How to Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid types and awards will require the completion and submission of applications by established deadlines and through certain agencies. This information will teach you how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, create a Federal Student Aid Username and Password, and complete Pennsylvania State grant and scholarship applications.
Step 1
Fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and use school code:003320.
To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA form. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school.
There are several ways to fill out and submit the FAFSA form:
- Log in at studentaid.gov to apply online (recommended) or
- Use the myFAFSA component of the myStudentAid mobile app or
- Complete a FAFSA PDF (note: you must print out and mail the FAFSA PDF for processing)
For the 2023–24 academic year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), you can file your FAFSA form beginning Oct. 1, 2022. You will need to provide 2021 tax information. For more information on the application process please review the FSA Completing the FAFSA Form.
Step 2
Apply for the PA State Grant (PA residents only)
In order to apply for the PA State Grant, a student must complete the FAFSA and have the PA State Grant application submitted by May 1st, 2023.
In order for East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) to receive notice of the student's award, it is the responsibility of the student to have ESU listed as the primary school on their PA State Grant application.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a Pennsylvania resident.
- Be enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a PHEAA-approved undergraduate program of study.
- Be a high school graduate or recipient of a GED.
- Demonstrate academic progress for continued aid according to the PHEAA academic progress guideline.
To apply for the PA State Grant or for more information, please visit PHEAA.org
Step 3
Review your offered Financial Aid
To view your Financial Aid award package, go to your myESU portal:
- MyESU > Student Tab > Financial Aid Awards > Current Aid Year
- If you are a first-time federal loan borrower, you will also need to complete Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). To do this, please visit the Federal Student Aid website
Step 4
Be sure you have the money you need
Once you receive your financial aid award package, you will need to make sure you have enough money to cover all of your educational expenses.
These expenses include:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and Food
- Transportation
- Books and supplies
*Remember, most financial aid awards are split between the fall and spring semesters*
Step 5
Seek out additional resources if needed
Private and Parent PLUS loans can help offset remaining costs for students.
Private loans
Non-federal loans (or Private Alternative Student Loans) for educational purposes can supplement federal/state.
ESU's recommended lender list for alternative loans is available at ELM Select. Borrowers have the right to select any lender they choose.
Recommended lenders have been selected based on prior established relationships and student demand but ESU will work with any lender the student chooses.
Parent PLUS loan
The Department of Education makes educational loans available to biological or adoptive parents for enrolled college students. These are credit-based loan awards and do require repayment. The maximum loan amount is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
To apply or for more about information about PLUS loans, go to the Federal Student Aid website.
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall 110
- Phone:
- (570) 422-2800
- Fax:
- (570) 422-2850 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Director Financial Aid
- Name
- Leo Hertling
- E:
- fa@esu.edu
- Phone:
- (570) 422-2828
