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Financial Aid FAQ

In an effort to assist you with your questions and concerns regarding the financial aid process at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, this list of frequently asked questions is provided. If you have questions that are not listed, please contact Financial Aid Services at 717.901.5115 or FinancialAid@HarrisburgU.edu.

Q:What is the FAFSA and do I need to complete it to attend HU?

A:The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a multi-purpose application completed by students to determine eligibility for aid. Students may file using the online application or a paper application which is available in the Office of Financial Aid Services or in your high school guidance office.

Q:What are the different types of financial aid available at HU?

A:The Office of Financial Aid Services reviews all admissions applications for generous need-based and merit-based University scholarships and awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 in addition to other grants, loans and employment opportunities. Students who are eligible may receive educational support from outside agencies such as the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs and employer tuition assistance. To see if you are eligible, please contact Vincent Frank at 717.901.5115 or FinancialAid@HarrisburgU.edu.

Q:Where do I learn about scholarships?

A:Some students learn about scholarships through the high school guidance department and local newspapers. The best thing to do is start your scholarship search early to ensure meeting the application deadlines. Many students use the Internet to complete free scholarship searches by using sites such as FastWeb and FinAid.com. See also a more detailed list of financial aid websites, or contact the Office of Financial Aid Services to provide a hard copy for your use.

It is important to be aware of scholarship scams, as some students have fallen victim. Learn how to avoid scams at the Federal Trade Commission's Scholarship Scam Alert.

Q:How will I know what aid I'm getting to attend HU?

A:After meeting with the Director of Financial Aid Services to develop your financial plan, you will receive an Award letter that will clearly list the amount of aid you have been awarded for the academic year to cover to your educational expenses.

It's important to remember that financial aid is not automatic; therefore, be sure to reapply for financial aid each academic year before May 1st.

Q:What if I don't earn enough scholarships to pay for my educational expenses at HU?

A:Alternative loans through banks and educational finance organizations are available to parents and students to cover those expenses not covered by scholarships and agency assistance. In addition, monthly payment plans will be available as an alternative to borrowing.

Q:Do I have to make payments while I'm in school?

A:For those students who choose to borrow private loans to cover their educational expenses, monthly payments may be required. For those students choosing a tuition payment plan, monthly payments will be required during attendance based upon the plan design.

Q:Can I use my TAP account to pay for my educational expenses at HU?

A:Tuition Account Program (TAP or TAP 529) is a tax-deferred investment plan that helps you save money toward costs associated with higher education. HU will gladly accept payment from TAP accounts for educational expenses; simply list the TAP information on the Supplemental Financial Aid Application during the financial aid application process. To learn morn about Pennsylvania's state-sponsored plan, visit TAP 529.

Q:How do I receive the financial aid awarded to pay my educational expenses?

A:All funds awarded to you will be disbursed directly to Harrisburg University from the appropriate agencies and credited to your student account. Once your tuition and any other charges to your account such as textbooks have been paid, any excess aid will be paid to you by check within 14 days from the date the credit balance has been created. Students will be notified by the Business Office when a check is ready for the student to retrieve.

Q:What is the EFC and how does it determine my eligibility for financial aid?

A:The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount a family is expected to contribute to a student's education, based on family earnings, net assets, savings, size of family and number of students in college. This does not mean that this is the exact dollar amount you and your family will cover out of pocket. The EFC is subtracted from your Cost of Attendance (COA) to determine your financial need. If this number is lower than your COA, you will be eligible for need-based awards, if not your financial aid will awarded in the forms of other aid for which you are eligible.

Q:What is Verification?

A:Verification is a process that all universities receiving federal aid are required to complete for certain selected students. Those aid applications selected for verification are done so randomly by the federal processor. The purpose of verification is not to find fraudulent FAFSA applicants, but to find and correct common mistakes made during the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

All federal need-based aid packaging must be put on hold the necessary information requested through the verification process is provided. If the verification process is not completed, you will not be considered for any federal need-based financial aid. Therefore, it is important to return the requested documentation as soon as possible. Processing usually takes about three weeks, but can take longer in peak processing periods.