Financial Aid

PSU Financial Aid Videos
A collection of student produced videos on diverse financial aid topics and PSU processes.

American Opportunity Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit makes temporary changes to the education credit known as the Hope Credit and may give students and parents the break they’re looking for—help paying for college. The American Opportunity Credit modifies the existing Hope Credit and is worth up to $2,500 of the cost of tuition and related expenses including required course materials.  The changes allow the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two.  The credit can be claimed on 2009 and 2010 tax returns.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center
The IRS is implementing the tax-related provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) as quickly as possible. More information on these and other provisions of the recovery program will be available on this Web site as it becomes available.

FAFSA4caster
By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. This Web site provides you with an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process; become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are available; and investigate other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships.

The Student Guide To Federal Financial Aid Programs
The complete handbook of student financial aid. Included are program descriptions and eligibility requirements for the federal aid programs: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and Federal Parent Loan programs for undergraduate students (PLUS) and former GSL, SLS, and Federal Stafford, current Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.

Student Aid
Family source for free information from the U.S. Department of Education of education beyond high school

Personal Identification Number(PIN)
Students and one parent (for dependent students) should apply for a PIN as soon as possible The PIN will allow you access to your personal information on various US Department of Education web sites. Because your PIN serves as your electronic signature, it should be kept in a secure place.

Completing The FAFSA
Line by line instructions for completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

FAFSA Worksheet
Use this FAFSA on the Web worksheet to collect all of the pertinent information before beginning your FAFSA. Then, simply enter the data on the web when ready to file the FAFSA.

FAFSA
You can now apply for financial aid on the web, at a site maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. This is the fastest way to apply with the least amount of errors, and have your results sent to the school(s) of your choice.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
Track the entire history of your federal student aid, from award through account closure, with The U.S. Department of Education’s central database for federal student aid.

Entrance Loan Counseling
The Federal Government requires that all students borrowing Federal  Direct Loans complete an Entrance Loan Counseling Session. This is an information session designed to educate the student about borrowing.

Exit Loan Counseling
The Federal Government requires that all students borrowing Federal Direct Loans complete an Exit Loan Counseling Session once they leave school or attendance drops below half-time or six credits.

Financial Awareness Counseling
Financial Awareness Counseling provides tools and information to help you understand your financial aid and assist you in managing your finances.

FinAid!
This website provides a wealth of information on subjects such as: Credit Cards, Loan Calculators, EFC Estimators, FAFSA and Scholarships.

The Army National Guard Of NH
Learn how the Army National Guard of NH can help with your higher education expenses.

EFC Calculation Guide 13-14
A guide to understanding EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) and the Department of Education calculation for the 2013-2014 academic year

IRS.gov: Do I Need to File a Tax Return?
This application will help you determine if you have to file a federal income tax return. If you do not have to file a tax return, it will help you determine if you should file a tax return to claim any credit or refund that you are due.

Tax Breaks for Higher Education
The federal government provides a number of tax incentives that can help defray the cost of higher education. These incentives come in a couple of forms: Tax Credits, which directly reduce the amount of tax you are liable for; and Tax Deductions, which reduce the amount of income on which you pay taxes.

Higher Education Agencies and Financial Assistance Agencies