Steps to Receiving Financial Aid

Making college affordable.

Your college education is an affordable first step toward your pursuit of a professional future. By following the directions below you will be able to easily navigate financial aid to help you pay for college.

Step 1:   Fill out the FAFSA form.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for receiving financial aid and used to determine how much money you will receive from several major forms of financial aid. Submitting this form is the most important step to getting financial aid for college. Watch FAFSA Overview video to learn how.

Step 2:  Pennsylvania residents should complete the Pennsylvania State Grant application

If you are a Pennsylvania resident you should also apply for consideration for a state grant. After completing your FAFSA you will immediately be linked to the Pennsylvania State Grant website to complete the state grant application. To be eligible for the Pennsylvania State Grant you MUST complete your FAFSA and State Grant application prior to May 1st.

Step 3:  Learn about your options to pay for college

Educate yourself on the different types of financial aid that are available and the options you have to make college affordable.

Step 4:  Award Notification.

The Financial Aid office will send you information on how much money you are eligible to receive from some of the main sources of financial aid. We will also send you a cost of attendance worksheet, and verification paperwork if you are selected. Note: only first semester freshmen/transfer students receive paper award letters. All other students must monitor their Keystone e-mail account for award notifications and updates.

Step 5:  Complete all paperwork.

Complete all paperwork needed for each source of your college funding. If you are interested in participating in the Federal Direct Loan program, go to Studentloans.gov and complete your Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.

Step 6: Watch your email and mailbox for any steps you may still have to do.

Keystone students can review the current status of financial aid awards by logging in to their MyKC student portal. The site should be checked regularly for any changes to financial aid eligibility or for important messages about financial aid. In addition, students should also regularly check their Keystone e-mail account for messages from the Financial Aid Office.