Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Penn State Office of Student Aid Parent Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 1-- May 2007

Welcome to the online Office of Student Aid Parent Newsletter! If you would like to subscribe, we can send a free monthly copy of the newsletter directly to your e-mail account.

Welcome
Within these pages, we will inform you about pressing issues and provide you with general information and updates related to financial aid.

Summer Disbursements
Summer classes are approaching, and it can sometimes be confusing knowing when student financial aid will be credited to your student's account and available for refund (if a credit balance is expected). If your student is anticipating a refund, this article will help you determine when to expect the funds.

All Those Little Costs
Parents of a college student usually find the little costs can add up quickly--clothes, CDs, notebooks, pizzas, concerts, software, and laundry--just for starters. The bill for tuition, fees, room, and meals may be the largest share of the charges, but it is only the beginning of what can seem like an endless stream of requests from your student for more spending cash.

Financial Aid Verification--Selection and Completion
If your son or daughter is selected for verification by Penn State, our office will send a letter that clearly outlines the information we will need. Some students will receive a message on their Student Aid Report (SAR) that indicates they have been selected for verification. The U.S. Department of Education requires that every accredited institution of higher education in the United States verify the accuracy of information provided by a portion of students and families when they apply for federal student aid. Verification is the process of confirming the information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It allows us to ensure that all Penn State students are receiving their correct amounts of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study.

Student Financial Aid Awarding Notes
This time of year, we typically receive a number of questions regarding awarding and the next steps for both new and returning Penn State students as they look forward to the upcoming fall semester. We have a sampling of the most asked questions on the subject.

Electronic Tuition Bills
As of fall 2006, tuition bills became 'paperless.' Students can view and/or pay their eBills on eLion. Notice of bill availability will be e-mailed to your student's Penn State e-mail account.