PHEAA Encourages Students and Families to Research Financial Aid for 2009 Academic Year
Holiday break is perfect time for college planning
Harrisburg, PA (December 22, 2008) - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is encouraging students and families to learn more about student aid availability, as January 1 is the traditional kick-off of the college financial aid season.
High school seniors should become familiar with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is required to qualify for federal grants, the Pennsylvania State Grant, many scholarships, reduced-cost student loans, work-study programs, and many school-based student aid programs. Families should visit PHEAA.org/FAFSA for background information and frequently asked questions about the FAFSA, as well as for completing and submitting the FAFSA online.
Additionally, PHEAA will be offering free FAFSA Completion Workshops throughout the Commonwealth beginning in January and running through April. Visit PHEAA.org/FAFSA after January 1 to view a statewide listing of FAFSA Workshops.
“With students having time-off from school over the holidays, it is a great chance for them to get online and find out what kinds of student aid may be available to them,” notes PHEAA Board Chairman and State Representative, William F. Adolph, Jr. “Funding an education in these difficult economic times puts pressure on students and families looking for money to help pay for school; waiting until the last minute just adds additional, unnecessary pressure.”
The Pennsylvania State Grant deadline is May 1st, however, many schools' have earlier aid deadlines. Families should submit their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st but prior to their earliest financial aid deadline.
Here are some other steps that students and families can take to help ease college planning and funding issues.
- Visit the award-winning career and college planning website, EducationPlanner.org. The site offers information on thousands of schools, provides invaluable college planning and student aid guidance on a variety of topics, and one of the largest free scholarship search features available; offering 1.8 million awards worth almost $8 billion.
- School counselors are a great resource for college planning and financial aid information. If a student knows which schools they are interested in attending, they should review the school's financial aid website for information on what aid is available and what process needs to be followed in applying for financial aid from each school.
- Visit YouCanDealWithIt.com. This comprehensive site provides budgeting tips, savings strategies, tax deduction information, debt management strategies, and more, to help you afford higher education.
- Consider getting a part-time job to help save money for school-related costs like books or meal plans.
PHEAA operates six regional offices, located in Pittsburgh, Sharon, Williamsport, Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia. Staff at each office is available to answer questions related to higher education as well as schedule informational workshops. Visit PHEAA.org, ”Contact Us”, for regional office information.