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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​PA EmpowerU

    Financial Aid & Wellness

    According to the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), Pennsylvania learners in the class of 2023 left $115M of Pell grants unclaimed by not completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pennsylvania has the third largest average amount borrowed for the class of 2020 at $39,375 with 64 percent of learners accruing student debt.

    Financial Aid & Wellness Resources for Institutional Leaders
    FAFSA is the key to unlocking financial aid in PA, and it’s quicker, and easier than ever before! It opens October 1st at FAFSA.gov for the following aid year. The FAFSA completion deadline for access to the PA State Grant and special programs is May 1st (first-time college students at 4-year PA schools). August 1st is the FAFSA completion deadline for PA State Grant eligibility at 2-year and business/technical colleges.

    Multiple sources demonstrate there is no shortage of data regarding American's financial situation. Average credit card debt is over $6,000. Around 40 percent of Americans have less than $300 in the bank. Around half of Americans said they were having difficulty paying their bills in 2023, and 49 percent of Americans say their finances have a negative impact on their mental health.

    Get Help on Your Campus

    The Financial Aid department on your campus should be an early and often stop to ensure you have completed every available application and that you have a full understanding of your financial aid decisions. Always ask questions until you are clear. Additionally, if you are having financial issue outside of your cost of education make sure to let somebody know in case you can be connected with additional resources: financial aid advisor, academic advisor, instructor, or student services member.

    Resources

    FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid is where students can apply for financial aid to attend any college or university, as well as other postsecondary opportunities within Pennsylvania and around the country. For more information on how it operates and for federal financial aid questions visit the FSA website.

    PHEAA: One of the Nation's Leading Student Aid Organizations is the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and offers a variety of publications, resources, and personnel who help students pay for postsecondary education. The Pennsylvania State Grant is the largest grant program in the state.

    The PA State Financial Aid Guide (PDF) provides an outline of state financial aid programs organized by eligibility and type.

    Foster Ed, or the PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, was implemented to ensure that all tuition and fees are covered for students who were in the Foster Ed system after all other financial aid, including their Chafee Grant eligibility, has been applied to their balance.

    The Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center offers open-access financial resources such as: Self Study Modules, Webinars, and Events.