Financial Aid
Getting Started
How to Apply for Financial Aid
1.Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Complete the Palo Alto University Financial Aid Application.
- Apply on-line at FAFSA to be considered for all possible aid, the Priority Deadline for the FAFSA application is March 2nd annually.
- Obtain a U.S. Department of Education PIN. This PIN will serve as the electronic signature when completing the on-line FAFSA.
- Complete the Cal Grant Grade Verification Form Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (fillable version)
- PAU Federal School Code: 021383
2. Receive Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Once the FAFSA is processed by the Federal Student Aid (FSA) an email will be sent regarding the Student Aid Report (SAR). If an e-mail is not provided on the FAFSA, a paper SAR will be mailed to the address provided.
- Read the SAR carefully and perform any corrections on-line as necessary.
- If corrections are made, allow 2 weeks for the FAFSA corrections to be processed and for our office to receive your updated FAFSA data.
3. Request for additional/supporting Documents (if applicable)
Once our office receives your FAFSA data, we will send you a message within 2 weeks of your final correction via PAU Email for returning students and personal email for incoming students instructing you to complete and submit necessary documents.
4. Evaluation Process: 4 – 6 weeks
Once all requested documents are submitted to our office, the 4 – 6 week evaluation process will commence.
Your application status may change and/or additional documents may be requested from you. Please check your email frequently.
5. Award Notification
Your award letter will be sent via email. No paper notices will be mailed.
If you have been awarded a Federal Loan and wish to borrow or decline funds, please complete the Student Loan Request Form included with your award letter.
If you choose to accept the awarded Federal Loan, please follow the instructions outlined in the letter:
If you are a first time borrower of federal education loans at PAU :
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Complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (eMPN) for PAU. Go to: www.studentloans.gov under “Manage My Direct Loan” Sign In with your FAFSA PIN; Select: Sign Master Promissory Note - Complete the requested information.
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Complete Loan Entrance Counseling. Go to: www.studentloans.gov Under “Manage My Direct Loan” Sign In with your FAFSA PIN Select: Entrance Counseling - Complete the requested information
NOTE: If you are a continuing student and borrowed federal educational loans last year, you will not need to complete the Master Promissory Note or Loan Entrance Counseling.
6. Disbursement of Funds
- Your financial aid funds will be applied to your student account to pay any outstanding fees/Tuition owed to the university. Any remaining funds (if any), will be either mailed to you or you can pick them up at the Main Campus.
7. Do Your Part!
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA as an undergraduate.
- Make sure to update your contact information (mailing address, email, phone numbers) with the University.
- Check your email often
- Consult with our office if you have any questions or problems during the quarter
- Remember to file for financial aid every academic year by the priority deadline of March 2nd.
Special Circumstances
If you have special circumstances or a change in circumstances since your original application was filed (such as a parent’s loss of employment, retirement, or loss of untaxed income) you can ask us to review the changed circumstances by submitting a letter defining the situation and providing actual figures. If warranted, we can recalculate your eligibility. Please attach appropriate documentation of the circumstances we are reviewing. Download Special Circumstances Form here.
Contact
(877) 387-0976
ugfa@paloaltou.edu
