We know that the challenges involved with filing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this year have created confusion and stress for students and families. The Department of Education is now anticipating that universities will not have access to FAFSA data until mid-March this year. The Penn Financial Aid team is aware of the anxiety this delay is creating, and we want to update you on steps we are taking to help:
- Penn will process all student applications for financial aid without the FAFSA data.
- As long as you have submitted the completed CSS Profile, Penn Outside Resource Form, and federal tax returns by our posted deadlines, we can ensure that, if you are admitted, you will have a financial package that meets your full demonstrated need prior to our reply deadline.
- Once FAFSA data becomes available, your total amount of financial aid will not decrease, and the amount that your family may owe will not increase, but the sources of aid may be adjusted to account for any federal financial aid funding you are eligible to receive based on your FAFSA.
- Penn is committed to working with you on an individual basis in the event that you are admitted and need an extension to our reply deadline.
- For more information, please visit the FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions page on the Penn Student Registration and Financial Services website.
We hope the steps outlined above will help you navigate this process with more clarity.
