Apply for aid

Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, as most students are eligible for at least some type of assistance. To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If this is your first time filing the FAFSA, you and your contributor(s) must create an FSA ID.

If you plan to borrow through the Federal Direct Loan Program, you must still complete the FAFSA.

Lastly, don’t forget to add our School Code G41672 (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine). Reminder: You must renew your FAFSA beginning Jan 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 academic year.

After you complete the FAFSA, check your email for processing information from the Department of Education and watch for emails from the financial aid department as we may need more information to process your financial aid, including verification documentation.

Pennsylvania residents

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, your FAFSA must be filed no later than May 1, and you must have completed the PA State Grant Form.

Once the FAFSA has been filed, you can create an account with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). You can submit additional documentation, if required, and view or change your Pennsylvania State Grant status online.

Verification

Federal regulations require colleges/schools to check the accuracy of the information submitted on a student’s FAFSA, and you may be selected for a process called “verification.” This process requires the financial aid office to compare information you and/or your parent(s)/contributor(s) provided on the FAFSA to ensure its accuracy. If you have been selected for verification, you will be notified via email with a list of documents needed.

Requested documents may include:

• A completed verification worksheet, signed by both parent and student
• A federal tax return for both student and parent (if both filed taxes)
• IRS verification of non-filing status if applicable
• W-2s
• Other information regarding citizenship, marital status, low-income verification, household size or additional information as requested by the financial aid office

The verification process must be completed before financial aid can be disbursed.