Step by Step Guide to Financial Aid

Download Rider's First Time Applicant's Packet for Next Steps

1. Apply for admission to Rider University
2. File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The application is now available on the Federal Student Aid website. You must include Rider's six-digit code (002628) on the application. Once we receive the results of your need analysis from the federal processor, we will design a financial aid offer to meet your individual needs. You will receive an award letter from Rider outlining the various types of aid for which you are eligible.
   • Rider uses the FAFSA as the foundation for all financial aid offers. The priority filing deadline for all Rider students is February 1, 2025. Complete the signature process by signing electronically using your FSA ID. Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 if you have questions while completing your FAFSA. 
   • Early Action Financial Aid: Early Action applicants should complete their FAFSA as soon as possible. If admitted through Early Action, we will provide your complete freshman financial aid offer once your FAFSA data is available to the University. 
3. Review Your Federal Student Aid Report (SAR)
   Your SAR is the response notice you will receive from the Department of Education when you file the FAFSA. You may make corrections at any time and receive an updated SAR.  
4. New Jersey and Other State Grants
   Review state grant programs, including deadlines, requirements, and procedures. Visit Rider's Federal and State Grants page for more information.
5. Review your Financial Aid Offer
   Students who are accepted to Rider will receive a financial aid offer. It is important to review your financial aid offer in your College Financing Plan sheet. Visit Rider's Understanding Financial Aid page for more information.
   
6. Verification
   Familiarize yourself with the verification requirements and selection process. Visit Rider's Verification page for more information.
7. Tuition and Housing Deposits
   If you have decided to attend Rider, ensure you pay the appropriate deposit(s). More information and steps are included on the university webpage for admitted students.
8. Complete Federal Loan Requirements
   Accepting any offered Federal Direct Loan(s) requires completion of the the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
9. Determine Your Financial Plan
   Plan your strategy to bring your balance to zero utilizing one or more financial options.

Download Rider's information on financing your education (PDF) for important instructions, checklists and resources for new undergraduate students.

Contents include:

1. Financial Agreement 
   The University requires all students to complete a Student Financial Agreement through the myRider portal.
2. Billing and Payment Methods
   Payments may be made securely through the myRider portal using an e-check or credit card, by mail, over the phone, or at the Cashier's Office in the One Stop suite.
3. Monthly Payment Plan
   Rider offers interest-free monthly payment plans. Enrollment begins in mid-July.
4. Student Health Insurance
   Full-time students are required to have health insurance coverage. You must waive or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each academic year. This can be completed in your myRider portal.
5. Terms and Conditions
   Terms and conditions must be accepted for financial aid to disburse. If you decline the terms and conditions, you will not be eligible to receive financial aid. Please follow the steps below to accept the terms and conditions of your award:
   • Log into your myRider portal 
   • In the “Student Finances” section, click "Financial Aid Portal"
   • Use the drop-down box and select “Award Year 2025-2026”
   • Review your Unsatisfied Requirements on the Home Tab and ensure all requirements are completed
   • Select the “Award Offer” Tab
   • Review your award offer “Accept” or “Decline” any offered Federal Direct Loans
   • Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Submit” or “Confirm”
   • Review and check off the acknowledge button for your Terms and Conditions and select “Accept Award”
     
6. Federal Direct Loan Checklist
   First-time borrowers utilizing Federal Direct Loans must complete Entrance Counseling and the Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) online. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information. 
7. Parent PLUS Loan Option
   Parent PLUS Loans are optional, credit-based federal loans parents of dependent students may use to help cover remaining educational costs. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information. 
8. Private Supplemental Loan Options
   Private loans are optional, credit-based loan programs available to help cover remaining educational costs. Several lenders offer private educational loan programs and we have provided you an online student loan comparison tool via www.elmselect.com (enter 'Rider University' in the search bar). These loans can be combined with other financing options to help meet the remaining costs.

1. FAFSA Renewal
   FAFSAs must be completed every academic year you are enrolled at Rider. The new FAFSA typically becomes available fall of the prior year. We recommend you complete this as soon as possible to determine your financial aid eligibility and assist you in financial planning for the upcoming school year.
2. Maintaining Your Scholarship
   Merit-based scholarships are annually renewable for up to four consecutive years for incoming freshmen and three consecutive years for transfers provided the following:
   • Continuous, full-time enrollment 
   • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) specified in your acceptance letter