Financial Aid

The first step for an entering transfer student is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA  is the only application used by PSU and ensures consideration for all programs administered by the PSU Student Financial Aid Team.  You can learn more about the FAFSA and federal student aid programs at http://studentaid.ed.gov/. 

To receive financial aid through Plymouth State University, each student must complete the FAFSA each year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for need-based aid programs awarded to students in the form of grants, federal work study, and Federal Direct loans. Alternative loans must be applied for separately through a private lender or bank. The FAFSA is available for completion on January 1 prior to the upcoming aid year, and for first-time entering transfer students only must be submitted to the federal processor prior to June 15.  In future years, ALL returning students must reapply meeting the PSU priority deadline of March 1 as indicated on How To Apply. 

Helpful Tips:

• Students and parents who have already filed their tax returns with the IRS will be given the opportunity to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing your FAFSA online. This tool is a quick and easy way to transfer information from federal tax returns directly into your FAFSA. 
• If you are selected for Verification but cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you can order an IRS tax transcript online or call 1-800-908-9946. The transcript will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days.

Plymouth State University’s Federal School code for the FAFSA is 002591.

Before you complete the FAFSA, you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education. After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and a Student Aid Report (SAR).

• Apply early. Do not wait until you have been accepted for admission.
• Do not wait until the last minute to complete the financial aid application materials. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions, and solve problems. 
• Read instructions and follow directions carefully. Completing your FAFSA inaccurately will delay your financial aid. 
• Set up a financial aid file and keep copies of all documents. 
• The PSU Financial Aid Team may request additional documents to support your application. 
• Carefully read all correspondence from the PSU Financial Aid Team. Note that e-mail is the official means of communication at PSU. 
• Make sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate, and signed as required. 
• Respond promptly to all requests for additional information. 
• Print student’s name and PSU ID on all documents submitted to PSU Financial Aid Team. 
• Don’t mail tax forms or other documents to the PSU Financial Aid Team unless specifically asked to do so.