Step 1: Complete the 2008/2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using your 2007 federal tax return.  The FAFSA can be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   If you do not have a pin number to electronically sign your FAFSA, you can apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov.  Muhlenberg College’s school code is 003304.

This will serve as your needs analysis and will determine your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant, and student loans. 

Step 2: Provide additional information if requested.  Some students are selected by the Federal government for a process call “verification”.  If your Student Aid Report (SAR) indicates that you have been selected for verification, you will be required to submit a Verification Worksheet and a signed copy of your  2007 income tax return/ W-2 form(s) to the Office of Financial Aid. 

Step 3: Complete the Application for Financial Aid and return it to the Office of Financial Aid. http://www.muhlenberg.edu/finaid/EVNAPP0809.pdf

Until you officially transfer credits from another institution, your grade level for determining Federal Stafford Loan eligibility will be based on the number of classes you have taken at Muhlenberg College.  This may affect the dollar amount of your loan approval.  The following are Muhlenberg College's standards for grade level advancement:

All federal financial aid sources require that students be enrolled in programs leading to a degree or certificate.  Students who are enrolled at least half-time (a minimum of 1.5 course units) have the following aid sources available to them:

Pell Grants
A Pell Grant is a federal grant (it does not have to be repaid) for undergraduate students with the greatest financial need.  Students may apply for the Pell Grant by filing the FAFSA. 

Federal Stafford Loans
A Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan is a low- interest, need-based loan that is insured by the federal government and issued through a bank, credit union or savings and loan association.  The following loan amounts are available to independent undergraduate students as follows:

The interest rate on the Subsidized Stafford Loan is fixed at 6.0%.  The federal government subsidizes the interest while the student is enrolled at least half- time and during the six-month grace period. 

The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a low-interest federally insured Stafford Loan available to students who do not qualify for the maximum Federally Subsidized Stafford Loan for their grade level due to federal income and financial needs analysis standards.  The interest rate on the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is fixed at 6.8%.  Interest payments may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time but are capitalized at repayment.  Or, students can pay the interest while in school.  Federal regulations stipulate that all applicants complete a needs analysis form, such as the FAFSA.

Pennsylvania State Grants (PHEAA)
Students enrolled at least half-time in a degree program and who are Pennsylvania residents may apply for a State Grant.  To be eligible, students must file the FAFSA by May 1, 2008.  Students will be notified of their ESTIMATED State Grant in June.  Please note that PHEAA State Grant awards are frequently revised during the academic year as PHEAA verifies enrollment costs and status throughout the year with Muhlenberg College.

The Constance Lewis Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Muhlenberg College offers to adult women students the opportunity to apply for financial support from The Constance Lewis Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund.  Applicants must be degree candidates; widowed, divorced, or single; and not of traditional college age.  Eligible students may apply using The Wescoe School of Muhlenberg College Application for Financial Aid.

Community Service Scholarships are awarded to selected Wescoe students and covers the tuition for two courses per semester.  Applicants must be active in community service and deserving of tuition relief.  Recipients are chosen by the Wescoe School Community Service Scholarship Committee.

Presidential Assistantships
A limited number of Presidential Assistantships are available in which qualified students assume entry level, half-time, administrative positions in return for tuition remission.  Additional information is available from the Human Resources Department.

Employer Provided Assistance
Many area companies have tuition reimbursement plans for their employees.  Contact your human resources department for full details.

Veterans Benefits
Veterans who wish to receive benefits under the current G.I. Bill and who are registering at Muhlenberg for the first time should set up an appointment with The Wescoe School prior to registering, and have previous transcripts evaluated.

Outside Scholarships
Scholarships from outside sources are posted at the Wescoe School Office when available, and on our website at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/finaid/pdf/Scholarships.pd.

Scholarship Search Online

www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.org
www.collegeboard.com/pay

• Any scholarships, employer benefits, or other sources of aid must be reported to the Muhlenberg College Office of Financial Aid. 
• Students receiving financial aid through Federal or Muhlenberg funds (including student loans) must remain in good standing and be making satisfactory academic progress in order to receive funding through the financial aid sources.   Satisfactory academic progress is based on attempted and earned course units and on grade point average. 

The Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for students who receive aid through Muhlenberg College for the 1988-89 academic year and thereafter:

For students who received aid prior to 1988, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

• The Department of Education requires Muhlenberg College to place a maximum time frame for completion of a degree program for satisfactory academic progress.  A student is considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if he or she completes the program in 8 years - 12 semesters for a full-time student and 12 years - 24 semesters for a half-time student.
• The Tax Reform Act of 1986 states that financial aid grants awards (money that does not have to be repaid) in excess of the cost of tuition, fees, books and equipment are now subject to federal income tax.
• For details on Muhlenberg College’s refund policy for students who withdraw during the semester, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.