Penn State Financial Aid in 10 Easy Steps

1. COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

The FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work study.

● Apply online at https://www.studentaid.gov

● Penn State’s Federal School Code: 003329

● Recommended filing deadline for freshmen: Dec. 1

● Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to securely transfer federal income tax information directly from the IRS to your FAFSA

2. RECEIVE YOUR STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR) VIA EMAIL FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SAR information is automatically forwarded to your state and to Penn State (if chosen in the school section).

● Make corrections if necessary and return.

● If no corrections are necessary, keep for your records.

3. REVIEW YOUR STUDENT AID SUMMARY ONLINE

Penn State will send you an email with instructions on how to access your Student Aid Summary online.

● Penn State will use the email address you provided on the FAFSA or your admissions application.

● For more information about the types of student aid in your award package, visit https://studentaid.psu.edu/aid-notification

4. COMPLETE THE PHEAA STATE GRANT FORM

If you are a resident of Pennsylvania, you will need to complete the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grant form before May 1 to determine your eligibility.

● You can complete the form directly from the link on the FAFSA confirmation page. Access the form at https://pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program/apply-renew. shtml. Or you can wait for an email from PHEAA directing you to complete the form on the PHEAA website. For more information, visit https://pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program.

● Expect your PHEAA award email or letter after May 15.

5. COMPLETE VERIFICATION, IF NECESSARY

Penn State may ask you to verify information from your FAFSA.

● Documentation may be requested and may include such documents as tax transcripts, W-2s, Selective Service registration cards, and Social Security cards.

● No federal aid will be disbursed until verification is complete.

6. COMPLETE THE FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOAN MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN)

Electronically sign your MPN on the Federal Student Aid website at https://www.studentaid.gov.

7. COMPLETE LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING

Federal law requires all first-time borrowers to complete counseling before loans can disburse. You may do so at https://www.studentaid.gov.

8. DETERMINE YOUR NEED FOR A FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN

For step-by-step instructions, visit the Penn State Student Aid website at https://studentaid.psu.edu/types-of-aid/loans/ federal-direct-loans/federal-direct-parent-plus-loans.

9. SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Check with your high school guidance office for scholarship listings.

● Visit https://studentaid.psu.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships

● Check out fastweb.com for private scholarship opportunities.

10. CONTACT YOUR CAMPUS STUDENT AID OFFICE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Penn State Beaver Student Aid

Gail Gray, coordinator 724-773-3803 gailgray@psu.edu

Debbie Lathom, staff support 724-773-3805 dlathom@psu.edu

Penn State Office of Student Aid

814-865-6301 studentaid@psu.edu