Frequently Asked Questions
The Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping students understand their financial aid and the steps they need to take to receive and maintain eligibility.
Federal financial aid rules have changed for the 2026–2027 academic year as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Some of these changes affect federal student loan limits, Parent PLUS loans, graduate and professional students, Pell Grant eligibility, and loan eligibility for students enrolled less than full-time.
The questions below provide a general overview. Individual eligibility is determined based on a student’s program, enrollment, FAFSA information, prior federal borrowing, and other applicable requirements.
Applying for Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov and include La Roche University’s federal school code: 003987. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible beginning October 1 for the upcoming academic year. You must complete a new FAFSA for each academic year. For example, the 2027–2028 FAFSA became available beginning October 1, 2026.
What is the FAFSA, and why is it important?
The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid and may be used by La Roche to determine eligibility for certain institutional aid programs. FAFSA information may also affect eligibility for Federal Pell Grants and federal student loans.
When should I submit the FAFSA?
Submit the FAFSA as early as possible beginning October 1 for the upcoming academic year. Some aid programs have separate deadlines or limited funds, so students should complete the FAFSA and any requested follow-up requirements as early as possible.
When will I receive my financial aid offer?
Financial aid offers are typically available within 2–3 weeks after La Roche University begins financial aid packaging for the applicable academic year, provided that La Roche has received your FAFSA, and all required financial aid documents have been submitted and reviewed. The 2–3 week timeframe is an estimate and does not begin until financial aid packaging has opened. Processing times may vary based on application volume, federal or state processing requirements, regulatory changes, and the completeness of your financial aid file. Monitor your La Roche email and student portal for updates.
What types of financial aid may be available?
Depending on your eligibility, financial aid may include Federal Pell Grants; Pennsylvania State Grants; La Roche scholarships and grants; Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans; Federal Work-Study; Parent PLUS Loans, when applicable; private educational loans; and other eligible sources of assistance.
Is there an income cut-off for financial aid?
There is no single income cut-off that determines eligibility for all financial aid. Factors may include household size, number in college, FAFSA information, and other financial circumstances. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA regardless of income.
Do I have to be a full-time student to apply for financial aid?
Not necessarily. Eligibility varies by aid program and enrollment level. Beginning July 1, 2026, federal Direct Loan eligibility for students enrolled less than full-time in term-based programs may be reduced proportionally. At La Roche, full-time enrollment for federal loan purposes is 12.0 credit hours or more per term for undergraduate students and 6.0 credit hours or more per term for graduate students. Federal Direct Loan borrowers must generally be enrolled at least half-time. Some La Roche merit scholarships may require full-time enrollment.
How can I be considered an independent student?
Federal financial aid dependency status is determined by federal criteria; living away from your parents or not being claimed on a parent’s tax return does not, by itself, make you independent. Circumstances that may qualify a student as independent include being at least 24 years old, married, having children or other dependents who receive more than half of their support from the student, being a veteran or active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, being a graduate or professional student, being an orphan or ward of the court, being an emancipated minor, having a legal guardian, or being determined to be an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. If you have unusual circumstances, contact Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Requirements and Documents
What is verification?
Verification is a federal process used to confirm the accuracy of information reported on your FAFSA. If you are selected, you must submit the requested documentation before your financial aid can be finalized.
Why might I be asked for tax information or an IRS document?
La Roche may request documentation to support information reported on the FAFSA. Students selected for verification will be notified of the required documents. Federal requirements may include an official IRS tax account statement or other acceptable documentation. Submit requested information by the deadline shown in your student portal or financial aid communication.
What happens if I do not submit required documents?
Your financial aid may not be processed or disbursed until all required documents have been received and reviewed. Check your student portal and La Roche email regularly for outstanding requirements.
How do I accept or decline my financial aid?
You can review your financial aid offer and accept or decline eligible aid through your student portal. You do not have to accept all of the aid offered to you.
