The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects access to and disclosure of students' educational records or information. This includes financial aid information, billing, advisor information, etc.

YSU students have the option to release their information to a third party as an Educational Proxy, which allows YSU staff to disclose educational information and provide a secure login to view portions of their eduational record.

If your student would like to release their information, they can do so via the Penguin Portal by following the directions linked below.

• Education Information Release via Proxy Instructions

According to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), once a student turns eighteen or attends school beyond secondary school, the rights of access to the student's records transfer to the student.

All educational records and information regarding your college student can only be released to the student directly unless the student has given specific permission to release the information to someone else.

If your child is attending YSU and you would like to get information on their behalf, you may want to encourage them to complete an Education Information Release via Proxy to add you as an authorized person to receive information.

• Education Information via Proxy Instructions
• FERPA Information for Families

If you plan on making payments on your student's account, you will want to speak with your student about adding you as an Authorized User. This will set you up with your own login to your student's billing information to make payments on their behalf and receive billing statements and reminders.

Your student will need to log into their Penguin Portal and follow the directions linked below to add Authorized Users.

• How to Add an Authorized User

If you will be submitting payments via a 529 plan, please use the link below for more information and instructions.

• 529 Plan Payment Submission

Check payments or money orders can be submitted to the Cashier's Window on the second floor of Meshel Hall or mailed to the address below.

Youngstown State University 
Attn: Cashiers Window 
1 Tressel Way 
Youngstown, OH 44555

The Cashier's Window is open from 10am to 2pm, Monday through Friday, and there is a drop box available for payment submissions outside of business hours.

Tuition payments cannot be taken over the phone. Debit/credit card and cash payments are not accepted at the Cashier's Window.

If eligible, 1098-T tax statements for the prior fiscal year are available to retrieve via the billing area of the Penguin Portal by the end of January.

If you are an authorized user, log in to your account, and click "Your latest 1098-T Tax statement" in the Statements box.

• 1098-T Educational Tax Credit Information

Students can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive a financial aid offer. A completed FAFSA is required to receive federal and state grants and federal student loans.

The FAFSA is completed annually for the following academic year. If your student is considered a dependent, you may be required to provide information as a contributor and complete a portion of the FAFSA.

• Dependency Status | Federal Student Aid

If your student is eligible for a Scholarship for Excellence, it will be reviewed and awarded during the admissions process and will be included on their financial aid offer.

YSU students also have the opportunity to complete the YSU Foundation Scholarship Application to be considered for over 700 scholarships. 

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at ysufinaid@ysu.edu / 330-941-3505.

Financial aid offered from the FAFSA should be accepted by the student only.

If you are interested in applying for financial aid on your student's behalf, you may be able to apply for a Parent PLUS Loan. The Parent PLUS Loan is a loan to be used for your student's educational expenses. It requires an application and a credit check for approval.

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at ysufinaid@ysu.edu / 330-941-3505.

We have many different ways for you to stay up to date!

If you are an Authorized User on your student's account, you will receive billing statements and payment reminders at the same time as your student.

If you have been added as an Educational Proxy on your student's account, you will receive a monthly newsletter with upcoming events, deadlines, and reminders.

We also have the Penguin Family Portal, Facebook, and Instagram with frequent reminders and updates for campus events and deadlines.

Can't find the information you're looking for? Contact the Penguin Service Center at onestop@ysu.edu / 330-941-6000.

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