We help make college affordable

The Office of Financial Aid at PennWest is here to help you make college affordable. We offer a range of options to help cover the cost of your education, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans.

Financial aid eligibility is based on your individual academic and financial situation—but most students qualify for some form of assistance.

2025-2026 FAFSA Submission Dates

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available to all students and families. The Office of Financial Aid recommends that new PennWest students complete the 2025-26 FAFSA by February 15, 2025, and currently enrolled students by April 15, 2025, to be considered for federal, state, and University funding. To be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant, the FAFSA must be completed by May 1, 2025. Financial aid offers for new students accepted to PennWest will start in February 2025. Financial aid offers for current students will be sent in mid-March 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

PennWest awarded nearly $20 million in institutional aid during the 2024-2025 academic year.

 

 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The first and most important step in securing financial aid is completing the FAFSA. Students should submit a new FAFSA each academic year to be considered for grants, student loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

 

1

Complete the FAFSA

Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. Be sure to use PennWest’s Federal School Code: 003316 for all campuses.

 

2

Check Your Email

After you apply, you'll receive a confirmation email with your submission date, your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), and possible Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

 

3

Review Your Financial Aid Offer

PennWest typically begins sending financial aid offers in:

  • February for new students
  • Mid-March for current students

You’ll get an email notification when your offer is ready.

 

Types of Financial Aid

Students may qualify for the following types of aid:

Grants are need-based financial awards from federal and state sources that do not require repayment, as long as you meet all program requirements. PennWest University participates in several grant programs, including:

PennWest offers scholarships for a variety of reasons, including academic achievement, leadership, service, and talent. Some are merit-based; others support specific student groups, such as graduate students. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

You can explore and apply for university scholarships through my.pennwest.edu.

You can explore and apply for external scholarships through:

Federal and private loans can help cover costs that aren't met by other resources. Loans accrue interest and must be repaid.

  • If you drop courses during the drop period, any refund may go toward repaying your loans.
  • If you withdraw from all classes or drop below half-time, loan funds may be returned to the lender.
  • Loans are not automatically renewed. You must reapply each year and meet eligibility and academic progress requirements.

Learn More

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program allows eligible undergraduate students to earn money through approved part-time jobs, either on or off campus. It helps cover living and school-related expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

Learn More

Veterans and eligible dependents may qualify for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Each program has unique eligibility requirements.

Not sure which benefit applies to you? Compare benefits through the VA website or call the GI Bill® helpline at (888) 442-4551

Grow PA Tuition Waiver Program offers in-state tuition rates to out-of-state students. Eligible students can receive the waiver for up to four academic years. In return, after graduation, you’ll commit to living and working in Pennsylvania in a high-demand field for the same number of years you received the waiver—up to four years.

Learn More

 

 

Course Program of Study

The Course Program of Study (CPoS) helps keep your education on track—saving you money and keeping you focused on your goals. Under U.S. Department of Education rules, only courses that count toward your officially declared degree program are eligible for federal financial aid.

Learn More

 

 

Financial Aid Hours and Locations

Virtual and In-Person Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Email: financialaid@pennwest.edu

 

California

105 Dixon Hall
724-938-4415

Clarion

1st Floor Becht Hall
814-393-2315

Edinboro

Hamilton Hall
814-732-1968

 

Additional Resources

Financial Aid Staff