Alvernia College / Financial Aid

Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid through Alvernia College you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can file on the web at www. FAFSA.ed.gov. You need not have applied for admission to Alvernia College before completing the FAFSA, but you need to be accepted before we can send a financial aid package to you.

You will need a pin number to sign the FAFSA. You can apply for a pin number at www.pin.ed.gov. A pin number will be needed for the student and at least one for the parent.
You should complete the FAFSA even if you do not think you will qualify for federal grants. The information is needed to determine if you will qualify for Alvernia College scholarships and grants, student loans and work-study.
It's important to file this form as early as possible so you can be considered for the maximum financial aid available. While we recommend that you file before April 1, you should file the FAFSA as soon as you can after January 1. Financial aid packages are awarded throughout the spring, beginning in March. The Pennsylvania State Grant deadline is May 1.
There will be a 4-6 week processing time until the information is processed and forwarded to the college. You will receive a Student Aid Report from the processor. If all of the information is correct, no action needs to be taken.
When you receive your financial aid package a Stafford loan or an unsubsidized Stafford loan may be listed. If you wish to receive these loans you must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. Please visit www.selectyourlender.com/alvernia.
To remain eligible for financial aid each year, you must complete a FAFSA application each year and continue to make academic progress toward your degree. It is your responsibility to refile and make progress.

Assemble tax returns before you get started.
Take social security number directly off of the social security card. Don't guess.
Read all instructions carefully. They really are helpful!
Use permanent mailing address.
Complete all four pages and every section of the FAFSA, even the ASSET section regardless of your income.
Round to the nearest dollar.
Don't use nicknames.
Don't leave any blanks. If the answer doesn't apply, put 0.
Don't send tax forms with the FAFSA.
Make a copy of the FAFSA for your files.
Make sure everyone signs it, student and at least one parent!! This is the most-missed item on the form!
Mail 30 days prior to deadline.

You may want to file your FAFSA electronically on the World Wide Web. For tips on filling out the Web application, go to www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/FAFSA

Updated: May 16, 2007