The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid form opened early this year! It’s important to fill out your FAFSA completely and early to ensure that you get the most aid possible.  

If you need to submit yours, this video is a step-by-step guide from Kaitlyn Goslinga, University of the Pacific’s senior assistant director of financial aid. 

Follow the walkthrough below for some tips as you fill out your FAFSA form.  

Logging in to FAFSA

Start by navigating to FAFSA’s website, where you can either create an account or log in. Once you’ve done that, you can start or continue your FAFSA form from the main page.  

It then asks you whether you, the student, or your parent will start the form. Goslinga recommends that you begin, which is the most streamlined way to take on the process. Next, the FAFSA form provides you with some videos to answer common questions.  

After that, the form asks you questions about personal, contact and residential information. Either confirm it’s correct or fill in the data as needed. 

Finally, you’ll come to a big page of text. This page is where you give consent for the IRS to disclose federal tax information to help you complete the FAFSA form. You must hit “approve” on this page to be considered eligible for federal student aid.  

Once you give your consent, FAFSA will import financial information from your 2024 tax return. 

Section one – Personal circumstances

The first section of FAFSA includes questions about your personal circumstances, which determines the types of federal student aid you’re eligible for.  

The questions will ask for information like your marital status, background and other unusual circumstances. It uses that to determine whether you’re considered an independent or dependent student.  

If you’re considered a dependent student, meaning you rely on a parent for financial support, then they must contribute to your FAFSA form.  

Section two – Demographics

The next section asks you demographic questions about your identity and family circumstances. These questions do not affect your student aid eligibility. This information is only used for research purposes.  

Section four – Finances

When you start this section, have your 2024 tax return and other personal financial information handy! You need that information about the following questions.  

If you did not work or file taxes in 2024 enter the number 0 on any questions about your tax return, which indicates that those questions do not apply.  

The form also asks questions about your personal assets, like money in checking accounts or the net worth of your investments. Enter your personal assets, not your parents’. If you are a dependent, they will submit that information on their own form.

Section four – Colleges and career schools

In this section, indicate which colleges and career schools should receive your FAFSA information. You can select colleges through a school code, if you have it, or by location.  

You can add up to 20 schools to this list. Even if you’re not certain if you’ll apply to a school, you should include it. You can also add or remove schools after submitting FAFSA.  

Section five – Invite a parent as a contributor

If you are a dependent student, you need to invite a legal parent as a contributor on the form. A legal parent, for FAFSA, is either a biological or adoptive one.  

If you’re not certain who counts, the form links to a tool that helps you figure out who should participate in your FAFSA form.  

Enter your parents’ email to invite them. You only need to invite one parent. They can invite another contributor if needed.  

Section six – Sign and submit

Before you sign your FAFSA form, you have an opportunity to review your answers. Take your time and make sure everything is correct!  

Once you confirm everything is correct, continue to the final page. There, you can sign to confirm that the form is accurate. Make sure you read and understand everything before you sign!  

And you’re all done! Once your contributor completes their section, they can submit your form. You can track the status of your FAFSA form through your account on the FAFSA website. 

The Department of Education should process your form within a few days. Once it’s processed, you’ll get an email with your Student Aid Index and a summary of the information provided. It will also send the form to the schools you selected.  

Learn more about financial aid on Pacific’s financial aid website.

Únete a la escritora de contenido multicultural de la Universidad del Pacífico, Lorena Becerra, mientras te guía paso a paso a través del formulario FAFSA 2026-27. Lorena cubrirá los documentos que necesitarás: tuyos y tus padres, qué esperar cuando completes el formulario y qué sucede después de enviarlo.

Obtén más información sobre la ayuda financiera en Pacific.

Federal financial aid isn’t just grants and loans. When you get your financial aid offer letter, you may see that you’ve received a Federal Work-Study award.  

This award is different from other financial aid because it has an extra step: you have to get an eligible, part-time job. To help you get the full value of your offer letter, this blog post guides you through the process of how to find one.  

What is Federal Work-Study?

Unlike other forms of student aid, you do not directly receive money from a Federal Work-Study award. You earn the money through an eligible part-time job, either on- or off-campus. 

Not all jobs qualify for the award, and it doesn’t guarantee you a job. You need to apply, interview and be hired for a work-study position to receive the money through a regular paycheck. Your pay is intended for everyday expenses like off-campus housing, food, transportation or school supplies.  

When your university or a company offers a work-study job, it can only hire someone with the award. You can also look for positions that are relevant to your interests or studies.  

“There are many different departments you can work for on campus,” says University of the Pacific Director of Career Services Bailey Gutierrez. “Work-Study jobs allow for you to gain experience that will help strengthen your resume.  

Similar to grants, you do not need to pay back any of the money you earn. 

Who is eligible for Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study awards are need-based aid. After you’re accepted into a university, your school uses your FAFSA to determine how much federal aid you’re eligible for and gives you that information in your offer letter.  

Your Federal Work-Study award is determined each year after you submit your FAFSA. How much you receive depends on factors such as:  

• Your level of financial need
• When you submit your FAFSA
• Your school’s amount of work-study funding

When you submit your FAFSA after your first year, your work-study earnings do not count against you when schools calculate your aid.  

Similar to other financial aid, you need to make satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving Federal Work-Study awards. What that means depends on the university, but it generally requires you to maintain a certain GPA, earn a passing grade in most classes and make progress toward your degree.  

How much does work-study pay? 

Your Federal Work-Study award is the upper limit of how much you can earn each year through your job, but your hourly pay varies. You earn at least minimum wage, but some positions may pay above that rate.  

How much you earn also depends on how many hours you work. You work with your employer to set a schedule that does not interfere with your classes and does not exceed your award amount.  

How do I find work-study jobs?

The first place to look is your university’s Career Services Center. Advisers can help you understand where your university and other employers post work-study jobs, often an online job board.  

As an example, Pacific exclusively uses Handshake and encourages employers to post their work-study jobs there, too. The platform clearly marks work-study jobs, so they’re easy to spot among on-campus positions.  

Your university may also host job fairs that promote on-campus or part-time jobs. Gutierrez recommends you go and actually meet your potential employers.  

“Even if you’ve already applied to a position, if you know that department’s going to be there, go introduce yourself and make a first impression,” she says. 

If you plan to get a work-study job, you should keep an eye on your university’s job board and other opportunities. Federal Work-Study awards do fund your position, but do not guarantee you a job. The earlier you start, the better.  

Even if your university mostly uses an online job board, you should still drop by your Career Services center. It has other resources to help you spruce up your resume and prepare for an interview.  

“We’re happy to help you,” says Gutierrez. “We can walk you through how to navigate the Handshake platform and apply for work-study positions. Career Services can also help you develop or edit your resume, ensuring you present yourself at your best.”  

Figuring out student loans doesn’t have to be stressful. At Pacific, we make the process easier with guidance every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know to get started. 

Understanding your financial aid offer 

First, review your financial aid offer letter. It was sent to your Pacific email as well as the email you used to apply. The offer letter is a comprehensive breakdown of the resources and aid that will be available to you. Here are the different components of this letter: 

• Gift aid: This includes scholarships and grants, which are funds you don’t have to repay.  

• Cost of attendance: This outlines the estimated costs for one year at Pacific, including direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board) and indirect costs (transportation, books and personal expenses). 

• Net Cost: This is the remaining amount you may owe after scholarships and grants are applied. 

• Student Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. 

Focusing on federal student loans 

For most students, federal student loans are a primary source of financial aid. These loans, offered by the U.S. Department of Education, come with several benefits, including fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. 

• Eligibility: New first-year students can typically borrow up to $5,500 per academic year. This amount may increase in subsequent years. 

• Subsidized vs. unsubsidized: Subsidized loans are need-based, and the government pays the interest while you’re in school. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest from the moment they’re disbursed.    

The loan application process 

• Accessing federal student loans: You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your financial aid offer letter will indicate the loan amounts you’re eligible for. 

• Accepting loans: You’ll need to accept your loans through the MyPacific portal.  

• Loan requirements: Accepting your loan isn’t automatic. You must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and loan entrance counseling to fully understand your loan obligations. 

Key considerations and timelines 

• Confirmation deadline: Remember that your confirmation of enrollment is due May 1. 

• Loan acceptance timeline: While you can accept loans at any time after receiving your offer, you should finalize all loan paperwork by early July to ensure funds are applied to your bill. 

