Financial Aid
- federal, state, and university financial aid programs
- scholarship awards from university and external sources
- loans from private lenders
- veterans educational benefits
- personal savings and income
- employer support
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form that you should complete to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and university financial aid. Penn State encourages you to complete the FAFSA each year. For many adult students, an understanding of their aid eligibility goes hand in hand with determining their plans for enrollment. You do what you can afford to do.
Penn State Office of Student Aid
For step-by-step instruction on how to apply for student aid and for information on student aid programs, visit the Office of Student Aid website.
Penn State Tuition Schedules
Your tuition costs and related fees depend on full- or part-time enrollment, residency, graduate or undergraduate status, and campus of enrollment. Tuition schedules are provided on the Penn State Tuition website.
FAQs:
Is there a deadline for applying for financial aid?
Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible for maximum consideration of all available student aid programs. First-time Penn State students are encouraged to submit the
FAFSA by March 1; returning Penn State students should submit the FAFSA by April 15.
Pennsylvania residents only: The Pennsylvania High Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Grant must
RECEIVE your FAFSA by May 1 of each year.
Prospective and enrolled students who miss the above deadlines are still encouraged to complete the FAFSA, with the understanding that some aid sources may not be available as the
year progresses. Reviewing the undergraduate student aid calendar will help
ensure that you complete the necessary steps each year, on time.
Is there a different school code for each campus?
No. Penn State has only one school code: 003329.
I'm planning part-time enrollment. Am I still eligible for financial aid?
If you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduate students, 5 credits for graduate students), you may be eligible for financial aid if you are
enrolled in a degree program and have completed the FAFSA. You can review other eligibility requirements on the Office of Student Aid website.
I’m returning to school after many years, will I be eligible for aid?
You will need to first start by filing your FAFSA. If you have previous loans, you need to be certain your loans are in good standing and that there is an aggregate limit to how much you can borrow. You can
review your borrowing history at the National Student Loan Data System. Your
financial aid determination will be decided after your educational record has been reviewed for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
I've experienced a loss of income since last year. How does that affect my financial aid eligibility?
Financial aid eligibility for the current academic year is always based on prior-year income as submitted on the FAFSA. If you and/or your spouse experienced a loss
of income during the current year, you should contact the Office of Student Aid to learn whether you qualify for a
special-circumstances evaluation using your income of the current year.
I already have a bachelor's degree, but I'm planning to enroll to earn a second undergraduate degree. Am I eligible for financial aid?
Yes, but your aid eligibility would be limited to loans and work-study. You will need to complete the
FAFSA for Direct Stafford Loan eligibility. Depending on your previous borrowing history, you may need to investigate private/alternative loans.
If I decide to enroll as a nondegree student, am I eligible for financial aid?
Although not eligible for federal and state financial aid programs, nondegree students are eligible to apply for private/alternative loans. The Office of Student Aid website provides information on private/alternative educational loans.
Nondegree students eligible for veterans educational benefits should contact the Office of Veterans Programs to learn how nondegree enrollment status may impact their eligibility for benefits.
A Penn State employee eligible for the tuition grant-in-aid may receive the benefit as a nondegree student. If you work for another employer that provides its employees with an educational benefit, you will need to determine whether this benefit is available to you as a nondegree student by contacting your employer.
Does Penn State offer students a tuition payment plan?
Through the Office of the Bursar, the University extends a payment plan to all
students, allowing you to pay the semester bill in three payments for a $45 fee. Students are encouraged to talk with their local campus Bursar's Office regarding payment options.
How does Penn State determine my state of residency for tuition purposes?
A student will be classified as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes if that student has a Pennsylvania domicile and that student's presence in Pennsylvania
is not primarily for educational purposes. A domicile is defined as a person's existing and intended fixed, permanent, and principal place of residence. A student whose presence in
the Commonwealth is primarily for educational purposes will be presumed to be a non-Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes. The Residency Policy is available for review on the
Bursar's website.
Are scholarships available for adult students?
Adult students are considered for scholarship eligibility in the same ways as traditional-aged students; however, some academic colleges, campuses, and administrative
departments have established adult-specific scholarship funds. Be sure to review the scholarship information for our Adult Learners and on the Office of Student Aid website. Because financial need is often (but not always) a consideration,
you are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to ensure that you are reviewed for scholarships.
Is there a special tuition program for retired/semiretired Pennsylvanians?
Penn State's Go-60
Program offers special educational opportunities to people who are at least 60 years old, are retired or working less than half-time, and are Pennsylvania residents, Penn
State alumni, or former Penn State employees. Please contact the Continuing Education Office at your campus for details and an application form.
Quick Links:
Office of Student Aid
www.studentaid.psu.edu
Office of the Bursar
www.bursar.psu.edu
Office of Veterans Programs
www.equity.psu.edu/veterans
Penn State Employee Grant-in-Aid Form
www.ohr.psu.edu
Graduate School Funding
www.gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/funding.html
FAFSA Website
www.fafsa.ed.gov
