Financial Aid for Adult Degree Programs
How to Apply for Financial Aid for Adult Learners
- Complete the FAFSA: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to assess your eligibility for federal aid.
- Employer Educational Assistance Verification Form: Submit the Employer Educational Assistance Verification form via mail or email, especially if receiving educational assistance from your employer.
- Contact the Office of Financial Aid for Special Circumstances: If your financial situation is unique or if you have questions, call the Office of Financial Aid at 717-361-1404.
- Review SAP Policies: Understand the Satisfactory Academic Progress policies relevant to your program to maintain federal aid eligibility.
- Submit Required Materials via Email: Send any necessary documents to finaid@etown.edu.
- Complete Before Classes Start: Ensure all steps are completed prior to the beginning of your classes.
Questions Regarding Payments? Contact our Business Office.
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Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Eligibility for federal student aid requires being a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, having a valid Social Security Number, and holding a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Additionally, they should not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a federal student loan. These criteria ensure that students meet the basic requirements to access federal financial aid.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Students at Elizabethtown College can access various types of financial aid, including the Federal Pell Grant for undergraduates with financial need, the Pennsylvania State Grant for eligible state residents, and Federal Direct Loans. Employer Tuition Reimbursement programs may also be available for working students. Additionally, a range of scholarships is offered, catering to diverse student profiles and needs. These financial aid options are designed to support students in different financial situations and academic stages.
Enrollment Eligibility
Bachelor's and Associate Programs: The accelerated 5-week undergraduate sessions are offered in three 5-week "mini-terms" which comprise a semester. Because of this, the determination of half-time status is different than traditional degree programs that operate on a fall/spring semester schedule. Undergraduate enrollment levels are determined by combining the credits taken in three separate 5-week sessions in both fall and spring.
- Full-time status is a student taking 12 or more credits within the semester.
- Half-time status is a student taking at least 6 credits per semester.
Graduate Programs: The 8-week graduate sessions are offered in "mini-terms" which comprise a semester. Because of this, the determination of part-time status and full-time status is different than traditional degree programs that operate on a fall/spring semester schedule. Graduate enrollment levels are determined by combining the credits taken in two separate 8-week sessions in both fall, spring, and summer.
- Full-time status is a student taking 6 or more credits within the semester.
- Part-time status is a student taking at least 3 credits per semester.
The Office of Federal Student Aid website has an abundance of information for students regarding all aspects of using federal aid and a "summary" page for students to get a snapshot of their borrowing history, lender information and much more.
Disbursal of aid typically takes place in the first session in which a learner is registered; Pennsylvania State Grants (for undergraduate students) are not disbursed until the last session of the semester.
Learners must reapply each year in order for aid to continue. Typically a reminder is sent by the financial aid office through email in March. Learners are highly encouraged to complete materials for their application by May 1 for the following summer and fall and November 1 for the following spring. This includes the College's Employer Educational Assistance Verification Form and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Possible tax documents and other worksheets may requested.
Your employer might help offset the cost of your education; talk to your human resources department or consult your employee handbook for information about tuition reimbursement or assistance programs.
Elizabethtown College offers a tuition deferment plan for students using their employer's reimbursement. Typically, the employer requires your course to be completed with a final grade recorded prior to reimbursing the employee. Rather than requiring payment for the course upfront, students can enroll in the deferment program to defer payment for 30 days after each course ends.
This initiative allows current students or Etown alumni to recommend prospective students to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS), all while contributing to reducing their financial obligations. When you refer a student, both you and the referred student will receive a complimentary credit applicable toward your preferred program or ongoing course of study. Learn more about the Jay Fellowship Referral Program.
Need More Information? Reach Out to Us.
Scholarships for Adult Learners
The Edward and Carol Murphy/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women Students is open to female students ages 25 and older, on the basis of financial need, academic record and professional/career aspirations. In August, an email is sent to all matriculated SGPS students who meet the criteria, inviting them to apply for the endowed scholarship.
The James L. Fritz/Charlotte Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women and Men Students is open to male and female students ages 25 and older, on the basis of financial need, academic record and professional/career aspirations. In August, an email is sent to all matriculated SGPS students who meet the criteria, inviting them to apply for the endowed scholarship.
Also known as The Fries Fund Scholarship, it is provided to current SGPS students showing financial need, who are age 23 or older, living and working in Lancaster County, and enrolled as a Business major. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
For current SGPS students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of graded coursework; achieved a minimum 3.2 GPA in all coursework; and have demonstrated financial need. For information, contact your academic advisor. (SGPS applicant does not have to be a member of ASL to apply.)
Newly admitted students to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society are eligible for a 15% tuition scholarship in any undergraduate program offered by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) at Elizabethtown College. Candidates must provide proof of membership in PTK and possess a 3.5 cumulative GPA upon admission into SGPS. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout their program and complete a minimum of 18 credits each academic year in order to maintain the PTK discount. Please contact Julie Walton for more information.
There are numerous external scholarships available to nontraditional students. We've compiled a list, available in the PDF documents. Please know that these links take you off of our website; we do not monitor or control the information provided on these websites.