How do I apply for a Federal Direct Loan?
If you are eligible for a Federal Direct Loan, it may be included in your financial aid offer. Follow the instructions provided in your student portal to accept or decline the loan. First-time, first-year Direct Loan borrowers must complete required federal loan entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before loan funds can be disbursed. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you have questions about loan processing or your eligibility.
Can I receive additional financial aid if my financial circumstances have changed?
Possibly. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if your financial circumstances have changed or the information reported on your FAFSA no longer accurately reflects your circumstances. Depending on your situation and federal requirements, Financial Aid may review whether an adjustment is permitted. Documentation may be required, and reviews are conducted case by case.
How will I know how much financial aid I am eligible to receive?
Financial Aid evaluates your application and determines eligibility for available federal, state, institutional, and other aid programs for which you qualify. Your financial aid offer will identify the types and amounts of aid offered. Estimated awards may be included while eligibility is being finalized and should not be treated as guaranteed credit until confirmed.
Am I eligible for financial aid if I am currently in default on a federal student loan?
Students in default on a federal student loan may be ineligible for additional federal student aid until the default is resolved or the student otherwise meets applicable federal requirements. If you have questions about your status, contact the Office of Financial Aid and be prepared to provide documentation of any repayment, rehabilitation, or other resolution.
FAFSA and Pell Grant Changes for 2026–2027
Did the One Big Beautiful Bill Act change the Federal Pell Grant?
Yes. Several changes to Pell Grant eligibility took effect beginning with the 2026–2027 award year. Federal law now includes additional limitations involving a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) and certain non-federal financial assistance. For example, a student whose SAI is at or above twice the maximum Pell Grant award may be ineligible for Pell Grant, subject to applicable exceptions. Federal rules also changed the treatment of certain non-federal grants and scholarships that cover a student’s full cost of attendance. Pell eligibility is determined through the federal student aid process.
Will every student receive the same Pell Grant amount?
No. Pell Grant eligibility and award amounts depend on federal eligibility requirements, including FAFSA information, SAI, enrollment, and other applicable rules. If your circumstances change, your eligibility may also change.
Federal Student Loans — Important 2026–2027 Changes
What changed for federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026?
The OBBBA made several significant changes beginning with the 2026–2027 award year, including new annual and aggregate limits for graduate and professional students; elimination of the Graduate PLUS Loan program for most new graduate and professional borrowers; a new $65,000 aggregate Parent PLUS limit per dependent undergraduate student; a new $257,500 lifetime maximum aggregate federal student loan limit; new proportional loan limits for students enrolled less than full-time; and a limited exception for certain students who were already enrolled and had a qualifying Direct Loan before July 1, 2026. These rules may affect eligibility even if you previously received federal student loans.
What are the new graduate and professional student loan limits?
For periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 2026, students subject to the new limits may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year and $100,000 aggregate for graduate study, or up to $50,000 per academic year and $200,000 aggregate for professional study, subject to applicable federal definitions and eligibility requirements. These are maximum statutory limits, not guaranteed award amounts. Actual eligibility may be lower based on cost of attendance, other financial aid, enrollment, prior borrowing, and other federal requirements.
What is the new $257,500 lifetime federal student loan limit?
Beginning with the 2026–2027 award year, federal law establishes a $257,500 lifetime maximum aggregate amount of federal student loans a student may borrow. This includes applicable federal loans borrowed for undergraduate, graduate, and professional study, including Graduate PLUS Loans. Parent PLUS Loans borrowed by a parent on behalf of a dependent undergraduate student are excluded from the student’s $257,500 lifetime limit. Once the lifetime maximum is reached, repayment, forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge generally does not restore borrowing eligibility.
What happens if I have already reached the $257,500 lifetime federal loan limit?
