Financial Aid FAQs: Prospective & Accepted Students
When will I receive my financial aid packet?
Students who have completed a FAFSA will be mailed information pertaining to the loan process and an outline of any merit award that they have been offered at the end of April. GSE only provides merit-based aid to students; we do not evaluate students based on need. Students who want to participate in the federal loan program must complete a FAFSA. Please note that you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to participate in the federal loan program. Detailed information regarding the student loan process can also be found on the Accepted Students page at bullet #7 “Apply for financial aid!”
I turned in my FAFSA, what’s next? How do I apply for loans?
Students who are eligible for loans, should begin to apply for them as of May 1st whether they begin their program in the Summer or Fall semester. Students can apply for loans through the Penn Loan System by using their PennKey and password. Information on loan programs and specific application instructions can be found at www.sfs.upenn.edu.
Are there scholarship opportunities available?
GSE scholarship and graduate assistantship awards decisions for qualifying programs are made by our faculty and communicated at the time of the admissions decision. If you received a scholarship or assistantship, the amount and terms would be listed in your admission letter. All award offers are final and non-negotiable. Only full-time students are eligible to receive scholarships.
Where can I find the cost of attendance?
The cost of attendance for the upcoming 2012 - 2013 academic year can be found on the Tuition & Fees and Cost of Living pages on the GSE website.
Do I qualify for work-study?
You must complete and submit a FAFSA to be eligible to receive a Work-Study award. Work-Study awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The Student Employment Office is the best place to look for on-campus jobs. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. We ask that students notify us when they locate a Work-Study position and we will assess the availability of funds at that time.
Can I apply for a graduate assistantship?
There is no application process for full-time students to be considered for a graduate assistantship (GA). All students who apply to programs that sponsor GAs are considered during the application process; GSE graduate assistantship awards decisions are made by our faculty and communicated at the time of the admissions decision. If you received a GSE assistantship, the amount and terms would be listed in your admission letter. All award offers are final and non negotiable. Please note that for students in the M.S.Ed. Higher Education program, the Graduate Assistantship Process is conducted separately.
Does my acceptance fee count towards my tuition and fees?
Yes, your acceptance fee will be credited to your student account. The credit will reduce the balance due on your student bill.
How do I enroll in direct deposit?
Students should enroll in direct deposit as soon as possible by using Penn InTouch and selecting ‘Enroll in Direct Deposit’ under "Student Billing." This is a quick and easy option to have your wages, refunds, and other university reimbursements automatically deposited into your personal U.S. bank account. Direct deposit provides immediate access to your funds.