Financial Aid
Financing your education can be complicated and confusing. Our financial aid staff will help you through every step and make the process as easy as possible.
Financial Aid Information
We want to assist every Financial Aid applicant in obtaining the financial aid assistance they are legally entitled to receive. Student eligibility, the school’s packaging criteria, and the amount and types of financial aid available determine the types of grants and loans you may qualify for.
We take pride in having a staff that is committed to working one-on-one with every person that enters our doors in search of financial assistance.
Our Financial Aid department has a number of packages consisting of grants and loans available to those who qualify. These packages are tailored to each student’s financial needs. Trust us, this helps! And most EIT students can take advantage of our financial aid packages.
For questions regarding financial aid for new students and enrolled students, please email financialaid@erieit.edu.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Over 80% of current students, as well as those who have completed their education and are now successful graduates, have used financial aid to cover some or all of their educational expenses.
Everyone’s financial aid package is unique to them. The type of financial package that will work for you is not necessarily the best one for the next person. There are several factors that come into play when completing a financial package. We will work personally with each individual to ensure that the plan we set is the best for you.
EIT students may qualify for assistance through:
- Veterans Education under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code Section 3675.
- Trade Adjustment Act
- Workforce Investment Act
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
- Federal Family Education Loan Program (Stafford Loans)
- Federal PELL Grants
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Chafee Education & Training Grant
- PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd)
- If you are a PA resident and were discharged or adopted from foster care at the age 16 or later, you may qualify for this program, which covers any balance remaining on tuition and fees after all grants/scholarships are awarded. Point of Contact is Jordan Rossey in the Financial Aid Department. Jordan can be reached at 814-868-9900 Ext 106 or jordanr@erieit.edu.
Information on all educational assistance programs is available at the school or may be obtained by contacting the various local agencies such as: Veteran Affairs, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of the Visually Handicapped, CareerLink, etc.
Financial Aid Process
- Apply for admissions with an Admissions Representative at EIT, or apply online to get the admissions process started
- Schedule your first financial aid consultation with the Financial Aid Administrator
- Create an account (FSA ID) at www.studentaid.gov
- Once your account is created, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Erie Institute of Technology’s school code is 014695.
- Bring your completed FAFSA (or a printout if you applied online) and your previous year’s income tax returns with you to the financial aid appointment
(dependent students must also bring parents’ tax returns) - At the financial aid interview, we will discuss a package that will work for you and give you an estimate showing the loans and grants in that package
- We will continue to work with you throughout your time at EIT to ensure the package meets your needs.
Have questions? StudentAid.gov has many resources to help you at studentaid.gov/resources
Loan Repayment
You’re not alone when it comes to student loans. EIT has partnered with Inceptia, a division of the National Student Loan Program (NSLP), to provide you with FREE assistance on your Federal student loan obligations to ensure successful, and comfortable, loan repayment.
Inceptia’s friendly customer representatives may reach out to you during your grace period to answer questions you have about your loan obligation and/or repayment options.
Inceptia is not a collection agency. We’ve partnered with them to inform you of a wide variety of possibilities such as alternative repayment plans, deferment, consolidation, discharge, forgiveness, and forbearance options. Inceptia will stay in touch with you via phone calls, letters, and/or emails to help you understand your repayment timing and options.
For additional resources including information on repayment options, please visit Inceptia’s Federal Student Loan Overview website at Inceptia.org/FAQ.
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Try a Trade
Try a Trade is a new initiative at EIT where the public can schedule a time to come to the school and under no obligation, complete a small introductory project in the program of their choice.
If you've ever considered beginning a career in any of the fields we offer, schedule a date to come in and Try a Trade!
Frequently Asked Questions
What requirements must I meet to be eligible for financial aid at Erie Institute of Technology?
The basic requirements that you must meet are:
- You must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- You must be registered with Selective Service if you are a male over the age of 18.
- You must be able to present a High School Diploma or equivalent degree (GED).
- You must not owe a refund on any previous government grants, taxes, or be in default on any previous government loans.
- You must enroll in one of EIT’s programs with at least part-time status
How do I apply for the Stafford Loans?
After completing the FAFSA, you can pick up a Master Promissary Note in the Financial Aid Office.
How far in advance should I begin the financial aid process?
- Transfer and returning students should complete applications prior to May 1st each year
- Recent high school graduates or first-time students should complete applications prior to August 1st to be considered on time for state funding sources
- It is best to complete your financial aid paperwork as soon as you have made the decision to go to school. Once the paperwork is complete you will be able to focus on your education
What if my educational costs are not covered by the Stafford Loan and Pell Grants?
There are several types of alternative loan funding available to those interested in further education. We also offer interest free payment plans to those students who would rather make payments directly to the school.
Financial aid is dependent on maintaining satisfactory progress as defined by school policy and/or agency requirements.