Financing Your Education

Financial Aid Process

At Alvernia, applying for financial aid is easy. We encourage all prospective Alvernia students to apply, even if you feel you may not be eligible for assistance. About 99% of our undergraduates receive some type of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. We offer a number of merit scholarships. We request that families file the FAFSA to be considered for all aid available. The following steps should serve as guidelines in completing the financial aid application process.

Step 1. Apply for admission to Alvernia University. Do not wait to apply for financial aid until after receiving an admissions decision. Both the admissions and financial aid applications should be submitted as early as possible. However, in order to receive a financial aid offer, you must be accepted for admission to Alvernia.

Step 2. As soon as possible after January 1, you and your family should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA), which can be obtained from your high school guidance office, Alvernia’s Office of Student Financial Planning, or at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Pennsylvania residents should file the FAFSA before the May 1 state grant deadline. Be sure to list Alvernia University as one of the schools that will receive your information. Our school code is 003233. Your information will be processed and forwarded to Alvernia within approximately two weeks.

Step 3. Once your FAFSA has been received and you have been admitted to Alvernia, a financial aid package will be prepared and mailed within 2-3 weeks. Review your financial aid package. If you have any questions, contact our Office of Student Financial Planning for assistance.

Step 4. In addition to scholarships and grants that may be included in your award package, you may see student loan options included as well. Complete any Stafford Loan, PLUS Loan, or private loan applications as early as possible. The Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note and entrance loan counseling can can be completed at www.selectyourlender.com/alvernia.

Step 5. Respond immediately to requests for information such as tax returns. Missing information may delay your financial aid processing.

NOTE: The 2008-2009 FAFSA is available. You can file your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov or pick up a paper FAFSA from The Office of Student Financial Planning. The state grant deadline for the 2008-2009 school year was May 1, 2008. If you have questions on filing your FAFSA or questions regarding your aid eligiblity, please feel free to contact The Office of Student Financial Planning at 610-796-8356.