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STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
(800)-233-0557

www.pheaa.org

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

This program allows eligible Pennsylvania residents to obtain financial assistance for undergraduate study at any PHEAA-approved institution of higher education. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) serves as the program’s application.

Find out what you need to fill out the FAFSA and how to complete it online for faster processing. Keep in mind that for Pennsylvania’s State Grant program, your completed FAFSA must be received by:

May 1 - immediately preceding the academic year for: 1) all renewal applicants 2) new applicants who plan to enroll in an undergraduate baccalaureate degree program, and 3) those in college transfer programs at two-year public or junior colleges.

August 1 – immediately preceding the academic year for first-time applicants who plan to enroll in: 1) a business, trade or technical school, 2) a hospital school of nursing, or 3) a two-year terminal (i.e. nontransferable two-year degree) program at a community, junior, or four-year college.

Summer-school students may also qualify for State Grant funds.

Students attending postsecondary schools in Maryland, New Jersey, or New York are not able to receive State Grant funds (certain exceptions may apply).
We encourage you to apply even if the deadlines have passed. Late applications may qualify for an award if funds permit.

For more information, call toll-free: 1-800-692-7392.

Eligibility Requirements

• Meet criteria for financial need.
• Be enrolled on at least a half-time basis in a PHEAA-approved undergraduate program of study and do not already have a 4-year (or more) undergraduate degree.
• Be a high school graduate or the recipient of a GED.
• Demonstrate academic progress (for continued aid).
• Be a Pennsylvania resident (domiciliary).

 

Children Of Soldiers Declared POW/MIA

We provide a special state grant to children of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been designated a “Prisoner of War” or as “Missing in Action” and:

• Served on active duty after January 31, 1955.
• Was a resident of Pennsylvania for at least twelve (12) months preceding his/her service on active duty.

Students do not qualify if they are a child of any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who deserted, defected to the enemy, or was discharged under conditions other than “honorable.”
To apply, file a FAFSA and the POW-MIA application. You may obtain the POW-MIA application by calling:

1-800-692-7392 (toll-free)

TDD (for hearing-impaired ONLY): 717-720-2366.

Students should file as early as possible. Funds permitting, we may be able to consider applications for the full academic year as long as they are filed with the Agency before April 1 of the spring term for which aid is being requested.

 

Pennsylvania National Guard Members EAP

Together with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), we administer the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This program provides tuition assistance for students who enter into a service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, typically for a period of six years.

To be eligible you must:

• Be a bona fide resident (domiciliary) of Pennsylvania.
• Be enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program of study at an approved Pennsylvania institution.

Maximum Award Values for 2007-08 Undergraduates

• Full-time: 100% of tuition charged at a state-owned university ($5,177 for the 2007-08 academic year)
• Part-time: EITHER actual tuition charged for the part-time course of study, OR two-thirds (2/3) of the full-time tuition charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state owned university ($3,451 for the 2007-08 academic year), WHICH EVER is less.
• 3 credit minimum (or the equivalent)

Graduate degree candidates or those who already hold a bachelors degree:

• Full-time: Not available
• Part-time: EITHER one-half (1/2) of the actual tuition charged for the part-time course of study, OR one-third (1/3) of the full-time tuition charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state owned university ($1,725 for the 2007-08 academic year), WHICH EVER is less.
• 11 credit maximum (or the equivalent)
• 3 credit minimum (or the equivalent)

If you fail to honor the service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, you must repay all EAP funds you receive, plus interest.

For additional information on award amounts, eligible campuses, or other details call 1-800-GO GUARD or visit www.1800GoGuard.com.

 

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Scholarship

The Pennsylvania State Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)scholarship is a federally funded program that supports college readiness through early interventionactivities in middle and high schools, and offers a scholarship for postsecondary education. PHEAAadministers the GEAR UP scholarship on behalf of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

Eligibility Requirements

To receive a GEAR UP scholarship, a student must:

• Have graduated from one of the following schools in the Philadelphia or Harrisburg school districts:
• Young Women’s Leadership School at E.W. Rhodes High School
• John Bartram Main High School
• Martin Luther King High School
• Strawberry Mansion High School
• Harrisburg High School (including Sci-Tech High School, William Penn High School, ACTS and CTA)
• Be deemed scholarship eligible through participation in college readiness activities
• Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program at a postsecondary school in Pennsylvania that is approved for federal student aid
• Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant each year
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Be less than 22 years old at the time of first scholarship award
• Complete a GEAR UP Recipient Agreement
• Meet all federal student aid requirements

The annual maximum GEAR UP scholarship is equal to the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the same academic year. The GEAR UP scholarship may be reduced based on enrollment status, Expected Family Contribution (EFC), fund availability, or unmet cost as determined by the school’s financial aid office. Awards are contingent upon federal funding and are not guaranteed.

