Application Procedure

If you are an incoming freshman or an incoming transfer student and would like to be considered for any type of need-based financial aid (including loans), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is highly recommended to submit a FAFSA on the Web, since it may be processed up to two weeks faster than a paper application. You can submit your FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can obtain an electronic signature at www.pin.ed.gov.

Alternately, to apply through the mail, you can complete a PDF FAFSA, available for download at http://fsa.ed.gov/fafsa/fafsa_options.html. Or you can call (800) 4FED-AID, and press "0" for a customer service representative to request a paper FAFSA to be mailed to you.

The FAFSA is the only form you need to complete. USP does not have a supplemental financial aid form.

Completing the FAFSA
The USP FAFSA preferred processing deadline is March 15 for the academic year beginning the following fall. After the preferred date, aid will only be awarded if funds are available.

When completing the FAFSA, be careful answering the following questions on the form:

"What degree or certificate will you be working on during the next academic year?"
If you are a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, the Physical Therapy Program, or the Occupational Therapy Program, you will NOT be a graduate student until your final year in the program.

If you are not in your final year of one of these programs, you must indicate "bachelor's degree".

Only students in specific graduate or doctoral level courses will answer this question with "graduate or professional degree".

"Please tell us which schools may request your information, and indicate your enrollment status."
Be sure to indicate the school code for the University of the Sciences of Philadelphia: 003353.

Eligibility

Applicants for need-based financial assistance from USP must be degree-seeking students carrying at least one-half the full-time academic workload. Financial Aid staff determines eligibility for awards based on financial need as determined by the US Department of Education by the information supplied on the FAFSA. A financial aid award will be made only after you have been admitted to USP.

Determination of Financial Need

Financial need is the difference between the total Cost of Education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The financial aid staff uses this figure as the basis for awarding all need-based financial aid.

Cost of Education
It is the responsibility of the student to plan ahead, anticipate all costs, budget all resources, and request aid for the academic year. The basic budget (Cost of Education) for a year at USP should include tuition, fees, room, board, books & supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The Expected Family Contribution is the amount of financial support you and your family should be able to contribute to your Education. This is determined by the US Department of Education from the information submitted on the FAFSA.

For more information, contact the USP Financial Aid Office, (215) 596-8894.