Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are items missing that may delay my financial aid process?
Follow these steps to see if there are any items we are waiting to receive:
Step 1 - Click on Financial Aid Tab
Step 2 - Click on Eligibility
Step 3 - Click on Student Requirements
Note: Requirements that are missing and/or incomplete are located in the "Unsatisfied Requirements" section with the status of Established and/or Incomplete.
How can I check the status of my FAFSA?
If your FAFSA is not listed as Received-Reviewed in the Student Financial Aid Requirements section, you may call 1-800-4-Fed-Aid, or visit www.fafsa.gov
What are "active messages"?
Active messages are informational messages which are associated with your financial aid award and would generally appear on your award letter.
How do I view my Financial Aid Award?
Prospective students:
Step 1 - Go to insidepacific.pacific.edu
Step 2 - Enter your PacificNet ID username and password
Step 3 - Go to the Undergraduate Financial Aid Awards and Requirements section and select the access link
Step 4 - Select the Financial Aid Options - Click Here link to navigate to the Financial Aid main menu
Step 5 - Select the Award By Aid Year link
Step 6 - Select 2012-13 Financial Aid Year from the drop down menu and click the "submit button
Step 7 - Select the Award Overview tab
Note: Your PacificNet ID and initial default password is located on the second page of your Admission offer letter.
Current/ Returning students:
Step 1 - Log onto insidePacific using your PacificNet ID username and password
Step 2 - Select the Administrative tab
Step 3 - Go to the Administrative Services section and select the click here to: link
Step 4 - Select the Student & Financial Aid link
Step 5 - Select the Financial Aid tab across the top of the next screen
Step 6 - Select the View Your Financial Aid Award link from the Financial Aid main menu
Step 7 - Select the Award By Aid Year link
Step 8 - Select 2012-13 Financial Aid Year from the drop down menu and click the submit button
Step 9 - Select the "Award Overview" tab
Step 10 - Select the "Accept Award Offer" tab to accept your awards
How can I accept my financial aid award?
Step 1 - Click on View Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award By Aid Year, select the aid year and click Submit
Step 3 - Click on Accept Award Offer tab
Step 4 - Click the arrow on the drop-down box by the loan you want to accept and select Accept
Step 5 - Click on the Submit Decision button
Note: If you want to accept the full amount of all of your awards click on the Accept Full Amount All Awards button.
How do I accept my PELL Grant (or, Why can't a accept it on insidePacific)?
Pell Grants stay in "offered" status until approximately the first week of school. At that time the Financial Aid Office will change the status to "accept" if the student is registered, all Financial Aid requirements are complete and classes have begun.
Once I recieve my award letter, is there any reason it could change later?
There are a number of circumstances that could have an effect on your original award letter:
- Verfication of your application
- Change in your family's financial situtation
- Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) or an acceptable GPA
- Notifcation after you were packaged of "outside" aid (i.e. a scholarship)
- Not enrolling for the required number of units to receive aid through programs
How will I know if my financial aid award changes?
The Financial Aid Office will send an email to your u.pacific.edu address.
Will my financial aid package be the same every year?
If your family's circumstances remain relatively unchanged, you can expect to receive comparable amounts of need-based grant each year; however, larger amounts will be available from student loan programs as you progress toward graduation. If you receive a merit scholarship, the amount will be the same each year that you qualify for renewal of the award.
Can I print my award?
Step 1 - Click on View Your Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award By Aid Year
Step 3 - Click on Award Overview tab
Step 4 - Click on the orange Print located under the General Information tab
I was selected for an academic merit scholarship. Can I qualify for any other financial aid?
To find out, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have your FAFSA information sent to Pacific. Pacific's FAFSA school code is 001329. Many scholarship winners who apply for financial aid find they qualify for aid in addition to their academic awards.
Is there a minimum course load required for the scholarship?
Yes, scholarship recipients must enroll fulltime (12 units or more each semester) to receive the scholarship.
Is there a minimum GPA to retain my scholarship?
