Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I’ve never applied for financial assistance before what steps do I follow?
A. 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) sent to you by the Central Processor
3. Receive your award notice from the College of Medicine
4. Sign the Master Promissory Note for Stafford Loans. Complete the loan application for a Grad Plus or alternative loan is applicable
5. Complete a Master Promissory Note for Perkins and University Loans if applicable
6. Complete verification if notified by Penn State
7. Search for scholarships

Q. Are there financial aid deadlines?
A. We recommend that accepted students file their FAFSA prior to February 28th and currently enrolled students file their FAFSA prior to April 15th for maximum aid eligibility consideration.

Q. What is the difference between a Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, University Loan and Alternative Loan?
A. Federal Stafford Loans - A federal education loan issued by a participating lender. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans are need based and the interest is paid by the federal government while the student is in school, grace or deferment. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans are not need based and interest begins to accrue from date of disbursement. Interest rates vary annually.

Federal Perkins Loan - A need-based federal loan awarded by any school participating in the Federal Perkins loan program. Interest fixed at 5%.

University Loan – A need-based institutional loan administered by the Office of Loans and Scholarships at Penn State. Interest fixed at 6%.

Alternative or Private Loan – Used if the students cost of attendance exceeds the annual limits of other sources of financial assistance or to replace federal loans if student does not qualify for federal money. Approval is based upon credit history. Interest rates vary and are higher than those for most other student loans.

Q. If the FAFSA indicates that I am independent for financial aid consideration why do I need to include parental data?
A. Parental data is not necessary if you only want to be considered for Federal Stafford Loans or Alternative Loans. Parental data is required is you want to be considered for Federal Perkins Loans, University Loans, or University Scholarships.

Q. How do I make changes to the loan amounts listed on my Financial Aid Award?
A. You may email the Student Aid Office at studentaid@hmc.psu.edu with your adjustments.

Q. How do I let the Student Aid Office know if there is a change in my financial circumstances?
A. Complete the Special Circumstance Evaluation Form. Remember to provide a detailed explanation of the change and attach required documentation before submitting the form to the Student Aid Office.

Q. How do I obtain my credit report?
A. You should obtain a copy of your credit report every year.  You should check for any discrepancies and resolve any issues before applying for additional credit.  You can receive a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Credit scoress are available on line by paying a fee or joining a service.  The three major credit reporting bureaus are Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com), and TransUnion (www.transunion.com).  Companies are allowed to choose which of these bureaus they want to use to determine the credit score for their products so you should check your credit report from all three.

Q. What financial assistance is available if I am an international student?
A. Most forms of financial aid offered at Penn State College of Medicine are provided by the federal government and are available only to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents. There are private loans that are available for International or Canadian students. Information regarding these loans can be found at www.iefc.com (or call 1-888-296-4332), or CitiAssist Loan. Additional financial information for international student can be found at www.hmc.psu.edu/md/financialaid. Other information is available at http://www.international.psu.edu.

Q.  Is it possible to have my residency classification changed for tuition charges?
A. Maybe. Residency classification is determined prior to matriculation by the admissions office. Students who have resided in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for other than educational purposes for at least a period of 12 months immediately preceding his/her initial enrollment at Penn State is presumed to have a Pennsylvania domicile. A student may challenge his/her residence classification by filing a written petition with the admission office prior to initial enrollment or the Office of the Controller of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center once enrolled. The petition for reclassification must be in writing and should consist of a cover letter which provides an explanation as to how circumstances have changed since the initial determination of residency status, and copies of documentation to support a change in classification. Each petition is reviewed individually on the basis of all evidence submitted. Suggested documentation would include: the deed or lease to your principal domicile, a Pennsylvania state tax return, Pennsylvania driver’s license, voter registration, vehicle registration, any other documentation that will document a principal domicile in Pennsylvania for other than educational purposes. Additional information is available on The Pennsylvania State University web site.

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