Application procedures for the 2008–09 academic year
If you have applied for admission as a member of the Class of 2011 you should begin the financial aid application process after January 1, 2008, for the 2008–09 academic year. (While there is no deadline, you are encouraged to submit the FAFSA and all other documentation by March 1, 2008). If you are accepted and we have received the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically, 2008-09 Financial Aid Application and 2007 Federal Tax Return with W-2s, we will prepare an Financial Aid Award Letter which will list your eligibility in the various aid programs.
If you are a going to be a second or third–year student for the 2008–09 academic year, you must submit the Pierce Law Financial Aid Application, a copy of your signed 2007 Federal Tax Return and W-2s and complete your FAFSA. Although there is no deadline to submit this information, you are encouraged to do so by May 1, 2008. If these forms are submitted after JUNE 15, 2008, need–based Pierce Law Grants and Federal Perkins Loan awards will be based on the availability of funds.
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 are now being prepared and mailed out on a rolling basis.
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 Financial Aid Office.
4. 2008-09 Verification Worksheet - for incoming Class of 2011 only.
3. SIGNED copy of your 2007 Federal Income Tax Return and W–2 Wage Statements
If your spouse filed a separate return, this is also required. If you use a 1040EZ by Telefile you MUST provide the confirmation number along with a signed and dated copy of the worksheet. If you were employed in 2007 but are not required to file you must submit W–2 Wage Statements. If you are NOT required to file a 2007 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.
5. Parent's Federal Tax Return - (Optional)
For those admitted students age 24 and under, please provide the Student Financial Services a copy of your parent's signed, 2007 Federal Tax Return in order to be considered for a Pierce Law Grant.
5. Master Promissory Notes (MPN) for the Stafford, Graduate PLUS and Perkins Loans
The first time you borrow a Federal Stafford Loan and/or 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.
