Class of 2017 Financial Aid Checklist

Between January 1, 2012 – and June 1, 2013: Apply for your FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

You may apply after June 1, but it is not recommended as your loans may be delayed.

The FAFSA must be completed each year; without this, you are ineligible for any type of government student financial aid. This gives you eligibility for the Direct and GradPlus loans.

Determine if you wish to apply for Perkins and Health Profession Loans. These loans are for students with very high need and range from $3,000 - $5,000 each. General rule: If your parents have a combined income of less than $100,000 annually, you should apply.

If you determine that you wish to apply for the Perkins and Health Profession Loans, go to www.sfs.upenn.edu and click on "Forms and Applications". Download the Penn Graduate and Professional Students Financial Aid Application form. Provide all necessary tax documents and W2's as well as the Cover Sheet and Tax I.D./Non-tax Filer Form. These completed documents are faxed directly to Student Financial Services at 215-573-5428.

Determine if you wish to apply for a GradPLUS Loan. These loans may be used in addition to your Direct Loan, and any other loans for which you are eligible, to help you meet the entire educational budget. You may apply for the GradPLUS Loans at any time during your veterinary education; there is no specific time limit by which you must apply.

In May 2013, you will receive additional information and instructions to apply for your Direct Loan ($40,500) and your GradPlus Loan; the University will inform those students who applied for Perkins and Health Professional loans of their eligibility in July of 2012.