Since the determination of eligibility is based on financial need, students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1, prior to the academic year for which funds are being requested. Students should release application information to Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing (Title IV School Code 006576).Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov ; a paper copy of the FAFSA can be obtained by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID or by visiting www.edpubs.org.

It is the responsibility of the student to secure, complete and submit the appropriate applications for financial aid. Any full time or part time student applying for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing Financial Aid Application and mail them to the appropriate agency or to the School of Nursing.

After filing the federal application, all applicants will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal government. Applicants who are Pennsylvania residents will be mailed a PHEAA State Grant Notice for state grant consideration.

When students apply for aid, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated by a formula approved by Congress. The EFC is the objective measure of the amount of assistance that the student and his or her family are expected to contribute towards education. The formula takes into account many factors; some of these are: parent’s income, student’s income, federal taxes paid, number of family members enrolled in college and age of oldest parent. The EFC is used to determine financial eligibility and need:

Cost of Education minus Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

The cost of education includes direct costs, such as tuition and fees, and in direct costs which may include room and board, books and supplies, and miscellaneous expenses. The financial aid specialist calculates the cost of education and subtracts the EFC. If financial need is determined, aid from the Federal Family Education Loan Programs and other federal grant programs can be applied toward that need.