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 it becomes available in December 2023. You must include Rider's six digit code number (002628) on the application. Once we receive the results of your needs analysis from the federal processor, we will design a financial aid offer to meet your individual needs. You will receive a financial aid offer 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 March 1. Complete the signature process by signing electronically using your FSA ID. If you have questions while completing your FAFSA, please reach out to the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
   • Early Action Financial Aid: If you are a freshman applicant applying for admission through Early Action, you may also apply for early action on your financial aid offer by completing the FAFSA before March 1. If admitted through Early Action, we will also provide you with your complete freshman financial aid offer as soon as 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 anytime and you will receive an updated SAR.
4. New Jersey and Other State Grants
   Learn about state grant programs, including deadlines, requirements and procedures.
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.
6. Verification
   Understand more about the verification requirements and selection process.
7. Tuition and Housing Deposits
   If you are a new student and you have made your decision to attend Rider, be sure to pay all the required deposits.
8. Complete Federal Loan Requirements
   If Federal Stafford Loan(s) are included as part of your financial aid offer and you are accepting them, you will need to complete the Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online.
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.
3. Monthly payment plan – Rider offers an interest free monthly payment plan. Enrollment begins 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.
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 2024-2025”
   • 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 Federal Stafford Loans offered to you. 
   • Scroll to the bottom of the page select “Submit” or “Confirm”
   • Review and check-off the acknowledge button for your Terms and Conditions and select “Accept Award”
6. Federal Direct Stafford Loan checklist – First-time borrowers utilizing Stafford loans must complete Entrance Counseling and a Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) online.
7. Parent PLUS Loan option – Parent PLUS loans are optional, credit-based federal loans parents of dependent students may use to help cover remaining unmet educational costs. 
8. Private supplemental loan options – Private loans are optional, credit-based loan programs available to help cover remaining unmet educational costs. There are several lenders who 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 tool). These loans can be combined with other financing options to help meet remaining costs.

• You must reapply for financial aid each year while you are in school.
• Maintaining Your Scholarship: Merit based scholarships are annually renewable for up to four consecutive years, provided you maintain continuous, full-time enrollment and the minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) specified in your acceptance letter.