1. Create a StudentAid.gov account

    • The FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. You'll need 10 minutes to complete and should create at least three days in advance of completing the FAFSA to allow for processing. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need an FSA ID. Create one now by clicking here!
       

  2. Start the FAFSA at fafsa.gov

    • Log in using your FSA ID
    • Create a save key. A save key is a temporary password that allows you to save the FAFSA form and return to it later.
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  3. Fill out the Student Demographics section

    • Make sure you enter your name exactly how it appears on your Social Security Card. Remember that the FAFSA form his the student's application. When the FAFSA form says "you" or "your", it's referring to the student (unless noted otherwise). Pay attention to whether you're being asked for student or parent information.
       

  4. Add Penn State to your list of schools on the FAFSA

    • Penn State's school code is 003329. This school code is used for all Penn State campus locations.
       

  5. Answer the dependency status questions

    • In the dependency status section, you'll be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form. The dependency guidelines are set by Congress and are different for those used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are determined to be a dependent student, you'll be required to report information about your parent(s) and/or guardian(s).
       

  6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section

    • This is where your parent(s) and/or guardian(s) will provide their information. Remember that it doesn't matter if you don't live with your parent(s) and/or guardian(s); you still must report information about them if you were determined to be a dependent student in the step above.
       

  7. Supply your financial information

    • Submit information from your and/or your parent(s) and/or guardian(s) taxes from 2 years previous. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information to the FAFSA form with just a few clicks.
       

  8. Sign and submit your FAFSA

    • You're not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent(s) and/or guardian(s), if you're a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form online is with your FSA ID.

Steps to renew the FAFSA

  1. Log in with your FSA ID username and password at fafsa.gov

    • If you forget your FSA ID, you can retrieve it online by clicking here!
       

  2. Select the 2022-2023 form

    • Click the option to "Renew Your FAFSA
       

  3. Update your information and supply financial information

    • Update any prefilled information that has been changed.
    • Submit information from your taxes from 2 years prior. Dependent students must submit their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) tax records. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), The IRS DRT allows you to import your tax information into the FAFSA form with just a few clicks.
       

  4. Verify that Penn State is still listed as a school to have our FAFSA Information sent

    • Penn State's school code is 003329. This school code is used for all Penn State campus locations.
    • Residents of Pennsylvania must submit before May 1st in order to be eligible for the PHEAA grant. However, all students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible to be reviewed for limited university funding.
       

  5. Sign and submit the FAFSA renewal

    • You're not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent(s) and/or guardian(s), if you're a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form online is with your FSA ID.

Maintain your Eligibility for Aid

Federal Aid Eligibility Requirements

Students must maintain a Satisfactory Academic Process or SAP each year in order to continue receiving federal financial aid. Review for academic progress occurs at the end of every Spring semester. All students must attain:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Earned 67% of courses attempted

Not making academic progress will impact your ability to receive aid for future semesters. Students can appeal based on extenuating circumstances.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

If you were awarded a renewable scholarship by the University or Penn State Greater Allegheny campus, you must maintain the specific criteria of that award in order to receive it for another year. Common scholarship renewal criteria include:

  • A specific cumulative GPA
  • Specific enrollment level: full or part-time student
  • Other criteria including degree program, submitting the FAFSA, etc.

Refer to your original scholarship notification letter to determine the required renewal criteria for your specific award.

For more information on Scholarships and Awards, click here!

More information on FAFSA