Student Financial Services FAQs and Resources

Bills & Invoices

Where can I go to view my bill?

Students can find their bill/invoice by logging into Self Service.

What is my outstanding balance?

The balance owed by a student reflects all charges (tuition, fees, room and board, etc.), less any financial aid applied to the student account and any payments made by the student, authorized payer or other third party sources.

Students can access the real-time balance owed by logging into Self Service.

Must I pay all at once?

Alvernia bills registered students per term – fall, spring, summer. Bills are always due a month before classes start and are available in students’ myAlvernia accounts under Student Financial Services – Statements. 

Can I get an invoice for a specific semester?

Students can obtain a copy of their invoice for a specific semester by logging into Self Service.

My bill looks wrong.  Who can I speak with about my account?

If you are expecting financial aid monies, first check your latest Award Letter to verify the amount of aid you are scheduled to receive.  Because actual financial aid funds are not credited until the week before the start of a semester, you may be seeing only the estimated aid or nothing if you have not provided the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) with requested paperwork (i.e., copies of tax forms) or just recently applied for a federal or private student loan (approvals and school requirements can take up to 2 weeks depending on the time of year).

If you have not made your payment online, it can take 7-10 days for a mailed paper check to be received and credited to your account. Should you still have questions, contact the Office of Student Financial Services either via email at sfs@alvernia.edu or call 610.796.8201.

My employer pays for my classes. Can you bill them instead of me?

While a student’s employer may ultimately pay for classes, Alvernia students are directly responsible for assuring that their bills are fully paid.  Students can set up an employer as an authorized payer so their company can view and pay the bill electronically, if their company prefers.  However, most companies have their own set of requirements that they want employees/students to follow.

Do I need to file the current year FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid in Mod 6?

Yes – the summer semester which includes both Mod 5 and Mod 6 and is considered a trailing semester within the award year.  For example, the 2024-2025 FAFSA will need to be on file for students enrolled in the fall 2024, spring 2025 and summer 2025 semesters and/or Mod 5 or Mod 6 only if the student wishes to apply for financial aid for those semesters or modules. Students enrolled in Mod 6 only and who may be aid eligible for financial aid must file the 2024-2025 FAFSA in this example.

Fees

What is the comprehensive fee?

This fee is designed to enhance your overall student experience by funding a wide range of academic resources, student services, technology, and campus safety initiatives.

Academic & Support Services

Your comprehensive fee helps fund resources that support your academic success:

• Student Support: Services to assist students with academic and personal transitions.
• Tutoring and Grammarly: Free tutoring and AI-powered services to help you excel in your coursework.
• Student & Graduate Research: Funding for research opportunities and academic projects.
• Library Services: Resources, databases, and study spaces to support your academic journey.
• SOLAR: Organized services and opportunities that ensure students have the resources needed to succeed during the academic journey and beyond.
• Career Services: Support for career planning, internships, and job placement.

 

Student Life & Activities

We are committed to creating a vibrant campus experience.  

• Undergraduate Student Activities Programming: Funding for student clubs, events and leadership programs.
• Student Activities: Resources to plan and support campus-wide engagement opportunities.

 

Technology & Facilities

Technology plays a critical role in your education, and your fee helps maintain:

• Education Technology: Classroom technology and digital learning tools.
• Printing Services: Access to printing resources for coursework and projects.
• Student IT Infrastructure: Wi-Fi, software, and IT support to enhance your learning experience.

 

Campus Safety

• Campus Safety: Ensuring a safe and secure environment through security personnel, emergency response systems, and safety programs.

Your comprehensive fee is an investment in your academic success and student experience. These services and resources are available to all students and contribute to making Alvernia a supportive and engaging learning environment.

What is the technology fee?

Alvernia’s technology fee covers the costs of the academic and administrative platforms that help students manage their learning experience and related activities to optimize their paths to student success.  All students are required to pay this fee each term.

What is the business lab fee?

The business lab fee entitles you to access to Bloomberg terminals located at John R. Post Center at CollegeTowne. This is a mandatory fee that cannot be waived.

What is the health and counseling fee?

The health and counseling fee entitles you to access a wide range of services provided by the Health and Wellness Center. The charge helps cover or reduces the cost of many services at the Health and Wellness Center. This is a mandatory fee that cannot be waived.

What is the transportation fee?

The Transportation Fee component was instituted in support of parking and transportation services for the university. The fee provides busing and shuttle services to all students for intra- and inter-campus transportation and on-site parking at the Hill campus.

What is the Nursing fee?

