Financial Aid - FAQs
How much is does it cost to attend PNC?
The approximate cost for full-time students for the 2009-2010 academic year is approximately $7,700 including tuition, fees, and books.
When are fees due?
Early August for FALL, and early December for SPRING sessions. Specific dates are set by the Bursar's Office and will appear on your “Course Schedule and Fee Statement”.
What are the types of Financial Aid?
The term financial aid at PNC refers to a student's entire aid package. Purdue University North Central participates in all Title IV (federal) and state programs. Aid may include grants (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, SMART Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, Frank O’Bannon Grants, 21st Century Scholarships), loans (Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Parent Plus Loans), and the Federal Work-study program. If you would like to read more about each of these programs go to http://www.pnc.edu/financialaid/moreinfo.html.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Whether you will be a new student or are already attending PNC, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your FAFSA data determines eligibility for state and federal aid programs.
When should I apply?
March 10 is the deadline for priority consideration for state funding which includes 21 st Century Scholars . High school seniors, you will need to file in January or February of your senior year. Continuing students must re-submit the FAFSA by March 10 each year in order to determine your eligibility for the following academic year.
I have missed the state's priority deadline of March 10. Can I still apply?
Yes! You will automatically be ineligible to receive state funding for the academic year but there are still federal programs available.
Who should apply?
Everyone! The Financial Aid office recommends that you complete the FAFSA whether or not you think you will be eligible. There are many state and federal programs and you may qualify for some of them. There is no fee for filing the FAFSA, so why not find out what programs you are eligible for?
Do I have to be admitted to PNC to apply for financial aid?
Your application for financial aid may be filed prior to your admission, but you must be formally admitted to receive state and federal financial aid.
Should I wait until my federal taxes are completed to file for financial aid?
Ideally you will use completed tax data to file the FAFSA. However, if this data is not available during the month of February; you should estimate the data using your W2 forms because it is important to meet the March 10 deadline. After the Department of Education processes your application, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Make any needed corrections online or with the Financial Aid Office.
What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans?
Subsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while you are in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government "subsidizes" (or pays) the interest during these times. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans that are not based on financial need. Interest does accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year for dependent and independent students. You are responsible for the interest payments while in school.
What are the interest rates for typical loans at Purdue North Central?
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans disbursed after July 1, 2009: 5.6% fixed
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans disbursed after July 1, 2009: 6.8% fixed
Federal Parent Plus Loan disbursed after July 1, 2009: 8.5% fixed
For updated interest rate information:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/studentloans.jsp
If my parents are separated or divorced, who should complete the parent section of my FAFSA?
The custodial parent should supply income data in the parent's section. Stepparent's data is included as indicated by Title IV regulation.
How do I know if the federal processor has processed my application?
You may call 1-800-FED-AID (433-3243) or log-on to www.fafsa.ed.gov to:
- Check on the status of your application
- Order a duplicate student aid report (SAR)
- Change the colleges listed on your student aid report
- Find out what lender or agency holds your student loan
- Get help completing your application or correcting your student aid report.
What happens after I apply for financial aid?
PNC receives your data and will notify you via U.S. mail if additional information is needed. Be sure to open all mail from PNC's Financial Aid Office; processing of your aid will stop until the requested information is returned. You will then receive an award notification letter via your PNC e-mail estimating your available aid. You must be admitted to PNC to receive an Award Notification. If you would like to utilize any of the loan programs offered, you MUST complete additional loan forms.
If I choose not to take financial aid, or if my financial aid is not enough to cover all of my fees, is there a payment plan available?
Yes - Check the Bursar website for payment information.
Does grant money have to be re-paid?
Only if a student withdraws from classes and the Title IV refund formula dictates a repayment is required. Students will be contacted by the Bursar's office if repayment is required.
May I transfer my financial aid to or from another school?
Yes, you may transfer certain types of financial aid to or from another school by updating your FAFSA to include the school's federal code. This will allow a school to evaluate your eligibility for funding. PNC's school code is 001826 .
Does PNC offer any scholarships?
Yes - There are a variety of awards for new and returning students.
How do I pay for my books? Books are purchased “out of pocket” by the student. If you are entitled to financial aid, you may reimburse yourself when the aid arrives. At this time PNC does not offer a book voucher system.
Who can I contact for additional information?
The Purdue North Central Financial Aid Office is part of the Enrollment Services Office located in Room 157 of the Technology Building and may be reached at (219) 785-5460 or finaid@pnc.edu.
