Changes to Student Aid Programs
Financial Aid has Gone Paperless
Financial aid has gone paperless and no longer sends paper documents to students. To set up your Mobile Financial Aid Account, follow these steps:
- Log in to Workday Student with your Bucks username and password.
- Navigate to the Finances app
- Select Missing Electronic Documents
- Enter or confirm your student information
- Create your account
- Submit all documents
Repeat Course Policy
Please note there is new regulation that limits the number of times you can repeat a course to obtain a better grade. Please review this new policy at Repeated Coursework
StudentAid.gov Account
The StudentAid.gov Account has replaced the FSA ID.
The U.S. Department of Education updated the system to allow applicants and contributors without Social Security numbers to access the FAFSA online while completing the manual identity verification process. Students and contributors with valid Social Security numbers can transmit their tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (FA-DXX) process. Those without an SSN can also submit tax information into the FAFSA form.
Creating a StudentAid.gov Account provides access to Department of Education systems for identity verification. Both the student and any contributors (such as parents or spouses) must create an account, even if a contributor does not have an SSN.
To create an account:
- Visit StudentAid.gov/fsa-id
- Select Create an Account
- Click Get Started
Federal Pell Grant Program – Duration of Eligibility
You may receive a Pell Grant for up to 12 semesters (or the equivalent if you attend part-time). Once you reach this limit, you are no longer eligible for additional Pell Grant funding.
You can view your Pell Grant usage by logging in to the Federal Student Aid website.
Year-Round Pell Grant
Pell Grant recipients can access additional funds for summer classes under the Year-Round Pell Grant program.
How it works
- A typical Pell Grant is split 50% for Fall and 50% for Spring.
- Previously, students had no additional funds for Summer classes.
- With Year-Round Pell, students may receive an additional 50% of their Pell Grant for summer enrollment if they are enrolled at least half-time.
- Students taking only one course may not be eligible for summer Pell, unless they were enrolled less than full-time in fall or spring.
- Example: A full Pell Grant recipient receives $6,000 for fall and spring. Year-Round Pell can provide an additional $3,000 for Summer classes.
Important: Using Year-Round Pell counts toward your lifetime federal aid limit.
Summer Financial Aid Application
- Students must apply separately for summer aid through the Summer Financial Aid application, accessible in your Mobile Financial Aid Account.
- Students must meet all eligibility requirements and enroll in Summer Session 1 to receive funding.
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office:
- Email: finaid@bucks.edu
- Phone: 215-968-8200
Eligibility of Students Without a High School Diploma
In order to be eligible for federal student aid, you must have either a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) or have been home schooled. You will not be permitted to take the Ability to Benefit Test.
Verification
If you are selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office must confirm that the information you reported on your FAFSA is accurate.
This process usually involves providing copies of the tax information you and, if applicable, your parent(s) or spouse used to complete the FAFSA. At Bucks, students selected for verification must also submit a Verification Form.
You will receive an email and text message if you are selected, explaining what information is needed and how to submit it.
Failure to provide verification documents by the stated deadline will deactivate your financial aid file, and no further processing will occur. If your documents are submitted after deactivation, your file can be reactivated and processed if there is enough time and funding is still available.
Important Reminders
- Bucks cannot accept paper copies of tax returns for verification. You must submit an IRS Tax Transcript instead.
- Keep copies of your federal tax documents, including tax returns, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and any schedules you filed.
- Additional documentation may be required, such as:
- Proof of separation or divorce
- Marriage license
- Social Security card, birth certificate, or driver’s license
- Proof of non-citizen status or other legal documents to resolve conflicting information
If you used the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (FA-DXX) when completing your FAFSA, you may not need to submit tax documentation. However, you may still be asked to provide other verification forms, such as the Statement of Identity and Educational Purpose, or documents from your spouse or parents.
Student Aid Index (SAI)
Beginning with the 2024–25 FAFSA, the new FAFSA Processing System (FPS) replaced the former system used to process financial aid applications.
The FPS uses the information you and your contributors provide on the FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI replaces the former Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Your SAI is based on one of three formulas:
- Formula A: Dependent students
- Formula B: Independent students without dependents (other than a spouse)
- Formula C: Independent students with dependents (other than a spouse)
Fostering Independence Through Education Act
Act 16 of 2019
The Fostering Independence Through Education Act (Act 16 of 2019) helps Pennsylvania residents who have been in foster care attend college.
Under this law, Pennsylvania colleges and universities must waive tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students.
Students must meet all eligibility requirements to receive the waiver.
- Student must be accepted to the postsecondary institution.
- Student must be awarded all grants and scholarships for which the student qualifies.
- Student must be eligible for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant.
- Student must be a youth who was in foster care after age 16.
- Student must be under age 26.
- Student must be a current PA resident.
- Student must complete the FAFSA.
Points of Contact
For more information, including applying to the Bucks, accessing services, and financial aid, please contact:
Samantha Gross
samantha.gross@bucks.edu
215-968-8266
Daniel Yannuzzi
daniel.yannuzzi@bucks.edu
215-968-8204