FAQs

How do I qualify for financial aid?

Eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid is determined by a student's annual filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Mansfield University's priority deadline for filing these forms is April 15.

What forms do I have to fill out?

You need to complete the FAFSA.

How do I complete the FAFSA? Is it online or is there an app?

Both options are available, depending upon your comfort level. To complete the form online, click on this link: FAFSA. Down load the app, Federal Student Aid, if you want to complete the application on your phone.

I've heard I need an FSA ID if I complete the FAFSA online. How do I get one?

Online applicants (and their parents if applicable) must request a Federal Student Aid ID online at www.fsaid.ed.gov.

What is the income cut-off for financial aid?

There is no income cut-off for financial aid. The amount of financial aid you will receive is determined by your family's financial need as calculated by your annual FAFSA.

What is Mansfield's Title IV School code?

003324

What types of Financial Aid are available through Mansfield University?

Available financial aid through Mansfield University includes grant, loan and employment programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). In addition, a variety of scholarship opportunities are made available to students.

How can I be an independent student?

In order to be considered independent for federal and state purposes, you must meet one of the criteria listed in step THREE of the FAFSA.

1. Will you be at least 24 years old on December 31st of the academic year for which you are applying for aid?
2. As of today, are you married?
3. Are you working on a master's or doctorate program?
4. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training?
5. Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces?
6. Do you now have, or will you have, children who will receive more than half of their support from you during the school year for which you are applying for aid?
7. Do you have dependents other than your children or spouse who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2019?
8. Are both of your parents deceased, with one of your parents passing after you turned 13?
9. Were you in Foster Care or declared a ward of the court at any time since turning 13?
10. Has it been determined by a court in your state of legal residence that you are an emancipated minor or that someone other than your parent or stepparent has legal guardianship of you?
11. At any time on or after July 1, 2020, were you determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, as determined by your high school or district homeless liaison, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program?

How and when will I know how much financial aid I am eligible for?

A new student who files the FAFSA in a timely manner can expect to receive an award offer in the spring. The Financial Aid Award Offer will indicate eligibility for specific financial aid programs. Upper class students can expect to view their Award Letters on the Student Portal soon after the completion of the spring semester provided the FAFSA was filed prior to May 1st.

Are there any other forms I have to fill out besides the FAFSA?

Students who are selected for verification by the Department of Education will be asked to submit tax transcripts and complete the verification process online at www.mansfield.verifymyfafsa.com.

On occasion, the Financial Aid Office may require additional information from a student. When this is the case, the Financial Aid Office will notify the student through the verification portal. It is critical that all requests for information sent to the student are actd upon as soon as possible to avoid processing delays.

Also, students that apply for Federal Direct Loans will be required to complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling at www.studentaid.gov.

New students to Mansfield University are required to complete a Student Title IV Authorization Form prior to any financial aid funds being disbursed to their student account

Parents that apply for the Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) will need to complete an MPN also. The PLUS application can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov.

What if the information about income and assets on my FAFSA application does not reflect my family's ability to pay for my education? For example, what if one of my parents has lost their job?

The FAFSA will collect income information from the prior-prior tax year. Thus, if your family experiences a decrease in income, it will not be reflected on your application. If you feel you have a special circumstance that affects your ability to pay, please contact us so we can open up a Family Contribution Appeal at mansfield.verifymyfafsa.com. In order to process your appeal, you must complete the tasks listed and submit any required documentation. Incomplete appeals with insufficient documentation will not be processed.

How do I apply for student loans?

If you are a new student at Mansfield University and have never borrowed a student loan, Mansfield University will pre-certify a Federal Direct student loan for you. You finish the loan process by completing Entrance Counseling and signing the Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentaid.gov.

Students attending Mansfield University only need to complete and sign the MPN once. If you are a returning student, your student loans are processed annually unless you notify the Financial Aid Office that you do not want the loan(s).

How can I manage and obtain information on all my student loans?

All students that have borrowed a Federal Direct Loan at Mansfield University are encouraged to manage their loans online at www.studentaid.gov.

I still don't have enough financial aid. Are there any more options?

Private loans are available through a variety of lenders. For more information, please visit www.elmselect.com.

Students are also encouraged to pursue private grant and scholarship funding also. Additional Information on scholarships can be found on our Scholarship page.

Who do I call if I need help with applying for financial aid?

You may speak to a staff member in the Financial Aid Office by calling 570-662-4129 or you may also e-mail us.