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 FAFSA:

  • Create an FSA ID which will consist of a Username and Password (FSA ID site)
  • Have both the student’s and family’s (if applicable) tax information and W2’s available
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Answer “Yes” to IRS Data Retrieval
    • Unable to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool? Request an IRS Tax Transcript
    • Student and/or parent(s) may also be able to submit a signed copy of tax form 1040 in lieu of the IRS Tax Return Transcript.
  • 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.

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

  • YSU Virtual Financial Aid Night February 2, 2021 at 6:30pm

    Posted on
    January 4, 2021

    Youngstown State University’s Virtual Financial Aid Night is a community service event that provides helpful information to the parents of students in grades 12 planning to attend college. In addition to a full presentation that will detail the basics about applying for financial aid, attendees can also call in or live chat with a financial aid counselor, and/or schedule an appointment for direct assistance with online applications. Registration Required.

    Register

    Read more

  • Test Option Scholarship Awards

    Posted on
    December 7, 2020

    Youngstown State University will begin awarding merit based scholarships to incoming freshman students admitted under YSU’s test optional admission policy for Fall 2021. Scholarships ranging in value from $1000 to $3000 will be awarded to students accepted under the regular admission policy with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or greater AND a recalculated high school GPA of 3.0 or greater based on 5 core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language).

    Read more

  • Student Loan Repayment Video Now Available

    Posted on
    November 23, 2020

    Student Loan Repayment Strategies presented by Sallie Mae.

    View the recorded live presentation featuring Ed Recker from Sallie Mae originally held on October 29. The presentation covered topics like student loan repayment plans, loan forgiveness programs, and borrower rights and responsibilities.

    Read more

  • YSU Virtual Financial Aid Night Video Now Available

    Posted on
    November 6, 2020

    On October 21 and October 27, Youngstown State University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships hosted Virtual Financial Aid Nights for high school juniors and seniors. The presentation was recorded and is now available to anyone who could not attend. 

    Read more

  • StudentLoans.gov is now StudentAid.gov

    Posted on
    February 5, 2020

    Access all processes related to Federal Student Aid and Loans on one website!

    Read more
    StudentLoans.gov is now StudentAid.gov

  • YSU Foundation Scholarship Application Tutorial Video

    Posted on
    December 30, 2019

    The YSU Foundation Scholarship Application is now available for completion for the 2020-2021 aid year. Please see the video below for assistance on how to complete the application.

     

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  • “HOW TO ACCEPT YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARD OFFER” TUTORIAL VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE!

    Posted on
    April 3, 2019

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

    Read more
    Watch the video on YouTube