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Federal and State Student Aid and the FAFSA

Federal and State Student Aid

In addition to the merit- and need-based scholarships and grants provided by Saint Vincent, you may also be eligible for federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.

To determine your eligibility, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

 

The Financial Aid Process

1. File the FAFSA

  • File as soon as possible after October 1 each year. It will take about an hour for most filers.
  • The 2024-2025 FAFSA uses 2022 tax information.
  • Contributors (students, parents, etc.) must consent to transfer tax info from the IRS to the FAFSA.
  • All contributors need an FSA ID from studentaid.gov.
  • The SVC FAFSA code is 003368.
Tips for filing the FAFSA:
  • Start Early: The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving aid.
  • Double-Check Information: Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.
  • Seek Help if Needed: If you have questions, contact the financial aid office or use resources available on the Federal Student Aid website.  You can also access a series of helpful webinars here.
2. After Submission
  • You’ll get an email with your FAFSA Submission Summary.
  • This summary shows your eligibility for federal aid and includes your Student Aid Index (SAI).
  • Saint Vincent will also receive this information.

3. Financial Aid Notification

  • Your SAI helps determine your eligibility for federal and Saint Vincent need-based aid.
  • You’ll receive a financial aid notification with details on your aid and payment options.

Deadlines

Verification

  • The federal government may select your FAFSA for verification.
  • You’ll be notified if selected and must provide additional documentation.
  • Verification must be completed to receive financial aid.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Financial Aid Application Process, contact the Financial Aid Office at 724-805-2555 or by email at financialaid@stvincent.edu.

Financial Aid and Tuition

Types of Government Aid

Grants

Grants are financial awards that do not need to be repaid. There are two primary grant awards determined by your SAI.

Federal Pell Grant

  • Purpose: Provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students.
  • Award Amount: Varies based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. For the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum award is $7,395.
  • Eligibility: Determined by the information provided on the FAFSA.

Pennsylvania State Grant

  • Purpose: Provides need-based grants to Pennsylvania residents attending a postsecondary institution in Pennsylvania. The grants are awarded through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
  • Award Amount: Varies based on financial need, cost of attendance, and available funding. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the maximum award is $5,750.
  • Eligibility: Must be a Pennsylvania resident, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program.

Loans

Loans are financial awards that must be repaid, but repayment terms and interest vary by loan type.

Federal Direct Loans for Undergraduates

  • Subsidized Loans: Need-based, no interest while in school.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: Not need-based, interest accrues from disbursement.
  • For details on limits, rates, and fees, visit studentaid.gov.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Parents

  • Parents can apply if aid doesn’t cover costs.
  • If the parent is denied, dependent students may get additional unsubsidized loans.

Graduate and Doctoral Students

Work-Study

  • Earn money for non-billable expenses by working on or off-campus.
  • Federal Work-Study is part of your aid package; Institutional Work-Study is not.
  • Search for jobs through Career Services at Handshake.

  • Financial Aid Policies

    Satisfactory Academic Progress

    • Federal law requires maintaining academic progress for aid eligibility.
    • Saint Vincent follows federal standards for its grants and scholarships.
    • Annual review after spring semester; appeal process available for extraordinary circumstances.

    Withdrawals and Title IV Refund Policy

    • Withdrawing from all classes may require returning unearned federal aid.
    • Consult with your academic advisor and Financial Aid Office before withdrawing.

     

    Note: Full-time students, e.g. those with 12 or more credits per semester, are eligible for Saint Vincent College funds. Part-time students may be eligible for federal and state grants and direct loans.

Financial Aid and Tuition
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