Financial Aid How To Apply

Financial Aid Application Process

In order to qualify for assistance from federal, state, and University financial aid programs, a student must complete a “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA). This form is completed via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must reapply each year as soon as possible after January 1st. Students who file their FAFSA by May 1st will receive priority consideration for all federal financial aid programs available at California University of Pennsylvania. However, the federal processor must receive the FAFSA by May 1st for state grant consideration.

As with first-time FAFSA filers, all continuing students must use the Web to reapply for financial aid. The federal FAFSA processor will automatically send e-mail reminders to prior-year FAFSA filers. The e-mail renewal reminders inform students they can complete their FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students can complete the FAFSA application anytime after January 1st. If you filed a FAFSA last year, you will be asked to “pre-fill” your  FAFSA with data from the previous year. If you agree, you will be presented with a FAFSA that is automatically filled with certain data from your prior-year application.

After completing your FAFSA, the student and parent (if applicable) may sign electronically with a federal Personal Identification Number (see topic "Personal Identification Number" for additional information). If you are a dependent student, both the student and the parent will need to request a PIN in order to electronically sign the FAFSA. Once you submit your application, you'll be taken to a confirmation page that shows your confirmation number and estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC). If you provide a valid e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail with a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR) information within five days after filing the FAFSA. If you do not provide a valid e-mail address, you will receive a paper Student Aid Report (SAR) or SAR Acknowledgment in the mail about two weeks after submitting your online FAFSA.

FAFSA on the Web Tips

1. Pick up a copy of the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet at the Financial Aid Office or download a copy at www.fafsa.ed.gov .
2. Complete the entire FAFSA on the Web Worksheet prior to setting down at your computer. The questions on the worksheet are in the exact order as they appear online.
3. Complete entire form. If the answer is zero or the question doesn’t apply, enter “O”.
4. File by deadline date 30 days prior recommended (April 1).
5. Respond “yes” to question asking if you are interested in student loans in order to be considered for a Stafford Loan. 
6. Respond “yes” to question asking if you are interested in work-study employment in order to be considered for student employment. A packet will be sent to you in August.
7. Request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov so that you can electronically sign your FAFSA. Parents with PINs can also electronically sign, or you can print a paper signature page from FAFSA on the Web, sign it, and mail it to the address provided. Remember, if you are dependent, your parent also needs to sign.
8. Be sure to list California University of PA (School Code Number 003316) in order that Cal U may receive your electronic record.
9. Provide a valid e-mail address.

Please take the time to read the instructions before completing your FAFSA. Most questions can be answered through the instruction information contained on the form or at the FAFSA Web site. In addition, our Financial Aid Office home page contains many helpful topics and links that may provide you with additional assistance in completing the FAFSA. Our home page can be found at www.cup.edu/financial_aid, or you can contact our office by phone at 724-938-4415.

Please Note: California University does not have an institutional financial aid application.

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
If you complete the electronic version of the FAFSA, it is recommended that you complete the "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" prior to entering your information. This helpful worksheet is a line-for-line copy of the online FAFSA, thereby insuring accuracy in completing the FAFSA via the Web. As with FAFSA on the Web, the worksheet also has helpful instructions throughout the form. The FAFSA on Web Worksheet can be downloaded directly from the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov  or be obtained at the Financial Aid Office.

Personal Identification Number (PIN)
The PIN is similar to the Personal Identification Number that you get from your bank that enables you to access your bank account. Your PIN is confidential and should not be shared with anyone, even if someone else completes your FAFSA for you. The Department of Education has enhanced the electronic signature process by adding "I Forgot/Don’t Know My PIN" and "Apply for a PIN" links to the "Student Electronic Signature" page and the "Parent Electronic Signature" page. When selected, the hyperlink opens the PIN Web site in a separate browser window and pre-fills the appropriate fields. A student and/or parent can chose to view their PIN in real-time or have it sent by e-mail to them. All prior year electronic FAFSA applicants will receive a renewal reminder e-mail explaining the renewal process made possible through the student PIN. Remember, your PIN is a valuable electronic tool, which allows you to electronically complete and sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA, make electronic corrections to FAFSA form, and even electronically sign your Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Renewal Financial Aid Applicants
Prior-year aid recipients will receive a renewal reminder e-mail from the Department of Education describing the renewal process on the Web using their federal PIN. Renewal students who did not provide an e-mail address on their FAFSA or whose e-mail is returned "undeliverable" will receive a letter in the mail describing the renewal process. As mentioned above, the PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems, complete and make corrections to your Renewal FAFSA, and electronically complete and sign a Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). The Renewal FAFSA contains information that you and your family (if applicable) reported last year, making it faster and easier for you to complete. Please carefully review and update any prior year information, which needs to be changed for the school year.