The nursing program at our university assesses specific fees in addition to regular tuition to cover essential components of the curriculum. These fees support clinical placements in healthcare facilities, providing hands-on experience under professional supervision. They also fund advanced simulation labs equipped with the latest technology for practicing clinical skills. Laboratory supplies, including medical instruments and disposables, are covered to ensure students use up-to-date equipment. Health and safety measures, such as vaccinations, background checks, and PPE, are included. These fees are crucial for maintaining high standards and ensuring students receive thorough, practical education.

What is the Occupational Therapy (OT) fee?

The occupational therapy program at our university includes specific fees beyond regular tuition to support essential components of the curriculum. These fees cover clinical placements in healthcare settings, providing supervised hands-on experience. They also fund advanced simulation labs and necessary laboratory supplies for practical training.

What is the Physician Associate (PA) fee?

The Physician Associate program at our university includes additional fees to support key aspects of the curriculum. These fees cover clinical rotations in healthcare facilities, offering supervised practical experience. They also fund advanced simulation labs and essential medical supplies for hands-on training. Access to specialized software, and online resources is provided. For a detailed fee breakdown, please visit the Physician Associate program's financial information page on our university website.

What is the Athletic Training (OT) fee?

The Athletic Training program at our university includes additional fees to support vital components of the curriculum. These fees cover clinical placements in sports and healthcare facilities, providing supervised practical experience. They also fund advanced simulation labs and necessary supplies for hands-on training. For a detailed fee breakdown, please visit the Athletic Training program's financial information page on our university website.

What is the commencement fee?

The commencement fee is a mandatory charge for all graduating students at Alvernia. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with the preparation and execution of commencement ceremonies including but not limited to the production of diplomas, diploma covers, graduation regalia, venue arrangements and related event logistics. This fee ensures that all graduates can participate in a seamless and memorable commencement experience. It is a one-time charge applied to a student's account during their final term of enrollment prior to graduation.

Is there a fee for late payment?

Whether opting for an installment payment plan to permit more time to pay off their balances or making a single payment for the semester, students are expected to pay their bills by the published due dates.  Unpaid balances are subject to a Late Payment Fee.  In addition, students whose balances remain unpaid may have a hold placed on the account preventing future registration and access to grades and transcripts.

Financial Aid / FAFSA

What is the best way to contact you?

Please reach us by email at sfs@alvernia.edu, by phone at 610-796-8201 or stop in our offices in Bernardine Hall, suite 114. We are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. We aim to respond within 48 hours to your requests during normal business hours. During peak times such as summer and before registration, we may extend our response to 72 hours or more. We will update you on our response time the best we can via email. When calling the office, please be sure to leave a message and refrain from multiple calls as we operate on a queue system and will respond to your inquiry in turn.  

What is Alvernia University's Title IV code for the FAFSA?

00323300.

What is Alvernia's recommended filing date for applying for aid?

Anytime after Oct. 1. Pennsylvania residents must file by May 1, preceding the start of the award year to be considered for Pennsylvania State Grant programs.

Do I have to be accepted to Alvernia before I apply for financial aid?

No. All students may complete a FAFSA before acceptance. Traditional students attending day programs will receive a financial aid offer after acceptance and should check in with Admissions for next steps. Adult and/or graduate students attending at night and/or online will receive an aid offer after registration and keep in touch with the Graduate & Adult Education Office. 

Does Alvernia have merit scholarships without regard to need?

Yes, merit scholarships are available to undergraduate day students. The list of grants and scholarships that are available can be found on our Scholarships and Awards page.

Is there financial aid for transfer students?

Yes! For information on how to apply to Alvernia as a transfer day student, go to the transfer section of the Admissions section of our website.

If I'm going to attend part time, what programs am I eligible for?

Several. These programs include Pennsylvania State Grant for PA residents who have completed a FAFSA and meet the state’s requirements, the Pell Grant for eligible students who have completed a FAFSA, and loan programs. 

What do I do after I receive my financial aid package?

Read and respond! Students will need to confirm acceptance of the financial aid eligibility they have been offered. Students may email sfs@alvernia.edu, or return the offer letter with an acceptance response per offer letter instructions. All students should contact their Admissions representative for next steps.  

Will I have to send my tax return to you?

Possibly. If your FAFSA has been selected for the verification process by the Department of Education or if a discrepancy exists between your tax information and your FAFSA application, our office may need to request a copy of your taxes. Alvernia University partners with Inceptia, an organization that will help assist you to gather the documents necessary to complete verification. For more information on this process, visit our Financial Aid Forms & Resources page. 

What should I do if my or my family's financial circumstances change after I apply for aid?

