May 1 is the deadline for need-based Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding students and families that the 2015-16 Pennsylvania State Grant application filing deadline is May 1. This deadline applies to all renewal applicants and first-time applicants who plan to enroll in colleges, universities or a college transfer program at two-year public (except community colleges) or junior colleges.



To apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant, applicants must first complete the 2015-16 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants can access the FAFSA online at PHEAA.org/FAFSA or fafsa.gov. Completing the FAFSA online saves time and reduces application and processing errors.



In addition to completing the FAFSA, first-time applicants must also submit a completed Pennsylvania State Grant Form (SGF). First-time applicants who submit the FAFSA online will be automatically redirected to the SGF by following the on-screen prompts on the FAFSA confirmation page. First-time applicants who have already submitted their FAFSA but have not completed the SGF will receive an e-mail directing them to PHEAA’s secure Account Access site for completion. Both applications are free to submit.



“When paying for college, students should take advantage of available gift aid, such as grants and scholarships, before taking out a student loan,” said Representative William Adolph, Chairman of the PHEAA Board of Directors. “With the State Grant application deadline approaching on May 1, students should not miss the opportunity to help make their education more affordable.”



First-time State Grant applicants who plan to enroll in a community college, business, trade or technical school, a hospital school of nursing, a designated Pennsylvania “Open Admission” institution, or a non-transferable two-year degree program at a community, junior or four-year college have until Aug. 1 to complete their Pennsylvania State Grant application.



“The State Grant Program can be a financial lifesaver for many college-bound students and their families,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Vice Chairman. “Since the program is need-based, it provides the greatest benefits to those who may be struggling with their finances the most.”



Students and families with questions about the FAFSA or the State Grant Program can call 800-692-7392 for personal assistance.



Students and families are encouraged to visit PHEAA on Facebook, at facebook.com/pheaa.aid, where they can learn more about the higher education financial aid process, reminders of financial aid deadlines, and information pertaining to planning for higher education. Additionally, video tutorials explaining the student aid process and types of aid available can be found at YouTube.com/PHEAAstudentAid.



About PHEAA

Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach and other student aid programs. PHEAA’s earnings are used to support its public service mission and to pay its operating costs, including administration of the Pennsylvania State Grant and other state-funded student aid programs. PHEAA continues to devote its energy, resources and imagination to developing innovative ways to ease the financial burden of higher education for students, families, schools and taxpayers. PHEAA conducts its student loan servicing activities nationally as FedLoan Servicing and American Education Services (AES). For more information, visit www.pheaa.org.