This page has been designed by the Financial Aid Office to assist graduate students in securing financial aid. Below you will find the following, which we hope is helpful:
- Overview of the Financial Aid Process for Graduate Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Helpful Links to Online Resources
The Financial Aid Process for Graduate Students
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Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
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Respond to any correspondence you receive from the Financial Aid Office regarding verification.
The federal government randomly selects a third of our students for verification. 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.
- Check your email account regularly for your electronic award letter.
We will send it to the address indicated on your FAFSA, unless you tell us otherwise.
Types of aid available:
- Stafford Loans: You may be awarded up to $20,500 in loans each year, depending on your course load (you must be enrolled for at least 6 credits). Depending on your financial need, a portion of this may be subsidized (up to $8,500), meaning the government will pay the interest while you’re in school. The interest rate is 6.8%.
- 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.
- Alternative Loans: If you need additional money and your education budget allows, Alternative and PLUS loans may be available by applying online at www.elmselect.com. We strongly discourage graduate students from borrowing beyond the Stafford Loan limits, as repayment will be a challenge.
- Complete Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling at AES New Borrower Counseling.
We will automatically receive notification when it has been completed.
- Sign a Master Promissory Note.
If you are a first time borrower, American Education Services (AES) will mail you an MPN to complete and return to them directly. You can also complete this online at www.aessuccess.org after creating an account for yourself. Your loan funds will not be sent to the college until this is completed.
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 for only one term and it 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 www.geneva.edu. On the right side of the screen under Quick Links, click on the drop down menu and select Web Registration. On the right side of the screen, click on Web Registration Login and review the login tips. Continue to the Login screen and enter your student ID number and password. On the left side of the screen, under Business Office, you can review your student account.
My loan hasn’t come in. What should I do?
Did you…
- Submit your electronic award?
- Complete Stafford Entrance Counseling?
- Sign a 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.aessuccess.org
Click on Account Access and create an account to check the status and keep track of your Stafford Loans.
