Prepare

A PA State Grant is based on financial need. Before you complete the form, learn what you will need to apply, and what the eligibility criteria are.

Am I Eligible?

You may be eligible if you demonstrate financial need and meet specific requirements.

  • Are a high school graduate as stipulated in the PA State Grant law
  • Attend a postsecondary school approved by PHEAA for PA State Grant purposes
  • Are enrolled at least half-time (defined as at least 6 semester credits but less than 12 semester credits per semester, or the equivalent)
  • Be unconditionally admitted and enrolled in an approved program of study of at least 2 academic years in length
  • If enrolled at an institution that is not headquartered and domiciled in Pennsylvania, you must be enrolled in a program of study where at least 50% of the total credit or clock hours needed for completion of the program are earned through classroom instruction:
    • The program itself must be structured to allow you to complete at least 50% of your credits or clock hours in the classroom
    • Your enrollment pattern by term must also consist of at least 50% classroom instruction (unless you have a medical disability)
  • Have made satisfactory academic progress (as defined by PHEAA)
  • Not have already earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent
  • Are a Pennsylvania resident, as stipulated in the PA State Grant law
  • Are of satisfactory character (for example, not be incarcerated)
  • Not have received the maximum number of PA State Grants permitted
  • Not be in default on an educational loan; this also applies to any program where the award has been converted to a loan and the loan is in a default status
  • File and complete the application process by the appropriate deadlines

For more detail, read the Rights and Responsibilities Certification Document (PDF).

What Should I do Before I Apply?

2023-24 Academic Year and 2024 Summer

Create an account through Account Access, an online student aid management tool operated by American Education Services, a division of PHEAA. You will be redirected to this site during the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) process, so creating an account now will cut down on what you need to do in the future.

Here's some information that you'll want to have ready.

  • If applicable, the month and year your diploma was received (for High School or GED)
  • Your Social Security number, not your parent's or guardian's; this will alleviate any processing issues
  • If married, your spouse's nine-digit Social Security number
  • If you have a savings account through PA 529, you may need a recent account statement for the total savings, or visit pa529.com

2024-25 Academic Year

We will contact you when the 2024-25 PA State Grant application is available for completion in our new platform, GrantUs. Students will be required to log in to their GrantUs account to complete the 2024-25 PA State Grant application process.

How Much Can I Expect to Receive?

The amount of money you can expect to receive is based on your financial situation and the type of school you choose to attend in Pennsylvania. Award calculations and amounts can range from a minimum to a maximum based on your circumstances and are subject to change annually.

NOTE: If you plan on attending a school located outside of Pennsylvania, the maximum allowable award, subject to potential adjustment, is: