Office of Student Aid : Guide to Consumer Information
Guide to Consumer Information
In accordance with the federal regulations set forth the by The Higher Education Act of 1965 (amended in 1998), educational institutions are required to disclose specific consumer information about the school and the availability of student financial aid to prospective and continuing students.
The following is a summary of the consumer information subject areas and references to additional details and reports. If you need assistance or paper copies, please contact the Office of Student Aid by e-mail or by writing to us at 314 Shields Building, University Park, PA 16802-1220.
Institutional Information
Financial AssistanceAccreditation Information–Penn State is accredited by the Commission on Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Commission on Higher Education is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Copies of documents related to accreditation are available online.
Services for Disabled Students–Penn State offers services for students with disabilities.
Tuition and Fees–Billable costs associated with attendance
Estimated Costs–Billable and non-billable estimates of costs of attendance
Refund Policy–Information about tuition adjustments based on drops and withdrawals and refunds of credit balances
Withdrawal Procedures–An outline of the process to leave the University if you are unable to complete the semester
Academic Programs–Links to programs of study at Penn State
Instructional Facilities and Labs–Maps are available for location information about University Park instructional facilities. Campus, college, and departmental Web sites include additional details.
Instructional Personnel–Campus, college, and departmental Web sites include contact information for faculty and instructors.
Public Accountability – As Pennsylvania's land-grant university, Penn State continually seeks to make information about its activities and services readily accessible to interested citizens. Visit the linked site to learn more about the scope, mission, and operations of the University. (modified from http://www.psu.edu/ur/accountability.html)
General Information About Penn State
Student Right-to-Know Act InformationAvailable Aid Programs
2007-08 Common Data Set/Financial Aid Awarded to Enrolled Undergraduates, Penn State, University Park
Applying for Aid
Determination of Eligibility
Rights and Responsibilities
Disbursement procedures/frequency
Loan terms, sample repayment schedule, and necessity for repayment
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Terms and Conditions of Student Employment
Entrance Counseling– Select Loan Entrance Counseling from the menu
Exit Counseling– Select Loan Exit Interview from the menu
Sample Loan Repayment Chart
Assistance With Student Financial Aid Inquiries
Study Abroad–Student financial aid is available to student who study abroad through Penn State programs.
Federal Stafford Loan Deferments
Federal Stafford Loan Forgiveness
Federal Perkins/University Loan Deferments and Cancellations
Withdrawal and Aid Adjustment–Withdrawing from the University can impact current semester and future semester eligibility for aid.
Dropping Credits and Aid Adjustment–Dropping credits can impact current semester and future semester eligibility for aid.
Completion/Graduation Rates for General Student Body
Completion/Graduation Rates for Student Athletes
Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV, federal student financial assistance program, and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses, by men's and women's teams. The Department uses the information to prepare its required report to the Congress on gender equity in intercollegiate athletics.
Penn State Intercollegiate Athletic Scholarships
Campus Security
Campus Security Report
Victim/Witness Advocate
Victim Rights
Emergency Phones on Campus
Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Prevention, and Intervention Resources
Prevention Information
Alcohol Facts and Intervention Program
Alcohol and Marijuana Intervention Program
Health Risks of Drug Abuse
Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
Policies Resources Related to Alcohol and/or Drug Use
Penn State's Code of Conduct
University Alcohol Policy
Penn State's Policy Statements on Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages in "Student Guide to General University Policies and Rules"
Judicial Affairs Manual (pages 150-155 detail violations and sanctions related to alcohol and/or drugs)
Student Rights and Responsibilities (University)
Confidentiality of Student Records
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Privacy of Student Health Records