Office of Financial Aid
How to Apply for Financial Aid
- Complete the 2012/2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using your 2011 federal tax return. The FAFSA can be filed online at www.fafsa.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 (PHEAA), and federal student loans.
- Provide additional information if requested. Some students are selected by the federal government for a process called “verification”. If your Student Aid Report (SAR) indicates that you have been selected for verification, you may be required to submit a Verification Worksheet and a signed copy of your 2011 income tax return/ W-2 form(s) to the Office of Financial Aid.
Statisfactory academic progress is expected of all financial aid recipients and is based on attempted and earned course units and on grade point average.
Students who receive financial aid and withdrawal from all classes will have their disbursement reviewed in accordance with federal guidelines, which may result in a partial return of funds.
Sources of Financial Aid
All financial aid sources require that students be enrolled in programs leading to a degree or certificate. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (a minimum of 1.5 course units).
Grants
Federal Pell Grant: Eligibility for a Pell Grant is estimated according to the information provided on the FAFSA. The Pell Grant is based on financial need and does not have to be repaid.
Pennsylvania State Grants (PHEAA) is a need-based grant and is awarded to qualified students who are Pennsylvania residents and enrolled at least half-time for 15 continuous weeks. PHEAA State Grant awards are frequently revised during the academic year as PHEAA verifies student enrollment cost and status throughout the year.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are available to students who have completed the FAFSA and are enrolled at least half-time, or two classes. The Subsidized Loan is need-based with a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. The interest is paid by the government while the student in enrolled at least half-time. The Unsubsidized Loan is not need-based and has a fixed interest rate of 6.8%. Interest begins accruing after disbursement, but can be paid while in school. Interest and principal payments on Direct Loans may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
The following loan amounts are available to independent undergraduate students:
Level |
Subsidized |
Unsubsidized |
Total |
1st Year |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
2nd Year |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
3rd Year |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
4th Year |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
The aggregate loan limit for undergraduate students is $57,500; no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in Subsidized Loans.
Constance Lewis Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Muhlenberg College offers the opportunity to apply for financial support from The Constance Lewis Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be female 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.
Dr. Samuel Laposata Scholarship
This scholarship was established to benefit matriculated Wescoe students who have completed a minimum of four courses and are in good academic standing. Students must qualify for financial aid under standard granting procedures.
Community Service Scholarships are awarded to selected Wescoe students and covers the tuition for two courses per semester. Applicants must be engaged in meaningful community service via employment/volunteerism with a local community-based/non-profit organization. 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.
Veteran’s Education Benefits
Veterans who want to apply for benefits under the current G.I. Bill should discuss their eligibility and application process with a Wescoe School Academic Advisor.
Outside Scholarships
Scholarships from outside sources can be found on our website and are posted at the Wescoe School Office. Any scholarships, employer benefits, or other sources of aid should be reported to the Office of Financial Aid.
Scholarship Search Online
www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.org
www.collegeboard.com/pay
Summer Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for the summer semester provided that a student:
- Is enrolled at least half-time, or 2 classes; and
- Has completed the 2012/2013 FAFSA
Financial aid disbursements typically occur after July 15th.
2012 Summer PHEAA State Grant
Students can apply directly for the summer PHEAA Grant provided enrollment is at least half-time and for a minimum of eight (8) consecutive weeks. Visit www.pheaa.org/summergrant to apply online.
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