Information on this page is also available in a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) format.  Click on the Returning Student Reminder FAQ  to view or print the document in PDF format.

Students must reapply for need-based financial assistance each year by renewing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  All need-based financial assistance at Providence College is renewable for all four undergraduate years provided a student remains in good academic standing and continues to demonstrate similar financial need each year. 

Depending upon your calculated need in subsequent years, your aid award can vary.  The principle factors used in computing your need are the same every year.  These factors include such things as family income, assets, household size and number of family members in college.  The award that you receive for your first year usually provides a rough indication of the level and type of aid that you may expect to receive in subsequent years. 

Renewal “reminder” information will be distributed from the Office of Financial Aid in the months leading up to the published deadline for students who have a have a current FAFSA on file.  The deadlines for completing a renewal FAFSA can be found in the Applying for Financial Aid section. 

Financial Aid Notices for on time undergraduate day students will be mailed out at the end of June each year.  For students who missed the renewal deadline funding is subject to availability and Financial Aid Notices will not be mailed until mid-July. 

For undergraduate evening and graduate students, Financial Aid Notices are mailed out on a weekly basis beginning in the month of May.

Late applications

Funding will be subject to availability for those who do not comply with the published renewal deadline regardless of current need level or prior year award. 

First time applications

Students will be automatically considered for federal funds.  Students, who did not previously apply for financial aid, will be considered for institutional grant assistance on a funds available basis and only if all required financial aid applications are filed on time to meet the published financial aid renewal deadline. 

Changing housing status

If you change your housing status in subsequent years from on-campus to off-campus, most often there is no change to your Financial Aid Notice.  The room and board charges incurred as a resident student are often similar in expense as the rent and food you pay out of pocket as on off-campus resident.

If you change your housing status in subsequent years from on or off campus to commuter, there could be a change in your Financial Aid Notice.  Since the expenses associated with commuting from home (i.e. living with parents) are less than those on or off campus, your corresponding aid could decrease since your expenses have decrease by living at home.