Office of Student Aid : Frequently Asked Questions

Application

How do I apply for student financial aid?

Applying information is available online.

Does the FAFSA on the Web have advantages over the paper FAFSA?

Yes. FAFSA on the Web is secure, quick, and easy. It also contains built in edit checks to prevent common errors, and it will reach our office 2-3 weeks faster than a paper FAFSA.

What is the Federal School Code for Penn State?

A list of Penn State's Federal School Codes are available on our Web site.

If I missed the required completion date for the FAFSA, what can I do?

We recommend completion of the FAFSA on the Web by February 15 for first-year undergraduate students, and by April 15 for all others wanting consideration for federal, state, and University aid programs.

You can complete the FAFSA on the Web at any time throughout the academic year.

How often do I have to complete the FAFSA ?

You need to complete the FAFSA on the Web each year. The FAFSA on the Web determines your aid eligibility for the fall, spring, and summer semesters of the application year.

Complete the FAFSA on the Web by the application completion dates for maximum consideration of federal, state, and University student aid programs.

If I have a parent who is enrolled in a college or university, can my parent be counted as a family member in college on the FAFSA?

No. You do not include your parents. Include others only if they will attend, at least half-time, in a program that leads to a college degree or certificate.