• Parent PLUS Loans: If additional funds are needed, parents can consider the Federal Parent PLUS Loan, which allows borrowing up to the remaining cost of attendance. Applications for this loan open on April 15. 

• Outside scholarships: If you receive scholarships from external sources, notify the financial aid office. Those funds may affect your overall aid package. 

• Housing costs: Be aware that student loans may help cover housing costs, but this varies depending on your individual aid package. 

Navigating your options 

• Payment plans: Pacific offers monthly payment plans to help manage your out-of-pocket expenses. Consider this option if paying in full is challenging. 

• Seeking assistance: Don’t hesitate to contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid with any questions. We’re here to provide personalized guidance and support. 

• FERPA: If you want your parents to discuss your financial aid details with us, be sure you complete a FERPA release form. 

Understanding your financial aid offer and student loan options is important for making informed decisions about your college education. By familiarizing yourself with each of these steps, you can confidently navigate the financial aid process and focus on your academic journey at Pacific. 

If you have any questions about your financial aid options, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  
• 209.946.2421 

The journey to your college education is filled with excitement, anticipation and a lot of financial planning. If you’re exploring ways to cover the costs, the federal parent PLUS loan is a common option. It’s a credit-based federal loan that your parent or guardian can take out. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring easier navigation of the PLUS loan application process. 

Step 1: Head to the Federal Student Aid website – your central hub 

The Parent PLUS Loan application for the 2025-26 academic year opens April 15. Just like completing your FAFSA, your journey begins at the Federal Student Aid website.  This website is the official portal for all federal student aid. Remember, this loan is specifically for parents, so you will need them to log in using their own FSA ID and password, not your own. This is an important distinction – using a student login will lead to processing errors. 

Step 2: Locating the PLUS loan application 

• Once logged in, look for the “loans and grants” tab.  

• Within this section, find “get a loan” and then select “grad PLUS and parent PLUS.”  

• You’ll be presented with various loan options, but for this purpose, choose the “direct PLUS loan application for parents.” 

Step 3: Verification and credit check preparation 

Before diving into the application, your parent will need to verify that they haven’t placed a freeze on their credit report. If their credit is frozen, they’ll need to contact the credit bureaus to temporarily lift the freeze. This step is essential because the PLUS loan requires a credit check. 

Step 4: Entering essential details – award year and student information 

The next step involves specifying the award year for which they’re applying. Your parent will also need to provide your student information, including your Social Security number and potentially your date of birth. Ensure this information is accurately displayed before moving on. 

Step 5: Designating the school 

Your parent will need to indicate the school where the loan proceeds should be sent. Search for the institution by state and name (e.g., California, University of the Pacific). They will need to double-check that they’ve selected the correct school before proceeding. 

Step 6: Specifying application type and loan amount 

Choose “new” if this is their first time applying for a PLUS Loan. Then, your parent will need to decide how much they want to borrow. There are a few options: 

• Maximum amount: This allows the school to determine the maximum loan amount based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid. 

• Specific amount: If they know the exact amount you need, enter it here. Remember to factor in the loan fees, which as of March 2025 are approximately 4%. They can use the calculator provided on the web page to ensure your family borrows enough to cover the actual costs. 

• Unknown amount: While this option exists, it’s not recommended. Schools will likely follow up, which will delay the process. 

Step 7: Defining the loan period and deferment options 

In this section, specify the loan period, typically one academic year (e.g., August 2025 to May 2026). It’s important to understand that PLUS Loan applications are for one school year only, not for the entire duration of your education.  

Your parent will also be asked about deferment. This allows them to postpone payments while you’re enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six-month grace period after you graduate or stop attending school. Electing deferment is generally recommended.  

It’s important to remember that PLUS Loans still accrue interest during deferment periods. This means that while your parent is not required to make payments, the loan balance is still growing due to interest. 

Step 8: Loan usage and disbursement 

Your parent will need to indicate whether they want the loan to cover other education-related charges, such as lab fees. Then, they will decide whether to receive any excess funds or have them sent directly to you, the student. 

Step 9: Relationship and other verifications 

Your parent will need to clarify their relationship with you (biological, adoptive or step-parent) and confirm your citizenship status. Only U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens are eligible for the PLUS Loan. 

Next, your parent will need to verify their address, contact and employer information. Finally, they’ll authorize the Department of Education to conduct a credit check. 