Please stay in touch. Please see the Professional Judgment page to explore which form you may need to complete. Feel free to email us at sfs@alvernia.edu or give us a call or stop in to start the process.  

Do I have to apply for aid every year?

Yes. The FAFSA form is an annual form relating to an academic year, which starts in the fall and ends in the summer. Each year, students will need to complete their FAFSA forms on studentaid.gov. Any financing option including additional student or parent loans, payment plans, employer benefits, and outside scholarships, will need to be applied for each term or annually.

Must I make academic progress to keep my financial aid?

Yes! You must maintain academic progress for any institutional, federal, or state aid or discounts to renew. The university catalog provides detailed information on academic progress. Athletes and students receiving special, endowed, or outside scholarships may have additional academic progress requirements.  Financial aid progress is reviewed at the end of fall, spring, and summer terms. The Student Financial Services office will be in touch via email and letter to inform you of your progress plus your next steps. 

My parents/I don't want to bother filling out the FAFSA because they/I don't think we'll be eligible for anything. Should we skip it?

No, for a number of reasons: eligibility rules are updated each year; Alvernia requires the form for certain institutional aid funds and if you want to work on campus; you just never know what you qualify for, many outside scholarship opportunities will require information from the FAFSA form.

What are options for loan deferment, forbearance or forgiveness after leaving college/university?

You can find general information about repayment and consolidation on the Student Aid website. Please also see resources through Inceptia, one of our financial aid partners. In addition, here are some resources and links for loan forgiveness programs:

 

Loan Forgiveness Programs

Attorney Student Loan Forgiveness Program

• Major: PRE-LAW
• Qualifications: This program is for attorneys who work for the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Description/Amount: ASLRP benefits are paid directly to the loan holder, not to the individual attorney. Initial acceptance of ASLRP funding triggers a three-year service obligation to Justice.
• Learn more

 

Faculty Loan Repayment Program

• Major: NUR, PT, OT, PSY, SW, PRE-PHARM, PRE-DENTAL, PRE-VET, PRE-OPT, PA
• Qualifications: You come from a disadvantaged background. We base this on environmental and economic factors.
• Example of Qualifying Persons: Allopathic Medicine
• Description/Amount: Loan Repayment Agreement. 2-year commitment. Potentially, up to $40,000 in loan repayment assistance.
• Learn more

 

Federal Employee Student Loan Repayment Program

• Qualifications: Any employee (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2105) is eligible, except those occupying a position excepted from the competitive civil service because of their confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating nature (e.g., Schedule C appointees).
• Learn more

 

Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment Program

• Major: PA, PSY, NUR, PRE-DENTAL, PRE-OPTO, PRE-PHARM, ENG (Civil, Environmental)
• Qualifications: Committing to an initial two-year service period working in a health facility that assists Alaska Native and American Indian communities.
• Example of Qualifying Persons: Nurse (NP, DNP): Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse in Family Practice, Psychiatry, Geriatrics, Women’s Health, Pediatrics
• Description/Amount: The LRP funds IHS clinicians to repay their eligible health profession education loans — up to $40,000 — in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. IHS Health Professions Scholarship Program also available.
• Learn more

 

John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

• Major: PRE-LAW
• Qualifications: Prosecutor – full-time employee of a state or unit of local government (including tribal government) who is continually licensed to practice law and prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency cases at the state or local government level (including supervision, education, or training of other persons prosecuting such cases); prosecutors who are employees of the federal government are not eligible.
• Description/Amount: Student Loan Repayment Program is a federally funded initiative that provides repayment of eligible educational loans on behalf of selected state and federal prosecutors and public defenders. The total amount of awards each year is contingent upon available funding. The award amount is based on the applicant's remaining balance on eligible educational loans, not to exceed $4,000 per year (depending on available funds, the maximum award may be less than $4,000 in any given year).
• Learn more.

 

National Health Service Corps

• Major: PRE-PHARM, PSY, PRE-DENTAL    
• Qualifications: Qualifying educational debt. The sum of your educational debt must equal at least 20 percent of your base salary from the institution supporting your research.
• Example of Qualifying Persons: M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., D.O., D.D.S., D.M.D., D.P.M., D.C., N.D., O.D., D.V.M., or equivalent doctoral-level degree from an accredited institution.
• Description/Amount: Fourth-year DO students can also consider the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program (S2S LRP). Medical (MD or DO) and dental students may earn up to $120,000 in their final year of school through this program.
• Learn more.

