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Overview
One of the biggest barriers to getting a college degree is cost, but financial aid makes college more affordable and accessible for students and families. Even if the sticker price seems too expensive, financial aid can significantly lower the actual cost.
The most critical step of getting financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you fill out the FAFSA, students list the colleges they have applied (or will apply) to. Each college then puts together a financial aid package for the student based on the family's financial information (i.e., 2025 tax forms for the Class of 2027). Financial aid is critical because it:
Makes more colleges possible options. A college that looks too expensive at first may become affordable once scholarships, grants, and aid packages are applied.
Opens access to scholarships and grants, meaning less student loan debt. Submitting the FAFSA allows schools to consider you for need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships -- money you do not have to pay back. This helps you borrow less in loans.
Helps families compare actual college costs. Financial aid packages allow students to compare the actual cost of attending different schools based on your family's income, not just the published tuition price or expected cost calculator.
Can support more than just tuition. Financial aid may also help with transportation, technology, books, study abroad opportunities, and emergency expenses.
Every student planning to attend college or trade school should complete the FAFSA, even if they are unsure whether they will qualify for aid. Starting with the Class of 2027 in the state of Pennsylvania, ALL seniors are required to either file the FAFSA or complete an opt-out form.
Estimating the Cost
Even before you complete the FAFSA or get any kind of financial aid info back, you can estimate the cost of colleges for your family using a Net Price Calculator. For example, College Board’s EFC Calculator allows you to get an early estimate of what the federal government expects your family to contribute each year, per child. Every college website also has their own Tuition and College Cost Estimator, which gives you an estimated financial package based on your family situation and the expected merit awards your student may be eligible for.
Consider the different costs of public vs. private colleges and universities. Public institutions have limited funds available and typically award a limited number of relatively small merit scholarships that are paired with need-based aid (loans, grants, work study). Public schools -- like those in the PA State System of Higher Education -- are often more affordable at baseline. Private schools are much more likely to award large merit-based scholarships, but their tuition is generally higher.
In-state vs. Out-of-State: In general, in-state public schools will be more affordable for in-state students, since their mission is to serve students in the Commonwealth of PA. There are some exceptions though -- some out-of-state public schools award special grants or scholarships to students from certain regions to make the price more competitive with our in-state PA schools. For private schools, the cost of attendance is the same for in- or out-of-state students.
Financial Aid Applications
The FAFSA form opens October 1st each year. In addition to the FAFSA, some schools require a CSS Profile (a more in-depth, time-consuming application). There are also PA-specific state grant programs, which you can apply to with the PHEAA application. You can read more below.
When applying for financial aid, make sure you are filling it out for the correct academic year for which you are looking to receive aid! If you are a high school senior, be sure that you are filling out the paperwork associated with next school year - when you'd be a first-year college student.
Types of Financial Aid Applications:
FAFSA - required to be considered for need-based aid. Only information about the parent(s) who hold primary custody of the student is reported.
CSS Profile - required by some schools. You can click here to see which schools require the CSS. Some schools will use this form for those classified as international students. Many schools require that non-custodial parent info also be included on the CSS.
PHEAA - this is specific to Pennsylvania, and allows students to access additional loans and grants. You can click here to access the PHEAA Website, learn more about their grants and loans, and apply for aid.
School-Specific Application - Some schools have their own aid applications as well. This is rare, but still could happen.
Watch Your Deadlines!
The FAFSA opens October 1st of the senior year, and is completed independently of the college application process.
May 1st is often cited as the deadline for PA state grants. However, many colleges have a priority filing deadline, which allows students to be considered for the maximum aid amount possible. Students should be sure to adhere carefully to financial aid deadlines for each school they apply to, and note that financial aid deadlines may be earlier for students who apply Early Decision or Early Action.
The early bird gets the worm! Schools award aid on a rolling basis: Once the allotted money for a school is gone, it's gone. If you wait until late into senior year to apply for college, there may not be aid left to be awarded.
Who Fills Out The FAFSA?
Financial Aid applications should be filled out by both students and parents. There are specific sections for each.
If your family does not consist of two married, biological parents, along with the children, it is important to understand early on whose income and assets will be considered as part of the financial aid process at each school. This infographic clearly depicts who the parent is on the FAFSA. Schools who require the CSS Profile, though, may also require non-custodial parent information.
Financial Aid Timeline & Pro Tips
By February/March, you should be starting to receive financial aid packages - either in the mail or online.
Finances are undoubtedly part of the conversation for most of you. You should be sure that you have ironed out all of the financial details before you make a deposit and commit to a school.
Things to consider:
What is the cost of attendance?
How much money will I have to pay back?
What is my family expected to pay out of pocket at each school?
What will my direct costs be? (costs charged by the school)
What will my indirect costs be? (other expenses like books and food that won't be on the bill)
Remember that what you are looking at now is only for your first year of college. Tuition and related expenses will increase each year of school. You will have to consider if you think you'll still have the same amount in cash to pay for the rest of your time in school. You want to have a four-year plan for paying for college.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact a school's financial aid office. It's their job to help you (and the service you get now might help you understand the type of service you would receive as a student).
Remember: if you're offered financial aid, that does not mean that you have to accept it. If you and your family determine that you can pay for that year of college without it, you can always defer or decline the loan.
Federal Loans
There are several types of loans that can be available through federal student aid. They include, but aren't limited to:
Direct Subsidized Loan - interest does not accrue while you are a full-time student, so if you borrow $10,000, you owe $10,000 when you graduate, and then interest kicks in. They feature low interest rates. Only some students qualify, based on need. The maximum loan is $3500 for college freshmen. No co-signer is required.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan - interest starts accruing right away, so you already owe more than you borrowed by October of freshman year. Everyone who files the FAFSA is eligible to take an unsubsidized loan. They feature low interest rates with a maximum of $5500 for freshmen year in combination with a Direct Subsidized Loan in most cases. No co-signer is required.
Direct Plus Loans - parents can apply for these loans to cover additional costs. The loan is in the name of the parent, not the student. Interest rates are generally around 7%. If parents are deemed ineligible, the student may qualify to borrow additional Unsubsidized Loans of up to $4000 per year.
What If College-Based and Federal Financial Aid Isn't Enough?
There may be a very real scenario where even after receiving your financial aid, it still isn't enough to pay for college. If you've decided to attend a school, and there is still a gap, you may be looking at private loans.
While many students do take some amount of money in loans, it's important that you are very careful about just how much you take, what the terms of repayment are, and who is responsible for each loan. All families are strongly encouraged to really talk these details through prior to taking a loan. It might be helpful to project what your monthly payment might be for the loan. You can estimate that using the Loan Repayment Calculator below.
It's important to know that these private loans typically carry with them higher interest rates than federal financial aid. Additionally, there is no grace period for repaying these loans. Aid given through FAFSA and other federal programs typically gives students six months after graduating to find a job and be prepared to begin paying back their student loans. Private loans typically require payment right after graduation, and sometimes require minimum payments while you're in college.
Most colleges have a list of acceptable private loan companies with whom they've had successful relationships on their website. These loans almost always need a cosigner. Some well-known companies include: Ascent, Citizen's Bank, College Ave, Discover, Sallie Mae, SoFi, Wells Fargo, PNC.
Resources
Breaking Down a Financial Award Letter
Aid Offer Comparison Worksheet
More Financial Aid resources will be shared as they are received!
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