To Apply

1. Students must annually complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available at fafsa.ed.gov.
2. First time applicants must complete the GEAR UP Recipient Agreement.

Contact

For more information about the GEAR UP scholarship, call (800) 692-7392 or e-mail [email protected]

 

SciTech Scholarship

SciTech Scholarships provide up to $3,000 per year based on total educational costs (tuition and mandatory fees, room and board, and an allowance for books) to students who are enrolled full-time, for a maximum of three years (with certain exceptions for approved five-year degree programs).

To qualify you must:

• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Be a high school graduate.
• Be at least a sophomore who is enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a bachelor's degree in an approved science or technology field at an approved Pennsylvania public or private college or university.
• Work experience/internships can be credit or noncredit.
• Complete an approved internship or relevant work experience in a field related to the student's major with a Pennsylvania company prior to receiving a degree. For more information, see SciTech Internship Institutional Guidelines.
• Begin employment in the state within one year after completion of studies, one year for each year that the scholarship was awarded. You must provide verification of continued employment every six months. If you begin full-time graduate study within one year of receiving your baccalaureate degree, you may request deferment of the work obligation. Recipients who wish to apply for this deferment should submit a Graduate Study Deferment Form.  
• Apply for a Federal Pell Grant and Pennsylvania State Grant.

Your scholarship converts to a loan if you fail to satisfy the requirements of the eligible program or fail to perform the internship or work obligation. Review the NETS Application and Master Promissory Note.

 

Technology Scholarship

Technology Scholarships provide up to $1,000 per year based on total educational costs (tuition and mandatory fees, room and board, and an allowance for books) to Pennsylvania high school graduates who don't seek a four-year education but do want to succeed in a technology-based economy. Part-time students enrolled for at least three semester credits per semester or the equivalent are eligible to be considered for a scholarship based on tuition and mandatory fees as reported by the school, less any Federal Pell and State Grant aid, up to a maximum of $1,000 or 20 percent of their tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less.

To qualify you must:

• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Be a high school graduate.
• Be enrolled in an approved science or technology program at an approved Pennsylvania two- or four-year college or licensed technical institute.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout postsecondary study.
• Begin employment in the state within one year after completion of studies, one year for each year that the scholarship was awarded. Verification of continued employment  must be provided every six (6) months. A deferment of the work obligation is available for continued full-time study in a baccalaureate degree program that begins within one year of completion of the program for which Technology Scholarship funds were received. Recipients who wish to apply for this deferment should Contact PHEAA .
• Apply for a Federal Pell Grant and Pennsylvania State Grant.

Your scholarship converts to a loan if you fail to satisfy the requirements of the eligible program or fail to perform the work obligation. Review the NETS Application and Master Promissory Note.

 

Partnership For Access To Higher Education (PATH)

PHEAA is committed to providing as many sources of money for higher education as possible. Luckily, we have equally dedicated partners throughout the Commonwealth who have joined our efforts. Through the PHEAA PATH program we offer qualifying students additional financial aid via educational grants. In order to be eligible to receive a PHEAA PATH grant you must first be awarded a scholarship or grant by a participating PHEAA PATH partner.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive a PHEAA PATH Grant, a student must:

1. Be nominated (have their name submitted) by a participating PATH organization and receive a scholarship from that organization for the academic year or period for which PHEAA PATH aid is requested.
2. Be a PA State Grant recipient for the academic year or period for which PHEAA PATH aid is requested.
3. Demonstrate financial need for a PHEAA PATH grant (as determined by the postsecondary institution).
4. Be enrolled at least half-time in a PA State Grant approved postsecondary institution and maintain satisfactory academic progress (as determined by the postsecondary institution).

The annual maximum PHEAA PATH grant will not exceed $3,500 for the same academic year.

To Apply

• Students must annually complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at fafsa.ed.gov.
• Contact the participating PHEAA PATH organization or foundation in your area.
• For more information, call us at 1-800-692-7392.

