Need-based financial aid includes most grants, many loans and part-time student employment through Federal Work Study. In making awards of need-based financial assistance, the Cost of Attendance and the family's ability to pay educational expenses are the most important factors.
The Cost of Attendance includes the average expenses a student will incur for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and necessary personal and miscellaneous items. The Cost of Attendance can vary, depending on a number of factors such as full or part-time enrollment, housing accommodations and the school in which a student enrolls.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an objective measure of the amount of educational assistance that is expected to be provided by the family. The formula is determined each year by the U.S. Department of Education and takes into account factors such as total income, federal taxes paid, family size and the number of family members in college at the same time. This assessment is made after a student completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once a student completes a FAFSA, the results are calculated by the processor for the U.S. Department of Education and sent to colleges and other agencies selected by the student.
In order to be eligible for need based financial aid, a student must demonstrate financial need according to the following formula:
student cost of attendance (COA) minus expected family contribution (EFC)= financial need.
The COA is determined by the Financial Aid Office and includes tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses such as laundry and entertainment. The EFC is calculated according to a federal formula.
Dependency Status
When calculating a family's ability to contribute to the cost of education, the federal application processor must first determine dependency status. The federal government has strict criteria for determining dependency status, based on information you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You will be considered a dependent student for the 2018-19 school year unless you meet any one of the following criteria:
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Were you born before January 1, 1995?
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As of today, are you married? (Also answer "Yes" if you are separated but not divorced)?
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At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc)?
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Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other training?
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Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
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Do you now have or will you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019?
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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?
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At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
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As determined by a court in your state of legal residence, are you or were you an emancipated minor?
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Does someone other than your parent or stepparent have legal guardianship of you, as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
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At any time on or after July 1, 2017, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
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At any time on or after July 1, 2017, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
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At any time on or after July 1, 2017, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
Verification
Eligibility for need-based awards is determined based on financial and other family information submitted by you. This information is used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your FAFSA. In applying for and receiving need-based aid, you agree to provide any additional financial and other pertinent information to document your eligibility to this office if requested by an authorized University official. The University reserves the right to request and review this additional information, and if necessary, to reduce or cancel awards made based on updated or corrected financial and other information. You are responsible for the accuracy of all data submitted on your FAFSA, your University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Verification Worksheet, copies of Federal Tax Return Transcript and other relevant documents. Some additional paperwork that may be needed is as follows:
- The student's official IRS Tax Return Transcript, if filed.
- A copy of the student's (and spouse's) W2 form(s), if worked.
- An official IRS Tax Return Transcript(s) for your parents, if they filed.
- A copy of the parents' W2 forms, if they worked.
- A complete, signed copy of the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville Verification Worksheet.
You will be asked to mail these materials to:
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Office of Financial Aid
504 E. Main Street
Titusville, PA 16354
If our office does not receive these documents, you will experience delays in receiving your financial aid. If inconsistencies or errors are found, we will make corrections to that information before your financial aid application is processed and funds are disbursed to you. Please be aware that the above listed items are not the only items you may be asked for if we need clarification or to resolve conflicting information.