University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get help completing the FAFSA?

Contact the Financial Aid Office by phone at 814.269.7045, 1.800.881.5544, or email us at upjaid@pitt.edu.  

I have already completed the FAFSA, listed the University of Pittsburgh as my school, but have not yet received a financial aid offer email.

Please call the Financial Aid Office at 814.269.7045, 1.800.881.5544, or email us at upjaid@pitt.edu.  We have a hunch that something isn’t right, and we can help get your FAFSA to where it needs to be.

When will I know how much it will cost?

Tuition rates for 2024-25 will be available in mid-July 2024.  Once tuition rates are set, you will receive your balance due notification which will detail all your costs for the Fall term.  Please view our Financial Aid Fact sheet which provides estimated costs based on our 2023-24 rates.

When should I apply for additional loans?

You may wait until you receive your balance due notification in July; however, if you choose to apply earlier, please do not apply before June.  Most loans require a credit check that may expire prior to our certification if you apply too early.

How do I apply for additional loans?

Parents of dependent students may apply for the Direct PLUS Loan at www.studentaid.gov.  For more information on this loan, visit our Direct Loan page.

Students may apply for Private Alternative Loans at choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/337902.  For more information on this loan, visit our Private Alternative Loan page.

Pennsylvania Residents, have you completed the PA State Grant Form?

You may have completed this when filing your FAFSA by being redirected to PHEAA’s site. Otherwise, you should receive an email from the PA State Grant Agency directing you where to complete the State Grant Form.  Make sure the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown is listed as your 1st school of attendance.  Review your PA State Grant status by logging onto Account Access at www.aessuccess.org.

How do I notify you that I’m receiving outside scholarships?

If you are receiving non-University of Pittsburgh scholarships, or other funding not listed on your financial aid offer, please complete the Information Update Form and email it to upjaid@pitt.edu. This may result in changes to your financial aid offer.

My parent works at Pitt/UPMC, do you need to know?

Yes, please complete the Information Update Form to inform us of this information and email it to upjaid@pitt.edu.

How do I accept or decline my Federal Direct Loans or Federal Work-Study awards?

Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans or Federal Work-Study can be accepted, declined, or reduced by logging onto https://my.pitt.edu, and following this path: PeopleSoft Student Center > Main Menu > HighPoint > Campus Experience > Dashboard > Financials.

First-time borrowers must also complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling before the loan will disburse to your student account.  You will complete these requirements online at www.studentaid.gov.  All University of Pittsburgh campuses select the University of Pittsburgh as your school of attendance. 

Is there anything that can be done if my financial circumstances have changed since I filed the FAFSA?

Yes. If your family experiences a change in financial circumstances, the information on the FAFSA may no longer accurately reflect your financial situation. In some cases, Financial Aid may be able to adjust income information based on these special circumstances.  Please contact the financial aid office at 814-269-7045 or upjaid@pitt.edu to discuss your changed financial circumstances after you have filed your FAFSA. 

Applying for Financial Aid Q&A

What is the first step in applying for financial aid?

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. This can be accessed after October 1 at FAFSA.

Is there a deadline to apply?

The FAFSA form must be completed for the upcoming school year any time after October 1.

Pitt-Johnstown’s priority filing deadline for institutional aid is April 1. You must apply before this date to receive maximum consideration for financial aid.

The deadline for the Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1.

Can I still file the FAFSA after Pitt-Johnstown’s April 1 filing deadline?

Yes, we continue to accept FAFSA applications throughout the academic year so complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) today.  Be sure to list our school code 008815 (University of Pittsburgh).

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

You must file a FAFSA every year to be considered for financial aid. If you have previously filed a FAFSA, you will be sent a Renewal FAFSA, which will be pre-printed with information from the previous year. Be sure to review this information and make corrections as necessary.

A student must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester to be eligible for most financial aid.

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three main types of aid a student can qualify for by completing the FAFSA:

  1. Grants and Gift Aid do not have to be repaid. These funds come from sources including the university, state and federal governments, and outside organizations. You are not required to repay these funds, you may have to meet certain criteria to maintain eligibility including satisfactory academic progress. This type of aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, the PA State Grant, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
  2. Loans allow students and their parents to finance an education they may not have otherwise. Loans must be repaid with interest during a specified period. Students not eligible for grants often use loan programs. Loans available to Pitt-Johnstown students include the Federal Direct Student Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan, and Private Alternative Loans.
  3. Campus Employment and the Federal Work-Study Program are two direct work programs available to Pitt-Johnstown students. Work is available in many departments, offices, or the library on campus while learning skills that are beneficial to future employment. Working while in school offers many advantages such as time management, personal budgeting, and general work experience.
     

Ready to Commit to Pitt-Johnstown?  Submit your deposit by calling 814-269-7040, or online at https://www.johnstown.pitt.edu/paytuitiondeposit

Financial Aid Tips

  • Borrow conservatively, especially in the first year. Plan accordingly to keep debt manageable
  • Keep copies of all loan applications
  • Apply for loans for the entire year so you will not have to reapply in the spring term
  • You do not have to have been accepted to a school to file the FAFSA
  • Pitt-Johnstown Title IV School code: 008815

Important Dates

  • October 1 – earliest date to complete the FAFSA for the upcoming school year
  • April  1 - Pitt-Johnstown Deadline For Institutional Aid
  • May 1 – Deadline For PA State Aid