If you have reached the applicable $257,500 lifetime maximum, you generally cannot receive additional federal Title IV loans. This generally remains true even if some prior loans have been repaid, forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Certain students who qualify for a federal loan-limit exception may be treated differently during the applicable exception period. Financial Aid must review your federal loan history and eligibility before determining whether an exception applies.
Does the $257,500 limit include Parent PLUS Loans?
No. Parent PLUS Loans borrowed by a parent on behalf of a dependent undergraduate student are excluded from the student’s $257,500 lifetime maximum. Parent PLUS Loans have a separate aggregate limit beginning with the 2026–2027 award year.
Why are my actual loan funds less than the amount shown on my award?
Federal Direct Loan proceeds are reduced by the applicable federal loan origination fee before the net funds are sent to the University. As a result, the amount credited to your student account may be less than the gross loan amount shown on your financial aid offer.
Parent PLUS Loans
What changed for Parent PLUS Loans?
Beginning with the 2026–2027 award year, the Parent PLUS aggregate loan limit is $65,000 per dependent undergraduate student. The limit applies collectively to Parent PLUS borrowing for that dependent student rather than providing a separate $65,000 limit to each parent. Amounts previously repaid, forgiven, canceled, or discharged generally do not restore borrowing capacity once the applicable aggregate limit has been reached.
What is the annual Parent PLUS Loan limit?
For new Parent PLUS borrowers subject to the 2026–2027 rules, the annual Parent PLUS limit is $20,000 per dependent undergraduate student, subject to applicable federal eligibility requirements and any exception that may apply.
What if my parent is denied a Parent PLUS Loan?
A dependent undergraduate student may qualify for additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility when a parent is unable to obtain a Parent PLUS Loan because of an adverse credit determination, subject to applicable federal rules. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if your parent has been denied a Parent PLUS Loan so we can explain the options available to you.
Graduate PLUS and Graduate/Professional Students
Is the Graduate PLUS Loan still available?
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Graduate PLUS Loan program is generally eliminated for new graduate and professional student borrowers. Federal law provides a limited exception for certain students who meet specific requirements.
What does “legacy” or “interim exception” status mean?
The federal government uses an interim exception process for certain continuing students who were enrolled in the same program of study at the same institution as of June 30, 2026 and received a qualifying Direct Loan for that program before July 1, 2026. Students who qualify may remain subject to the pre-July 1, 2026 loan limits for the applicable exception period. The exception is not automatic; Financial Aid must determine eligibility based on federal requirements and the student’s federal loan history.
Can I become eligible for the higher professional student loan limit because my program is classified as a professional degree?
Possibly. Federal Student Aid has temporarily classified additional programs as professional degree programs because of ongoing litigation concerning the federal definition of a professional degree. Under current interim guidance, certain qualifying nursing and other health-related programs may fall within the professional-degree classification. Professional students who are subject to the new limits may have access to the higher $50,000 annual and $200,000 aggregate Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits.
Does La Roche have to give me the higher $50,000 professional student loan limit?
No. Federal guidance permits institutions to establish lower program-level federal loan limits when applicable requirements are followed and the limit is applied consistently to students in the program. Because the professional-degree classifications affecting certain nursing programs are subject to litigation and evolving federal guidance, La Roche University has temporarily deferred implementation of the increased Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits for affected graduate nursing programs while the University continues to evaluate federal guidance and pending legal proceedings.
Does La Roche’s temporary deferral affect my admission or enrollment?
No. The University’s temporary approach to the increased professional-degree loan limits does not affect your admission to La Roche University, academic program, enrollment status, eligibility for federal aid under the University’s current awarding practices, scholarships or grants, or ability to pursue your degree. The issue concerns the amount of federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility the University will implement under the temporary professional-degree classification.
Could La Roche change its approach in the future?
Possibly. Federal guidance and legal proceedings concerning professional-degree classifications continue to develop. La Roche University will monitor guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and review its procedures as additional federal direction becomes available. Affected students will be notified of significant changes.