 

Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant (ETG) Program

The Chafee Education and Training Grant (ETG) Program offers grant assistance to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending a postsecondary institution approved for the Federal Title IV student financial assistance programs.

PHEAA will administer the Grant Program for the 2007-08 academic year on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW). This program is authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 as amended by the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Amendments of 2001.

The Pennsylvania Chafee ETG has three components:

1. Eligibility determined by the DPW
2. Unmet cost determined by the postsecondary institution
3. Award eligibility calculated by PHEAA

Maximum awards under this program are $5,000 per academic year. However, no award may exceed the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid the student is receiving.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this grant, you must:

• Be eligible for services under the state's Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
• Be adopted from foster care after attaining age 16
• Be a youth participating in the ETG Program on your 21st birthday until you turn 23 years old
• Be enrolled at least half time in a college or career school that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for the Title IV student assistance programs
• Maintain "satisfactory academic progress" as defined by the institution

To Apply

1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available at fafsa.ed.gov
2. Download the Chafee ETG Program Application
3. Mail your completed grant application to:
   
   AES/PHEAA
   State Grant and Special Programs
   PO Box 2455
   Harrisburg PA 17105-9923

 

Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures

Nursing is a satisfying and rewarding career through which you will care for others while experiencing a challenging, diverse, and exciting work environment. PHEAA, powered by American Education Services (AES), and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation have together funded this program to help you pay for your nursing education and achieve success in the field of nursing.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Special Report on the Characteristics of the Registered Nurse Population in Pennsylvania (distributed in November of 2002):

• Average age of RNs employed in health care is 45.9 years.
• Almost one-third (32%) of RNs are between the ages 50-64.
• As many as 47% of RNs plan to leave nursing within the next 10 years.

The "baby boomer" generation is getting older; coincidentally, the need of long-term care is increasing, and the cost of nursing education is on the rise-all of which mean the nursing shortage Pennsylvania is facing will only worsen.

To help recruit and retain qualified nursing students in Pennsylvania, the "Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures" program will help you repay your student loans. By working for a participating Pennsylvania health care organization, after graduation from an approved nursing education program, you may receive student loan forgiveness for up to 25 percent (a maximum of $12,500) of your eligible debt over a three-year period.

Imagine... repaying your student loans just by doing your job and helping others.

At a minimum, participating employers will match our loan forgiveness contribution; however, employer-sponsored programs will have the added flexibility to increase their matching contribution to enhance their organization's nurse recruitment and retention efforts.

To Qualify, You Must:

1. Have outstanding AES owned, guaranteed and serviced Stafford or outstanding AES guaranteed and serviced Consolidated loans, based on underlying PHEAA guaranteed Stafford loans, in good standing.
2. Must have graduated from a licensed nursing program in Pennsylvania or have been a Pennsylvania resident at the time of application for Stafford loans.
3. Complete a qualifying program of study, on or before June 30, 2008, leading to a Certificate/Diploma/ Degree as:
   • A Licensed Practical Nurse within Pennsylvania
   • A Registered Nurse within Pennsylvania, or
   • A Nurse Educator within Pennsylvania
4. Pass the Pennsylvania licensure examination for a license to work as a Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse within nine months of receiving the nursing degree
5. Begin full-time employment:
   • Within three months of graduation as a direct patient care nurse at an approved, participating Pennsylvania facility, or
   • Within one year of graduation, as a nurse educator in an approved, participating Pennsylvania postsecondary education program.
6. Complete at least one full year of continuous, full-time, direct-care employment or employment as a nurse educator at participating employer's Pennsylvania qualified facility
7. Have the participating employer verify the completion of continuous, qualifying employment throughout the year.

To be considered for funding through the Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program, you must complete and submit an application  no later than June 30, 2008.

 

Quality Early Education Loan Forgiveness Program

The Quality Early Education Loan Forgiveness Program is entirely funded and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency at no cost to tax-payers. This program is designed to assist Graduates working in Pennsylvania in the field of Early Childhood Education. The program offers an annual reduction of student loan principal balance for each year eligibility requirements are met. Borrowers who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree, OR an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and who secure and maintain full-time employment at an approved child day-care facility may be eligible to have a portion of each of their federally insured Stafford loan(s) forgiven.

