Students can now use electronic signatures when submitting online PA State Grant applications – Due May 1

Harrisburg, PA (April 26, 2018)—PHEAA streamlines and accelerates the process while reducing errors

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) today announced the first-ever implementation of a convenient electronic signature, or eSign, option for students submitting a State Grant Form (SGF), which is required to be considered for a PA State Grant award.

"The ability to eSign an application will eliminate the need for most students to physically print, sign and mail in a paper document," said Representative Mike Peifer, PHEAA Board Chairman. "With a rapidly approaching May 1 deadline, an electronic signature option eliminates a cumbersome step that could otherwise cause last-minute filers to miss the deadline."

May 1 is the deadline for all renewal applicants and first-time applicants who plan to enroll in colleges, universities, or a college transfer program at 2-year public or private colleges (except community colleges and designated Pennsylvania Open Admission institutions).

Prior to submitting a SGF, applicants are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which is used to determine financial need for federal and state-based student aid programs, including the PA State Grant Program. Information provided by applicants when submitting an online FAFSA is automatically applied to portions of the SGF to increase accuracy and convenience.

Beginning today, the PA State Grant Program will allow an applicant's FAFSA electronic signature to serve as an approved signature for the majority of PA State Grant applicants, which will make the application process much faster.

In cases where the student's FAFSA was not signed, the applicant will be prompted to go back and sign the FAFSA electronically, or to physically print, sign and mail a signature page to PHEAA.

"Today's students expect easy-to-access digital solutions and this is an important step toward meeting those needs," said State Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Vice Chairman. "It's all about being more user-friendly so more students with financial need are able to benefit from a PA State Grant award."

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.