Enrollment and Loan Eligibility
Does attending less than full-time affect my federal loan eligibility?
Yes. Beginning July 1, 2026, federal rules generally require annual Federal Direct Loan limits for students enrolled less than full-time in term-based programs to be reduced in proportion to the student’s enrollment level. At La Roche, full-time enrollment for federal loan purposes is 12.0 credit hours or more per term for undergraduate students and 6.0 credit hours or more per term for graduate students. Students below the applicable full-time level may not be eligible for the full annual federal Direct Loan limit. Federal Direct Loan borrowers must generally be enrolled at least half-time.
Can dropping a course reduce my federal loan eligibility?
Possibly. A change in enrollment can affect eligibility for federal student loans and other financial aid. Before dropping a course, contact the Office of Financial Aid to understand how the change may affect your aid and student account.
What do I do if I want to add or drop a class?
Always check with the Office of Financial Aid before adding or dropping a class so you can understand whether the change may affect your financial aid eligibility or balance.
Financial Aid and Your Student Account
When will my financial aid be applied to my bill?
Financial aid is typically applied to your student account after the add/drop period of each semester once all financial aid requirements have been completed. Timing may vary based on your individual eligibility and outstanding requirements.
How and when will I receive my grant or scholarship funds?
Eligible grants and scholarships are generally credited to your student account and applied toward applicable tuition, fees, and other eligible charges. Any remaining eligible balance after applicable charges are covered may be subject to a refund.
How and when will I receive my federal student loan funds?
Eligible federal loan proceeds are credited to your student account after required eligibility and disbursement requirements have been completed. Any eligible excess credit balance may be issued to you as a refund for other educational expenses.
Will I receive a refund if my financial aid exceeds my charges?
It depends. If eligible financial aid exceeds tuition, fees, and other applicable charges, the remaining eligible credit balance may be issued to you as a refund.
Who should I contact about my bill or financial aid?
Contact Student Financial Services for questions about tuition and fees, housing and meal charges, payment deadlines, how to pay your bill, payment plans, and refunds or refund timing. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for questions about your financial aid status, FAFSA requirements, verification, missing financial aid documents, your financial aid offer, federal or private educational loans, and financial aid eligibility. If you are unsure which office to contact, either office can help direct you.
Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Satisfactory Academic Progress is a federal requirement that measures whether you are making adequate academic progress toward completing your educational program. SAP generally considers cumulative grade point average, the percentage of credits successfully completed compared with credits attempted, and the maximum timeframe allowed to complete your program. You must meet applicable SAP requirements to remain eligible for federal student aid.
What happens if I lose financial aid eligibility because of SAP?
If you have experienced qualifying extenuating circumstances, you may be able to submit an SAP appeal. If your appeal is approved, federal student aid may be reinstated for a subsequent semester under the terms established by the Office of Financial Aid.
Can I receive financial aid during the summer?
Yes, if you are enrolled and meet applicable eligibility requirements. Depending on your remaining eligibility and enrollment, summer financial aid may include Federal Pell Grant and/or federal student loans. Students should complete any required summer financial aid application or documentation by the University’s published deadline.
How does dropping or withdrawing from classes affect my financial aid?
Dropping or withdrawing from classes may reduce your financial aid eligibility and could result in a balance owed to La Roche University. Federal regulations require financial aid to be recalculated in certain circumstances based on your enrollment and the amount of aid you earned. Before withdrawing from classes, contact the Office of Financial Aid so you understand the potential financial aid consequences.
What is Return of Title IV (R2T4)?
Return of Title IV is the federal process used to recalculate federal student aid when a student withdraws from all classes or otherwise ceases attendance under circumstances covered by federal regulations. If you withdraw before completing 60% of the semester, federal student aid generally must be recalculated. You may be required to return a portion of your financial aid and could owe a balance to La Roche University.
Scholarships and Federal Work-Study
How do I apply for scholarships?
