Apply for Financial Aid

New domestic student applicants (first-time students and transfers) can apply for financial aid, upload required documents, and view processing status through their Panther Portal.

To receive financial aid, a domestic student must meet the following requirements:  

• Complete a FAFSA Form (Principia’s FAFSA Code: 001744).

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (see the Financial Aid Handbook for more information).  

• Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

• Be enrolled as a regular student at Principia College.  

• May not be in default on any federal educational loans or owe a refund on a federal grant. Principia College uses the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Financial Aid History to have this information verified.  

• Be making satisfactory academic progress according to Principia College’s standards. See the Financial Aid Handbook for more information.

• If the student has been convicted of a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense and is subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense, the student has limited aid eligibility.  

• Certify the student will use federal financial aid only for educational purposes.  

• The student is enrolled at least half-time for student loans.  

How a domestic student applies for Financial Aid:  

1. Get Prepared: Gather documents needed to apply.

2. Complete the FAFSA Form (we suggest that you keep a copy of every document you submit to FAFSA and to Principia College). 
    

3. Review Student Aid Report (SAR).

4. Respond to aid offer.

5. Receive aid.

6. Renew your FAFSA Form every academic year.

View this video to see what happens after FAFSA forms are submitted.  

Required Financial Aid Materials and Deadlines 

All new students must submit the required materials by the established deadlines. A complete Financial Aid application will include the applicable documents as noted below. Late applications are accepted; however, the Financial Aid award notification may be delayed due to the late application, and award amounts will be subject to availability of funds. Applications submitted after the start of the term may be considered ineligible for institutional funds, at the discretion of the Financial Aid Office.  

	Early Applicants	Regular Applicants	Returning Students
Priority Domestic Financial Aid Application	December 1	March 1	April 30
Domestic Award Notification	Rolling	7-10 days following admission date	Rolling
FAFSA Available	December 1	December 1	December 1
Principia’s Financial Aid Renewal Application (returning students)	N/A	N/A	April 30
Donor Thank You Letter	N/A	N/A	April 30

Returning domestic students who want to renew their financial aid or scholarships for the following academic year must do so by the published deadline to be eligible for priority aid consideration. The FAFSA must be completed annually for aid to be renewed. Returning students may upload required documents and view the status of Renewal Application items in their Financial Aid Portal via BannerWeb. 

Required Financial Aid Materials and Deadlines 

A complete financial aid application will include the applicable documents as noted below. Late applications are accepted; however, the financial aid award notification may be delayed due to the late application, and award amounts will be subject to available funds. Applications submitted after the start of the term may be considered ineligible for institutional funds, at the discretion of the Financial Aid Office. 

	Early Applicants	Regular Applicants	Returning Students
Priority Domestic Financial Aid Application	December 1	March 1	April 30
Domestic Award Notification	Rolling	Rolling	Rolling
FAFSA Available	December 1	December 1	December 1
Principia’s Financial Aid Renewal Application (returning students)	N/A	N/A	April 30
Donor Thank You Letter	N/A	N/A	April 30

In certain cases, the following documents may be required by our Financial Aid Office: 

• Parent and student federal IRS income tax returns (Form 1040 and all schedules) or translated annual tax forms for international filers. 

• Federal Tax Returns for a corporation or partnership (1065, 1120S, 1120) and K-1 statements. 

• Form W-2 statements or wage statements from an employer if outside the U.S. 

Principia College does not provide need-based aid for international students. 

Principia College provides support to qualified international students through its generous merit awards. International students (along with domestic) are automatically considered for scholarships during admission. Consideration is based on academic and other information contained in the application and shared with the Admissions Counselor. International students are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration. 

Additional support may be available for students of Christian Science from across the globe. Separate documentation is required for award consideration. Additional awards, if available, will be noted on the student’s letter of admission.  

Institutional Loans for International Students 

Principia College offers an institutional loan program for qualified international students. This institutional loan is available at a maximum of $2,500 per semester, with a term limit of eight semesters. Further information about the international student loan program is available through the Financial Aid Office.