Financial Aid Programs

The Financial Aid Office recommends that students file the FAFSA by March 1 of each new filing year. By filing the form by March 1, the Financial Aid Office will have the ability to notify students of their financial aid eligibility prior to the summer term billing. The Financial Aid Office may request additional documentation to support a student’s request for financial assistance. Parents and the student may be required to submit a federal tax transcript and W-2 forms. A student’s financial aid package cannot be finalized until all requested documentation has been received and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office.

The following programs are the major financial aid resources available to students. Students may receive assistance from one, or any combination of all of these programs, in what is called a financial aid package. A student’s eligibility for these programs is based on their completion and submission of the forms described previously. Awards are not automatically renewable and students must reapply each year.

• Federal Pell Grant – The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded entitlement program to assist undergraduate students with high financial need. Eligibility for Pell

Grants is determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on the FAFSA.

Pell-eligible students may receive the grant even if enrolled less than half time. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

• PHEAA State Grant – The state of Pennsylvania provides grants to bona fide residents who demonstrate financial need, have not received their first baccalaureate degree in any field, and are enrolled in classes on at least a half-time basis.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) administers the program, but the institution certifies the eligibility of the student to receive the funds.

PHEAA also administers a grant program with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) – This federally funded program provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are Pell Grant eligible. The amount of the award is based on need and the availability of funds are limited. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to receive a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity

Grant.

• Federal Work-Study Program – The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded program that provides part-time employment to students who demonstrate financial need. Positions are available throughout the institution and at selected offcampus sites. Federal Work-Study students are paid an hourly wage for actual hours worked. Federal Work-Study earnings are paid directly to the student on a bi-weekly basis. Awards are made to students on a fund-availability basis.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan – A first-year (freshman) student may borrow up to a maximum of $3,500 subsidized and up to $2,000 (dependent) or $6,000 (independent student or parent unable to borrow PLUS) unsubsidized per