Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

The first step in applying for Federal Financial Aid for both new and continuing YSU students is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Below is a list of tips and resources to assist with completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA:

  • Create an FSA ID which will consist of a Username and Password (FSA ID site) for all FAFSA contributors
    • A FAFSA contributor refers to anyone who is asked to provide information on a student’s FAFSA form. Contributors can be the student, a student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or a parent’s spouse (stepparent). 
  • Have both the student’s and family’s (if applicable) tax information and W2’s available
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Provide consent to the disclosure of Federal Tax Information (FTI) from the IRS to the Department of Education via the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX)
  • List YSU's school code: 003145

For a more detailed step-by-step guide to completing the financial aid application process, see the How to Apply page for further instruction.

Individual assistance is also available, by appointment, with a financial aid counselor by contacting our appointment line (330-941-3506).

Watch the Department of Education's How to Fill Out the FAFSA.

Please note that the Financial Aid Award Year for the administration of Title IV Aid consists of Summer, Fall and Spring semesters with the Summer semester leading the packaging cycle. Financial aid that has been awarded cannot be released until 10 days before the start of each term.

If you have already completed applying for aid and have received a financial aid award offer, please see our How to Accept Your Financial Aid Offer guide for completing the acceptance process.

Announcements

  • The 2025-2026 Summer Aid Application is now available!

    Posted on
    March 27, 2025

    The 2025-2026 Summer Aid Application is now available.Students can use this online application to move available funding to the Summer Semester.
    Financial aid must be in an accepted status prior to submitting the application.

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  • Virtual Student Loan Repayment Session

    Posted on
    March 20, 2025

    Join us for a Virtual Student Loan Repayment WebEx presented by Michael Jones from Citizens bank on Wednesday, April 16th at 1:00 pm. Presentation will cover Student Loan Repayment Plans, Loan Forgiveness Programs, Default Avoidance, Money Saving Strategies, and Borrower Rights and Responsibilities. All students are invited and graduating student loan borrowers are strongly encouraged to attend. Register Here!

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  • "How to Accept Your Financial Aid Offer" Tutorial Video Now Available!

    Posted on
    March 6, 2025

    The “How to Accept Your Financial Aid Offer” tutorial video provides step-by-step instructions for YSU students on how to accept their financial aid offer through the Penguin Portal.

    Read more
    Watch the video on YouTube

  • The 2025-2026 Housing Grant Application is Now Available!

    Posted on
    December 2, 2024

    The 2025-2026 Housing Grant Application is now available. The Housing Grant is provided for students who are planning to live in University Housing or Courtyard Apartments. A 2025-2026 FAFSA is required and must be received by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships prior to completion of the application. The deadline to submit the Housing Grant Application for incoming freshmen is February 1 and for continuing students February 15.

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  • 2025-2026 FAFSA is Now Available!

    Posted on
    November 21, 2024

    Students and families can now complete the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by logging into www.studentaid.gov If you require assistance with completing the FAFSA, feel free to contact our office by phone at 330-941-3505 or via e-mail at ysufinaid@ysu.edu. The office also has walk-in hours from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm Monday-Thursday at the Penguin Service center.

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  • YSU Foundation Scholarship Application Tutorial Video

    Posted on
    November 19, 2024

    The YSU Foundation Scholarship Application is now available for completion for the 2025-2026 aid year. Please see the video below for assistance on how to complete the application.

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  • Front Counter Services

    Posted on
    September 25, 2024

    Effective October 1, front counter services at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will conclude. Students will be directed to the Penguin Service Center for their financial aid questions, walk-in services, and general needs. Furthermore, as a security measure, students will not be able to drop off financial aid documents directly to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, or to the Penguin Service Center.

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  • Office Walk-In Schedule Change

    Posted on
    August 30, 2024

    Effective September 3, office walk-in hours will be Monday-Thursday from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. Financial Aid Counselors will continue to available on Fridays by appointment only. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 330-941-3505.

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  • Test Optional Scholarship Awards

    Posted on
    December 7, 2020

    Test optional merit-based scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshmen students admitted under YSU's test optional admission policy. Scholarships will range in value from $1,000-$3,000 through the Freshmen Scholarships for Excellence program. Additional $1,000 to $3,000 test optional merit-based scholarships may be awarded to Honors College applicants who qualify for Sokolov Honors College. For additional information or questions regarding the Test Optional Scholarship Awards, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at 330-941-3505.

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