Explore every financial support option available to distance learning students
GETTING THE MONEY YOU NEED FOR SCHOOL
According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than half of all undergraduate and postsecondary students receive some type of financial assistance to help them pay for school.
Financial aid for your education is available from a variety of sources, such as federal grants, Stafford loans, private sources and sometimes even employer assistance programs. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with, and research all of the financing options available, so that you can determine what works best for your individual needs.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
The key to determining eligibility for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Follow the steps below to find out what types of educational financial assistance you may qualify for.
Step 1: Use this FAFSA checklist to gather your personal and financial documents.
Step 2: Download the FAFSA worksheet and use it to prepare for the process of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Step 3: Decide how you want to sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you plan on filing electronically you will need to first sign up for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This is the recommended method because your PIN will both speed up the application process and allow you to track your FAFSA more easily online.
Step 4: It’s now time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you’re done, use your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA, or print it out, sign it, and follow the mailing instructions. To check the status of your submitted FAFSA, click here.
Step 5: In a few weeks, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is your opportunity to correct any mistakes you might have made and finalize the FAFSA process. You’ll need to use your PIN to electronically sign the Student Aid Report, or print it out, sign it, and follow the mailing instructions.
Step 6: Congratulations, you have completed the FAFSA application process. Your Student Aid Report will automatically be sent to the school, and you will now know how much, and what federal financial aid options are available to you.
If you have further questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, obtaining your PIN, or the Student Aid Report, you can use the FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our Portland State University Office of Financial Assistance.
Phone: 503-725-3461
Toll-free: 800-547-8887
FAX: 503-725-5965
Regular Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00-5:30, Friday 9:00-5:00
Summer Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00-5:00
School Code: 003216