How to Apply for Financial Aid
The first step in being considered for assistance is to complete a student aid application. All Penn State students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We highly recommend all students complete the FAFSA on the Web to insure the quickest and least error prone processing.
Penn State recommends that first year and transfer students complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st before the academic year they plan enrollment. For maximum consideration for funding, apply by February 15th. Some student aid programs continue to be available throughout the year. Returning students should complete the FAFSA by April 1st of each year for maximum aid consideration. All students should make every effort to use completed tax information.
The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state grants programs. If the FAFSA is submitted by February 15th, Pennsylvania residents will have met the state grant deadline of May 1st. Non-Pennsylvania residents should check on the deadlines that apply for their own state grant programs.
The FAFSA is a U.S. Department of Education form, and eligibility for most federal aid sources is determined by a formula developed by the federal government. Families experiencing special financial circumstances are advised through the application process to contact their student aid office about such circumstances. At Penn State University, a review of special circumstances is limited to situations in which there has been a complete loss of parent income or the death of the parent. For independent students, loss of income due to a return to college will be reviewed. Other types of situations cannot be considered.