 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Forgiveness

• Description/Amount: There are two LRPs, one for researchers not employed by NIH (Extramural) and another for researchers employed by NIH (Intramural). Research funding from NIH is not required to participate in the Extramural LRP, and Extramural and Intramural LRP awardees may apply for subsequent, competitive renewal awards as long as they meet Program eligibility. Although organized around broad research areas, the LRPs were never intended to fund research projects. Rather, LRP awards are based on an applicant's potential to build and sustain a research career. Payment projections are based on eligible educational debt at the start date of the LRP contract. The NIH will repay 25 percent of the eligible education debt, up to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
• Learn more.

 

NURSE Corps Loan Program

• Learn more.

 

Pennsylvania Bar Foundation – PA IOLTA Board Loan Repayment Assistance Program

• Major: PRE-LAW
• Qualifications: Loan applicants must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania or be permitted to practice law under Bar Admission Rule 311, have a valid Pennsylvania Supreme Court-identification number, be in good standing and practice law as an employee of an IOLTA-funded organization. At the next application cycle, the applicant’s total gross salary may not exceed $66,000; however if the attorney’s annual net debt service is greater than or equal to 10% of the attorney’s current annual gross salary he/she may apply regardless of the annual gross salary cap. At the time of application, the amount of educational debt based on loans from commercial and government lending institutions, as well as university or other private institutional loans associated with law school and undergraduate educational debts must be greater than or equal to the amount of the LRAP grant. The attorney’s qualifying educational debt must be in satisfactory repayment.
• Description/Amount: The goal of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation – PA IOLTA Loan Repayment Assistance Program (“LRAP”) is two-fold: 1) Help attorneys employed at IOLTA-funded legal services organizations across the state better manage their undergraduate and law school student loan debt so they can afford to remain in public service; and 2) Help IOLTA-funded legal aid organizations recruit and retain the best and the brightest attorneys for service in the public good.
• Learn more.

 

Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness Programs

• Major: NUR, PA
• Qualifications: Must be a US Citizen.
• Description/Amount: Up to $100,000
• Learn more.

 

Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

• Major: PSY, PRE-DENTAL, PA, SW, NUR
• Qualifications: Be a U.S. Citizen (either U.S. born or naturalized) or a U.S. National.
• Example of Qualifying Persons: Allopathic (MD) or Osteopathic (DO) Physicians (Family Medicine, General Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Psychiatry). Physicians, Dentists, and Psychologists: Up to $80,000 full-time, up to $40,000 half-time. Other Practitioners: Up to $48,000 full-time, up to $24,000 half-time
• Description/Amount: The Department of Health provides loan repayment opportunities as an incentive to recruit and retain primary care practitioners willing to serve underserved Pennsylvania residents and to make a commitment to practicing in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
• Learn more.

 

Perkins Loan Cancellation and Discharge

• Major: ED, ED+SP.ED, NUR
• Qualifications: An undergraduate, graduate, or professional student with exceptional financial need.
• Example of Qualifying Persons: Full-time teacher in a designated elementary or secondary school serving students from low-income families.    
• Description/Amount: They are low-interest student loans for both undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. The continuation of this loan is unknown/undetermined. Up to 100% for five years of eligible service.
• Learn more.

 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

• Major: SW
• Qualifications: Doesn’t require that you teach at a low-income a public school, or even be a teacher. Most full-time public and private elementary and secondary school teachers will meet the employment requirements.
• Description/Amount: A loan forgiveness program for public service workers, like those in government and nonprofit sectors, as well as teachers.
• Learn more.

 

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

• Major: ED, ED+SP.ED
• Qualifications: Have been employed full-time as a teacher for at least five consecutive years.
• Description/Amount: For educators that work in a low-income school. PLUS loans and Perkins loans are not eligible to be forgiven through this program. Up to $17,500 in student loans.
• Learn more.

 

USDA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program

• Major: PRE-VET    
• Qualifications: Have a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or the equivalent, from a college of veterinary medicine accredited by the AVMA Council on Education.
• Description/Amount: This program will pay up to $25,000 each year towards qualified educational loans of eligible veterinarians who agree to serve in a NIFA-designated veterinarian shortage situation for a period of three years.
• Learn more.

What is financial aid verification

Learn more on our Financial Aid Forms & Resources page.

Paying Your Bill

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes, Alvernia’s preferred method is for students and authorized payers to utilize its on-line services through SmartPay to make safe and timely payments for semester charges.

Are there any fees for online payments?

Paying online via the e-check feature is free for a students or authorized payers. You must type in your bank routing and account numbers (or save them in your personal profile for recurring use) to make your payment.  The bank routing number can be found in the lower left corner of your paper check, while the account number is located on the same line to the right of your routing number.

