Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Penn State Office of Student Aid Parent Newsletter

February 2008

Recommended FAFSA Completion Dates

Students new to Penn State (first-year and new transfer students):

• Be sure the Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web is submitted by February 15. You may still submit the FAFSA after that date, but students who apply by February 15 will receive their financial aid award notifications earlier.
• In most cases, the FAFSA also serves as your student's state grant application. For Pennsylvania residents, the FAFSA must be received by May 1 for state grant consideration. If your student is not a Pennsylvania resident, be sure to check with your home state's grant agency for application and reciprocity information.

Returning undergraduate students are advised to:

• Complete the FAFSA on the Web by April 15 for maximum consideration of all student financial aid programs at Penn State.
• Pennsylvania resident students will be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant if their completed FAFSAs are received by May 1. If your student is not a Pennsylvania resident, be sure to check with your home state's grant agency for application and reciprocity information.

A note of caution--be very careful of individuals or companies that offer to complete your student's FAFSA for a fee. The FAFSA is a free application. If someone is charging a fee to help you and your student complete the form, be wary and be certain of exactly what service they will provide for the fee. Keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Education and our office are available and ready to offer assistance if you have questions about completing the FAFSA.

Remember to use actual tax information if it is available. If you and your student have not completed your federal taxes by Penn State's recommended completion date, you may use estimated information. Be sure to update your estimates once you and your student finalize your 2007 federal income taxes.