Financial Aid Checklist

Detailed Instructions by Month

• December

  Obtain an FSA (Federal Student Aid) User ID

  • Both you and your parent (if you are a dependent student) will need an FSA User ID  to electronically sign your FASFA.
  • It usually takes 2-4 business days for an account to register.
  • https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

  ---

  Complete the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

  • Both you and your parent (if you are a dependent student) will need to complete a FASFA.
  • Saint Francis University’s federal school code (003366)
  • https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

  ---

  Review State Grant Application Options

  • To be considered for most state grants, you must fill out the FASFA and complete a state grant application.
  • As an example, the filing deadline for Pennsylvania State Grant consideration is May 1st.  
  • You can check your states priority deadlines at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
• January

  Apply for External Scholarship Opportunities

  • These are not awarded directly by Saint Francis University
  • Visit https://www.francis.edu/external-scholarships for some options
• March

  Register for your Accepted Student Day Event

  • Information on scheduling will be available here: https://www.francis.edu/asd

  ---

  Student Accounts and Pre-registration Opens

  • For deposited students
  • Not deposited yet? Pay your deposit here. 
• April

  Tuition Deposits Due

  • Pay your deposit here. 

  ---

  Finalize State Grant Application

  • Deadline for Pennsylvania State Grant consideration is May 1st.
• June

  Master Promissory Note

  • Complete this online at https://studentaid.gov/mpn/
  • Required for Federal Direct Student loans

  ---

  Entrance Counseling

  • Complete this online at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/
  • Required for Federal Direct Student loans

  ---

  Work Study or On-Campus Employment

  • Students are responsible to find their own employment
  • Review student employment options https://www.francis.edu/scholarships-and-grants#student%20employment

   

• July

  Apply for Direct Plus Loans (parents)

  • Visit https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing to apply
  • If a parent is denied, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

  ---

  Consider Alternative/Private Loans

  • Visit www.elmselect.com for more information.

  ---

  Explore Work Study or On-Campus Employment

  • Students are responsible to find their own employment.
  • Review student employment options https://www.francis.edu/scholarships-and-grants#student%20employment