Financial Aid options are limited during the summer.  Students are encourged to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 609-896-5360 or finaid@rider.edu prior to summer registration in order to explore these options.

****If financial aid is not in place at the start of the session, students will be expected to pay their charges in full****

What type of financial aid can I receive for summer?
You must first fill out an Application for Summer Financial Aid to be eligible for aid. Summer aid is offered in the form of loans. Assuming you are enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) and you have not exhausted all of your Federal Stafford eligibility then you will be awarded a Stafford loan.  If you have no additional Stafford eligibility remaining, you can finance your summer classes through a private loan with Citibank, Chase, NJ Class, Sallie Mae or Wells Fargo.  If you identify with another lender offering privateloans, Rider will gladly work with you and your chosen lender.  In addition, please be advised students generally need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. PLUS loans are also available for parents of undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time.

I will only be taking 3 credits this summer; can I still apply for aid?
If you are only taking 3 credits during the entire summer session, you will not be eligible for a Federal Stafford loan.  In order to obtain a summer Stafford loan a minimum of 6 credits for the combined summer 1 & 2 sessions is necessary.  You may apply for an alternative loan for students enrolled less than half-time.  We are aware of the following lenders that permit borrowing for students enrolled less than hafl-time: Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo.  If you identify with another lender offering an alternative loan product for students in your enrollment status, Rider will gladly work with you and your chosen lender.  In addition, be advised students generally need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer.

When will I hear from the Office of Financial Aid?
A financial aid counselor will review your application to determine how much you can apply for to cover summer expenses and will send out a letter indicating which loan you may apply for and the maximum amount.  This letter will be sent to your Rider email account; no paper letters will be sent.

When I receive the letter, what do I do then?
If you have been awarded a Stafford loan, you do not need to fill out any additional paperwork unless this is your first time receiving a Stafford loan. If it is your first time, you need to fill out a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and also complete an Entrance Interview. You may contact our office if you are in need of these documents.  If you are applying for a private loan you need to complete an application with the lender (links below) and be approved.  The lender will then notify Rider that you have a loan awaiting school certification and your funds can be processed.

Can I receive scholarships or grants for summer?
Scholarships and grants generally are not awarded during summer school.

Can I transfer my financial aid to another college for instance a county college?
No, financial aid does not transfer to other schools. In order to receive financial aid at a school you need to be degree seeking at that institution.

I did not get financial aid last semester, but I would like to get aid starting this summer and for the upcoming academic year as well.
If you have not completed a FAFSA, then you need to submit the FAFSA application for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. The 2008-2009 FAFSA will determine your eligibility for summer and the 2009-2010 FAFSA will determine your eligibility for fall 2009 and spring 2010.

Lender Links

Chase Select
http://www.chasestudentloans.com/custom/rider