PHEAA Reminds Students and Families of Approaching State Grant Deadline
FAFSA must be submitted by May 1, 2009
Harrisburg, PA (April 23, 2009) - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is reminding students and families that the deadline for the need-based Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1. This deadline applies to all new applicants who plan to enroll in an undergraduate baccalaureate degree program, a college transfer program at two-year public or junior colleges, and all renewal applicants.
Families must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania State Grant. If families have not submitted their FAFSA, they can visit PHEAA.org/fafsa to access the online application. Completing the FAFSA online saves time and helps eliminate errors.
The site includes free information and assistance in completing the form. PHEAA.org also has complete eligibility and application information on the State Grant Program. After completing the FAFSA, first time State Grant applicants will receive an email directing them to PHEAA's Account Access to provide some additional information necessary for the State Grant program.
“Every student who is considering higher education should apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant,” said Representative William Adolph, Jr., Chairman of the PHEAA Board. “Students may believe that college costs are financially out of reach, but the State Grant, which is need-based, is just one example of the assistance that may be available to them.”
Last year, more than 158,000 Pennsylvania students benefited by receiving a State Grant award. The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is administered by PHEAA at no cost to taxpayers allowing every appropriated dollar to go directly to students.
“Each year, the State Grant Program is funded by an appropriation in the state budget,” noted Senator Sean Logan, Vice Chairman of the PHEAA Board. “My colleagues in the General Assembly are strong believers in the importance of education for our students' future as well as our Commonwealth's future. We will be working together to achieve the most meaningful funding possible for the program, especially during these difficult economic times.”
Students who are first-time applicants planning to enroll in a business, trade or technical school, a hospital school of nursing, or a terminal (non-transferable two-year degree) program at a community, junior or four-year college have until August 1 to file their FAFSA to determine eligibility for a State Grant award.
Students and families with questions about the FAFSA or the State Grant Program can also call toll-free at 800-692-7392.