Your Guide to Graduate Financial Aid 2023-2024

Your eligibility for federal financial aid is determined by the information that you reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Student Aid Report (SAR) you received in the mail or online from the federal processor is generated from the FAFSA.

Federal regulations require students attend the classes for which aid is awarded. Eligibility for federal student aid is based on your enrollment status for the term in which you are enrolled. Faculty will record attendance within the first few weeks of a course. Attendance is defined by physical attendance or participation in an academically related activity such as submission of an assignment, participation in group or online discussion. Students who register for courses but do NOT attend or participate will be recorded as Not Attending. You may only receive funding for only those classes you actually attend. You will be administratively dropped from any course where attendance cannot be demonstrated and your financial aid will be re-evaluated accordingly. Please visit Attendance Verification for details.

Your financial aid award is based on your anticipated enrollment and living arrangements for the academic year, as reported on your FAFSA. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes in your enrollment and/or housing status. Most types of aid require that you enroll in a minimum of six credits, which is half-time status. You must submit a “Package Adjustment Request” form to the Financial Aid Office if your living arrangements change (e.g., you expected to live in the residence halls but you will actually be commuting). These changes may result in cancellation or adjustment of your awards.

Your Cost of Attendance, as shown on your award letter and Pace Portal, are estimates. Room charges will vary depending on room type, building and/or number of students in each room. The fees listed will also vary by program and course type. Any changes to your COA will result in changes to your aid eligibility.

In order for our office to share information regarding your account with anyone other than yourself, you must complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form. You must re-enter your username and password to access this form.

The amount on the award notice indicates the total you are eligible to earn under this program. A work-study job is not guaranteed. Apply for open positions at our Careers website. If you become employed, you will be paid twice a month for the hours worked during the previous pay period. Funds earned from your work-study award will not be deducted from your bill. Pace participates in the America Reads/Counts and Jumpstart programs, which allow you to earn work-study funds by tutoring young children. Positions are off campus in local elementary schools and in community centers with after school programs. For further information, please contact the School of Education.

Awarded to students who demonstrate need, based on their FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and application filing dates. The amount will be placed on your account once you register for the required credits. Law grant recipients must continue to file their annual FAFSA by the priority date (November 15 of every year), continue to show financial need, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewals.

The recipients of Pace scholarships and awards must sign and submit a separate award agreement form. Most Pace University scholarships and awards are applicable towards Pace tuition for the fall and spring terms only. If your actual tuition is less than anticipated or if you receive additional funds applicable towards tuition, your awards may be adjusted. For more information pertaining to your specific scholarship refer to your scholarship agreement form and Pace Law handbook.

Academic progress for scholarship/merit awards and financial aid eligibility is reviewed annually after the completion of the spring semester. Students who start in the spring will only have one semester before academic progress is conducted. Students who are not making academic progress at the close of the spring semester, but who take additional classes during the summer sessions at Pace, will have their academic progress reviewed again at the end of the summer, upon request. (Please submit requests to finaidwp@pace.edu.) All financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and program pursuit as specified in the Pace University catalog to receive aid in subsequent years.

Pace University offers payment plans. Learn more about the payment plan options offered by Pace University.

If you are selected for verification, you will be notified by Pace University on the actions you need to take. Verification documents need to be submitted by April 1 in order to have your aid applied to your Fall bill.