Politics & Government

PHEAA Student Aid Guide Now Available Online

Attention local high school juniors and seniors: now is the time to start searching for ways to pay for college.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)  announced the availability of its annual Pennsylvania Student Aid Guide. Both the English and Spanish versions of the Guide can be found under the College Planning section of PHEAA.org.

The Student Aid Guide is Pennsylvania's most comprehensive financial aid publication and is available at no cost. The Guide offers in-depth information on the federal student aid process and includes details on Pennsylvania's aid programs, including the need-based State Grant Program. The Guide is a great resource for finding everything students and families need to know about paying for higher education.

"Now is the time for high school juniors and seniors to be researching the various financial aid programs that are available to help them pay the cost of higher education," said Representative William F. Adolph, Chairman of the PHEAA Board. "The Student Aid Guide is a great resource for families to become familiar with the student aid process. And it's free."

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The online version of the Guide is interactive and includes links to web pages of particular interest, including:

  • How to qualify for grants and scholarships and other "free" aid that does not need to be repaid
  • Information on work-study programs that allow students to earn money to help cover their education costs
  • Types of loans that are available to students and parents to help pay for their education
  • Career and salary information and access to checklists, timelines applications and forms that families will need to apply for and receive financial assistance

Each high school counselor's office in Pennsylvania will receive one printed copy of the Guide with instructions to visit PHEAA.org/counselors to order additional printed copies for their students.

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"Over the past three years, PHEAA has streamlined the distribution and publication process of the Guides which has saved the Agency several hundred thousands of dollars," said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Vice Chairman. "Placing the Guide online not only saves money but better meets the changing needs of students, families and schools."

The Guide also offers tools to help students and families create a student budget that estimates annual expenses and provides helpful resources and contact information.

While researching and planning for ways to pay for higher education, students and families are encouraged to contact their high school regarding the availability of Financial Aid Nights during the fall. PHEAA's Pennsylvania School Services Team offers financial aid experts to facilitate these free informational programs, providing an overview of the student financial aid process and offering an opportunity to have individual questions answered.

For information on the higher education financial aid process, schedules for upcoming financial aid nights and FAFSA Completion Sessions, reminders of financial aid deadlines, and video clips offering tips and information pertaining to planning for higher education, students can join PHEAA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pheaa.aid.


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