Financial Aid FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for scholarships?
Admitted freshmen and transfer students are automatically considered for Pacific’s merit-based scholarships. With the exception of the Powell Scholars Program, which requires a special application and interview, there is no separate scholarship application.
For information about scholarships from other sources, check with your high school counselor and access one of the free online scholarship search sites, such as FastWeb or College Board’s FUND FINDER.

I was selected for an academic merit scholarship. Can I qualify for any other financial aid?
To find out, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have your FAFSA information sent to Pacific. Many scholarship winners who apply for financial aid find that they qualify for aid in addition to their academic awards.

Does the Financial Aid Office need to know if I receive an outside scholarship?
Yes, any outside scholarship you receive must be taken into consideration as part of your total financial aid package. An outside scholarship cannot be counted as part of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
If your financial aid package must be revised to accommodate an outside scholarship, the outside award will be used first to replace an equal amount of loan or work-study. Other grants or scholarships will be reduced only as a last resort.

Will I be able to get a job through the Federal Work-Study Program?
If you file the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need, your financial aid package might include an offer of Federal Work-Study—that is, the opportunity to help pay for your education by working part time during the school year.
Unlike other financial aid, money earned from Federal Work-Study employment is paid directly to the student. Payroll checks are issued twice a month and reflect the number of hours worked (if any) and the student’s hourly rate of pay.
The Career Resources Center’s online job database, Tiger Jobs, allows students to view employment opportunities and apply for jobs online.

Will my financial aid package be the same every year?
If your family’s circumstances remain relatively unchanged, you can expect to receive comparable amounts of need-based grant each year; however, larger amounts will be available from student loan programs as you progress toward graduation. If you receive a merit scholarship, the amount will be the same each year that you qualify for renewal of the award.

What if I have questions that aren’t answered here?
Please contact:
Office of Financial Aid
209.946.2421
financialaid@pacific.edu
www.pacific.edu/financialaid