Applying for Financial Aid is not as complex as you might think. Click here to read about some common myths about Financial Aid and here for tips on applying for aid. The information listed below will also give you a good understanding of how the aid application process works and what to expect from Robert Morris University.
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible after January 1. Pennsylvania residents need to apply prior to May 1 to be considered for the Pennsylvania state grant (PHEAA). The FAFSA is available for completion in either a paper or electronic version.
If you choose to file the FAFSA electronically, you should first request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. Both you and your parent(s) should apply for a PIN at this site. The PIN will be used to electronically sign your FAFSA and is used each year when reapplying for financial aid. It will also provide you with lifetime access to your financial aid records.
After receiving your PINs, you and, for dependent students, your parents can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Please keep in mind that you need to be as accurate as possible when filing the FAFSA, including entering spousal information, if applicable, for independent and graduate students. The U.S. Department of Education will be comparing the tax information you provide on the FAFSA with that of your Federal 1040 tax form. Once your application has been processed by the U. S. Department of Education, the results will be forwarded to you and the school(s) of your choice. In order for Robert Morris University to receive your FAFSA information, you must provide the RMU school code, 003359, on the application. Electronic applications are usually processed within 7 to 10 days.
Should you prefer to file a paper FAFSA, you can pick up an application at many different sites, including high school guidance offices, public libraries and financial aid offices. Paper applications are usually processed in four to six weeks.
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education to confirm that your FAFSA has been processed. If you provided an e-mail address on your FAFSA, you will receive a notification to retrieve your SAR online. Otherwise, a paper SAR will be mailed to the address you listed on the FAFSA. Please review all data on your SAR for accuracy.
Your SAR may indicate that you have been selected for review in a process called verification. This means that you will be required to complete a verification worksheet and submit signed copies of federal tax returns for the last complete tax year. Once you have been fully admitted to RMU, a verification worksheet will be sent to you.
A Financial Aid Award Letter will be sent to you after all the required documents have been received and processed by the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Award Letter lets you know how much aid you are eligible to receive. First time students will receive a paper copy of the Financial Award Letter via regular mail. Continuing students will receive an e-mail that your Financial Award Letter is available to view online. Follow the instructions in the e-mail on how to access your letter.