Step 10: Review, submit and credit decision 

Your parent will need to carefully review all the information they’ve entered before submitting the application. They will receive an immediate credit decision: 

• Approved: Proceed to complete the master promissory note (MPN). 

• Denied: Your parent will have options that include appealing the decision, using an endorser or increasing your unsubsidized loan. 

If approved, complete the MPN on Federal Student Aid website. This is a legally binding agreement to repay the PLUS loan. 

By following these steps, your parent can confidently navigate the Parent PLUS Loan application process and make the first steps in your educational journey at Pacific. Remember, Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid is here to help, so reach out with any questions.  

Contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  
• 209.946.2421 

We know college is a significant investment. That’s why at Pacific we’re committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the financial aid process. In this guide, we’ll provide you with insights and information to help you manage your investment in your Pacific education.  

FAFSA: Your first step 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is necessary for accessing need-based grants and loans. While not required for merit scholarships, filing the FAFSA is highly recommended for other reasons. For example, having a FAFSA on file can save you time and trouble if your family’s finances change. Remember, you’ll need to file the FAFSA each year you attend college. Don’t forget to keep an eye on important FAFSA deadlines as well. 

Maintaining financial aid eligibility 

To keep your financial aid, you need to meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards. This means maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA and successfully completing 67% of your courses. While an occasional withdrawal won’t derail your progress, it’s essential to stay on track and seek support if you’re struggling academically. 

Be aware that withdrawing from classes can impact your SAP percentage, and while it’s sometimes necessary, frequent withdrawals can jeopardize your financial aid. If you encounter circumstances that prevent you from meeting SAP requirements, Pacific offers an appeal process where you can submit an explanation, accompanied by supporting documentation, regarding the circumstances that impacted your academic performance. 

Exploring financing options 

Pacific offers various options to help families cover remaining costs beyond scholarships, grants and federal loans. These include: 

• Monthly payment plan: Choose between a three-month or five-month plan, with a small enrollment fee and no interest. 

• Federal parent PLUS loan: This loan is in the parent’s name and requires a credit check. If a parent’s credit is denied, options include appealing the decision, applying with a cosigner or exploring an increase in the student’s loan eligibility. 

• Private loans: These loans are typically in the student’s name and often require a cosigner. Compare interest rates and terms carefully before choosing a private loan. 

Work-related scholarships 

Pacific offers two different programs to help students manage their educational expenses: 

• Federal work-study: Provides part-time employment opportunities to help students earn money for college costs. To receive federal work-study, you must apply and be accepted into a job position, the award is earned through paychecks and is not applied directly to your tuition bill. 

• Pacific’s College Corps Program: Offers students the opportunity to perform community service while earning course credit and a living allowance to help with educational expenses. 

Maximizing scholarship opportunities 

Be sure to look for as many scholarship possibilities as possible. Pacific offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships. To increase your chances of receiving scholarships, apply early, explore external scholarship opportunities and maintain good grades. Applicants typically maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 

For international students, merit scholarships are the primary source of financial aid offered by Pacific. Explore private loan options and contact Career Services for on-campus job opportunities, as there may be visa-related work restrictions. 

Stay informed and seek support 

Review your financial aid offer and billing statements carefully. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late to address any issues. 

College is an investment in your future, and Pacific is here to support you every step of the way. Take advantage of the resources available, stay informed and don’t hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office for guidance.  

If you have any questions about your financial aid options, contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  
• 209.946.2421 

Once you’re admitted to University of the Pacific one of the first things you’ll receive next is your financial aid offer. In this guide and video, we will walk you through your offer letter, breaking down each section of your offer letter so you can understand more about the process. If you’re not familiar with all the financial aid terms be sure to check out this blog story as well.  

1. First steps

Before you receive your offer letter, make sure you’ve taken care of these steps: 

• Ensure your FAFSA is filed: You’ll need to have a 2025-26 FAFSA on file with Pacific’s school code (001329) to receive your financial aid offer. 

• Parents, complete the FERPA release form: To discuss your student’s financial aid details with the Financial Aid Office, ensure your student completes a FERPA release form. You can find the link in the offer letter email, at the bottom of the offer letter itself or on Pacific’s Financial Aid website. 

