About SFS
Paying for a Penn Education
Apply for Financial Aid
Loans
Billing and Payment Options
Forms and Applications
Publications and Booklets
Special Policies
Self-Service Center
Contact Information
   Additional Student Resources
Admissions
Penn Portal
Penn's Website
Registrar
Student Employment
Staff Services
(may require login)
  SFS Google Search  
 
 
Need-Based Financial Aid
Prospective Undergraduate Students
 
 

The University’s need-blind admissions policy ensures that no U.S. citizen or permanent resident is denied admission because he or she requires financial assistance. Penn will meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need.

Who is eligible?

There is no arbitrary income cut-off for financial aid eligibility. Because each family situation is different and financial aid eligibility is determined by many factors, we encourage you to apply if you are concerned about your ability to pay.

How is financial need determined?

Financial aid at Penn is awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by Student Financial Services. Financial need is the difference between Penn’s Educational Expense Budget and the amount your family is expected to contribute:

Financial need is determined based on information provided on financial aid applications and parent and student tax returns and W-2 forms. The following items are also considered in determining financial need:

  • family size
  • student income and assets
  • parents’ income and assets
  • the number of children enrolled in college
  • extraordinary family circumstances

Penn does not rely on the federally-calculated family contribution. Instead, Penn reviews all aid applications on an individual basis in order to allocate available aid resources as equitably as possible. In many instances, Penn expects a lower parent contribution than the one determined by the federal formula. Financial information from both parents, even if they are divorced or separated, is used to determine financial need.

What is a financial aid award?

A financial aid award, also known as a “package,” typically includes a work-study job and grants. Penn participates in all federal and state programs to provide you with a comprehensive financial aid program to meet 100% of your determined need.

Penn offers loan-free packages to all dependent students who are eligible for financial aid, regardless of the family’s income level.

What types of financial aid does Penn offer?

Additional Resources

Prospective Undergraduate Index
Index
A Look at the Facts
Need-Based Financial Aid
How to Apply
Financing and Payment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
International Students
International Student section
 
 
sfs home Penn A-Z Penn Directories Penn Calendar Penn Maps