Any student who is interested in being considered for loans, grants, scholarships, and/or a work-study position should apply.
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.
Use the following information to submit your FAFSA to Penn State:
- Pennsylvania State University (The)
- School type: PUBLIC, PRIMARILY 4-YEAR
- Federal School Code: 003329
In-state students should also complete the Pennsylvania State Grant application to apply for a PHEAA grant. You'll find a direct link to the PA State Grant on the FAFSA application.
When to apply
Penn State recommends that students file their FAFSAs as early as possible, starting January 1 and no later than April 15. Keep in mind that many student aid sources, especially University funds, have limited resources and are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis. Waiting to file the FAFSA may mean you will not be awarded funding for which you would otherwise qualify because the available funds have run out.
First-year students should submit the FAFSA by February 15 to receive a financial aid notification in a timely manner and to maximize the types and amounts of financial aid that are available.
See this financial aid timeline for more information.
What happens next?
The Department of Education processes the completed application and sends a copy of the information to the following:
- The schools listed on the student's FAFSA.
- The state grant agency of the student's home residency state.
- The student via the FAFSA Submission Summary.
Once Penn State receives the student's FAFSA information, it can start making award decisions. Students can access their student aid packages on LionPath.
