1. What is Cost of Attendance?

Cost of attendance (COA) is an average figure used to determine your financial aid eligibility. It includes estimates of standard expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, and personal expenses such as unreimbursed medical/dental expenses, clothing, and transportation. Cost of Attendance minus the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA equals your financial need for need-based financial aid programs. For more information, click here .

2. Based on the financial aid I've been offered, it looks like my family's contribution toward total college costs will be more than the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Why?

Financial need is the primary basis for determining eligibility for financial aid. Financial need is defined as total college costs minus EFC. Generally, the EFC is calculated using family income and other financial information as reported on the FAFSA. If LHU is unable to meet a student's full financial need, the family may pay more than its calculated EFC. A payment plan and a variety of educational loan programs are available to assist families with paying their share of college costs. See FAQs #9 and #10 below for more information.

3. Should I sign and return the award letter?

Students should NOT sign and return the award letter unless they wish to reduce or reject some or all of their financial aid.

4. I am a PA resident, but there's no PA State Grant listed in my award letter. Why not?

It's possible that your PA State Grant application is incomplete. All students who are undergraduate PA residents, who have not yet earned a first baccalaureate degree, should have received an “Application Complete” notice from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Any student who has not received this notice should contact PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392 to inquire about the status of his PA State Grant application. PHEAA will begin notifying students of their PA State Grant eligibility in May.

5. My athletic grant (or LHUP scholarship, private scholarship, etc.) is not listed in my award letter. Should I be concerned?

Since it is administered by another office, an athletic grant (or scholarship) may not be listed on the award letter. The important thing is that you have written documentation of your award. If you do not, please contact the Athletic Department (or other office as appropriate) for assistance. The Athletic Department's phone number is 570-484-2102.

Please Note: You are required to notify the Student Financial Services Office, in writing or via email to sfs@lhup.edu, of all assistance you are receiving from other sources, such as: scholarships; athletic grants; and tuition waivers.

6. My award letter includes a Federal Stafford Loan. What is this loan and what must I do to receive it?

Lock Haven University processes Federal Stafford Loans through the Direct Loan program. Under the Direct Loan program, federal loan funds come directly from the federal government. For important information about the Direct Loan program, including what you must do to receive a Federal Stafford Loan and answers to frequently questions, please click here .

For information on what to consider before borrowing money to pay for education, click here .

Please Note: Loan applications/requests take time to process. Whenever possible, begin the loan application/request process at least four weeks prior to semester/session billing to allow time for your loan(s) to be processed. For billing date information, click here.

7. I've been offered Federal Work Study. What is it?

Federal Work Study (FWS) is an employment program that allows students to hold part time jobs and earn funds to pay educational costs. A student's financial need helps determine eligibility for FWS. FWS students may work up to twenty hours per week. Jobs are on and off campus and include work in labs, offices, the library and other areas. Students obtain valuable job experience, as well as a bi-weekly paycheck for hours worked. Jobs are generally available for interested students who seek them early in the semester. Many jobs are posted online - just follow the “LHU Jobs” link at www.lhup.edu.

Please Note: Because receipt of FWS funds is contingent upon the student obtaining and maintaining employment, FWS awards will not be deducted from semester bills. Students who utilize their FWS awards may use their earnings toward other current or future educational expenses.

8. I was not offered Federal Work Study. Can I still work on campus?

Yes. Other employment opportunities are available. Any student, regardless of need, is eligible for the Campus Employment (CE) Program. CE students can work up to twenty hours per week. Jobs include work in labs, offices, the library and other areas. Students obtain valuable job experience, as well as a bi-weekly paycheck for hours worked. Jobs are generally available for interested students who seek them early in the semester. Available jobs are also posted online - just follow the “LHU Jobs” link at www.lhup.edu. Students may also seek employment with Food Services (Bentley Dining Hall) and the SCC (Parsons Union Building) by contacting those areas directly.

9. I need more money than I've been offered. What else is available?

Information about various educational loans, including Federal Direct PLUS Loans and private alternative loans, is available online at www.lhup.edu/financial-services ; click on the “Loans” link. Or to explore your loan options using BorrowSmart, a debt management counseling tool developed by Tuition Management Systems, click here .

10. Does Lock Haven University offer a payment plan?

LHU offers a very affordable monthly payment plan, which is administered by Tuition Management Systems (TMS). Information about the TMS payment plan is available online at www.afford.com/lhup .