Applying for Financial Aid
For help building the financial aid package that makes college affordable for you, follow this guide to begin the aid application process.
Types of Financial Aid
Designed to be repaid over time after you graduate, college loans can provide financial support without the up-front costs of tuition and other expenses.
Whether based on your financial need or academic achievements, grants do not need to be repaid, making them a great way to help lower the cost of tuition.
Your achievements, background, and areas of interest may make you a candidate for scholarships that go toward the cost of your college education.
As a veteran, service member, or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for education benefits through the GI Bill and Allegheny’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Student Employment
You can apply for jobs in most departments on campus and even some nonprofit agencies in Meadville to earn a monthly paycheck.
Federal Work Study
Eligibility: Demonstrated financial need through your FAFSA.
Value: Up to $2,500. The amount listed on your award letter is the maximum amount you can earn, but is not guaranteed.
Campus Employment
Eligibility: Not qualified for federal work study and not hired as a Resident Advisor. You are eligible for campus employment even if it is not included in your original financial aid award.
Value: Up to $2,500.
Student Wages
Wages from a student job are earned through employment and are not credited to your bill.
Job Openings
Available job postings are sent to new students in the summer.
Criteria for Awarding Aid
Merit Aid and Need-Based Aid
Financial aid awarded by Allegheny College is awarded based on a variety of considerations:
- Academic excellence balanced with other distinctive activities while in high school
- Need as determined by the FAFSA
- Or both
Timing
Consideration for some merit-based aid, such as the Trustee Scholarship, is automatic when you apply and are admitted to Allegheny. Need-based aid cannot be calculated until you complete the FAFSA — families must complete the FAFSA by February 15 for the following academic year.
Athletics
Aid is awarded without regard to your athletic abilities or sport participation, since Allegheny competes in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and must honor the Division III policies.
Verification of Aid
Allegheny College is required by federal regulations to validate the accuracy of the financial information of students identified by the U.S. Department of Education for verification. Allegheny also selects students for verification. Students who have been selected for verification, either by the U.S. Department of Education or by Allegheny College, will be notified of all required documents and due dates.
Financial aid eligibility will not be finalized until all requested verification documentation, including signed federal tax returns and a completed verification form, is received. Financial aid awards are subject to change based on the accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA.
Upcoming Tuition and Aid Deadlines
Keep track of important deadlines for applying for aid and paying your bill.
Financial Aid Staff
Natasha N.B. Eckart
Director of Financial Aid
Tuition Exchange Liaison
neckart@allegheny.edu
Erin Pangborn
Associate Director of Financial Aid
VA Certifying Official and Loan Specialist
epangborn@allegheny.edu
Mandy Pipper
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Verification Specialist
apipper@allegheny.edu
Jade Allen
Financial Aid Counselor
Student Employment Coordinator
jallen@allegheny.edu
Susan Hyde
Financial Aid Counselor
State Grant Specialist
shyde@allegheny.edu
