Financial Aid
Financial Aid at
P.I.T.
For many families, paying for higher education can be a challenge. The Financial Aid Office at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is ready to assist all qualified students in paying for their education and guide them through the process from start to finish.
The chances are excellent that you qualify for financial aid! More than 93 percent of P.I.T. students receive financial aid in some form — whether grants, loans, or work-study. Beyond financial aid, P.I.T. also offers scholarships, student payment plan options, and has a list of alternative lenders students can apply to as well (see below). The Financial Aid Office will continue to help in every step of the way.
Do You Need to Tell Us Something the FAFSA Could Not?
The FAFSA is a tool designed to estimate a family’s ability to pay for college. However, many students and/or families have circumstances that the FAFSA cannot capture in that snapshot, especially since the FAFSA asks for income information for two years prior.
A student may need their dependency status to be overridden or there may have been a change in the student’s or a dependent student’s family financial circumstances. Other students may have unusual educational expenses not accounted for in the Cost of Attendance (COA). Students with special educational costs, dependency override needs, or changed financial circumstances may be able to benefit from a professional judgement appeal. If you would like to apply for a professional judgement, please contact your Financial Aid Advisor or e-mail fa@pit.edu for further assistance.
Special Circumstances
- Employment change
- Job loss
- Loss of financial benefits
- Receipt of one-time income in the reported tax year used to cover unexpected expenses
- Divorce or legal separation
- Death of a spouse or parent
The following circumstances may not qualify:
- Temporary reductions in income due to fluctuating markets or commissions (permanent reductions may be considered)
- Payment of consumer debt or other discretionary spending
- Refusal of a parent to provide financial support to the student
Contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss a Special Circumstance Appeal. A staff member will discuss your situation and the types of supporting documentation that will be required to review your appeal. All appeals require supporting documentation.
Unusual Circumstances
Examples of reasons an Unusual Circumstance Appeal may be submitted:
- Legally granted refugee or asylum status
- Neglect or abandonment by parent(s)
- Death, incarceration, or institutionalization of parent(s)
- Unknown whereabouts of parent(s)
- Victims of human trafficking
Examples of reasons an Unusual Circumstance Appeal may not be submitted:
- Parent’s unwillingness or inability to provide financial information or support
- Parent(s) no longer claim the student on their tax return
- A student’s ability to be self-sufficient
Starting in 2024-25 students who are classified as dependent on the FASFA, but do not provide parent information will be assigned a “Provisional Independent” status. Students will receive an estimated SAI (Student Aid Index) and an estimate of eligibility for federal student aid but must work with their Financial Aid Office to determine final dependency status and eligibility for aid.
Students who wish to have their dependency status reviewed should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss an Unusual Circumstance Appeal. A staff member will discuss your situation and the types of supporting documentation that may be required to review your appeal.
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
- Unaccompanied
When a student is not living in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
- Homeless
Lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing.
- At risk of being homeless
- Your high school or school district homeless liaison
- The director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- The director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program
If you are unsure whether you would be considered homeless or at risk of homelessness, please contact the Financial Aid Office and a staff member will talk with you about your circumstances.
This is just a general list of some of the most commonly considered circumstances. If you do not see your circumstance listed, you should still make an appointment to talk with a Financial Aid Advisor.
Apply for Financial Aid
The world of financial aid can often seem complicated and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. Our financial aid advisors will work closely with you to help you through each step of the application process and answer any questions.
You may click on the FAFSA link below to start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid and make sure you add our school code – 010998
Contact Us Today
Start your journey towards a brighter future. Our mission is student success – your success!
Financial Aid Staff
P.I.T.’s small class size lends itself a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Our caring and dedicated faculty members are innovative teachers dedicated to student success.
Laura Blomgren
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Deborah Keifrider
Director of Financial Aid
Stephanie Spann
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Carolyn Byrd
Financial Aid Advisor
Danielle Butts
Financial Aid Advisor
Joanne Cassidy
Financial Aid Advisor
Arisa Gibbs
Financial Aid Advisor
Apply to Our College
If you’re ready to get started at our college, apply today! We are also happy to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us.
