How do I apply for federal aid?
The first step in the financial aid process is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This may be done online after you receive a personal identification number (PIN) to use as your electronic signature. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to apply for a PIN so he/she can sign your FAFSA electronically. You may file the FAFSA after January 1 of each year that you will attend college. Be sure to file by the PSU priority deadline of March 1, as certain funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information needed to complete the FAFSA includes:
Your Social Security number & your parents' Social Security numbers
Your driver's license number, if you have one
Your alien registration number if you are not a US citizen
Your and your parents' federal income tax returns and W2
income information
Your and your parents' dates of birth
If you do not have access to a computer, you may file a paper FAFSA; or you may bring all the required information to the Office of Student Financial Assistance and we will assist you in filing the FAFSA.
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education. Be sure to review the information carefully for accuracy and make any necessary corrections. The Department of Education will also send PSU, and any other university you designated on your FAFSA, an Institutional Student Information Record so your request for financial aid can be processed. Be sure to respond in a timely manner to any requests for additional information.
Where do I go?
Complete the FAFSA (Federal School Code - 001926)
The Guide to Federal Student Aid
University Scholarship Application (Apply by February 1)
US Department of Education Information on "preparing for and funding education beyond high school"
FAFSA Online Assistance is available to students who would like help completing the FAFSA