To qualified applicants, the Quality Early Education Loan Forgiveness program offers annual loan award(s) equal to one-sixth (1/6) of the applicant’s qualifying loan debt up to an annual maximum of $3,300 per year. The annual award amount is based on the eligible loan(s) outstanding principal balance at the end of the borrower’s initial grace period. Qualified applicants are eligible to receive up to a maximum of $9,900 in forgiveness under this program.  All awards are subject to the availability of funds and program terms administered by AES/PHEAA.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a Pennsylvania resident.
• You must have earned either a Bachelor’s Degree, OR an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. If you did this between September 1, 2004 and December 31, 2006, you meet the initial eligibility requirement for the maximum benefit.
• You must have one or more eligible, non-defaulted Federal Stafford loan(s) that are serviced, guaranteed, and owned by AES/PHEAA or outstanding AES/PHEAA serviced, guaranteed, and owned Consolidated loans, based on underlying PHEAA guaranteed Stafford Loans that are current and in good standing. The loan(s) proceeds must have been used to obtain the Bachelor’s or Associates Degree for Early Childhood Development.
• You must not be in default on any federally guaranteed student loan.
• You must be employed full-time by a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare-approved child day-care center, family day-care home, group child day-care home, or Head Start program facility within six months of entering your Stafford loan grace period and must maintain such employment as of the date of each benefit payment to be made under the program.
• Your gross annual income can not exceed $30,000 from employment in one of the institution types listed above.

Eligible Loans

• Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans that are serviced, guaranteed, and owned by AES/PHEAA or outstanding AES/PHEAA serviced, guaranteed, and owned Consolidated loans, based on underlying PHEAA guaranteed Stafford Loans that are current and in good standing.  The loan(s) proceeds must have been used to obtain the Bachelor’s or Associates Degree for Early Childhood Development.

How to Apply

• Download and print an application for more detailed program information, or call our office to have it mailed to you.

If you have additional questions regarding the Quality Early Education Loan Forgiveness Program, please contact call the toll-free number 1-800-233-0557 extension 5473.  Loan Forgiveness Counselors are available Monday through Friday 8:00A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.

 

Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Program

The Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness (AELF) program helps repay a portion of outstanding AES-administered federally-insured student loans for eligible graduates with:

• Veterinary degrees
• Agriculture degrees
• Teaching certification

Loans eligible for forgiveness (repayment) are those incurred by borrowers to finance higher education through PHEAA-guaranteed and/or AES-owned loans serviced by AES. Personal and commercial loans do not qualify.

Veterinary Degrees

To encourage individuals with veterinary medicine degrees to devote all or part of their practice to farm animals,PHEAA will repay up to $2,000 per year on outstanding student loans for each year of satisfactory veterinary practice.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Have a degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited college or university.
• Be accredited (or working toward accreditation) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to:
1. Sign health certificates required for the interstate commerce of agricultural animals and animal products.
2. Certify regulatory testing such as tests for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
• Have been in your first year of practice, a portion of which is devoted to the protection and enhancement of agricultural health and productivity, on or after July 1, 1991.
• Have a current outstanding balance on AES-administered federally-insured loans as approved by PHEAA/AES (does not include loans from relatives or friends).

Note: The total maximum award limits for loan forgiveness payments are $2,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime.

Agriculture Degrees

To encourage individuals with degrees in agriculture to return to a family farm in Pennsylvania, PHEAA will repay up to $2,000 per year on outstanding student loans for each year of satisfactory employment.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Hold a degree in a field related to the production of agricultural products from an accredited college or university.
• Be employed on a full-time basis and work at least 35 hours per week on a family farm or a family farm corporation in Pennsylvania.
• Have been in your first year of full-time employment on a family farm on or after July 1, 1991.
• Have a current outstanding balance on AES-administered federally-insured loans as approved by PHEAA/AES (does not include loans from relatives or friends).

A family farm or farm corporation must:

• Be a real property or a corporation owned by members of the immediate family.
• Used for the production of agricultural products for commercial purposes. Agricultural products include:
• Field crops
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Horticultural specialties
• Cattle and poultry
• Timber and wood products
• Aquatic plants and animals
• Products derived from any of the above categories
• Devote 75 percent or more of their assets to the business of agriculture.

Note: The total maximum award limits for loan forgiveness payments are $2,000 per year and$10,000 lifetime.

