What's Next?

Students and organizations will use the PA State Grant System to apply and manage eligibility for PHEAA-administered aid programs, such as:

We are working to add each of these programs into the PA State Grant System over the next year. The initial program we have added is the PA State Grant Program. As we launch programs in the PA State Grant System, we will update the corresponding program webpages to stay informed. In the meantime, follow the instructions on the specific program pages to understand what to do.

Students

The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open to all students.

Next Steps to Apply for a PA State Grant

HOW CAN I COMPLETE THE PA STATE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS?

Good news! Federal Student Aid will transmit your FAFSA data to our PA State Grant System, so we'll already have most of the information we need.

Once we process your FAFSA information:

  • The PA State Grant System will automatically create a student profile for all first-time applicants. PA students that completed a FAFSA will receive an email from NoReply@grantus.pheaa.org with instructions to create your password and set up your user account. We will send this communication to the email address you provided on the FAFSA.
  • Once you have a PA State Grant System account, your next steps will vary based on whether you are a renewal student or a first-time applicant. First-time applicants will find the State Grant Form and High School Form in your Action Items list. First-time applicants must complete both forms as soon as possible. Typically, renewal applicants do not need to complete these forms. Learn more about the eligibility requirements, program deadlines, and commonly asked questions for the PA State Grant.
    • If you have not completed the FAFSA or created a PA State Grant System account, you will not be able to apply for the PA State Grant.
  • We will communicate award updates through your PA State Grant System account. If we need more information to assess your eligibility, we will send another email asking you to log in to the PA State Grant System and review our request.

    NOTE: Keep your PA State Grant System email address current. This is critical to receive timely communications and updates about your eligibility before the deadline.

HOW DO I RENEW MY PA STATE GRANT?

After you complete your FAFSA, you should not need to complete any additional application items.

If we need more information from you, we will send another email asking you to log in to the PA State Grant System and review our request.

HOW DO I SET UP MY PA State Grant System ACCOUNT?

You will not be able to set up a PA State Grant System account until PHEAA receives your FAFSA data. Once we have your FAFSA information, the PA State Grant System will automatically create your student profile.

We will send an email to the address you provided on the FAFSA with account activation details. To complete your account activation, you will select a password and complete multifactor authentication via email or text message (if there is a phone number associated with your account).

NOTE: If you already set up your account with an authenticator, you can clear your browser cache and reload to see the email and text authentication options.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO COMPLETE MY FAFSA FOR THE PA STATE GRANT?

The deadline varies based on your situation. Learn more about our deadlines.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT MY PA STATE GRANT ELIGIBILTY?

We will communicate award updates through your PA State Grant System account. If we need more information to assess your eligibility, we will send another email asking you to log in to the PA State Grant System and review our request.

NOTE: Keep your PA State Grant System email address current. This is critical to receive timely communications and updates about your eligibility before the deadline.

I WANT TO APPLY FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAM. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The special programs that we administer are not available in the PA State Grant System at this time. Many of the programs will require that you submit a FAFSA. Some programs also require you to complete your PA State Grant application items. We encourage you to complete those items as soon as you can!

Learn more about our special programs and how to apply under Funding Opportunities in the main menu navigation.

WHY HAVEN'T I RECEIVED A PA State Grant System ACTIVATION EMAIL YET?

2024-25 Award Year: We sent activation emails in batches after we received and processed your FAFSA data.

If you have already submitted your 2024-25 FAFSA and still cannot find your PA State Grant System email, here are some tips:

  • Monitor the inbox of the email address you used to complete the FAFSA
  • Check your spam or other folders for emails from PHEAA
  • Look for an email sent from NoReply@grantus.pheaa.org
  • Try using the Forgot Password option on the PA State Grant System homepage along with the email you provided on the FAFSA

If you cannot locate your activation email or access your account after trying these tips, please contact us at grantHelp@pheaa.org.

2025-26 Award Year: Once we begin to receive and process 2025-26 FAFSA data, we will send activation notices to first-time applicants. Renewal applicants will not need to activate their account again—just continue using your existing account credentials.

WHAT IF I NEED TO UPDATE MY FAFSA?

If you need to make changes to your FAFSA, log in to StudentAid.gov and make the corrections there. We will receive your updated FAFSA information from FSA in another data transfer.

Parents & Contributors

If you contributed information to a student's FAFSA, you may need to provide additional information for us to evaluate the student's eligibility for the PA State Grant Program.

We will notify your student through the PA State Grant System if we need additional information from you.

You will only have access to view and adjust the information we specifically requested in the PA State Grant System. You will not have access to view or adjust any other information on behalf of the student.