The Financial Aid Process for Graduate Students

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.

2. Respond to any correspondence you receive from the Financial Aid Office regarding verification.

The federal government randomly selects students for verification. If chosen, we are required to verify your tax information against your FAFSA information. If you are selected for this process, a letter will be sent to you explaining the steps you need to take. Please respond promptly, as we cannot process your aid until we receive this information.

3. Check your mail regularly for your award letter.

We will send it to the address indicated on your FAFSA, unless you tell us otherwise.

4. Determine what type of aid you will be using and how much loan money you will need.

Types of aid available:

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

• Must file a FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov)
• Must be enrolled for at least 6 credits per semester
• Interest accumulates at 6.8% while in school and until the loan is repaid
• Maximum amount available per year: $20,500
• The cost of borrowing is less if you make interest payments while in school (not required)
• Repayment begins 6 months after enrolled less than half-time or graduated

Graduate PLUS Loans

• Used to supplement Direct Unsubsidized Loans if additional loan money is needed
• Borrower is a student in a graduate program
• Can be discharged in the event of death or disability
• Student must pass a credit check
• Can borrow up to the cost of education less any other aid received
• 7.9% fixed interest rate
• Federally mandated 4% fee subtracted upon disbursement
• Automatic deferment for Grad PLUS borrower while enrolled
• Can be consolidated at fixed rate with other federal loans
• To apply, log into www.studentloans.gov with your PIN number and personal information. The Financial Aid Office will be notified of the credit decision within 1-3 days and will follow up with you by email.

Private Educational Loans

• For those students with good credit, a private educational loan may be another good option.  Please visit www.geneva.edu/privateloans for more information.

Assistantships

• If you have been granted an assistantship through your program, they will notify us of the amount. If we become aware of the assistantship after your loans have been awarded, your loans may need to be adjusted and you will be notified of any changes.
  

5.     For those students using Direct Loans, complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling by logging into www.studentloans.gov. 

We will automatically receive notification when it has been completed.

6.     For those students using Direct Loans, sign a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note by logging into www.studentloans.gov. If you need to request another FAFSA Pin number to sign this document, please visit www.pin.ed.gov. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect my refund check?
Once your loan money comes in and covers the charges on your student account, you should receive a refund check within approximately 2 weeks. It is important to make sure you have completed all necessary paperwork, and that you are aware of the loan disbursement dates. If you are enrolled in a term that is longer than 4 months, your loan will be disbursed in two equal amounts, half at the beginning and half in the middle of your term.  Please keep this in mind when calculating the amount and approximate date of your refund.  If you have questions regarding your refund, please contact the Business Office at 724-847-6543.

Can I check my student account online?
Yes! Go to https://webmod.geneva.edu/cgi-bin/login.mbr/LOGIN?PREFIX=GEN. After you log in you will be able to view your student account information by clicking on My Account under Business Office in the links on the left side of the screen.

My loan hasn't come in. What should I do?
Did you…

• Return your award letter?
• Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling?
• Sign a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note?

If you have done all these and still need assistance, please contact our office at 724-847-6530.

Helpful Links

www.bestplaces.net/col/

Provides a helpful cost of living calculator so that you can estimate living expenses when moving to Beaver Falls.

www.youcandealwithit.com

“The real story on money, student loans, and life.” An excellent resource for college students and recent grads!

www.nslds.ed.gov

Sign in with your FAFSA Pin Number to keep track of the details of all of your federal student loans.

Related Links

• Veteran’s Service Center