PHEAA Launches Enhanced Financial Aid Website
Accessing information made easier and faster at PHEAA.org
Harrisburg, PA (January 7, 2008) - PHEAA announced today the launch of its redesigned financial aid website, PHEAA.org, with improved navigation, functionality, and content. The new design presents information in a user-friendly format, allowing visitors to more easily access financial aid information, as well as offering detailed information on all of Pennsylvania's student aid programs.
A new feature, collegeCalendar, not only provides detailed information on what high school seniors should be doing from choosing a school to applying for financial aid but also offers an interactive task management functionality. The collegeCalendar allows users to filter events by priority status, add events and deadlines to personal calendars such as Microsoft Office Outlook Calendar, msn Hotmail Calendar, or Google Calendar, and send email and text message reminders about important events or deadlines.
"PHEAA.org's new format makes it easier for families to find the financial aid information they need without searching through multiple layers of web pages," notes Representative William Adolph, Jr., Chairman of the PHEAA Board. "Simplifying the college financial aid process is important for students and families and PHEAA.org now presents information in a common sense, easier-to-follow format."
New to the PHEAA.org homepage is the "5 Steps to Financial Aid" section which directs students to the major topics related to the financial aid process. This section encourages students to look for free money awards first, like scholarships and grants, provides help in identifying students' financial aid deadlines, gives guidance when comparing schools' financial aid offers, and helps make sure that their higher education costs are covered. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) section is greatly improved, providing more support to students and families who are filing the FAFSA.
PHEAA.org allows students to create their own account to track applications for Pennsylvania State Grants and other student aid awards, manage accounts online, and make online student loan payments. The site also provides high school counselors, postsecondary schools, program partners and lenders with information designed specifically for them.
PHEAA.org links to its other award-winning websites, EducationPlanner.org for career and college planning information; StudentLoanRebates.com where families can earn rebates from every day purchases to help pay-off their students loans faster; and YouCanDealWithIt.com for managing debt and developing a long-term financial game plan.