First Year and Returning Students
Who should apply for aid?
Any first-year or returning student interested in being considered for loans, grants, scholarships and work study should apply for financial aid.
How do I apply aid?
Begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal and state aid consideration. Students interested in scholarships should be aware of possible separate scholarship applications.
When should I apply?
First-year should submit their FAFSA by December 1 and returning students should submit their FAFSA renewal by April 15 of the preceding enrollment year for a maximum consideration of student aid programs. Submitting the FAFSA by the recommended date ensures that Pennsylvania resident students meet the PHEAA state grant deadline of May 1.
Other resources.
Outside Scholarship Search: College Board
This video is an overview of Penn State's financial aid process and is shown to first-year students and their families during New Student Orientation.
