Determination Of Aid Eligibility

Class of 2017, Academic Year 2013-2014

In order to apply for need-based aid, you must complete the CSS PROFILE at profileonline.collegeboard.com by the appropriate deadline (refer to checklist for dates).  Your financial aid package will be determined based on our analysis of the information you report on the CSS PROFILE. Bucknell uses information from both the federal and institutional methodologies to calculate your eligibility for federal, state and Bucknell aid programs.

These are the primary pieces of information that we review:

  • parent and student income (both taxable and untaxed)
  • parent and student assets
  • number of family members supported by your parents
  • number of those family members who are enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking first undergraduate higher education programs

Then we determine your Bucknell institutional family contribution, subtract it from our cost of attendance, and the result is your calculated institutional financial need at Bucknell. Please keep in mind that we do not use the actual federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in our calculations, and we are not able to meet a student's federal need level. We do try to meet as much of your need as possible with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work study from all of the federal, state and institutional aid programs that we offer. (If you are not eligible for need-based aid, you will be awarded an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan.)

In May/June, we will review your and your parents' tax and verification documents, primarily looking at income and number enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking first undergraduate higher education programs. Please understand that we are not able to increase your aid during this verification; we will simply verify that you are still eligible for the aid package that was awarded to you.

It is *very important* to remember that if your actual income is higher than what you reported on the CSS PROFILE, or if your number in college is lower, then your need-based aid eligibility will be reduced, so you will need to be prepared for this situation.

Also, if you apply late, we cannot guarantee that funding will be available.

Applying for Aid in Future Years

Because your eligibility can change from year to year, you will need to reapply for aid each year during your time at Bucknell. (However, you will only need to complete the CSS PROFILE once.)  Returning students must submit all documents by April 15.  You can expect a similar need-based aid package each of your four years at Bucknell if:

  • Your family's financial situation stays relatively the same (income, assets, number in the household, number of children in the household enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking first undergraduate programs).
    NOTE:  Be aware that one of the factors affecting need-based aid eligibility the most is the number of children enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking first undergraduate higher education programs. When this number decreases, your need-based aid will decrease as well. We do not want this to be a surprise to you in a future year.
  • You continue to demonstrate financial need as determined by Bucknell's Office of Financial Aid.
  • You adhere to our application deadlines.
  • You maintain satisfactory academic and social standing.