Current students can view their financial aid information at any time on eLion. Simply log into eLion and select “Student Aid Summary” from the alphabetized menu at the left.
Watch Our Financial Aid Video
- 0:00 — Overview
- 1:02 — Financial Aid Opportunities
- 1:51 — FAFSA Information
- 2:30 — Applying for Aid
- 4:03 — Scholarship Information
- 4:40 — Advising Help
- 5:28 — Military Students
- 6:40 — Deferred Payment
- 7:10 — University Bursar
Federal Student Aid
World Campus students are eligible to receive funding in many of the same ways as traditional resident instruction students. New students must be fully accepted and enrolled at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduate students; 5 credits for graduate students) in an aid-eligible program. Current students must maintain aid eligibility, which includes being registered at least part-time and adhering to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standard. To get started, read the World Campus Student Aid page for more information, including eligibility guidelines.
How Do I Apply for Student Aid?
Summer Aid
Summer financial aid is not automatically awarded. If you wish to receive aid for course work taken in the summer, please read how to apply for summer financial aid.
Student Aid for 2011–12
Students may now begin filing the FAFSA for the 2011–12 academic year. Please visit the Office of Student Aid for updated information and the application process. If you are new to Penn State, you should review the 2011–12 Student Aid Summary guide.
What Happens If I Drop Courses or Withdraw?
If you receive financial aid and think you need to drop courses or withdraw from the semester, we encourage you to review and understand student rights and responsibilities according to the University's policy on drops/withdrawals. You can read more on your rights and what to expect on the Student Rights and Responsibilities page of the Office of Student Aid website. You should also consult with your adviser if you have questions.
What If I Transferred from another Institution?
We recommend following these three steps to ensure your financial aid requests are processed quickly and accurately:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit your final transcripts to the Office of Admissions
- Inform your previous institution you will not be returning and confirm that your previous institution has cancelled any pending aid disbursements
Are Certificate Programs Eligible for Financial Aid?
Certificate programs are not eligible for federal aid, including Federal Direct Student loans. You may want to consider other payment options or consider an alternative/private loan.
Rapid Refund
Students most often receive their refunds within the first two weeks of class. Because Penn State does not offer book vouchers, financial aid refunds are not a reliable source for the immediate purchase of books. For the quickest delivery of your refund, enroll in Penn State's Rapid Refund Program through eLion. Your refund will be electronically deposited into your bank account of choice.
If you choose to have your refund mailed to a home or local address, the delivery of your refund will be delayed.