Hello! We're the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), and we're dedicated to assisting you in navigating the process of paying for college by providing information on how our PA Forward and Keystone Student Loan Programs can help bridge the gap between your existing aid and what you still need to cover.
Look for Free Money First
You should first prioritize getting "free" financial aid which doesn't require repayment, such as scholarships and most grants. If you're a PA resident going to college, don't forget to apply for a PA State Grant, which offers up to $5,750 for qualifying students!
Fill Out the FAFSA®
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is your ticket to various forms of financial aid. Completing the FAFSA is essential to qualify for programs like the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loans, as well as state-based aid such as grants, school aid, and need-based scholarships.
Consider a Loan From PHEAA
For those requiring extra funding beyond federal, school, and other aid, we provide two student loan programs to cover college costs—PA Forward Student Loans and Keystone Student Loans. Our state-based programs feature competitive fixed rates, no origination or application fees, and great benefits.
Which loan program is right for you depends on where you live and where you are going to school.
This loan program is for students from Pennsylvania or for those who plan to attend an approved college in Pennsylvania.
This loan program is for students in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who plan to attend an approved college outside of Pennsylvania.
Other Helpful Resources
This career and college planning website provides practice and easy-to-understand advice to help prepare students for the important decisions they will face in the future.
Using this interactive tool, you can create up to four different scenarios to see how your career and college choices may affect how much you pay for college and if you are at risk for over borrowing.
This website provides practical and easy-to-understand advice on how to deal with common financial situations facing today's college students and recent graduates.