College is a big investment, but it’s within reach. Pennsylvania college students have access to a wide range of financial aid programs that keep higher education affordable.
If you’re starting your college search or comparing Pennsylvania schools, this guide covers the essentials: how to apply for aid, what types are available, and how to get the most support possible.
Jump to:
How Financial Aid Works in PA
Pennsylvania State Financial Aid
How to Apply for Financial Aid Step-by-Step
Other Ways to Pay for College in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
How Financial Aid Works in PA
It’s critical to learn about student financial assistance to make smart choices when paying for college. In Pennsylvania, students graduate with an average student loan debt of more than $36,000, according to the Education Data Initiative.
From federal funding to types of scholarships and loans, nearly every student in the United States qualifies for some form of assistance. Here’s how it works, particularly in PA.
Types of Financial Aid
Students in Pennsylvania and other states can combine several types of financial aid to cover tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses:
- Grants: Need-based financial awards that do not need to be repaid.
- Scholarships: Merit- or criteria-based awards, often given for academic achievement or community service.
- Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest, typically after graduation. Loans are offered by state and federal governments and private financial institutions.
- Work-Study: Paid on- or off-campus positions that allow you to earn money while in school.
Tip: If you’re employed, check if your workplace offers tuition reimbursement—some Pennsylvania employers help cover college costs.
FAFSA
If you learn one term today, let it be “FAFSA”. This stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is your starting point for becoming eligible for both federal financial aid and state-specific assistance.
Here’s how it works:
- When you apply for school in Pennsylvania, you will be prompted to complete the FAFSA.
- When you fill out the FAFSA, your information is shared with both the U.S. Department of Education and the Pennsylvania State Grant system.
- Schools you list on your FAFSA—like York College of Pennsylvania—use this data to build a financial aid offer.
- These financial aid offers include grants and scholarships, which, as gift aid, should be prioritized.
Tip: File your FAFSA as soon as it opens each year. Pennsylvania’s state grant deadlines are typically earlier than the federal deadline. Learn more about applying for financial aid.
Federal and State Student Loans
Both the federal government and state governments may offer loan eligibility to students pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degrees. While loans must be repaid with interest, they can still play an important role in making college possible.
Federal loans are split into two categories:
- Subsidized loans are need-based, and the federal government pays the interest while you’re enrolled and during grace or deferment periods.
- Unsubsidized loans are available regardless of financial need, but interest accrues while you’re in school.
Pennsylvania residents can access state student loans through the PA Forward Student Loans program. These offer favorable terms such as fixed interest rates and flexible, penalty-free repayment options.
Private Educational Loans
Banks and financial institutions also provide educational loans. These private student loans might also offer low-interest options to assist you with college expenses. However, repayment plans for private loans are generally less flexible compared to federal or state student loans.
Pennsylvania State Financial Aid
Pennsylvania helps college students and their families with financial aid, offering more options than just student loans.
These include:
- Pennsylvania State Grant Program
- Ready to Succeed Scholarship
- Specialty Grants and Tuition Waivers
Read our breakdown of financial aid in the Keystone State.
What is the PHEAA?
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is Pennsylvania’s main state organization focused on helping students and families in the state access and afford higher education. It oversees the PA Forward Student Loans program, along with other financial aid programs we will discuss.
Pennsylvania State Grant Program
Administered by PHEAA, the Pennsylvania State Grant is one of the most common forms of state aid for undergraduate students with financial need. In 2023-2024, PHEAA gave out over $347 million in state grants to Pennsylvania students, with each student getting an average of $4,133 per year.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months before filing the FAFSA
- Attend an approved Pennsylvania college or university
- Demonstrate financial need (tax paperwork is typical)
- Enroll at least half-time in an eligible program
Award amounts vary based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. You’ll need to reapply each year through the FAFSA to maintain eligibility.
Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS)
The Ready to Succeed Scholarship rewards academically strong students demonstrating financial need with additional funding for college. You must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 and meet household income requirements. This scholarship is renewable for multiple years if you continue to meet eligibility standards.
Learn more about the RTSS and its requirements.
More State Aid and Assistance
Pennsylvania also offers multiple scholarships, grants, and waivers to help minimize tuition costs. These may apply to students pursuing specific educational programs or part of specific student populations.
Explore these options:
- Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant: Assists students with sensory disabilities.
