring financial aid professionals and helping institutions develop and strengthen their policies and procedures. I enjoy working alongside staff to build confidence, improve operations, and identify practical solutions to complex challenges.
What advice would you give to a school looking to bring in an FA consultant?
Communication is key. Institutions should clearly explain to their staff why a consultant is being brought in and what their role will be. Consultants are not there to criticize existing processes—they're there to provide guidance, share best practices, improve operations, and help institutions navigate increasingly complex financial aid regulations.
What is something few people know about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that I'm the published author of two books on financial aid. Outside of work, I'm also a devoted Montreal Canadiens fan—even though I live near Buffalo, New York.
