Timeline of Events for Future Students

Deadlines, time frames, and resources for critical financial aid events like when to apply for loans, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and when students can expect to view their financial aid packages.

December

Submit the FAFSA

  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is typically available October 1 in the year prior (For example October 1, 2021 for 2022-23). Please note that due to FAFSA Simplification, the 2024-25 FAFSA will not be available until December 2023.
  • Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (2023-24) or the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (2024-25) to import your tax information into the FAFSA.
  • View "How to Apply for Financial Aid" for additional assistance.
  • First time students FAFSA recommended deadline - December 1, 2022  for the 2023-24 FAFSA and January 2024 for the 2024-25 FAFSA.

January

Search for Scholarships

  • You will automatically be considered for scholarship funds from our office when we review your FAFSA.
  • Other money from outside sources may  be available but knowing where to look is key.
  • Remember; never pay anyone to do a scholarship search for you.
  • Search for Scholarships

February – April

Aid Packages Available for New Students

  • Financial aid packaging for new students begins in February.
  • Have your FAFSA submitted on time for the greatest consideration!
  • You will receive an email (beginning and continuing) in February when your Award summary for the upcoming academic year is available on LionPATH.
  • If you are beginning in summer, your summer aid will be posted to your account in May.
  • How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete on your own:

  • View the Accepted Student Presentation. Learn about Penn State’s Financial Aid Process. If you have been offered admission to Penn State, this video explains our financial aid process. Watch video
  • Complete the Consent to do University Business Electronically. This consent must be completed in order to use LionPATH.
  • Complete the Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA). This promise to be responsible for your student account must be completed every term you enroll.
  • Grant Your Parent/Guardian Delegated Access. Parent access to student information in LionPATH is called Delegated Access. Delegated access gives parents, guardians, or other individuals access to view:
    • class schedule
    • enrollment verification
    • financial aid
    • Holds
    • To Do List

May – August

State Grant for PA Residents

Accept Your Federal Direct Loan(s)

Summer Aid for New Students

  • If you are a new student and will be starting in summer 2023, please complete the current 2022-23 FAFSA for summer aid eligibility.
  • Your aid will be available in April.

Aid Packages Available for Returning  Students

  • You will receive an email (beginning and continuing) in June when your Aid Summary for the upcoming academic year is available on LionPATH.

Respond to Verification Requests

  • You may be required to verify the information on your FAFSA.
  • Please send only requested information to our office.
  • Find the requested information in your TO DO LIST.

Attend Admissions New Student Orientation

  • This video is quick overview of Penn State's financial aid process.
  • It is shown to first-year students and their families during the New Student Orientation.
  • Watch video

June – August

Apply for Loans

August - September

Pay Your Bill

  • Tuition bills are generated August 1 (estimate) and due at the end of August.
  • Pay tuition and fees through the Bursar.
  • Pay your bill now

Get Your Refund

  • If there are no holds on your account, your refund will be available on the first day of classes.
  • Visit the Bursar