Teaching Certification

To encourage individuals with a teaching certification in the field of agriculture to teach in Pennsylvania, PHEAA will repay up to $2,000 per year on outstanding student loans for each year of satisfactory employment teaching anagriculture curriculum.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Hold a current teaching certification in the field of agriculture from a postsecondary institution located within Pennsylvania.
• Teach full-time.
• Have been in your first year of full-time employment teaching an agriculture curriculum on or after November 30, 2004.
• Teach an agriculture curriculum at a Pennsylvania public or private school, at an elementary or secondary level.
• Have a current outstanding balance on AES-administered federally-insured loans as approved by PHEAA/AES (does not include loans from relatives or friends).

Note: The total maximum award limits for loan forgiveness payments are $2,000 per year and $10,000 lifetime.

To Apply

• Download the appropriate application and return it no later than November 16, 2007 to:
  
  Agriculture Education Loan Forgiveness Program
  AES Loan Forgiveness Group
  PO Box 2461
  Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461

Contact

If you have additional questions regarding this program, please call 1-800-233-0557, extension 5473. LoanForgiveness Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

A Note on the Tax Status on Loan Forgiveness Benefits

AES/PHEAA is obligated to issue a form 1099-C to the I.R.S. and the student borrower reporting all forgiveness of indebtedness. AES/PHEAA cannot, however, advise any borrower whether debt forgiveness reported in the form 1099-C must be included in taxable income for state or federal tax purposes. Borrowers should consult their tax advisor in order to determine the state and federal tax consequences of AES/PHEAA forgiveness.

 

Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program

The Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program was created to recognize the bravery, dedication, and loyalty of our servicemen and women who served our nation in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. This program will provide a one-time loan forgiveness benefit up to $2,500 for student borrowers who served in the Armed Forces in an active duty status between September 11, 2001, and June 30, 2008, provided they have an eligible loan and meet eligibility requirements. It is funded entirely by PHEAA, at no cost to taxpayers.

Eligibility Requirements

• Served in the Armed Forces in an Active Duty Status between 9/11/01 and 6/30/08 (excluding the annual two-week training period).
• Must have an eligible, non-defaulted loan(s): PHEAA guaranteed, AES owned and/or AES serviced Stafford, Consolidation, PLUS, and SLS loans that are disbursed on or before June 30, 2008. Eligible loans also include HEAL and Keystone EXTRA loans that are disbursed on or before June 30, 2008. The loan(s) cannot be in default.
• Must hold one of four connections to Pennsylvania: (1) Currently a resident of Pennsylvania, (2) A non-resident of Pennsylvania who left a PA approved institution of post-secondary education due to a call to active duty, (3) A non-resident of Pennsylvania who was living in Pennsylvania at the time of enlistment, or (4) A non-resident of Pennsylvania who enlisted in the military immediately after attending a PA approved institution of post-secondary education.

How to Apply
To apply, complete and return an Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness application to the address below by December 31, 2008.

PHEAA Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program

AES Loan Forgiveness Group
PO Box 2461
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461
If you have any questions about the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program, please call us toll-free at 1-800-233-0557, ext 5473. Loan Forgiveness Counselors are available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ET).

 

Loan Forgiveness Program for State Veterans Homes Nurses

The Loan Forgiveness Program for State Veterans Homes Nurses helps you repay your qualified student loans through an innovative loan forgiveness program. By working for one of the six Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes, up to 50%, to a maximum of $10,000, of your student loan debt can be forgiven over three years of qualified employment.

Administered and self-funded by PHEAA, powered by American Education Services (AES), the Loan Forgiveness Program for State Veterans Homes Nurses helps address the nursing shortage affecting so many organizations and people, especially those Veterans who are located in one of Pennsylvania's State Veterans Homes.

Program Eligibility

• Complete a qualifying program of study between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008, leading to certification as a:
• Licensed Practical Nurse within PA
• Registered Nurse within PA
• Have outstanding AES owned, serviced and guaranteed Stafford or outstanding AES owned, serviced and guaranteed Consolidated loans in good standing.
• Pass the Pennsylvania licensure examination for a license to work as a Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse within nine months of receiving the nursing degree or certificate.
• Begin full-time employment as a direct care nurse, within six months of graduation, at one of the following State Veterans Homes:
• Delaware Valley Veterans Home, Philadelphia
• Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton
• Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, Hollidaysburg
• Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home, Erie
• Southeastern Veterans Center, Spring City
• Southwestern Veterans Center, Pittsburgh
• Complete at least one full year of continuous, full-time, direct patient care employment at a designated State Veterans Home, after graduation.
• Have the State Veterans Home verify completion of qualifying employment throughout the year

How to Apply

To apply, complete and return an application  to the address listed below by June 30, 2008.