• Check your email and online portals: Once processed, you’ll receive an email notification with a link to your offer letter. You can also access it by checking your Pacific email account, the email account you used to apply to Pacific, by logging into pacific.awardletter.com with your Pacific Net credentials or through the financial aid section of myPacific. 

2. Understanding your offer letter 

Let’s break down everything that’s in your offer letter: 

Scholarships and grants

• The top section outlines your merit-based scholarships and need-based grants (if applicable). 
• These are awarded annually, with amounts broken down per semester (fall and spring). 
• This is gift aid, meaning you don’t have to repay it. 

Cost of attendance

• Direct costs: These are billed directly by the university and include tuition and fees, as well as housing and food. 

• Indirect costs: These are estimated expenses not billed by the university, such as transportation, books, supplies and personal expenses. 

• The letter calculates your net cost after deducting gift aid from direct costs. This gives you an initial estimate of your potential out-of-pocket expenses for your first year. 

• Important note: All students are automatically charged for school health insurance. Complete the health insurance waiver (available in June) if you have alternative coverage to avoid this cost. 

Federal student loans

• This section details the federal student loans you’re eligible to borrow in your name for your first year. 
• The maximum amount for qualifying first-year students is $5,500, divided equally between fall and spring semesters. 
• The letter recalculates your estimated remaining cost after factoring in potential loan amounts.

Housing

• Pacific has a two-year residency requirement for new students. 
• If you have exceptional circumstances (including financial hardship), you can petition for an exemption through the Residential Life and Housing Office. 
• Note: If you receive need-based grant aid (specifically the UOP Tuition and Housing Grant) and are approved to live at home, the grant amount may be reevaluated. 

Payment options

• Pacific offers a monthly payment plan with three or five monthly installments per semester. 
• There’s no interest charged, only a small enrollment fee ($25 for the three-month plan and $75 for the five-month plan). 

3. Next steps 

Navigating your offer letter and applying for loans properly is an important task, here are some things to keep in mind when you’ve finished. 

• Review your offer carefully and compare costs. 
• Watch our other financial aid webinars to learn more about managing your investment in Pacific. 
• Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions: 
  • financialaid@pacific.edu  
  • 209.946.2421 

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can feel a bit daunting. But many common beliefs about the FAFSA are simply myths. Let’s debunk these misconceptions and clarify the realities to help you maximize your financial aid potential. 

Myth 1: It’s too late to file your FAFSA

Reality: Pacific’s priority filing deadline helps the Office of Financial Aid send out timely financial aid offers, but it isn’t too late to file your FAFSA.  Financial aid offers are sent out every week when new FAFSA forms are received.  You will still be reviewed for all available federal, state and institutional aid resources so file your FAFSA today, so you don’t leave money on the table.

Myth 2: You only need to file the FAFSA once

Reality: You must file the FAFSA every year while you are in school to ensure that your financial situation is up-to-date and you will be eligible for the appropriate amount of aid. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking one application covers your entire college career. 

Myth 3: The FAFSA is too hard to fill out

Reality: While it may seem intimidating, the FAFSA has been streamlined to make it significantly faster and easier. Recent updates include skip logic, a tool that automatically skips unnecessary questions based on your answers to previous questions, and direct IRS data retrieval, which simplifies income reporting.  

Myth 4: You won’t qualify for aid because you make too much money

Reality: This is a common and costly misconception. Filing the FAFSA opens access to federal loan options, which are available regardless of income. Additionally, you might qualify for need-based aid even if you think you won’t. The FAFSA provides a baseline for determining your eligibility and establishes a foundation for special circumstance reviews. If your financial situation changes unexpectedly, having a completed FAFSA can be crucial. It acts as an “insurance plan” for unforeseen hardships. 

Myth 5: Grades, ethnicity or age will disqualify you from aid

Reality: Need-based aid is primarily determined by household income and assets. Your academic performance, ethnicity and age do not disqualify you from receiving aid. While age can affect the information you need to provide, it does not bar you from eligibility. The FAFSA focuses on financial need, not personal demographics. 

Additional clarifications: 

• Divorced parents: The parent who provides the most financial support should be listed on the FAFSA. If support is equal, list the parent with the higher income and assets. 
• Proactive filing: Even if you’re unsure if you’ll qualify, filing the FAFSA is a proactive step that can open doors to various aid options. 
• Financial aid counseling: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s financial aid counseling team. They are there to help you navigate the process and answer your questions. 

