Saint Francis University

1.  Begin looking for outside scholarships: Visit your high school guidance office.  Counselors often have information and applications for local scholarships.  Explore the internet to find free scholarship search information.  Refer to our Scholarship page for a list of free scholarship search engines.

2.  Visit the websites or call/visit the Financial Aid Offices of the colleges you are considering attending: Try to get answers to the following questions:

• What institutional scholarships are available for new students?
• What are the criteria for receiving these awards?
• How do students apply?
• Is there an admission deadline or application deadline to be considered for these scholarships?
• Are they renewable for more than one academic year?
• If so, are there criteria for renewal?
• Are there a limited number of scholarships?
• What types of need-based aid (such as grants and loans) does the institution offer?
• What student aid applications and documentation does the institution require and when are their deadlines?
• When can you expect to receive a student aid package from the institution?
• How will outside scholarships, affect the aid the institution might award you?

3.  Keep studying and continue working hard to get good grades: This should be a priority throughout high school – it may mean the difference between receiving a scholarship or not.

4.  If your parents or other family members will be involved in paying for your education, talk seriously with them about how much they plan to contribute to the student aid application process, etc.  Make sure everyone understands his or her role.

1.  September – December: Students and parents should each apply for a federal pin number at www.pin.ed.gov to use as their electronic signature on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to make corrections to it.  This is the main application for aid regardless of the school you choose to attend.  Attend a financial aid workshop offered by your high school or community.  If you have not already done so, attend open houses at the colleges you are considering – be sure to attend any financial aid sessions that are offered.  The FAFSA cannot actually be submitted until after January 1.

2.  January – Mid March: Complete tax returns as soon as possible and keep copies.  This is critical since this income information is needed to complete the student aid application. 

3.  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) anytime after January 1: This application is used to determine student eligibility for federal and, in Pennsylvania, state student aid.  Colleges and universities may also use the information reported in this form to determine eligibility for institutional student aid.  This form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or through your school guidance office.  Make a copy of all student aid forms before submitting.

Here at Saint Francis we do not have a deadline for submitting the FAFSA.  However, to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant, the deadline is May 1.  Of course, the earlier you submit the FAFSA, the earlier you should receive a Financial Aid Package.

4.  Submit all other required applications and paperwork to each of the colleges to which you are applying – be sure to make copies and meet deadlines.  The Office of Financial Aid at Saint Francis does not require any form other than the FAFSA to develop a financial aid package.  Unless, being selected for Verification (please refer to the Verification link found on the main page for more information.

5.  Complete outside scholarships applications.

1.  Receive and compare actual student aid packages.  After completing the student aid requirements for a given school, you will receive an award letter detailing the aid you are eligible to receive if you attend that institution. 

2.  Develop a plan for how you are going to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses.  Please explore the Balance Payment Options on the main page to consider options.

3.  Decide which college you will attend.

1.  Inform the Financial Aid Office of any outside awards you’ve received.

2.  Inquire about the availability of campus jobs at the college you are attending.

3.  Complete any remaining paperwork required to finalize the student aid application process.