To receive financial aid, including Federal Direct Stafford and PLUS Loans, you must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
- Comply with Penn State's academic progress standards.
- Not be in default on an educational loan and must not owe a repayment on an adjusted federal grant.
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree program.
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduate, 5 credits at the 400 level or above for graduate students).
- Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number.
- Have a high school diploma.
Receiving and Maintaining Aid
Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive and retain financial aid. The Office of Student Aid is required by federal regulation to monitor a student's progress towards completing a degree or certificate program at all degree levels (undergraduate, graduate, and professional). Read the University's Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard for details, including what programs it impacts, how it is monitored, and how it affects aid eligibility.
Aid for the Summer Semester
At Penn State, the academic year begins with the fall semester and ends with the summer session. To be considered for summer student aid, you need to submit the current academic year FAFSA by June 30. You must also meet certain eligibility requirements.
Keep in mind that eligibility for summer student aid may be limited if the student has used their eligibility during the previous fall and spring semesters. Many students and families utilize the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan or private alternative educational loans to pay for summer courses.