Prepare

There is no separate student application for the RTSS Program. Instead, participating schools nominate students based upon the RTSS eligibility criteria. Please note that funding for this program is limited, so some eligible nominees may not receive funding.

Since it is possible that eligible students will exceed the RTSS funds available, students will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis according to the date of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and completion of your PA State Grant application items. If you are ineligible due to limited funding, or if you meet the RTSS eligibility criteria and are interested in being considered for nomination in future years, please review the information below and take the necessary steps to improve your chances for future funding.

Step 1. Every year submit your FAFSA as early as possible.
  • The FAFSA will be available on October 1, for the upcoming school year. Please visit StudentAid.gov/FAFSA to file your application. It is important to complete and submit your FAFSA as early as possible, due to the first-come, first-served nature of RTSS.
Step 2. Review your FAFSA for complete and accurate information.
  • After the FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA. Once you have received your SAR, review it to confirm that it is correct and complete. If you need to make corrections to your FAFSA, visit StudentAid.gov/FAFSA and use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your FAFSA and make the necessary changes.
Step 3. Apply for the PA State Grant.

    After you complete your FAFSA, PHEAA will receive and process it. Once processed, we will send you an email to activate your PA State Grant System account. The email will come from NoReply@grantus.pheaa.org and be sent to the email address you used on the FAFSA.

Step 4. Contact your Financial Aid Office.
  • Contact your Financial Aid Office to confirm you will meet the requirements for RTSS for the upcoming year and discuss your potential nomination.