By understanding the realities behind these myths, you can approach the FAFSA with confidence and maximize your chance of securing the financial aid you need. 

Contact Pacific’s Office of Financial Aid if you have questions: 

• financialaid@pacific.edu  
• 209.946.2421 

When you apply to college, you’re going to run across some unfamiliar financial aid terms. FAFSA, Pell grants, subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans, it’s enough to make your head spin!  

To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together this list with some of the most common financial aid terms you’ll run across.  

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 
The U.S. Department of Education form that you and your family complete to determine if you’re eligible for federal student aid, including grants, loans, scholarships and work-study programs. University of the Pacific and the state of California also use FAFSA information to award additional aid for eligible students.  

Need-based aid
Financial aid offered based on a demonstrated financial need, determined by FAFSA information. 

Merit-based aid 
Financial aid offered based on a student’s achievements, such as academic performance, leadership, artistic talent or athletics. 

Grants 
Money for college that you don’t need to repay. Grants are usually awarded based on financial need demonstrated in your application.  

Pell Grant 
A federal grant offered to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It does not have to be repaid.  

Cal Grant 
A California-specific grant offered to low- and middle-income students who meet certain eligibility requirements, attend qualifying schools and submit FAFSA or a California Dream Act application. To be considered for a Cal Grant at Pacific, your high school or community college needs to submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. 

Scholarships 
Similar to grants, scholarships also do not need to be repaid. They are often offered based on merit (such as academic or athletic achievement) but can also be given based on need or other criteria.  You can find scholarships through your college applications, but you may also be eligible for scholarships offered by outside sources.  

Federal Work-Study 
A program that funds part-time job opportunities for students with financial need, helping them work to pay for educational expenses.  

Subsidized loan 
A federal student loan where the government pays the interest when you are enrolled in school (at a minimum of half-time) and for the first six months after you leave school. These are offered based on demonstrated financial need.  

Unsubsidized loan 
A federal student loan where you’re responsible for all interest, which starts accumulating while you’re in school. Unlike subsidized loans, you do not need to demonstrate financial need.  

Parent PLUS loan 
A federal loan that your parent or guardian can borrow to help you pay for college. To qualify for this loan, your parent or guardian must meet eligibility requirements and not have an adverse credit history.

Private loans 
Loans from banks, credit unions or other private lenders that you can use to pay for college. These usually have higher interest rates than federal loans and may be less flexible with repayment than federal loans. 

CSS Profile 
An online application that some universities use to offer institutional aid (financial aid offered directly by a college). Pacific does not accept the CSS Profile.  

Cost of Attendance (COA) 
The total estimated cost to attend a university for one school year. This amount includes tuition, fees, food and housing, books, supplies, transportation and some personal expenses. 

Net Price 
Definition: The cost you pay to attend college after subtracting the amount covered by grants, scholarships and other aid. 

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) 
This has been supplanted by the Student Aid Index starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA.  The EFC is an indicator of the financial strength of a student’s household and a tool to determine need-based aid eligibility. The amount is calculating using provided FAFSA information about family income, assets and household details 

Student Aid Index (SAI) 
The updated version of the EFC, starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA. The SAI is used to determine how much financial support you may need.  

Offer letter or award letter 
The document a college sends you to explain what financial support you’re eligible to receive. It may list grants, scholarships, work-study and loans based on your eligibility.  

Verification 
Definition: When a college asks you to provide documentation to confirm information provided on your FAFSA. Not all students are selected for verification. Verifying your information is a routine process and doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve made a mistake.  

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 
The requirement that students maintain a certain GPA and complete enough credits each year to keep receiving financial aid. To meet this requirement, Pacific students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and pass 67% of all units attempted. 

Disbursement 
When financial aid funds are paid to your college to cover costs like tuition, fees and on-campus housing and food. Any remaining funds are refunded to you to use on other educational expenses. 

Join University of the Pacific’s Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid Kaitlyn Goslinga as she guides you step-by-step through the 2025-26 FAFSA form. Kaitlyn will cover the documents you’ll need —from you and your parents, what to expect when you fill out the form and what happens after you submit.

Learn more about financial aid at Pacific