Apply for Financial Aid
Students who wish to borrow through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program must still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Electronic FAFSA
You can complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA Title IV code for The University of Scranton: 003384.
Helpful Filing Informationplus or minus
If eligible, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA form which allows students and parents to access official IRS tax return information needed to complete the FAFSA and transfer the data directly into the FAFSA from the IRS website.Checklistplus or minus
Applying for financial aid may seem complicated and confusing, but its completion is not as difficult as it may appear. Applications are available in October. Be aware of any filing deadlines. The following is a checklist of items you will use to complete the form:
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- - Parents' and student's federal tax returns from the prior-prior year of the student's entering term (for example, if the student plans to enter college in Fall 2023, then tax returns from 2021 would be used). If the returns will not be completed prior to the earliest college application deadline, provide estimated figures.
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- - W-2 forms and any other statements of earnings from the prior-prior year of the student's entering term (for example, if the student plans to enter college in Fall 2023, then tax returns from 2021 would be used). Review box 12a-d, (W-2 Form) for untaxed pension contributions.
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- - Current bank, stock and investment statements for both parents and student.
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- - Value of real estate. Do not include primary residence.
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- - Value of any business assets. Do not include net value of family owned business with less than 100 employees.
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- - Value of any S corporation or investment farms.
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- - Records of untaxed income received from the prior-prior year of the student's entering term (for example, if the student plans to enter college in Fall 2023, then tax returns from 2021 would be used) such as welfare, Social Security, TANF, child support, or veteran benefits.
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Common Errorsplus or minus
Using an incorrect student social security number: Refer to an official document, such as your Social Security card. The FAFSA cannot be processed without a proper social security number. Do not risk your eligibility for aid by an avoidable error.
Reporting name incorrectly: Report your name as it appears on your Social Security card. Do not use nicknames or Confirmation middle initials. A computer match with the Social Security Administration recorded name must agree with the FAFSA name.
Misreporting the amount of federal tax paid: DO NOT report the amount of federal income tax withheld from paychecks, self-employment taxes, or amounts paid to states. Report the line item from the tax return as instructed on the application. If a tax return will be filed at a later date, estimate the tax to be paid.
Neglecting to report all applicant's assets: An aunt's or grandparent's fund in the applicant's name at the time of filing the form must be reported as well as any trust funds.
Misreporting parents marital status: As of the day you file the FAFSA, what is your parent(s)' marital status?
Misreporting the number of people in the family household: Don't take a headcount for this question. Report only the number of family members who will continue to receive more than half support from parents between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Older children who reside at home but provide more than half of their support should not be included. Review the instructions for this section carefully.
Failure to report federally untaxed income on the application: The most common omissions include: annual IRA and KEOGH contributions, contributions to 401(k) and 403(b) pension plans (review W-2's carefully), earned income credit, and tax exempt interest. Don't assume your family has no untaxed income. Review every item on the verification form or the untaxed income worksheet contained in the application.What’s Next?plus or minus
What to Expect After Filing:
1. Approximately three days after submitting the online FAFSA you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the processor via email. If asked for additional information, update the SAR following the instructions and resubmit the application on-line. If the SAR is complete, carefully review application data for accuracy. Correct any errors following correction instructions. Be sure The University of Scranton is listed as a college choice.
2. By filing the FAFSA, Pennsylvania residents will automatically be considered for the PA State Grant. In some cases the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) may request additional information. Respond promptly to any such requests. PHEAA normally transmits official notification of eligibility beginning May 15.
3. Most colleges will send an official notification of eligibility, commonly referred to as an award letter, indicating institutional awards and estimates of federal and state aid. The University of Scranton notifies accepted applicants beginning the week of January 15 and continuing through the end of April.
4. Respond promptly to all requests for additional information. They may have an impact on your eligibility for assistance.
In addition to filing the FAFSA, there are a number of special condition forms that allow you to report items that the FAFSA does not. Please visit our Financial Aid page for more information and a list of forms.Incoming Transfer Student Informationplus or minus
Transfer students must follow the same application procedures as all other financial aid applicants. Transfer students are also responsible for providing academic transcripts from previous college(s) to the Admissions Office for transfer credit evaluation. Academic transcripts will also be required for measuring the satisfactory academic progress of PA State Grant recipients as well as determining grade level for loan eligibility.