Some La Roche scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission application, while others may require a separate application. Review available scholarship opportunities through the La Roche University website and your student portal.
What is Federal Work-Study, and how do I apply?
Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students. If you indicated an interest in Work-Study on your FAFSA and are eligible, it may appear on your financial aid offer. If you did not indicate interest but would like to be considered, contact the Office of Financial Aid. Work-Study earnings are paid directly to the student and are not automatically applied to the student account. Students are paid for hours worked according to the University’s payroll schedule.
Pennsylvania State Grant
What is the Pennsylvania State Grant?
The Pennsylvania State Grant is a need-based grant for eligible Pennsylvania residents enrolled in approved programs. It generally does not need to be repaid.
How do I apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant?
To be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant, complete the FAFSA by May 1 for the upcoming academic year and complete any additional Pennsylvania State Grant requirements requested by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The 2027–28 State Grant Form (SGF) will no longer be required for all first-time applicants; PHEAA will generate the form for applicable applicants based on information received from the FAFSA and other records. PHEAA will notify you by email if additional information or documentation is required and will provide instructions for accessing its portal, such as GrantUs. The May 1 deadline is important, and PHEAA deadlines and requirements may change.
How will I know if I was awarded a Pennsylvania State Grant?
PHEAA will notify you regarding your state grant eligibility. The grant may also appear on your La Roche financial aid offer once eligibility has been confirmed.
Why is my Pennsylvania State Grant not showing on my financial aid offer?
Your grant may not yet appear if your FAFSA or state grant application is incomplete, PHEAA is still reviewing your eligibility, required documentation has not been submitted, or La Roche has not yet received confirmation from PHEAA.
Can I receive both a Federal Pell Grant and a Pennsylvania State Grant?
Yes. Eligible students may receive both programs as long as they meet the requirements for each program.
What happens to my Pennsylvania State Grant if I drop or withdraw from classes?
Changes in enrollment may reduce or cancel your Pennsylvania State Grant. In some circumstances, you may be required to repay a portion of the grant.
Do I have to apply for the Pennsylvania State Grant every year?
You must complete the FAFSA each year and complete any additional state grant requirements necessary to continue receiving funding.
Other Financial Aid Questions
Is there financial aid available if I am pursuing a second bachelor’s degree?
Possibly. Financial aid eligibility for a student pursuing a second bachelor’s degree depends on the student’s program, enrollment, prior federal borrowing, remaining federal loan eligibility, and the requirements of each aid program. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for an individual review of your eligibility.
What happens if I change my housing status?
Your financial aid award may be reviewed if your housing status changes. Your aid may increase, decrease, or remain the same depending on how the change affects your cost of attendance and other eligibility factors. Contact the Office of Financial Aid before changing your housing status so your individual situation can be reviewed.
Does becoming a Resident Assistant affect my financial aid package?
Possibly. A Resident Assistant position may affect your financial aid package or cost of attendance. Contact the Office of Financial Aid before accepting or beginning the position so the potential impact can be reviewed.
Can I receive financial aid if I study abroad?
Students must complete the necessary financial aid paperwork and participate through an approved program to receive applicable federal and state funding. Students studying abroad are not eligible to receive La Roche University institutional funding under the University’s current study-abroad financial aid policy. Contact Financial Aid and the Study Abroad Office before making arrangements.
What if I need additional funds to help pay for school?
Students who need additional funds should review available options with Financial Aid and Student Financial Services. Depending on eligibility, options may include scholarships, payment plans, applicable Parent PLUS borrowing, and private educational loans. If a parent is denied a Parent PLUS Loan because of adverse credit, the dependent student may qualify for additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility, subject to federal requirements.
Need Help With Your Financial Aid?
The La Roche University Office of Financial Aid is available to help you understand your financial aid, complete required steps, and explore available financing options.
Office of Financial Aid
Admissions Welcome Center
Zappala Campus Center, Room 201
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
