Application procedures for the 2009-10 academic year
If you have applied for admission as a member of the Class of 2012 you should begin the financial aid application process after January 1, 2009, for the 2009-10 academic year. While there is no deadline, you are encourgaged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible. If you are accepted and we have received the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically, your completed 2009-10 Financial Aid Application and a signed copy of your 2008 Federal Tax Return with W-2s, we will prepare and mail to you a Financial Aid Award Letter which will list your eligibility in the various aid programs. Important Note: First year students will not receive a refund check until the end of the first week of regular classes. Plan accordingly for security deposits, books, etc!
If you are a going to be a second or third–year student for the 2009-10 academic year, you must submit the Pierce Law Financial Aid Application, a copy of your signed 2008 Federal Tax Return with W-2s and complete your FAFSA. While there is no deadline you are encouraged to apply for financial aid as soon as possible to avoid delays in your aid being processed. Financial Aid information submitted now will be processed on a rolling basis. Need–based Pierce Law Grants and Federal Perkins Loans may be awarded based on the availability of funds. Important Note: Refund checks will be available shortly before the start of classes.
You should respond to all items on all forms. If items are left blank, the application will be treated as incomplete and delay processing. Award Letters will be prepared and mailed out on a rolling basis.
For all students, new and returning: We will not prepare an award letter for you until all financial aid forms listed below are completed and returned to the Office of Student Financial Services:
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
File electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Pierce Law's Title IV Code is G20979. Before you attempt to complete the form online, you must have a valid PIN. If you cannot recall your PIN or you do not have one, contact www.pin.ed.gov to obtain one.
2. Pierce Law Financial Aid Application Form
In order to be considered for Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad PLUS you must complete the financial aid application and return to the Office of Student Financial Services.
3. SIGNED copy of your 2008 Federal Income Tax Return with W–2 Wage Statements
If your spouse filed a separate return, this is also required. If you were employed in 2008 but are not required to file a Federal Income Tax Return, you must submit W–2 Wage Statements, if applicable. If you are NOT required to file a 2008 Federal Tax Return, please complete a Student Statement of Non-Filing U.S. Income Tax Return and return to our office. If you are not sure if you need to file a tax return, go to http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96623,00.html.
4. 2009-10 Verification Worksheet for Federal Student Aid Programs - to be dowloaded and completed for members of the class of 2012. Your application will not be considered complete until we receive this completed form.
5. Master Promissory Notes (MPN) for the Stafford, Graduate PLUS and Perkins Loans
The first time you borrow a Federal Stafford Loan and/or Federal Graduate PLUS while attending Pierce Law, you must choose a lender and complete the Master Promissory with that lender online along with an Entrance Counseling through Mapping Your Future. If you are awarded a Perkins Loan, our office will send you a Perkins Promissory Note directly by mail and you will also have to complete an Entrance Counseling online through Mapping Your Future. You will need to submit an MPN for each of these loan programs only ONCE during your three–year academic career at Pierce Law.
Please wait to apply for these loans until after you receive your Financial Aid Award Letter which will provide you with the necessary amount for a Graduate Plus Loan. Additional information will be sent with your Award Letter on how to apply for loans. Although you may borrow through any participating lender, please visit our Selecting a Lender page for a listing of lender websites that current Pierce Law students use on a regular basis.
6. 2009-10 Cost of Attendance Budget Appeal form - Please submit all neccessary receipts.
