Managing your student account
Receiving clearance from the Office of Student Accounts is the final step in the financial aid process. Clearance is granted by making payment in full, enrolling in one of the University's payment plans, or by utilizing other sources of financial aid by established deadlines.
Once a student has registered for classes, their student accounts statement can be accessed online via PointWeb, Point Park's student portal. To learn more about paying your bill, account clearance, payment plans and other student account policies, visit the links below.
Options for covering total college costs
For many students, a financial aid package does not equal the total cost of attending Point Park. Fortunately, there are options for covering the difference between financial aid and total costs, including private scholarships, private loans, student employment and University payment plans.
Outside Scholarships
Everyone has heard of students who get outside scholarships based on unique qualifications you might never have imagined. Getting those scholarships starts with researching what's available, finding matches and submitting applications.
Point Park suggests two Web sites that allow students and families to explore outside scholarships:
- Fastweb Scholarship Search - This search leads you through a series of questions to determine what scholarships opportunities may be a match.
- College Board Scholarship - This tool helps students and families locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that match education level, talents and background.
Please note that outside scholarships cannot be included as financial aid unless official documentation is received by the financial aid office.
Private Loans
Once you and your family have considered all federal, state and other resources and options for loans, you can use the Pennsylvania Private Loan Marketplace to instantly and accurately compare rates and terms from multiple private lenders side-by-side. This will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate loan for you.
The Pennsylvania Private Loan Marketplace displays products from local and national lenders, complete with detailed lists of APR’s, interest rates, total costs, monthly payments, borrower benefits, fees and repayment options.
Point Park University does not endorse any lender either on the Pennsylvania Private Loan Marketplace or any other lender. You have the right to choose any lender for your private loan option and Point Park University will certify any loan from any lender you chose.
Student Employment
While some may worry about holding a job during college, studies have found that students who work a reasonable number of hours per week excel at balancing schoolwork, a job and a college social life.
Point Park students who hold jobs other than federally funded work-study aid find positions in two areas:
- On-campus employment: Point Park has many students who work in campus offices, such as the University library, academic departments, administrative departments and the Children's School. The University's Office of Human Resources maintains those job listings.
- Off-campus employment: As an urban University, Point Park is surrounded by Downtown Pittsburgh businesses that may hire college students. The Student Life Career Development Center maintains an online listing of part-time jobs with local employers.
Students who plan to use funds from a job to pay tuition, room and board need to enroll in a payment plan to have their student account cleared.
Payment Plans
Point Park offers payment plans to help students and families who cannot pay their balance of tuition and other expenses at one time. While this option can help those who need to pay in increments, the University does expect all students to fulfill their financial obligations.
For a full description of this option, please visit our Payment Plans page
Seeking help
If you're having trouble determining how to cover the difference between financial aid and the total cost of attending Point Park, let us know -- we want to help. Please contact the student accounts office to discuss your circumstances. Our staff may be able to suggest options or help you plan.