Applying for Student Financial Aid

O F F I C E O F S T U D E N T A I D

2011–12

psu.edu/studentaid

>How to Apply

Penn State recommends that you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 if you are a student new to Penn State, or April 15 if you are a returning student.

To be considered for all federal student aid pro-grams, including loans, submit your FAFSA on the Web at fafsa.gov after January 1, 2011. Penn State’s federal school code is 003329.

We encourage you to complete your federal tax return before you submit your FAFSA. Use estimated tax information on the application if you are unable to file your taxes before our recommended date. If you use estimated tax information, you will need to update your FAFSA with your actual tax information after you file your taxes.

Beginning January 30, 2011, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to view and transfer federal tax information directly to your FAFSA. This tool will al-low you and your family to securely transfer federal tax information to the FAFSA, as well as save time and increase the accuracy of your information.

If you are using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to sub-mit your FAFSA, please use the following timetable:

—If you filed your federal taxes electronically, please submit your FAFSA one to two weeks after you submit your tax form to the IRS.

—If you have filed your tax form by mail, please allow six to eight weeks after you mail your tax form to the IRS.

Penn State participates in all major federal, state, and University student aid programs, including student and parent loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships. The Office of Student Aid awards most student aid on the basis of financial need and according to established program guidelines.

Because student aid funds are limited, we are unable to meet the full financial need of most students. Students and their families can learn more about Penn State’s Student Aid Policy on the web at psu.edu/studentaid.

>Student Financial Aid at Penn State

Once you obtain a Penn State Access Account, check your Penn State e-mail often at webmail.psu.

edu. Penn State faculty, advisers, and offices send official notices to students via Penn State e-mail.

>Student Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for federal and state aid, you must:

—have a high school diploma or equivalent

—be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) and be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program

—be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen

—maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school. Penn State’s academic progress policy is available at psu.edu/studentaid.

—complete the FAFSA each year

—not be in default on an educational loan

—be registered for Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25

>Recommended Deadlines

We encourage new undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students to submit the 2011–12 FAFSA on the Web at fafsa.gov. The 2011–12 FAFSA will be available after January 1, 2011. Submit it by March 1, 2011, to receive maximum consideration for student financial aid.

>Estimating the Cost of Attendance

We have provided costs for the 2010–11 academic year to help you estimate the cost for the 2011–12 academic year. This chart does not include costs for personal and other miscellaneous expenses you may incur. Use these costs for planning purposes only. Final tuition and fees for 2011–12 will be determined by the Board of Trustees in July 2011. While tuition and fees increase every year, Penn State makes every effort to limit the rate of the increase.

2010–11 Penn State Costs by Campus (FOR ESTIMATING PURPOSES ONLY)

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK

PA Resident Non-PA Resident

Tuition and Fees $15,250 $27,114

Room and Meals $9,054 $9,054

Books and Supplies $1,820 $1,820

TOTAL $26,124 $37,988

PENN STATE ABINGTON

PENN STATE ALTOONA

PENN STATE BEAVER

PENN STATE BERKS

PENN STATE BRANDYWINE

PENN STATE DUBOIS

PENN STATE ERIE

PENN STATE FAYETTE

PENN STATE GREATER ALLEGHENY

PENN STATE HARRISBURG

PENN STATE HAZLETON

PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY

PENN STATE MONT ALTO

PENN STATE NEW KENSINGTON

PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL

PENN STATE SHENANGO

PENN STATE WILKES-BARRE

PENN STATE WORTHINGTON SCRANTON

PENN STATE YORK

PA Resident Non-PA Resident

Tuition and Fees $12,730–13,250 $18,986–19,828

Room and Meals $9,054 $9,054

Books and Supplies $1,820 $1,820

TOTAL $23,604–24,124 $29,860–30,702

—If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you must

submit your FAFSA no later than May 1, 2011, to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program.

—If you are a resident of another state, please verify your state application deadlines at fafsa.gov.

—If you will be attending Penn State in summer 2011, you must also complete the 2010–11 FAFSA on the Web at fafsa.gov no later than June 30, 2011. Be sure to review the summer aid information online at psu.edu/studentaid.

>Notification of Student Aid Eligibility

After Penn State receives your FAFSA information, we will let you know if additional information is re-quired. Based on the results of your FAFSA, Penn State’s Office of Student Aid will e-mail you instruc-tions for accessing your Student Aid Summary at elion.psu.edu beginning in mid- to late March. Your Student Aid Summary will list all the types of student financial aid (loans, grants, work-study, and/or scholarships) for which you are eligible for the fall and spring semesters.

>Contact Information

Office of Student AidThe Pennsylvania State University314 Shields BuildingUniversity Park, PA 16802-1220

Phone: 814-865-6301Fax: 814-863-0322E-mail is available on our website:psu.edu/studentaid

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employ-ment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

This publication is available in alternative media on request. Produced by the Penn State Department of University Publications U.Ed. OSA 11-16

For more information about student aid at Penn State, including consumer information and your rights and responsibilities as a student aid recipient, visit the Office of Student Aid website at psu.edu/studentaid.