Loan Forgiveness Program for State Veterans Homes Nurses
AES Loan Forgiveness Group
PO Box 2461
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2461

If you have additional questions on the Loan Forgiveness Program for State Veterans Homes Nurses, please call 800-233-0557 ext 5473.

 

Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program

This program honors individuals who lost their lives protecting the citizens of this Commonwealth by providing their children with a waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board charges. An act was signed into law that provides financial assistance to children of Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, rescue or ambulance squad members, corrections facility employees or National Guard members who died in the line of duty after January 1, 1976.

On November 30, 2004, the Governor signed into law an amendment to this Act, to also include sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, National Guard members and certain other individuals who are on federal or state active military duty, are Pennsylvania residents, and who died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

This program provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and room and board costs charged by public postsecondary institutions. This waiver is only applied to charges that remain after all other grants (federal, state and outside scholarships) have been applied to your student account.

To qualify you must:

• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Be a child by birth or adoption of a deceased police officer, firefighter, rescue or ambulance squad member, corrections facility employee or active National Guard member who died after January 1, 1976, as a direct result of performing his or her official duties.
• Be a child by birth or adoption of a deceased sheriff, deputy sheriff, National Guard member or certain other individual who was on federal or state active military duty who died since September 11, 2001, as a direct result of performing his or her official duties.
• Be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application for the program.
• Have already applied for available scholarships, as well as state and federal grants, and have provided a record of application for financial aid to the postsecondary institution to which application is made.
• Be enrolled at a Pennsylvania community college, state-owned institution, or state-related institution as a full-time student pursuing undergraduate studies that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree.

How to apply:

• Download the Postsecondary Education Gratuity Application  or the Postsecondary Education Gratuity Renewal Information Request, as appropriate (Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher required). Please Note: A certified copy of the student’s birth certificate must accompany the PEGP Application for first-time applicants. For more information on how to obtain this certificate, please visit www.health.state.pa.us/vitalrecords.
• Call toll-free: 1-800-692-7392.
• Mail a written request to:

POSTSECONDARY EDUCATIONAL GRATUITY PROGRAM
PHEAA State Grant and Special Programs
P.O. Box 8114
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8114

 

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

The Robert C. Byrd Scholarship Program is a federally funded program offering a merit scholarship for outstanding high school seniors who have been accepted at an institution of higher education. The Byrd Scholarship Program rewards academic excellence in high school and encourages students to continue their education. The federal government allocates the funds that determine the amount of the scholarship award.

To be considered for a Byrd Scholarship you must:

• Be a high school graduate during the same academic year in which the scholarship is awarded.
• Be accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution of higher education.
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania.
• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or be able to provide evidence of permanent residency.
• Expect to be a full-time freshman student enrolled at an eligible institution of higher education, in the United States, following high school graduation.
• Submit a letter of acceptance from the school or college with the application. (It does not have to be from the institution of your final choice.)
• Must meet the following three educational standards:
1. Rank in the top 5 percent of your graduating class, or hold a ranking of 1, 2 or 3 in classes of 60 students or less
2. Grade point average of 3.50 or above on a 4.00 (unweighted) scale
3. SAT = 1150 combined critical reading and math only; or ACT = composite score of 25 or above; or GED = score of 3550 or above. TOEFL = not accepted.

The scholarship is renewable for three additional years and is based on full-time enrollment, maintenance of satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution and federal funding.

Eligible Institutions

Eligible institutions include proprietary institutions of higher education and postsecondary vocational institutions, as well as public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education.
NOTE: Scholarship may not be used to attend a foreign school. Awards for this program are contingent upon federal funding.

How Can I Apply?
Download the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Application or obtain one from your high school guidance counselor or school authority. You may also contact:

PHEAA
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
PO Box 8114
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8114
800-692-7392

 

PHEAA-Administered Work-Study Programs

Information for Students

The State Work-Study Program (SWSP) provides Pennsylvania students with employment opportunities in high-technology and community-service fields. Through SWSP you gain career-related, on-the-job work experience while earning money to help pay for your higher education. You may work up to 40 hours per week during term breaks and the summer and no more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.

