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2024 FAN Presentation Public.pdfIMPORTANT RESOURCES
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAFSA is completed online and families are encouraged to complete this as soon as possible. FAFSA Worksheets can help prepare families/students.
Find information on Scholarships that are national including information on how to access our local scholarship site.
Grants
Source of financial aid that generally doesn't need to be paid back. Utilize the link to research information on grant eligibility, grant repayment and types of grants.
Loans
Utilize this link to understand the value and benefit of loans, types of loans and the process of repayment.
Financial Aid FAQs
Information Regarding Free FAFSA Helpline
Information Regarding Free FAFSA Helpline
PDE is partnering with non-profit financial aid advisors, uAspire, to launch a FREE on-call FAFSA helpline for PA students and families this summer. A flyer is attached for your use to promote the 313- PA FAFSA helpline.
By texting 313-PA-FAFSA, (313-732 -2372) students and/or their families will get connected to a live FAFSA advisor who will help complete all parts of the financial aid application. Students and families can text ANYTIME--as many times as needed-- to complete their FAFSA. If texting over a weekend, students and families will hear back from a FAFSA advisor within 24 business hours.
As a reminder, PHEAA’s FAFSA help page offers a variety of resources and instructional videos for FAFSA completion that students and families can access 24/7.
Additional uAspire and FAFSA resources for practitioners can be found at PA FAFSA GO.
What is the basis for financial aid?
Academic
Athletic
Need-based
Special programs
Combination of the above
How do I know if I’ll qualify for need-based financial aid?
Apply before you are admitted to a college as there may be limited funds
There are calculators that allow you to get an early estimate of what your financial need might be:
What forms need to be filed for need-based financial aid and what are the deadlines?
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
No earlier than October 1st.
2. CSS/Financial Aid Profile
Oct 1st and beyond
https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp
3. Institutional Application (If needed)
Dates vary by institution
4. Tax Returns (If needed)
Dates vary by institution
** Stay organized and retain copies of everything you submit to each individual institution
Whose data needs to be included on the forms?
FAFSA and CSS profile must be completed by natural parents and student or student and custodial parent and custodial spouse, if remarried.
Should the IRS tax forms be completed before filling out the financial aid forms?
Use estimates to meet the deadlines for filing paperwork
Colleges can update the information once tax forms are submitted
How is your financial need determined?
Family contribution is derived from FAFSA and CSS profile (if required) and verified with tax data
Cost of Attendance - Family Contribution = Financial Need
What makes up a need-based financial aid package?
Grants/Scholarships: money that does not have to be repaid
Institutional, State and Federal (Pell, ACG, SMART) grant programs
Student Loan(s): often are low interest rates
Job/Work study
What are some of the factors that could impact need in the future?
Number of students in college
Change in employment or circumstances: illness/disability
GPA/Major: may be important to retain merit aid; need based requires academic progress
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