Financial Aid FAQs

We know the financial aid process can seem complicated. Here are the answers to some of the questions we are commonly asked regarding the FAFSA and the various financial aid programs we offer.

Are online students eligible for scholarships or grants?

Yes, students who file the FAFSA may be eligible for Federal Pell Grant or PA State Grant awards. However, since our online tuition rates are already discounted, we do not offer additional internal scholarships or grants. However, we encourage students to apply for external scholarships.

Do I have to apply for aid every year?

Yes, you must reapply each year.

Do I have to be accepted to Alvernia before I apply for financial aid?

No. You may apply for financial aid before you are accepted, but you will not receive a financial aid package until you are accepted and have registered for your courses.

Does Alvernia offer discounts and partnerships with different employers?

Yes. Check with your enrollment counselor to see if you may be eligible.

How do I get my financial aid renewed? Must I make academic progress to keep my financial aid?

Yes, you must earn at least 67 percent of your credits attempted each semester, in addition to maintaining a minimum grade point average to keep receiving your financial aid. For more information please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (610) 796-8201.

I don’t want to bother filling out the FAFSA because I don’t think I’ll be eligible for anything. Should I skip it?

You should not skip filling out the FAFSA. The rules change every year, and you may be eligible for more financial aid than you’d expect.

I don’t want to take out student loans. What are my options?

If you are an undergraduate student, you may be eligible for grants as determined by filing the FAFSA, which do not have to be paid back. However, not all undergraduate students will receive grants. We also offer several payment plan options to spread the cost over several months.

If I want to attend Alvernia as an adult undergraduate student, what aid am I eligible for?

There are several programs you could be eligible for, including the Federal Pell Grant, federal loans, and, if you are a Pennsylvania resident, the PA State Grant.

If I’m going to attend part time, what programs am I eligible for?

There are several programs you could be eligible for. The Federal Pell Grant and federal loan programs provide assistance to eligible students attending school part time. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you may be eligible for a PA State Grant.

Is there financial aid available for transfer students?

Yes. For information on how to apply to Alvernia as a transfer student, visit our Transfer Credits page.

Must I pay all at once?

No. Alvernia bills students one semester at a time and you are welcome to use our installment payment plan. Visit our Payment Plan page for information.

What do I do after I receive my financial aid package?

After receiving your financial aid package, you should read it and respond by the stated deadline. For more information please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (610) 796-8201.

What is Alvernia University’s Title IV code for the FAFSA?

Our Title IV code is 003233.

What is Alvernia’s recommended filing date for applying for aid?

The FAFSA form is available October 1 of each year.  We encourage students to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1.  Students who complete the FAFSA for 2022-2023 have from October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 to submit the FAFSA, students/parents will enter 2020 income information; the FAFSA for 2023-2024 will be available October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, students/parents will enter 2021 income information.

What should I do if my or my family’s financial circumstances change after I apply for aid?

If your financial circumstances change, call the Financial Aid Office at (610) 796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu. They will let you know what procedures to follow so we can help you obtain additional financial aid.

Will I have to send my tax return to you?

We are pleased to announce we have established a partnership with Inceptia to expedite the federal verification process for Alvernia University. Verification Gateway (VG) from Inceptia is an online portal to guide students and parents through verification. If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S Department of Education, you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org, or postcard from Inceptia, containing Alvernia University’s unique website link to start the verification process. We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments. Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of your financial aid. For more information on this process, creating your portal and uploading documents please click here.