To qualify you must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident.
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 – 11 credits) in a PHEAA-approved higher education institution, in a program of study at least two years in length.
• Be a State Grant or subsidized federal loan recipient.
• Be able to benefit from a career-related work experience in a high-tech or community-service job.
• Not owe a State Grant refund or have defaulted on any student loan.

You and your employer must complete the SWSP Student Application/Placement form  and submit it to PHEAA by the following deadlines:

Summer - May 31    

Academic Year (or fall term only) - October 1

Spring Term Only - January 15

 

Technology Work Experience Internship Program

The Technology Work Experience Internship Program provides matching funds to approved postsecondary institutions in support of students completing internships or work experiences with emerging technology companies located within the Commonwealth.

Companies and/or postsecondary institutions will be required to pay only 50 percent of the student's wages, with the remaining 50 percent being provided through a matching funds allocation. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) administers this Program in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (PWIB).

The Technology Work Experience Internship Program assists students with educational costs and enhances their classroom learning with a career-related work experience or internship. The internship may also be used to fulfill the SciTech Scholarship internship requirement under the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) Program.

Technology Work Experience Internship Program Information for Students

The Technology Work Experience Internship Program provides Pennsylvania students enrolled in science and technology programs with employment opportunities in high technology fields. Through this program, you will gain career-related, on-the-job work experience with a high-tech company while earning money to help pay for your education. You generally work from 10 to 15 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.

You can earn up to $7,000 in a 12-month period. This work experience can also fulfill the internship requirement for the SciTech Scholarship in the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) Program, although you are not required to be a recipient in that program in order to participate in the Technology Work Experience Internship Program.

To qualify you must:

• Be an undergraduate student or be enrolled in an approved master’s degree program;
• Be a Pennsylvania resident as of the first day of classes;
• Be enrolled in a NETS-approved program at a NETS-approved school in Pennsylvania; and
• Complete the Technology Work Experience Internship Program Student Placement Form and ask your postsecondary institution to complete the school section then submit the form to PHEAA.

Tuition Account Program (TAP)

Pennsylvania’s state-sponsored Tuition Account Program (TAP or TAP 529) is a tax-deferred investment plan that helps you save money toward the costs associated with higher education.

Benefits include:

• Funds have the potential to earn more while they’re in the account because of tax deferral.
• Flexible contribution options, minimal investment requirements, and large contribution/earning limits give you more savings alternatives.
• Investment choices include an investment plan option (with nine professionally managed portfolios and your choice of allocation based on factors such as beneficiary’s age or your risk tolerance) or a guaranteed savings plan option (with an account value that will keep pace with tuition increases).
• Withdrawals for qualified education expenses remain federally tax-free until 12/31/10.
• Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses are possible, also (visit their website for current guidelines).
• Account growth is exempt from state and local income taxes as well as the PA Inheritance Tax.

To enroll or get more information, visit www.pa529direct.com or call 1-800-440-4000.

 

Workforce Advancement Grant for Education (WAGE) Program

The fastest growing population among college students is adult learners. They are rapidly becoming the new majority on college campuses; however, many student aid programs are not available to them.

In response, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) launched the WAGE Program in 2005-06 and is continuing to support this initiative. The goals of the WAGE Program continue to be reducing affordability barriers and increasing enrollment numbers, retention rates and program completion rates for adult students.

The WAGE Program provides a block grant to postsecondary institutions that have applied and been determined eligible to participate. Institutions establish and award grants to adult students who meet both Agency and institutional student eligibility guidelines.

The maximum grant amount, per student, is $3,500 for an academic year, which includes Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer(in that order).

Student Eligibility Guidelines

In order to benefit from the WAGE Program, the student must:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident before the start of the term for which funds are awarded and must maintain PA residency throughout the term of the award.
• Be classified as an independent student in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Have a high school diploma, GED, prior successful completion of college level work or be admitted under ability to benefit requirements.
• Not be in default on any federally guaranteed loan.
• Be ineligible for a State Grant in the term for which a WAGE Grant is awarded.
• Be enrolled in an approved program of study that relates to a high demand occupation as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
• Demonstrate financial need.

Students who meet these qualifications and attend a participating school should contact the financial aid office at their institution to determine how to apply for WAGE funds.