- Chafee Education and Training Grant Program: Supports youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
- Fostering Independence Tuition Waivers: For current or former foster youth up to age 26.
- PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP): Covers tuition for eligible Guard members who commit to additional service.
- PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP): A grant service that helps students in high-demand industries in the state get assistance.
- PA State Work-Study Program (SWSP): A state-funded work-study program that helps you earn money while in school.
Each of these aid programs has its own deadline and application details. Visit PHEAA.org for complete information.
How to Apply for Financial Aid Step-by-Step
Applying for aid can feel overwhelming, but these steps help simplify the process.
Step 1: Gather What You Need
Before you start the FAFSA, collect the following, and anything else your research indicates you'll need:
- Your state identification and Social Security number or Alien Registration number
- Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other income records
- Bank statements or investment information
- Parent or guardian identification and tax records (if you are a dependent)
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Go to studentaid.gov to complete your FAFSA.
- Create your FSA ID: Both the student and one parent (if applicable) need one.
- Provide consent: The FAFSA can link directly with the IRS with your consent, making it easy to report income.
- List your top schools: Include in your application the colleges you’re considering via a school code. York College of Pennsylvania’s FAFSA code is 003399.
Step 3: Review and Submit
Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your information. Review it carefully for accuracy. Then, watch for emails or letters from your chosen colleges and from PHEAA, which may request additional verification.
Step 4: Receive and Accept Aid Offer
Each college will send a financial aid offer outlining your grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Compare these offers to understand your true out-of-pocket cost, known as your net price.
Tip: Before you even apply for aid, some schools offer a net price calculator tool that you can use to estimate your final cost after taking into account scholarships and financial aid.
Tip: Focus on accepting grants and scholarships first, then work-study, then loans. Borrowing only what you need is a rule of thumb for future financial health.
Other Ways to Pay for College in Pennsylvania
Institutional Aid and Scholarships
Most Pennsylvania colleges offer their own scholarships, often funded by alumni or private donors. You can qualify based on academic performance, leadership, major selection, or involvement in extracurricular activities.
Be sure to check on each college’s financial aid webpages for unique opportunities, whether you apply via FAFSA or another method. Explore scholarships at York College of Pennsylvania to get an idea of what’s out there.
Private and Community Scholarships
Thousands of private organizations, local businesses, and civic groups help fund scholarships for Pennsylvania students. Examples include:
- Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP)
- The Philadelphia Foundation
- The Pittsburgh Foundation
Additionally, consider local organizations such as Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce groups, or national organizations like the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, for potential opportunities.
Find scholarships on trusted search tools such as the Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder, College Board’s BigFuture, or Fastweb.
Work-Study and Employment
Federal Work-Study allows you to earn money through campus or community jobs. It’s flexible, experience-building, and a great way to help pay for living expenses. Work study jobs are often in the library, admissions office, and other on-campus offices.
Of course, in addition to work-study jobs, you can also find part- or full-time work at jobs in various roles, from retail and restaurants to office administration or childcare.
Who qualifies for financial aid in Pennsylvania?
Most U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who are Pennsylvania residents attending an accredited school can qualify for federal and state student financial aid. Pennsylvania residents have lived in the state for at least one year.
When is the FAFSA deadline for PA students?
While the federal deadline is typically June 30, Pennsylvania’s state grant deadlines may vary for new or renewing applicants. Always check current dates on PHEAA.org.
Can part-time or transfer students receive aid?
Yes. Many state grants and federal programs offer prorated aid for part-time enrollment. Transfer students should add their new school’s code to the FAFSA when switching institutions.
Do I need to apply every year?
Yes. The FAFSA must be renewed annually to reassess your eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships.
What if my financial situation changes mid-year?
Contact your school’s financial aid office. They can help you request a professional judgment review, which may adjust your aid based on new circumstances.
Can I get a Pell Grant if I go to a private university?
Yes. The Federal Pell Grant is based on your financial need, not the type of college you attend, as long as the school is accredited and participates in the federal student aid program.
Final Takeaways: Pennsylvania Student Aid
Understanding the financial aid options available to you, whether you live in Pennsylvania or another state, can help you and your family plan smarter, save money, and make confident decisions about your college investment.
At York College of Pennsylvania, our financial aid office can help you compare loan options or answer any questions you have about financial aid in Pennsylvania and other states.
