First-Year Students Apply for Financial Aid

 

Ten Easy Steps
to Applying for Student 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 28 to receive Federal Work Study consideration
• Answer "Yes" to Question 27 for Federal Loan consideration
• Use the proper FAFSA form to apply on the Internet. http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
• Apply early for maximum aid consideration
  Recommended dates are:
  Freshmen: February 15
  Returning Students: April 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 Letter

• This letter from the Office of Student Aid informs you about what types of Student Aid you may be eligible to receive
• Read the "Planning Guide" booklet that accompanies the letter carefully

Complete PHEAA Grant Status Notification Letter

• Provide information to complete your grant record
• Expect your PHEAA award letter after May 15 (PA residents only) 
• 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

• www.dlenote.ed.gov
• 1-800-557-7394
• must complete section "proceed to PIN site registration"

Determine Need for a Parent (PLUS) Loan

• www.dlenote.ed.gov
• 1.800-557-7394
• Call for a Federal Plus loan application or apply online at www.psu.edu/studentaid

Begin Searching for Scholarships

• Check with high school guidance counselors

Contact Your Student Aid Office if You Have Questions

• Penn State Schuylkill Campus
  200 University Drive
  Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
• Phone: (570) 385-6244
• Fax: (570) 385-6272
• Tracy Miller
• Federal School Codes (indicate on FAFSA)
  Schuylkill Campus: 003329