Yes, recipients must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA to remain eligible for the scholarship.
How often is my GPA reviewed?
Scholarship review is done annually after spring semester to determine eligibility for the upcoming academic year.
What happens if my overall GPA doesn't meet the renewal requirement of 3.0?
You will be notified by the Financial Aid Office (USPS-letter and u.pacific email) in June that your scholarship will not be renewed for the upcoming year.
Is there an appeal process if I have extenuating circumstances?
No. If, after any future semester, your overall GPA is 3.0 or higher you may contact a member of the financial aid counseling staff and ask that your scholarship eligibility be reviewed and reinstated for the subsequent term. Please note that you must request the review; scholarship reinstatement is not automatic if you meet the GPA requirement in the future.
Can I get my scholarship back by attending summer school?
Yes, but only courses at Pacific will be included in your GPA. While you may be able to transfer units from a community college or a college closer to your home during summer, a GPA is not calculated.
Will my need based financial aid be adjusted if I lose my academic scholarship?
Every financial aid package is individual. Please contact a member of the counseling staff to determine if you're eligible for other need based aid from Pacific if your scholarship is not renewed.
How many years may I renew the scholarship?
In general, academic scholarships received in the freshman year are renewable in a bachelor's degree program for up to a total of four years (eight semesters). Students pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree may use the scholarship during the pre-professional years of study; the scholarship is not renewable for professional study in the School of Pharmacy, Dentistry or Law.
How often will I be evaluated for an academic scholarship?
Eligibility for an academic scholarship is calculated one time and that's at the point of admission to Pacific.
Do I need to report an outside scholarship, if so how do I report it?
Yes, any outside scholarship you receive must be taken into consideration as part of your total financial aid package. An outside scholarship cannot be counted as part of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
If your financial aid package must be revised to accommodate an outside scholarship, the outside award will be used first to replace an equal amount of loan or work-study. Other grants or scholarships will be reduced only as a last resort. To report an outside scholarship, follow these steps:
Step 1 - Click on View Your Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award by Aid Year, select aid year and click Submit
Step 3 - Click on Resources/Additional Information tab
Step 4 - Enter outside scholarship information including Resource Description, Term, and Amount.
How do I apply for Outside (non-Pacific) scholarships?
Admitted freshmen and transfer students are automatically considered for Pacific's merit-based scholarships. With the exception of the Powell Scholars Program, which requires a special application and interview, there is no separate scholarship application.
For information about scholarships from other sources, check with your high school or community college counselor and access one of the free online scholarship search sites, such as:
| FastWeb | College Board (Fund Finder) | Scholarships 101 Scholarship Search |
| Club Scholarship | International Education Financial Aid | |
| GoCollege Scholarship Search | Scholarships.com |
How can I accept a lesser loan amount than offered?
Step 1 - Click on View Your Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award By Aid Year
Step 3 - Click on Accept Award Offer tab
Step 4 - Click the arrow on the dropdown box by the loan you want to accept and select Accept
Step 5 - Specify the amount you want to borrow in the Accept Partial Amount area
Step 6 - Click on the Submit Decision button
How can I decline a loan?
Step 1 - Click on View Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award By Aid Year, select the aid year and click Submit
Step 3 - Click on Accept Award Offer tab
Step 4 - Click the arrow on the drop-down box by the loan you want to decline and select Decline
Step 5 - Click on the Submit Decision button
Can my loan amount be increased once I accept a lesser amount?
Yes, if you have eligibility for the increased amount. Contact the counseling staff in the Financial Aid Office.
Can I accept a loan if I previously declined the loan?
Yes, if you have eligibility for the loan. Contact the counseling staff in the Financial Aid Office, to reset your previous loan eligibility.
I've accepted my loans, is there anything else I need to do?
After July 15th all new Direct Loan borrowers must complete the Master Promissory Note at http://dlenote.ed.gov and Federal Direct Online Entrance Counseling at www.dl.ed.gov (PIN required). For additional information refer to the Loan Instructions sheet.
