Latrobe, PA—Saint Vincent College announced today that it will extend the priority Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline for additional need-based aid from the College this year to May 1, 2024. The deadline extension also applies to the new Bearcat Advantage program, which covers tuition for eligible Pennsylvania students.
The deadline extension follows an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education, which notified higher education institutions this week that colleges and universities will not receive financial aid data for students who have applied to their institutions until mid-March.
“We want to recognize the difficult position that these ongoing delays are causing families,” said Mary Gazal, assistant vice president for financial aid at Saint Vincent College. “Extending our priority filing deadline helps us do everything in our power to make a high-quality college education more accessible for our students.”
The FAFSA is an electronic form that is required for federal grant, work study and student loan eligibility for all current and future college students. Saint Vincent College also uses the data collected in the FAFSA to determine eligibility for additional need-based scholarships and grants made available through the generous donations from SVC alumni, friends and family.
Among those college-specific efforts for SVC is the Bearcat Advantage, a new program designed to make a college education more affordable for Pennsylvanian students with a household income less than $60,000. The program reflects the College’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity to earn a college degree for all students, in alignment with its mission and values. Through the program, a combination of grants and scholarships will help more students enjoy the benefits of a Saint Vincent education.
“We want to encourage students and families to remain patient in this process,” explained Gazal. “While undoubtedly frustrating for everyone involved, we are committed to helping you succeed in your college journey.”
Families with any financial aid-related questions can reach out directly to Saint Vincent College’s Financial Aid office at 724-805-2555 or financialaid@stvincent.edu.