Workforce Advancement Grant for Education (WAGE) Program High Demand Occupations
2007-08 Academic Year and Summer 2008

• Accountants & Auditors
• Administrative Services Managers
• Agricultural Inspectors
• Bill & Account Collectors
• Billing & Posting Clerks & Machine Operators
• Biochemists & Biophysicists
• Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Biological Technicians
• Biomedical Engineers
• Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks
• Brickmasons & Blockmasons
• Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists
• Business Teachers, Postsecondary
• Butchers & Meat Cutters
• Cabinetmakers & Bench Carpenters
• Carpenters
• Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers
• Chemical Equipment Operators & Tenders
• Chemical Plant & System Operators
• Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
• Chemists
• Child Care Workers
• Claims Adjusters, Examiners & Investigators
• Computer & Information Scientists, Research
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Software Engineers, Applications
• Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software
• Computer Support Specialists
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal & Plastic
• Construction Laborers
• Construction Managers
• Consumer Information Specialists
• Cost Estimators
• Customer Service Representatives
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Dentists
• Desktop Publishers
• Drivers/Sales Workers
• Education Administrators, Elementary & Secondary School
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
• Education Administrators, Preschool & Child Care Center
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary
• Educational, Vocational & School Counselors
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technicians
• Electricians
• Elementary School Teachers
• Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics
• Employment, Recruitment and Placement Specialists
• Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
• Environmental Engineers
• Environmental Scientists & Specialists
• ESL Teachers
• Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants
• Financial Analysts
• Financial Managers
• Food Batchmakers
• Furniture Finishers
• General & Operations Managers
• Graphic Designers
• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
• Heating, A/C & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers
• Home Health Aides
• Industrial Engineering Technicians
• Industrial Engineers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Industrial Production Managers
• Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers & Weighers
• IT Managers - Programming, Network & DB
• Kindergarten Teachers
• Laborers & Freight, Stock & Material Movers
• Legal Secretaries
• Librarians
• Library Technicians
• Loan Officers
• Machinists
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Management Analysts
• Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Mechanical Drafters
• Mechanical Engineers
• Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Medical & Health Services Managers
• Medical & Public Health Social Workers
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Medical Assistants
• Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
• Medical Scientists
• Medical Secretaries
• Medical Transcriptionists
• Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Mental Health Counselors
• Middle School Teachers
• Molding & Casting Machine Oprs, Metal & Plastic
• Network & Computer Systems Administrators
• Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts
• Nuclear Engineers
• Numerical Tool & Process Control Programmers
• Nursing Aides, Orderlies & Attendants
• Occupational Therapists
• Office Clerks, General
• Operating Engineers
• Packaging & Filling Machine Operators/Tenders
• Painters, Construction & Maintenance
• Paper Goods Machine Oprs/Tenders
• Paralegals & Legal Assistants
• Personal & Home Care Aides
• Personal Financial Advisors
• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Phlebotomists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapists
• Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
• Prepress Technicians & Workers
• Preschool Teachers
• Printing Machine Operators
• Production, Planning & Expediting Clerks
• Property, Real Estate & Community Association Managers
• Radiologic Technologists & Technicians
• Real Estate Sales Agents (for real estate degree; not ceu credits)
• Receptionists & Information Clerks
• Respiratory Therapists
• Roofers
• Sales Managers
• Sales Representatives
• Sales Representatives, Scientific & Technical
• Secondary School Teachers - Math, Science & Foreign Languages
• Secretaries
• Securities, Commodities & Financial Services Sales Agents
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Shipping, Receiving & Traffic Clerks
• Social & Human Service Assistants
• Special Education Teachers, Middle School
• Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten & Elementary
• Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Statisticians
• Stonemasons
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder Counselors
• Supervisors - Construction Trades & Extraction Workers
• Supervisors - Office & Administrative Support Workers
• Supervisors - Production & Operating Workers
• Supervisors - Trans. & Material-Moving Machine/Vehicle Oprs
• Teacher Assistants
• Team Assemblers
• Telecommunications Equipment Installers & Repairers
• Telecommunications Line Installers & Repairers
• Telemarketers
• Tool & Die Makers
• Training & Development Specialists
• Travel Agents
• Truck Drivers, Heavy & Tractor-Trailer
• Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services
• Veterinarians, Large Animals
• Veterinary Assistants
• Veterinary Technologists & Technicians
• Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary
• Vocational Education Teachers, Secondary School
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
• Woodworking Machine Setters/Operators/Tenders

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.

• Alabama
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• California
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• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
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• Kentucky
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• Maine
• Maryland
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• New York
• North Carolina
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• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
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• Texas
• Utah
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• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming