Your Guide to Financial Aid
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At ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University, we understand that paying for a private college education is often a concern for students and families. As you and your family consider your various college offers,Ìýremember that a college education is more than a four-year commitment; it is an investment that will yield benefits throughout your lifetime. And because we believe in the value of a ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ education, we want to be sure we’re providing competitive, affordable financial aid offersÌýfor students to attend this university.
Throughout the financial aid process, as questions arise, we encourage you to consult this webpage for detailed information on your financial aid award, as well as the availability of scholarships and loans in general. Your admissions counselor is also availableÌýto answer your questions or walk you through your financial aid offerÌýto help you understand the bottom line.
Financial Aid Terminology
FAFSA
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is always the first step to applying for financial aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Visit the to complete the FAFSA. When you are prompted to enter a school code, please use our school code, 003297, to send your results to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ.
FSA ID
Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is the username and password that you use to log in to the FAFSA. For dependent students, both the student and a parent must have their own unique FSA ID. Create your FSA ID. There is no charge for this service.
SAR
A Student Aid Report (SAR) is generated when a student successfully files the FAFSA; it includes a summary of the information you submitted.
COA
Cost of Attendance (COA) refers to the total cost of room, board, tuition, and fees for a college or university. Travel expenses, books, and other expenses related to attending college are also factored into COA. Students can borrow up to their COA, which may result in a refund of excess student loan funds.
SAI
The Student AID Index (SAI) is used to determine a student’s financial need. The SAI is not a student’s bill or financial aid offer, but a tool to provide an idea of what the student’s family can reasonably be expected to pay.
Need
A student’s need is calculated by taking the COA and subtracting the student’s EFC.
PHEAA
PHEAA refers to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which administers the Pennsylvania State Grant financial assistance program. Pennsylvania residents can apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant after completing the FAFSA on the PHEAA website.Ìý
Entrance Counseling
Entrance Counseling is required for students who are borrowing a federal student loan. This online session explains the terms and conditions of borrowing a federal loan. Entrance Counseling must be completed before a student’s loan can be disbursed.
Master Promissory Note
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is the legal document required for students borrowing a federal student loan. The MPN can be completed online through the federal student aid website.Ìý
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant
This grant is offered to students based on financial need.
PA State Grants
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers the state grant to Pennsylvania residents who have filed the FAFSA by PHEAA’s deadline (April 30, 2027) and demonstrate financial need. State Grant amounts range from $500 to $6,000.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study positions are offered to students who qualify based on need. Eligible students will be notified that they can apply for a job on campus under the federal work-study program. This is not a guarantee of employment; students must find a job and work the necessary hours to earn up to the amount for which they are eligible.
If you have a work-study award on your offer letter, you will be contacted by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ's Office of Human Resources with further instructions on how to obtain a work-study position.
Education Loans
Unlike scholarships and grants, loans—whether federal or private—need to be repaid. There are a variety of need-based and non-need-based loans available to assist in financing a college education.
Federal Education Loans
Federal education loans offer students a distinct advantage over private lender loans, in that they offer more attractive interest rates, more flexible repayment plans, and require no collateral for approval.
- Federal Direct Student Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized, or a combination of both. This determination is made by the federal government based on your financial need. Subsidized – Fixed interest rate. Both principal and interest are deferred until the repayment period begins.
- Unsubsidized – Fixed interest rate. The principal, but not the interest, is deferred until the repayment period begins. Interest accrues while you are enrolled in school. You can choose to pay the interest while you are in school, or you can defer interest payments—allowing the interest to capitalize—and start paying the loan and interest after graduation. Paying the interest while you are in school will cost you less.
Students are automatically eligible to receive this federally funded loan after filing the FAFSA. This loan is in the student's name and does not need to be repaid until six months after the student graduates or drops below half time enrollment. This loan is typically repaid over a 10-year period, although numerous repayment options are available. No credit check is required. The loan is guaranteed.
If you want to borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling using your (the student's) FSA ID. There is a loan origination fee; therefore, the actual amount applied to your bill reflects the deduction of this origination fee.
The parent of a dependent student can borrow this federal loan. Your parent must apply for this loan using their unique FSA ID. The application requires a credit check, and the student must have already completed the FAFSA. We suggest interested parents begin the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan application process during the summer before their student’s freshman year.
Repayment begins while the student is in school (usually around November of the student’s first year). Parents can wait to start repayment until after their student graduates, but interest will begin capitalizing immediately. Most repayments are over a 10-year period but can sometimes be extended to 20 years. Actual loan amounts will be minus an origination fee.
If your parent is denied a Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS), you can receive an additional $4,000 in an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan.
Private Education Alternative Loans
Private loans, also known as alternative loans, help bridge the gap between the actual cost of education and the limited funding available from federal loan programs. There are no federal forms to complete. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ will accept any loan from the lender of your choice. Loan limits and rates vary by lender. Please visit the ​​​​​​​to explore private education loan options.
Loan amounts and interest details are estimates based on 2018-2019 data, and are subject to change.
Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
Office of Student Financial Services