Financial Aid FAQs
The information you reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The formula used to calculate your EFC is established by law and is used to measure your family's financial strength on the basis of your family's income and assets. The EFC is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid and indicates how much money you and your family are expected to contribute toward your cost of attendance for the school year. If your EFC is below a certain number, you'll be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements. Once you have signed and returned your enrollment agreement to South Hills the Financial Aid Office will process your aid. The Financial Aid office will notify you with an award letter indicating the aid for which you are eligible. Each time your aid package changes you will receive a new award letter.
Frequently asked financial aid questions
Click the plus box to expand each section to view the answers.
 Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: Visit the South Hills location nearest you and one of our financial aid advisors will be happy to help you. They're experts in developing financial aid packages according to each student’s individual needs.
Q: What types of financial aid are available for South Hills students?
A: Federal Pell Grants, and Pheaa State Grants are funds that are awarded based on exceptional financial need, and they don't generally have to be repaid.
High School Senior Scholarships and Community Scholarships are available to graduating seniors. For more details, contact your local high school and/or your community organizations.
Federal Stafford Direct Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) are loans that must be repaid with interest.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans allow parents to borrow up to the full cost of college less other financial aid received.
Q: Where can I get information about federal student financial aid?
A: Stop by the South Hills location nearest you, or call 1-888-282-7427. One of our financial aid advisors will be happy to help you.
You may also call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). This is the U.S. Department of Education's toll-free hotline. Staffers can answer your questions about federal aid programs and the FAFSA.
Q: Where can I get the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Q: How do I get a PIN?
A: The online FAFSA should be signed with a Federal PIN. Apply for the PIN online at www.pin.ed.gov. Dependent students will need to have one parent apply for a Federal PIN. The Federal PIN may also be used to sign online loan applications.
Q: Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
A: Yes. According to federal regulations, students are required to apply for financial aid every year. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education will send you an email reminding you to reapply. If you need assistance, talk to your financial aid advisor - they're happy to help.
Q: How will I know what I'm eligible for?
A: Once you have signed and returned your enrollment agreement to South Hills, and have applied for both federal and state aid, the Financial Aid office will process your aid. Financial Aid will notify you with an award letter indicating the aid for which you are eligible. Each time your aid package changes you will receive a new award letter.
Q: I don't think I'll qualify for financial aid. Should I still apply?
A: Yes, some sources of financial aid, such as Unsubsidized Stafford and Parent PLUS Loans are available regardless of need but you must file the FAFSA to be considered for these types of aid.
Q: Will I need to wait until my taxes or my parents' taxes (for dependent students) have been processed to file?
A: If your taxes will not be completed by the financial aid deadline dates, you may use estimated figures to submit your FAFSA timely. However, aid will only be processed on actual tax figures. Therefore, FAFSA corrections will be required.
Q: My mother and father do not support me and I am no longer living at home. Can I apply for financial aid on my own?
A: In order to be considered an independent student, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- I was born before January 1, 1988
- I am serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Since I turned age 13, both of my parents were deceased
- I was a dependent or ward of the court since turning age 13
- I am married
- I am a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- I was in foster care since turning age 13
- I am currently or I was an emancipated minor
- I will be working on a master’s or doctorate program (e.g., MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate)
- I have children and I provide more than half of their support
- I have dependents (other than children or my spouse) who live with me and I provide more than half of their support
- I am currently or I was in legal guardianship
- I am homeless or I am at risk of being homeless
Other requirements may apply. Contact your school's financial aid office for more information.
If you do not meet one of the above criteria and you want to apply for federal aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires you to supply parental information and signatures.
Q: My parents are divorced/separated and I am no longer living with either of them. Which parent's information will I need to supply?
A: The parent with whom you lived the most during the past 12 months should complete the application. If you lived with each parent for an equal amount of time, you will need the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the last year to complete the application.
Q: I am planning to attend South Hills as a part-time student. Will I qualify for financial aid?
A: Part-time students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis (a minimum of six semester credits or the equivalent per semester) during a specific term in order to be considered for State Grant aid. You must inform your financial aid administrator if you will be receiving tuition reimbursement from your employer. Part-time grants are calculated at one-half of the applicant's eligibility.
Q: What kind of expenses does financial aid cover?
A: Financial aid must be used to pay the cost of education, which may include:
- tuition
- fees
- books
- supplies, and
- other education-related expenses (when funds are available)
Q: Is there a deadline?
A: Yes. If you are a new student in Pennsylvania – which means you have never applied for financial aid before - your deadline is August 1st. If you have applied before, your deadline is May 1st.
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