The majority of financial aid awarded by Pitt-Greensburg is based on financial need, and awards are typically given as "packages," which are combinations of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time student employment.
Click on the types of aid below to extend more information about each type.
- Federal Pell Grant
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A grant awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor or professional degree. Eligibility is determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.
- Pell Plus Grant
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The Pell Plus Grant reduces a qualifying student's financial obligation, thus reducing overall student loan debt.
- Federal SEOG Grant
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A grant awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor or professional degree and who have exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The Federal SEOG grant does not have to be repaid.
- PA State Grant
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A state grant awarded to Pennsylvania residents with financial need from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Completing the FAFSA before May 1st makes you an applicant for the state grant. First-time recipients must complete a State Grant Form to fulfill the state grant requirement. When PHEAA determines your eligibility for a grant, they will notify you and Pitt-Greensburg of the actual amount. An estimated PA State grant may show on your Award Letter. This figure is our best calculation about your eligibility based on the information that we have for you. This amount may change after PHEAA makes its final determination. The PA State grant does not have to be repaid.
- Federal Work-Study (FWS)
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The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a government-funded program available that provides par-time on campus jobs to students with financial need as defined by the Federal Government.There is NOT a guarantee of employment. The award shown in a student's award letter is the maximum amount that can be earned as a FWS employee, but the funds for this award are not applied to the student's University bill. Instead, the student will receive a paycheck biweekly for the actual hours worked. Students who are offered FWS in their financial aid package should NOT subtract this amount when figuring the amount that they will owe to the University. If you do not choose to be employed or do not find a job, this award is not available as cash and will not be replaced with other aid.
If you are offered FWS and wish to participate, please see our FWS Manual.
- Outside Aid
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You are required to report all outside aid that you receive to the Office of Financial Aid. This includes all private scholarships, grants, veterans' benefits, and tuition remission. If your total aid, including outside scholarships, exceeds your Cost of Attendance the Office of Financial Aid is obligated to reduce or cancel awards made to you from federal, state, or institutional funds.
- Federal Direct Loan
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A Federal Direct Student Loan is a federal loan in the student's name. First-time borrowers must complete Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically at studentaid.gov. Instructions for completing both requirements can be found here.
Federal Direct Loans must be repaid. Repayment begins 6 months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status. Your financial need determines whether the loan is subsidized (the government pays the interest while the student is in school) or unsubsidized (the student is responsible for the interest while attending school). The federal government sets the interest rates. The rate for both the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans is a variable/fixed rate that is set every July 1. The government also regulates how much a student may borrow each year. This amount is based on the number of completed or accepted credits at Pitt-Greensburg:
Completed Credits Dependent Undergraduate
(except students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans)Independent Undergraduate
(and dependent students whose parents are unable to obtain PLUS Loans)Level 1
0-23 credits
$5500 - No more than $3500 may be subsidized $9500 - No more than $3500 may be subsidized Level 2
24-53 credits
$6500- No more than $4500 may be subsidized $10500 - No more than $4500 may be subsidized Level 3
54+ credits
$7500- No more than $5500 may be subsidized $12500 - No more than $5500 may be subsidized - Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
- The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a federal loan in the parent's name only. Parents who do not have an adverse credit history can borrow through the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program for the educational expenses of a dependent child who is enrolled in at least six credits. Parent PLUS loans have a variable/fixed interest rate that is set every July 1. Repayment begins 60 days after the second disbursement, although an annual forbearance option is available. Parents may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS loan at www.studentaid.gov.
- Private Educational Loans
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A private, long-term loan for the student (often with a cosigner), parent or other credit worthy individuals, which must be repaid after graduation. Unlike the Federal Direct Loan, these loans are not federally regulated and can have either a variable or fixed interest rate. The requirements and incentives vary with each lender. The student applies directly to each lender. A student should exhaust all grants and federal loans before considering an alternative loan. Please research carefully before choosing a loan and lender. The Pitt-Greensburg school code is 003379.