What Do I Need to Complete the FAFSA?

1. Social Security Number: If you are the student and completing the FAFSA please make sure you enter your social security number as it appears on your card. If you are an eligible non-citizen, you can enter your Alien Registration number on your FAFSA.
2. Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID): The FSA ID is the username and password combination students and parents use to access Federal Student Aid websites. You can create an FSA ID, and you will be able to use it right away.
3. Access to your Federal tax return: You may be able to use the data retrieval tool to link the required tax return(s) to your FAFSA.
4. Parent/guardian signature for dependents: If you are a dependent student, please note that one parent or guardian will need to sign your FAFSA in addition to providing the family’s financial information. The parent or guardian may sign electronically with an FSA ID.

Am I Eligible for Financial Aid?

Typically, you must meet the following requirements before applying for financial aid:

• Be admitted to the College in a degree-seeking program.
• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Register with Selective Service, if a male at least 18 years of age
• Not be in default on a loan made under any Title IV, HEA loan program or owe a repayment on any Title IV funds
• Be registered for the appropriate number of credits for the semester in which you are applying for financial aid
• Have a valid social security number or alien registration card

What Happens When Peirce Receives My FAFSA?

If the Student Financial Services department needs additional information once your FAFSA has been received, we will contact you by email. If you are selected for a process called verification, you will be advised as to what documentation is needed.

Typically, when entering a new FAFSA filing year (meaning those applications completed after January 1 that are used for the following fall) Peirce College will notify students of any required documents around late March of that year.

Once your FAFSA has been reviewed and it has been determined that additional information is not required, you will receive an email about your financial aid available provided you have pre-registered for courses in the upcoming semesters.

If you have financial and/or academic holds on your account this may prevent the Student Financial Services department from determining your eligibility.

Once you enroll at Peirce, you will gain access to our student portal. Included in the portal is PCFAST, the Peirce College Financial Aid Systems tool. This tool provides students with information about their financial aid awards and required documents along with ways to learn more about being a responsible borrower.

Deadlines & Renewal

Financial aid is not an automatic process. Your FAFSA renewal reminder will be emailed to your Peirce College email address. Students should review the Renewal Application, make the appropriate updates and submit the form as soon as possible keeping in mind all important deadlines.

Note: Students who are Pennsylvania residents must file their FAFSA by May 1st each year in order to be considered for the state grant program.

For more information on how to apply for financial aid at Peirce College, contact Student Financial Services.