Federal Aid

Complete the FASFA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) paper form or online form. To complete the online form use FAFSA Online. 
To help you complete the FASFA, read their "Getting Started" guide before clicking on "Entering a FAFSA Online."
The deadline for applying for Federal Student Aid (PELL grants, loans, work-study) using the FAFSA is May 1st (PA residents) previous to the school year you are enrolling in college.

By submitting the FAFSA on time you can become eligible for:
Campus-Based Programs
The Federal PELL Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Work-Study Program

Campus Based Aid  The college of your choice and the Federal government provide a set amount of money per year to individual students with extreme financial need.  The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend administers the grants and scholarships and will determine your eligibility for these funds as part of your total financial aid package. 

The Federal PELL Grant  A Federal PELL Grant is the first grant for which you will be considered.  If you qualify for a PELL Grant, you will receive between $400 and $4,000 annually (the Federal government may revise the amount available for the PELL Grant each year), depending on your family income and cost of education.  You must apply for a Federal PELL Grant using a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  All other need-based financial assistance will be added after your Federal PELL Grant award has been determined. You may complete the FAFSA over the Internet using FAFSA Online.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)  Awards are available ranging from $100 to $4,000 annually for undergraduate students.  Priority is given to students who receive Federal PELL Grants.  This program is  Federal grant and the school determines recipients.

Federal Perkins Loan  You may qualify for up to $4,000 annually as an undergraduate at a 5 percent annual interest rate and take up to 10 years to repay your loan.  Graduate students may borrow up to $5,000 per year.  This is a federal program with the school determining who is eligible.

Federal Work-Study Program  The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) provides for financially needy students.  Students generally work from 10 to 15 hours per week during the academic year (and up to 40 hours during the summer) at on-campus jobs.  The hourly rate is at least the Federal minimum wage and may be higher depending on the required job skills.  College financial aid administrators try to arrange for jobs that correspond to your academic or career interests.  A typical FWSP award allows you to earn about $1,200 a year.  This is a federal program and the school determines student eligibility.

It you are pursuing a bachelor's degree, please be aware that you are eligible for no more than 6 (six) years of federal grant aid; and for no more than 4 (four) years of state grant aid (if you are a resident of PA).  Students who are enrolled as associate degree students are eligible for no more than 3 (three) years of federal grant aid, and no more than 2 (two) years of state grant aid.