Eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid is determined by a student's annual filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Central Penn’s priority deadline for filing these forms is March 15th.

What forms do I have to fill out?

As stated above, you need to complete the FAFSA as well as the Central Penn Financial aid Form and the Stafford Loan.

What is the income cut-off for financial aid?

There is no income cut-off for financial aid. The amount of financial aid you will receive is determined by your family's financial need as calculated by your annual FAFSA.

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What is Central Penn's Title IV School Code?

Our Federal Title IV code is 004890.

How can I be an independent student?

In order to be considered independent for federal and state purposes for the 2010-2011 academic year, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be born before January 1, 1985
• Be a veteran of the US Armed Forces
• Be married
• Be an orphan or ward of the court
• Have legal dependents other than a spouse.

How and when will I know how much financial aid I am eligible for?

A new student who files the FAFSA before March 15 and completes all other paperwork requested by the financial aid office can expect to receive an award letter in the spring. The award letter will indicate eligibility for specific financial aid programs.

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Who do I call if I need help with applying for financial aid?

If you are an incoming traditional student, you can call Kelly Fox at 1-800-759-2727 *2246. If you are an incoming Continuing Education student, you can call Christine Ely at 717-728-2322.

Do I have to wait until I am accepted to Central Penn before I apply for aid?

No, you may apply before you are accepted, but you will not receive a financial aid award letter until you are accepted. We encourage you to apply even if you are not accepted so that we may process your aid application as soon as possible upon your acceptance

What if my family's financial situation changes after we completed the FAFSA?

Contact the Financial Aid Office and we will advise you what you need to do in order to be evaluated based on the change in circumstances. Most likely, you will have to complete some additional forms.

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If my parents are divorced or separated, whose information is reported on the financial aid application?

The custodial parent is the parent that must complete the FAFSA. If the custodial parent has remarried, then the stepparent's financial information must also be provided.

What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

Subsidized is a need-based loan. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school and during the six month grace period.
Unsubsidized is a non-need based loan. Interest starts immediately on the loan once it is disbursed to the school. You may pay interest while you are in school or capitalize your interest and pay nothing until six months after you cease attendance.

What should I expect after I complete the FAFSA?

Several things might possibly happen. A few weeks after the FAFSA is completed, Pennsylvania residents who are first-time students will receive an email notification to complete the PHEAA Status Notice Form. This form is very important to complete, as it determines your State Grant eligibility.

You could be selected for verification. At least 30% of our population will be randomly selected for this process. You must provide your tax returns and W-2 form(s) to the Financial Aid Office. If applicable, we will also ask for a copy of your parents' tax returns and W-2 form(s). The student must provide the Financial Aid Office with the required documentation before financial aid can be processed.

Lastly, you will receive your award letter. The financial aid award letter will indicate your amounts and eligibility of aid. The PHEAA State Grant Agency does not start awarding their grants until mid-May. Each time additional financial aid is added to your account, you will receive a revised award letter

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Do I have to be full-time to qualify for financial aid?

No. To be eligible for a PHEAA State Grant and a Federal Stafford Loan, you must be enrolled for at least six credits. Some students may qualify for a PELL Grant with only three credits.

Where and when can I look for scholarships?

First, look at the scholarship section of our web site. Our scholarships have different deadlines and qualifications. It is important to start looking as early as you can. You can also check with your high school guidance office, local library, local businesses and the Internet.

What is the maximum amount a student can borrow from the Stafford Loan?

Dependent/Independent
0 - 35 credits (first year student) $3,500*/$9,500
36 - 71 credits (second year student) $4,500*/$10,500
72 -107 credits (third year student) $5,500*/$12,500
108+ credits (fourth year student) amount is determined by number of credits

*Dependent students are also eligible in the 2010-2011 financial aid year for an additional $2000 unsubsidized Stafford loan.

Payment begins 6 months after the student graduates, stops attending, or drops below 6 credits.

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What is verification?

Verification is a process where the school must request certain tax information in order for the student to receive any financial aid. Students who are selected are notified in writing to provide copies of their tax return with W2 forms and, if applicable, parents will also have to provide copies of their tax return with W2 forms. This is a random selection.

How do I contact the Financial Aid Office?

Central Pennsylvania College
Attn: Financial Aid Office
Campus on College Hill and Valley Roads
Summerdale PA 17093

Phone: 1-800-759-2727
Fax: (717) 728-2350
E-mail: financialaid@centralpenn.edu