Financial Aid & Paying for College

Financial aid counselors are assigned based on the first letter of your last name. If you have questions about your financial aid, please contact your assigned counselor or our general email inbox at financialaid@commonwealthu.edu.

When emailing the Financial Aid Office, do not include sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other confidential data. Current students and applicants should include their University ID number (beginning with "P") to help us assist you more efficiently.

When emailing the Financial Aid Office, do not include sensitive personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or other confidential data. Current students and applicants should include their University ID number (beginning with "P") to help us assist you more efficiently.

To allow the Financial Aid Office to discuss your information with a parent, supporter, or another third party, you must submit a FERPA Release Form. Please allow a few business days for processing, as the form must be on file before any information can be shared.

• When should I complete the FAFSA?
  The 2026-2027 FAFSA is available now! Pennsylvania residents should complete the FAFSA by May 1, 2026 for potential state aid eligibility through PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency). Keep an eye on your email for information on how to complete the PA State Grant form form PHEAA sometime soon. Not a PA resident? Contact your state's higher education assistance agency to explore potential options.
  • Please use Federal Title IV Code on the FAFSA: Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania 003315
• Do I need to complete the FAFSA every year?
  Yes! Eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next. You will need to complete the FAFSA for each award year for which you plan to be a student, including summer. Keep in mind that financial circumstances change from year to year. If something substantial changes, please reach out to us!
• What happens if my parent’s income has changed or been reduced since I filed the FAFSA?
  If at any time during the year your family has a major change in their/your financial or family circumstances, contact us! We can’t always increase your aid but we’re happy to consider new information if things have significantly changed.
• What is verification and why was I selected?
  This process is mandated by the U.S. Department of Education to confirm the accuracy of the information reported on the FAFSA. It does not mean that you did anything wrong but is simply a data check that our office must conduct. We will send emails to your university email address if information is required from you. Generally, you'll be required to upload supporting documentation to our secure portal such as federal taxes, household size, etc. Financial aid cannot be paid until the verification requirements have been completed. If you don't submit the items requested, it will result in failure of funds being released.
• How do I apply for Federal Direct Student Loans?
  Remember, loans are considered financial aid and must be paid back!
  • Step 1: Complete the FAFSA.
  • Step 2: Accept your loans on your self-service account.
  • Step 3: Complete Entrance Counseling.
  • Step 4: Complete the loan agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN).
    • Federal Direct Student Loan Application Process
• What is a Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan?
  Federal Direct Parent PLUS is a federal loan available to parents to borrow for their dependent, undergraduate student to help pay for educational expenses. It is based on a credit check with the interest rate predetermined by the federal government. It is important to note; the parent is the borrower of the loan and is responsible for repayment of the loan.
• How can I get more money for college?
  Students are always awarded with their maximum eligibility based on their qualification from the FAFSA. However, based on federal loan limits, you may not have enough funds to cover all of your educational costs. If you need additional funding beyond the aid you were awarded, you may consider a tuition payment plan, Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan, state loan, or a private educational alternative loan. We do not recommend who to use for private loan borrowing.
• Do I have to repay my student loans while I’m in school?
  You are not required to pay towards the principal of your Federal Direct Student Loans while you are in school as long as you are enrolled at least half-time. There are no prepayment penalties for paying your federal loans.  Interest will accrue on any non-subsidized loans while enrolled. You can always make interest-only payments or pay on any portion of your loans while attending school if you choose. If you have private or state loans, check with your loan servicer as to repayment obligations.
• What is the Cost of Attendance (COA)?
  The Cost of Attendance is basically your budget. It is the total average amount it may cost you to attend in an academic year and includes items such as: tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, transportation and personal expenses. The COA does not equal your actual tuition bill and varies from student to student.
• What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
  In order to continue receiving federal student aid, you need to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Essentially, you need to maintain a certain grade point average and complete enough classes in order to successfully complete your degree/certificate in the required time frame established by the university. Federal student aid includes grants, loans, and student employment.
• What happens if I drop a class or withdraw from the university?
  Dropping or withdrawing from a course or from the university may affect your current and future financial aid. Before you make this decision, please contact us.
• When will my financial aid be disbursed?
  Financial aid will be disbursed once the drop/add period has ended for each semester. This is a designated time at the beginning of every semester, usually the first week or two, where students can add or drop courses without affecting their academic record or incurring financial penalties.
• May I use financial aid to pay off-campus housing expenses?
  If your financial aid exceeds your university charges you may. Please remember that refunds of excess financial aid do not occur until after the semester has started. If your rent is due before this, you will need to work with your landlord.