Penn State highly encourages you and your parents to develop a financial plan for college expenses. Student aid, including federal student loans, can help defray some costs, but you and your family are responsible for determining how to pay your college expenses.
How much does Lions Gate student housing cost?
If you submitted a FAFSA, your financial aid offer displays a food and housing cost estimate, but it does not show the actual rate for Abington Lions Gate housing.
Lions Gate room diagrams, housing rates, and additional details are available here.
Are meal plans required?
Meal plans are not required. Every apartment at Lions Gate has a full kitchen, allowing you the freedom and flexibility of making your own meals. For information on optional meal plans, visit Penn State Abington Optional Meal Plans.
Can I pay for an apartment at Lions Gate online?
If you accept a housing contract, your housing cost will be included in your semester bill along with tuition and fees. Your semester bill is available each semester to view and pay online in LionPATH in August and January.
How much is the deposit for my housing contract and is it refundable?
When you accept your offer of admission and indicate interest in campus housing, you will pay a $230 non-refundable general deposit fee and a $100 non-refundable housing prepayment for a total of $330. The housing contract is legally binding for the upcoming fall and spring semesters and cannot be canceled if you are enrolled at Penn State Abington.
Do I automatically receive more financial aid if I live at Lions Gate?
No. Living in campus housing does not increase grant or scholarship aid. For many students, federal student loans will be the only form of assistance offered. Most first-year students are offered a maximum of $5,500 ($2,750 per semester) in federal student loans, regardless of their housing plans.
What if I do not have enough financial aid to cover housing?
In addition to federal student loans, the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students to assist with costs. For details and instructions on how to apply, visit Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans | Student Aid | Penn State page.
Private alternative loans may also be available from an educational lender (bank or credit union). Students apply directly through the lender. Dependent student borrowers need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer.
For more information, visit Penn State's Private Alternative Loans page.
When should we apply for additional loans such as Parent PLUS Loan or bank loan?
We recommend that you apply for the full academic year — the fall and spring semesters— in early July.
How can I get more information on my costs and financing options?
We strongly encourage all students and their families to talk with a financial aid counselor to discuss their financing options. Please email at [email protected] or call to schedule a phone, Zoom, or in-person appointment at (215) 881-7600 (option 3).