You also can pay your bill with any major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). However, all credit card payments are subject to a 2.95 percent service charge imposed by the credit card processing firm, which is not waivable or refundable by Alvernia.   

Where do I mail my payment?

While paying your bill online is faster, safer and free if you’re using our e-check feature, we realize that many individuals may be more comfortable mailing their payment to the University.  If you choose to mail a payment to Alvernia University, please remember to include your Alvernia ID number in the comment section of the check and send to:
 

Student Financial Services
114 Bernardine Hall
Reading, PA 19607

Payment Plans

How do I set up a payment plan?

Students can log into Self Service. Your enrollment process will take less time if you have reviewed your bill and financial aid award letter in advance and know the amount of tuition and fee charges you owe and how much financial aid you are scheduled to receive for the plan period (academic year or semester).  Ideally, the amount you want to pay through the installment payment plan is the difference between charges and any amounts you have already paid, like deposits, or expect to receive in financial aid monies, including net student loan proceeds.  Once you have calculated the amount to be paid, which assumes no changes in course registration or financial aid awards, you will pay in an equal number of installments for the plan period.
 

To enroll in the semester payment plan, the enrollment fee is $30 per semester.

How do I change or adjust my payment plan?

Log into Self Service to increase or decrease your plan amount.  Remember that changes in the total plan will impact your installment payments.

Why is my payment plan under budget?

If your financial aid award has been decreased, or you have added additional classes, added/changed room and/or meal plan, this may result in a change in the amount of tuition and fees that you owe, you will likely be under budget and still have a balance to Alvernia at the end of the plan. At any time, you can re-budget your payment plan to reflect the corrected amount owed.

Housing Charges

Is the housing deposit refundable?

See the Housing Deposit Information section on our Tuition and Residential Costs page.

What is included in residential fees?

Residential fees include a bed (housing) in a specific residence hall and a selected meal plan chosen by the student.  Rates will vary based on the assigned residence hall and selected meal plan.

How is summer housing charged?

Summer housing is charged on a weekly basis and must be paid in full prior to the start of the fall semester. For more information, contact the residential life office at reslife@alvernia.edu.

Refunds

When will I receive my refund check?

If your financial aid exceeds your total charges, a refund will automatically be processed within 7 to 10 business days of the disbursement of financial aid. E-refunds are usually deposited in your bank account within three (3) business days while a paper refund check can take up to ten (10) days to receive.

It is strongly recommended that students enroll for the direct deposit of refunds (e-refunds), which reduces processing and mailing time and allows you to access your funds faster. Detailed instructions on enrolling in E-refund are available by logging into Self Service.

Students wishing to apply their credit balance to next semester charges much provide the request in writing and may do so by emailing sfs@alvernia.edu.

Holds, Stops, & Collections

Why do I have a STOP on my account?

A STOP on a student’s account may be placed for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons may be due to an outstanding balance on the student account. Students receive sufficient time to receive and pay their bills, the STOP is a penalty imposed after payment deadline and short grace period. Log into Self Service to review information regarding how the STOP is affecting the account.

My student account is with a collection agency.  How do I resolve my balance?

You should contact the collection agency directly to pay off your outstanding balance in full or discuss other payment options.  Students are given ample notice and time to resolve any outstanding balances due. Alvernia University staff are not permitted to negotiate new payment terms once your student account has been referred to a collection agency. 

Summer Financing Options

Taking a course or two over the summer? Please see below for financing options.
 

Undergraduate Day Students

Students taking classes over the summer who are traditional day students for the fall and spring terms have the following options for summer financing:

3-month Summer Payment Plan  

• Students may sign up online through Self Service – Finances – Payment Portal for a 3-month payment plan. Payment plans typically open early April; deadline to sign up for a summer payment plan is usually end of May.
• $30 enrollment fee to sign up, no interest accrues.
• First payment usually due upon enrollment; autopay is available.
   

Alternative/Private Education Loan  

• Students may apply for alternative (nonfederal) or private loans, which are additional options to the federal direct loan program furnished by education lenders.
• Private education loans will typically require a credit-qualified cosigner. For dependent students, parents may cosign on the loan, but other family members, or any other credit-qualified person may elect to cosign. The responsibility of a cosigner is if the borrower (the student) defaults on payments, the lender will name the cosigner as responsible for the payments. Many lenders will drop the cosigner after consecutive payments by the borrower.
• Be sure to contact individual lenders for more details regarding cosigner release, repayment, and other terms. Review more information and review Alvernia’s Recommended Lender List by visiting Elm Select's website.
   

