Frequently Asked Questions

The Student Financial Services Office is pleased to provide answers to the following Frequently Asked Questions about the Financial Aid Award Letter. Our staff looks forward to assisting you. If you have additional questions about financial aid at this or anytime, please contact the office, which is located in 123 Russell Hall. Office hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm weekdays. During those hours, you may call the office at 570-484-2344.

The estimated cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for main campus, undergraduates enrolled full-time (i.e. 12-18 credit hours per semester) for two semesters during the 2007-2008 academic year is as follows:

2007-2008	Pennsylvania Residents	Non-Pennsylvania Residents
Tuition	$ 5178	$ 10944*
Fees	$ 1501	$ 1590
Room**	$ 3360	$ 3360
Board***	$ 2540	$ 2540
TOTAL	$12579	$18434

Please note that room charges do not apply to students who will not reside on campus. Off campus students will be charged for board (i.e. meals/flex) only if they elect to purchase a plan.

Actual costs for each academic year are determined during the summer prior to the start of that year. Graduate students and international students may request cost information by contacting the Student Financial Services Office at 570-484-2344. Cost information can also be obtained via the LHUP home page at www.lhup.edu/financial-services.

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 LHUP 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.

Students should NOT sign and return the award letter unless they wish to 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 mid-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 toll free number is 877-878-1686. 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 VA education benefits.

To request a Federal Stafford Loan, you must indicate interest in student loans in Step One of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That begins the Stafford Loan application process. If you did not indicate interest, but would like to be considered for a Federal Stafford Loan, you may correct that item on the FAFSA via the FAFSA web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The processing of actual Stafford Loans will begin in June, and once a student’s loan is processed, s/he will be guided through the steps of obtaining that loan.

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. Available jobs are posted online - just follow the “Employment” link at www.lhup.edu. 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.

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 “Employment” 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.

LHUP 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.lhup.edu/financial-services/bursar.