Financial Aid Application Process

Applying for Financial Aid is not as complex as you might think!  In hopes of giving you a good understanding of how the application process works and what to expect from RMU, we’ve outlined the most important steps and need to know information below.   When it comes to cost and the financial aid process, RMU takes pride in transparency and our ability to assist families navigate all aspects of the process.  We welcome are many questions as you may have along the way.

 

FILE YOUR FAFSA

Q&A's On The New FAFSA

What is an FSA ID

An FSA ID is a username and password created through the US Department of Education. It serves as your electronic signature for FAFSA completion. It will also be used for other federal financial aid processes, such as federal student loan completion and repayment requirements.

Create your Federal Student Aid Account (FSA ID)

What are FAFSA Contributors

A contributor is any person required to provide information on the student’s FAFSA. This will always include the student but can also include the student’s spouse (if married), the student’s biological/adoptive parents (if dependent), and parent’s spouse (if parent is remarried). All contributors need their own FSA ID and must provide consent to pull IRS tax information into the FAFSA.

What can I expect once I file?

After the FAFSA is filed, you’ll receive confirmation directly from the US Department of Education. RMU will receive the record shortly thereafter. We will usually start the financial aid packaging process for newly accepted students in December/January each year.

Financial aid packages are mailed home, plus made available for viewing through the student’s online financial aid portal, RMU.EDU/MYFINAID. *Graduate, doctorate, and fully online students receive an email notice only.

Do I have to file the FAFSA?

No, but….

Without the FAFSA, we cannot review students for all potential aid sources. This not only includes federal and state aid, but also additional RMU funded scholarship and grant aid beyond the Merit Scholarship you may have already received. Each year, we have students and families pleasantly surprised by the outcome of the FAFSA and resulting financial aid eligibility. Please do not miss this very important step!

Is there a deadline?

For prime financial aid consideration, we recommend you file as soon as possible after the FAFSA form becomes available in October. Pennsylvania residents should be aware of the state’s annual May 1 deadline. Any FAFSA filed after that date will not be reviewed for state grant eligibility.