Dependent students may have parents apply for a parent PLUS loan if registered at least half time over the summer and have the current academic year’s FAFSA on file. Please note if a student already has a PLUS denial in the form of additional unsubsidized direct loan, a subsequent denial cannot be processed for summer.  

• Federal loan application available for credit-qualified parent of dependent students attending at least half time.
• Parent is responsible for repayment on a Parent PLUS loan after student graduates.
• Please add a 4% fee to your loan estimate or choose ‘Max’ and SFS will add an approved loan up to the summer Cost of Attendance.
• A completed Master Promissory Note (MPN) from the credit-qualified parent and/or endorser is required for the loan to disburse to the school from the Department of Education. Visit studentaid.gov to learn more.
• For more information and to view the online application, visit studentaid.gov.

 

PA Summer State Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students who are residents of Pennsylvania, registered at least half time in the summer, have both a current academic year’s and next year’s FAFSA on file, and have filled out a Summer State Grant application. Please see PHEAA's website to review eligibility requirements. Please note if using a PA State Grant for the summer, you may be taking away eligibility from future fall/spring terms. Please reach out to SFS for questions about using a PA State Grant in the summer.

 

Undergraduate Evening Students

Students taking classes over the summer who are attending as evening students in the adult education program are usually enrolled continuously throughout the year and if have a valid FAFSA on file, are registered at least half time in one or both mods and have not reached federal borrowing limits will be packaged with federal direct loan eligibility. Students with federal Pell eligibility will also continue to receive Pell grants up to 600% and 150% year round eligibility. To check federal lending and Pell limits, log into studentaid.gov and see your Dashboard.
 

3-month Summer Payment Plan  

• Students may sign up online through Self Service – Finances – Payment Portal for a 3-month payment plan. Payment plans typically open early April; deadline to sign up for a summer payment plan is usually end of May
• $30 enrollment fee to sign up, no interest accrues  
• First payment usually due upon enrollment; autopay is available  
   

Tuition reimbursement/deferment: Students who have a tuition benefit from their employer, please see our Tuition Deferment page.
 

Alternative/Private Education Loan  

• Students may apply for alternative (nonfederal) or private loans, which are additional options to the federal direct loan program furnished by education lenders.
• Private education loans will typically require a credit-qualified cosigner.  For dependent students, parents may cosign on the loan, but other family members, or any other credit-qualified person may elect to cosign. The responsibility of a cosigner is if the borrower (the student) defaults on payments, the lender will name the cosigner as responsible for the payments. Many lenders will drop the cosigner after consecutive payments by the borrower.
• Be sure to contact individual lenders for more details regarding cosigner release, repayment, and other terms. Review more information and review Alvernia’s Recommended Lender List by visiting Elm Select's website.

 

PA Summer State Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students who are residents of Pennsylvania, registered at least half time in the summer, have both a current academic year’s and next year’s FAFSA on file, and have filled out a Summer State Grant application. Please see PHEAA's website to review eligibility requirements.

 

Graduate Students

Students taking classes over the summer who are attending as graduate students are usually enrolled continuously throughout the year and if have a valid FAFSA on file, are registered at least half time in one or both mods and have not reached federal borrowing limits will be packaged with federal direct loan eligibility. To check federal lending limits, log into www.studentaid.gov and see your Dashboard.
 

3-month Summer Payment Plan  

• Students may sign up online through Self Service – Finances – Payment Portal for a 3-month payment plan. Payment plans typically open early April; deadline to sign up for a summer payment plan is usually end of May
• $30 enrollment fee to sign up, no interest accrues  
• First payment usually due upon enrollment; autopay is available  
   

Tuition reimbursement/deferment: Students who have a tuition benefit from their employer, please see our Tuition Deferment page.
 

Alternative/Private Education Loan  

• Students may apply for alternative (nonfederal) or private loans, which are additional options to the federal direct loan program furnished by education lenders.
• Private education loans will typically require a credit-qualified cosigner.  For dependent students, parents may cosign on the loan, but other family members, or any other credit-qualified person may elect to cosign. The responsibility of a cosigner is if the borrower (the student) defaults on payments, the lender will name the cosigner as responsible for the payments. Many lenders will drop the cosigner after consecutive payments by the borrower.
• Be sure to contact individual lenders for more details regarding cosigner release, repayment, and other terms. Review more information and review Alvernia’s Recommended Lender List by visiting Elm Select's website.    

 

Graduate students may apply for an additional federal loan called the GradPLUS loan if registered at least half time in one or both mods over the summer and have the current academic year’s FAFSA on file.

