Before you begin to think about specific financial aid programs, you should understand the following principles and policies that affect financial aid at PCOM.

1. The primary obligation for financing your graduate or professional education lies with you, your parents and your lender(s).

2. Although we recognize that many students prefer to maintain personal and financial independence from their parents, federal regulations through Health and Human Services, and the limited amounts of institutional monies available, make it necessary to consider parental income and assets for specific programs and to make awards to those students whose parents are less able to provide financial help.

3. The degree and amount of need-based assistance provided is decided by a confidential analysis of the information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order for you to qualify for institutional funds, students are asked to provide parental financial information on the FAFSA and to submit a signed copy of their parents' federal tax return no matter what your age or dependency status. Application does not mean you will receive funds; it only assures consideration. The required information and documentation must be received at the Financial Aid Office by April 15, 2009.

4. An application  method is available for students who have not been supported by their parents prior to enrollment at PCOM.  For example, students who are returning to school from the workplace, or who are married or have supported dependents may submit their own 2008 signed, federal tax return or non-taxable benefits with a cover letter of explanation, in lieu of providing parental financial information. The letter should tell the Financial Aid Office about the number of years you worked and/or about your household situation.  The required information and documentation must be received at the Financial Aid Office by April 15, 2009.

5. THE PCOM TITLE IV SCHOOL CODE FOR BOTH THE GEORGIA CAMPUS AND THE PHILADELPHIA CAMPUS IS 015979.

6. You must apply for a subsidized Stafford Loan before you can be considered for need based PCOM grants.

8. Most educational loans may be deferred if you are attending college full-time. In order to defer a loan, request a deferment form from your lender and submit it to the Registrar's Office for certification. You must continue to make loan payments until your lender receives the certified deferment form and you are notified that the deferment is approved. Deferment forms must be filed each year with each lender.

9. You are responsible for any debts incurred prior to matriculation at PCOM. Credit card debt, car loans, and any outstanding bills must be taken care of by you. Additional financial aid will not be awarded to pay off debts.

10. Loans and grants provided through PCOM are based on: (a) Education-related costs for you; (b) personal living costs for you, based on a standardized, single-student budget; c) total Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) based on the results of the FAFSA; and, (d) parental income and assets.

11. Financial aid cannot exceed your educational budget and need (see rules of specific programs). These budgeted figures can be requested from us and will be used by the Financial Aid Office to calculate maximum dollars that can be awarded. You may not receive an over award for any one year.

12. The Financial Aid Office makes all final decisions on the amounts of loans or scholarships awarded by the College.

13. If you receive aid from an outside source you must notify the Financial Aid Office. You must be prepared to have an adjustment made to your Stafford Loans and/or private loans in the event of an over award.