How do I apply for need-based financial aid as an incoming student?

Students and parents must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1st of the student's senior year of high school. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Juniata's school code is 003279.

I have received my Admittance letter from Admissions showing my scholarship amount. Am I eligible for any other aid?

The Admissions Office determines your Merit Scholarship amount through the application process. The Office of Student Financial Planning uses the FAFSA to determine all other aid. Therefore, the FAFSA must be submitted to receive need-based aid.

Does Juniata require the submission of the CSS Profile?

No. The only required application for aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

I don't know if I've been accepted to Juniata College. Should I put Juniata's school code on the FAFSA?

Yes. You should list Juniata College on the FAFSA. It will speed up the financial aid process once accepted.

Should I wait until my parents file their federal tax return before completing the FAFSA?

You may use estimated figures on the FAFSA in order to meet the deadline dates. Once taxes have been completed, you may make corrections on your application. Ask your high school guidance counselor about possible FAFSA Completion Days.

Our family knows we don't qualify for need-based aid. Should I still complete the FAFSA?

Some families are surprised to find out they qualify for need-based aid. Income is one of the factors used when determining eligibility for need-based aid. However, there are other factors such as household size and number in college. Also, students who plan to take advantage of the Federal Direct Loan or students whose parents plan to apply for the Parent PLUS Loan, must first complete the FAFSA.

I have completed the FAFSA. Are there any other documents that Juniata College requires to receive aid?

Sometimes. Once we review your FAFSA results, we SOMETIMES require additional information. Some student's records are chosen for Federal Verification, while some records are chosen by Juniata College, if there is conflicting or estimated data. If your student falls into one of these categories, we will notify him/her through a letter that is mailed to their home address. The letter will list what document(s) are needed to complete your financial aid package. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE UNTIL ALL REQUESTED DOCUMENTS ARE RETURNED.

What is verification and why was my FAFSA chosen? Did I fill it out wrong?

No, you did not complete the FAFSA incorrectly. The federal government randomly chooses at least 30% of every school's FAFSAs for verification. Verification is the process in which a school is required to "verify" the FAFSA data before they can disburse federal aid. Juniata College also uses this process to accurately award our need-based aid. Schools are required to see a copy of parent & student (if they filed a tax return) federal tax transcripts from the IRS, as well as copies of their previous years W2 wage statements, and a Verification Worksheet. If you have successfully used the IRS Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA, only the Verification Worksheet and W-2 wage statements would be required to successfully complete the verification process. To avoid delays in receiving your financial aid package, please submit all required documents promptly.

What if I completed my FAFSA by the March 1st deadline and haven't received an award letter or request for additional information?

It usually takes our office at least 2-3 weeks to review the FAFSA data. If you have not heard from our office within that time frame, you may want to contact our office. Accepted Early Decision students receive a financial aid award within 2 weeks of the submission of the Early Decision financial aid application.

Is there a guarantee of aid in future years?

Yes. The Conditional Guarantee assures you that College-sponsored aid will remain unchanged for the student's years of attendance. Because of this, you can plan and budget for each year with the expectation that College aid will continue. the following conditions must be met to maintain the provisions of the Conditional Guarantee:
  • Significant changes to family or financial circumstances may result in increases or decreases to financial need.
  • Students must file the renewal application for aid by April 1st.
  • Students must meet acceptable standards of academic progress.

My family's financial situation has changed since I filed the FAFSA. What should I do?

If your family is experiencing extenuating circumstances due to loss of job or benefits, separation or divorce, death of a parent or other circumstances, please email the Office of Student Financial Planning. Please include the student's name, Student ID# and outline the nature of this change. After review, it may be necessary for the family to complete a Special Conditions Form. We will review your information and try to assist you; however, please be aware that a request does not guarantee additional funding.

I have received my award letter showing my Estimated Family Cost. What is my next step?

Carefully review your award letter and the financial aid brochure that was enclosed. If you have concerns regarding the information, contact the Office of Student Financial Planning at financialplanning@juniata.edu or call our office at 814-641-3142.

Why do I have 2 copies of the award letter?

One is to keep for your records. The other is to be signed by the student and returned by May 1st.

Does signing and returning my award letter save my place in Juniata's incoming freshmen class?

No. Your $400 NON-refundable matriculation deposit is what saves your place; however, we still need a copy of the award letter sent back for our records.

What if I don't want some of the aid on the award letter, such as the loans?

Circle the funds that you wish to decline & sign and return the award letter.

My parents would like to apply for a Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). How do they do that?

The PLUS application can be found at www.studentloans.gov under "Parent PLUS Loan." Parents must create a separate account using their federal pin number, the same pin number used to sign the FAFSA. After completing the online "PLUS Request Process", please complete the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN). The Office of Student Financial Planning will be notified electronically that your PLUS Loan is ready to process. It is recommended you wait until after June 1st to make application.

I am currently borrowing a Stafford Loan, but my parents refuse or are unable to borrow a parent PLUS loan. Do I have any other options?

You can look into alternative loan options. Alternative loans are available from banks and educational loan organizations. Alternative loan terms vary based on the lender and the borrower's credit history. These loans require a cosigner with good credit, but it does NOT need to be a parent. These loans are typically deferred while the student is enrolled and repayment of them start after the student leaves school or graduates.

When do I need to secure my loans?

It is recommended you wait until after June 1st to make application for loans.

Why doesn't my bill equal the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA?

The EC is not necessarily the amount that you will owe the school. The EFC is the amount that the U.S. Department of Education determines that a family or student should be able to pay towards their education. However, the FAFSA does not take into consideration specific school costs; therefore, you are ultimately responsible for the difference between the cost of attendance and all financial aid, excluding work eligibility.

Does Juniata College participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Yes. Veterans (or dependents under Transfer of Entitlement) at the 100% benefit level qualify. Active duty members and spouses thereof are not eligible for this program.

What is the maximum number of student that can receive Yellow Ribbon benefits?

50. Juniata College's agreement with the VA limits the number of participants in the program and is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the maximum Yellow Ribbon contribution made by Juniata College?

$8,000 per student/per year.
For more information on The Yellow Ribbon Program, please go to http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/yellow_ribbon_program.html or contact Rylan Good.