How can my parent apply for a Parent PLUS loan?
Your parent applies for the Parent PLUS loan at www.StudentLoans.gov indicating the amount they want to borrow for the academic year.
As a Graduate Student how can I accept my Grad/PLUS loan?
Step 1 - Click on View Your Financial Aid Award
Step 2 - Click on Award By Aid Year and select the aid year.
Step 3 - Click on Accept Award Offer tab
Step 4 - Click the arrow on the drop-down box by the Federal Grad PLUS and select Accept (if you want to accept full amount) or indicate the lesser amount you plan to borrow in the Accept Partial Amount area
Step 5 - Click submit decision button
Will I be able to get a job through the Federal Work-Study Program?
If you file the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need, your financial aid package may include an offer of Federal Work-Study. Utlilizing federal work-study provides an opportunity to help pay for your education and related expenses by working part-time during the school year.
Unlike other financial aid, money earned from Federal Work-Study employment is paid directly to the student. Payroll checks are issued twice a month and reflect the number of hours worked (if any) and the student's hourly rate of pay.
The Career Resource Center's online job database, Tiger Jobs, allows students to view employment opportunities and apply for jobs online.
If I decline work-study, may I accept it later?
Students who decline their work-study award may accept it at a later time pending availabilty of funds. Contact the counseling staff in the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Do I need to reapply for Financial Aid each year?
Yes, the next academic year's FAFSA becomes available January 1st. The priority filing date for continuing Pacific students is March 2nd. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov. To complete and sign the FAFSA electronically, students (and parents, if required) must use their Department of Education PIN www.pin.ed.gov.
What if my housing plans are different than shown on my award?
A change in your residential situation may affect your cost of attendance and, subsequently, your financial aid package. Contact the counseling staff in the Financial Aid Office, they can help you determine any changes in your aid eligibility.
As an undergraduate student, what if I plan to be enrolled less than full-time?
A change in your registration may affect your cost of attendance and, subsequently, your financial aid package/ eligibility. Contact the counseling staff in the Financial Aid Office, they can help you determine any changes in your aid eligibility.
I missed the priority deadline. Can I still apply for financial aid? Is my eligibility impacted?
Yes. You may apply for aid throughout the academic year. However, your award may be less favorable due to limited funding in the federal campus-based programs (i.e. Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-study or Federal Perkins loan).
I currently have a Cal Grant, do I need to do a GPA verification form each year?
No, however annually you must meet California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) income and asset guidelines to remain eligible for the Cal Grant.
How does the Financial Aid Office communicate with students?
The Office of Financial Aid communicates with students through a variety of formats. Like other offices on campus, Financial Aid's most common form of communication is email utilizing students' personal u.pacific.edu email address. Students are expected to check their u.pacific.edu email accounts regularly. Information sent/ received via email is considered official University communication and should be treated as such. Pacific strongly urges students to use their u.pacific.edu email because of it's secure nature but understands not all students will utilize it as their primary email account. Students who will not be regularly checking their Pacific email should forward their Pacific email to their preferred email account.
Is aid available for Study Abroad?
Yes. As long as you are charged Pacific Tuition for your semester abroad. Contact the Financial Aid counseling staff for additional information.
I am going on Engineering Co-op. How does this affect my aid?
Federal aid awarded to you for the year is disbursed equally between the semesters of enrollment. University tuition specific aid may be adjusted and distributed unequally, if necessary. Because students going on Co-Op receive a waiver for half the value of a standard semester's tuition rate; most likely costs will be lower during a Co-Op semester. Contact the Financial Aid Counseling staff for additional information.
I am going to be an RA (Resident Assistant). How does this affect my aid?
Resident Assistant awards are awarded and disbursed on a semester basis. In some cases, the award will be incorporated into the overall award need (i.e. reduce loans). However, if financial need has been met, it may impact University tuition-specific aid. Contact the Financial Aid counseling staff for more information.