• Students must be credit-qualified and may add an endorser if needed
• Please add a 4% fee to your loan estimate or choose ‘Max’ and SFS will add an approved loan up to the summer Cost of Attendance    
• A completed Master Promissory Note (MPN) from the credit-qualified student and/or endorser is required for the loan to disburse to the school from the Department of Education.
• For more information and to view the online application, visit the Student Aid website.

Miscellaneous

Retrieving Billing Statements

To obtain a copy of your latest student bill, log into Self Service.

Making a Payment

To make a payment, log into Self Service to make an online payment either via our free e-check solution or with a credit card (all credit card payments are subject to a 2.95 percent service charge imposed by the credit card processing firm, which is not waivable or refundable by Alvernia).

Account Overview

For an overall look at your student account status, log into Self Service.

Finding Specific Transactions

Looking for details regarding a specific transaction within your student account? Log into Self Service.

My Account Profile

To view and change your basic account information related to viewing and paying your bill, log into Self Service.

Health Insurance Requirements

For a better understanding of Alvernia's requirement that full-time undergraduate and graduate students have health insurance coverage, please review our health requirements. If you already have health insurance coverage, please submit a copy of your health insurance card via the Health & Wellness Student Portal. Please note, Alvernia does not offer health insurance options for its students.  If you need to purchase personal health insurance, you can go either to the federal or Pennsylvania marketplaces to view your options and purchase coverage.

1098-T Tax Form

IRS Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, contains information to assist the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and you in determining if you are eligible to claim educational related tax credits. For more information on these credits, see IRS Publication 970 or consult your own tax advisor. Only qualified tuition payments, such as tuition, may provide eligibility for these tax credits. To retrieve your 1098T, log into your Self Service account – Finances – Payment Portal – Tax Forms. Students with non-active Alvernia logins, printed copies have been mailed to the home address on the students’ record.

Financial Responsibility Agreement

Rights and Responsibilities of Receiving Financial Aid

Rights as a student receiving financial aid at Alvernia University:

• You have the right to know that the information you give to the Student Financial Services Office will be treated confidentially as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• You have the right to seek financial aid counseling.
• You have the right to know what financial assistance is available, including all federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• You have the right to know the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each financial aid program (including federal, state, and institutional aid programs).
• You have the right to know how your financial aid awards were calculated, the criteria to receive each award, and how the funds will be distributed or disbursed.
• You have the right to accept or decline any of your financial aid award(s).
• You have the right to know the terms of any employment program you participate in.
• If you are offered an educational loan, you have the right to know the lender, interest rate, the total amount to be repaid, deferment options, repayment procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment begins.
• You have the right to submit a Special Circumstances Application, requesting reconsideration of your financial aid eligibility if you or your family’s circumstances change.
• You have the right to submit a request for a dependency over-ride, requesting to be considered independent and not required to provide parent information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• You have the right to submit an Academic Progress Appeal if you do not meet the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You have the right to know Alvernia University’s refund policy and the federal Return to Title IV policy.
   

Responsibilities as a student receiving financial aid at Alvernia University:

• You are responsible for providing accurate information to the Office of Student Financial Services.
• You are responsible for reapplying for financial aid each and every year.
• You are responsible for completing applications correctly and on time.
• You are responsible for reading and understanding all materials sent to you from the Office of Student Financial Services and all forms you are asked to submit or sign.
• You are responsible for requesting personal assistance if you have questions or don’t understand the information provided to you.
• You are responsible for submitting documentation and information requested by the Office of Student Financial Services in a timely manner and keeping copies for your own records.
• You are responsible for notifying the University of any name or address changes.
• You are responsible for knowing and complying with the rules governing your financial aid awards.
• You are responsible for attending classes and completing the requirements for each course in which you enroll.
• You are responsible for compliance with Alvernia University’s refund policy and Federal Return to Title IV Aid policy, should you withdraw from the University (either officially or unofficially).
• You are responsible for notifying the Student Financial Services Office of any financial awards you receive from outside resources (including scholarships, grants, Veterans Benefits, tuition waivers, or other educational/tuition assistance) not already listed on your Financial Aid Award Offer or your student account.
• If you borrow a student loan, you are responsible for completing loan master promissory note, entrance and exit counseling.
• You are responsible for the repayment of all loans in accordance with the terms of your promissory note. You are responsible for notifying your lender if any of the following occurs before your loan is repaid: change of address, graduation, withdrawal from Alvernia University or less than half-time attendance, name change, or transfer to another institution.
• You are responsible for maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You are responsible for using financial aid for educational expenses incurred while attending Alvernia University.
• You are responsible for the repayment of any over award of financial aid.

