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Applying for Financial Aid

Applying for Financial Aid

Ten easy steps to apply for Financial Aid

Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

  • Required to determine eligibility for loans, grants, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study Program
  • Answer "Yes" to question asking if you want to receive Federal Work Study consideration  
  • Use the proper FAFSA form to apply on the Internet. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
  • Apply early for maximum aid consideration. Recommended date is Feb. 15
  • School Code: 003329

Receive SAR (Student Aid Report) from the Federal Processor

  • States information from your FAFSA
  • SAR information is forwarded to Penn State electronically if chosen in the school section

Review SAR (Student Aid Report)

  • Make corrections if necessary on Part 2 and return to the federal processor
  • If no corrections are necessary, keep SAR for future reference

Review Award Notification

  • This notification from the Office of Student Aid informs you about what types of student aid you may be eligible to receive.  

Complete PHEAA Grant Status Notification Letter (PA residents only)

  • Provide information to complete your grant record
  • All PHEAA information is due by April 30
  • 800-692-7392 

Complete verification if notified by Penn State

  • Penn State may request by mail, copies, of tax forms, W-2's, birth certificate, etc.

Complete the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note  

  • Phone: 1-800-557-7394
  • Web: www.studentloans.gov
  • Complete section "proceed to PIN site registration"

Determine Need for a Parent (PLUS) Loan

Begin searching for scholarships

  • Check with high school guidance counselors

Contact the office of Student Aid if you have any questions