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.

When to apply

Penn State recommends that students file their FAFSAs as early as possible, starting October 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 ensure that Pennsylvania residents meet the PHEAA state grant deadline of May 1. 

See this handy financial aid timeline for more information.

Where to apply

Students submit the FAFSA online to the Department of Education. In-state students should also complete the Pennsylvania State Grant application. You'll find a direct link to the PA State Grant on the FAFSA application. 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 as the Student Aid Report (SAR).