Financial Aid Glossary

Provided by NASFAA: January 2025

Financial Aid Offer	A financial aid offer is a document sent by a postsecondary institution to a student that outlines the amounts and details of the financial aid being offered to the student, which may include scholarships, grants, loans, employment, or other forms of financial assistance to pay for college expenses. Sometimes schools refer to these as financial aid “awards”, although this term is outdated. Schools should refer to these as financial aid offers.
Cost of Attendance	The Cost of Attendance consists of the sum of educational costs payable to the school (also referred to as direct or billable costs) and costs paid to others (or indirect, non-billable or discretionary) costs. The Cost of Attendance represents the highest dollar amount of financial aid a student can receive during an award year.
Costs Paid to Others	Costs paid to others (also referred to as indirect, non-billable, or additional costs), are other expenses not paid directly to the school, but associated with receiving an education. These expenses are estimated by the school and may differ from student to student based on their individual circumstances. These expenses may include books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation and parking, personal expenses, childcare costs, computer costs, disability expenses, licensure expenses and off-campus rent and food.
Costs Payable to the School	Costs Payable to the school (also referred to as direct or billable costs) generally include tuition, fees, housing, and meals/food (for students residing on campus), health insurance (if minimum insurance coverage is not documented), or any other expenses paid to the school for enrollment.
Educational Loan	Money borrowed from the federal government, a college or university, or a private source like a bank or financial institution to pay for educational expenses and must be paid back with interest.
Federal Loan	Also known as the Direct Loan Program, which allows eligible students and parents to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education at participating colleges or universities. Federal student loans include Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and the Direct PLUS programs for parents of dependent students and graduate or professional students.
Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan	A Direct Subsidized Loan is an undergraduate federal student loan based on financial need and offers students a reduced, fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Interest is subsidized, meaning it does not accrue to the borrower, while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan	An unsubsidized loan offers students a fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. It is not based on financial need. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins. Annual and aggregate limits apply.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan	Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are federal loans that graduate or professional students use to help pay for education expenses. A credit check for adverse credit history is required for eligibility. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed and can be paid while the student is enrolled or when loan repayment begins.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan	Direct Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay for education expenses. Parents must pass a credit check for adverse credit history to qualify for PLUS loans.
Private Loan	A student or parent loan from a bank, credit union, private company, a nonprofit or state-affiliated lender, or from the college or university directly to pay for educational costs. Interest begins to accrue when the loan is disbursed, and repayment begins while the student is still enrolled in school.
Enrollment Status	The number of credits, clock hours, or classes the student is enrolled in, or whether they have withdrawn, graduated, etc. Enrollment status affects eligibility for and the amount of financial aid a student may receive. It also affects when student loans enter repayment status.
Federal Pell Grant	The Pell Grant is a federal grant program designed to assist undergraduate students in low- and moderate-income households to pay for college. The award amount is based on the cost of the institution, SAI, and enrollment status, and is subject to an aggregate limit.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)	A federal grant provided by the institution to qualified undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and does not need to be repaid. The amount of funding from this program varies by institution.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)	Federal Work-Study provides funding for part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Unlike grants and loans, FWS is paid to students as they earn the funds by working.
Grants & Scholarships	Any money provided to students that does not have to be repaid. They can be called grants, scholarships, tuition remissions, gift aid, or tuition waivers. Grants and scholarships are provided based on many different factors.
Need	The student's Cost of Attendance minus their Student Aid Index.
Need-based Aid	Financial assistance provided to students based on their financial situation, determined by completing the FAFSA. Need-based financial aid can take different forms, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest loans, like the federal direct subsidized loan.
Net Price	The difference between the cost of attendance and all grants and scholarships. Net price reflects what the student is expected to pay for their education on their own and can be covered through a variety of sources, including savings, student employment, institutional payment plans, or education loans.
Other Funding Options	Funding options outside of grants and scholarships that a student and their family may use to pay any remaining costs or expenses. This may include loans, student employment, institutional payment plans, or personal savings.
Student Aid Index (SAI)	The SAI is the eligibility index used to determine your eligibility for federal, and in some instances, state and institutional need-based student financial aid. Generally, students with a higher SAI are eligible for less need-based financial aid. It is based upon the information provided by the student and their family on the FAFSA.
Verification	A federally mandated process to confirm the accuracy of data provided by selected applicants on the FAFSA. To complete the verification process, the student, their parent(s), or spouse, if applicable, are required to provide certain documents to the school for review. If the documentation the student provides the institution doesn't match what was reported on the FAFSA, verification can result in changes to the student's financial aid eligibility, and/or financial aid offers.