Tutorials

Here you will find tutorials with general instructions that apply to most situations. Specific tutorials, like How to Apply for the Parent PLUS Loan, are available in that subject's section of the site (ex. Loans, Parent PLUS).

How to Apply for the Parent PLUS Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal student loan available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students. The Parent PLUS Loan offers a fixed 7.54% interest rate for the 2022-2023 school year and flexible loan limits. To be eligible, a parent can't have an adverse credit history.

How to Apply for a Private Education Loan

Private education loans are managed through private lenders, issued in the student’s name, and require a co-signer. Eligibility, rates, terms, and conditions vary.

How to Create a Student Budget for the Parent PLUS and Private Alternative Loans

Need to borrow a loan to cover your remaining costs? Check out our resources on how to create a budget.

LionPATH Enrollment Process

You will use LionPATH to enroll for classes. You will be considered "registered" when you agree to the Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA) and enroll in at least one class.

How to Transfer Your IRS Tax Information Directly into Your FAFSA

You may have received an email from Federal Student Aid recommending that you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information directly from the IRS into your FAFSA. If for any reason the Data Retrieval Tool is unavailable, you can manually enter your tax information into your FAFSA.

How to View Your Loan History

View your loan history through the National Student Loan Data System, the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid information.

How to Create or Retrieve your FSA ID information

The FSA ID is a username and password that gives you the unique benefit of logging into your Federal Student Aid accounts — while removing all personally identifiable information. The FSA ID is your new official Federal Student Aid ID, which you will use to log in to use FSA websites like FAFSA, studentaid.gov, and more.

How to Grant Parent Access in LionPATH

You can give others access to your LionPATH account information including financial aid information.

LionPATH Help Resources

Many resources are available to assist students and parents with the LionPATH system.

Financial Aid Process for New Students

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

How to Complete a Loan Agreement (MPN)

You are required to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before you can receive Direct Loan funds.

How to Complete Loan Counseling

Loan counseling is a required online tool to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a Direct Loan borrower. You must complete this requirement before you can receive your Direct Loan.

FAFSA Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Advice on filling out the FAFSA from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

FAFSA: Who is my Parent?

A guide to help you figure out who to list as your parent when filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Image via Studentaid.ed.gov