What is Financial Aid?

Financial Assistance to help students pay the cost of an education at a post-secondary school. This assistance can be provided through the federal/state government, school, or a private business/organization. 

Types of Financial Aid

PHEAA's Financial Aid Night

Below you can find a recording and presentation of our Financial Aid Night with Diona Brown, our PHEAA Higher Ed Access Partner. If you are continuing your education beyond high school – you probably qualify for financial aid to help you pay for it.  But you must apply as soon as possible.  Ms. Brown will work with you to help you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, and answer any questions you may have.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the FAFSA?

  • FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid

  • It is how schools determine what scholarships and grants you are eligible for

  • It is how the government determines which federal loans you are eligible for

• Where else can I find financial aid?

  • Explore the local scholarships, scholarship databases, & more!

  • Talk to the admissions office at the schools you are applying to

    • Sometimes if you fall into certain GPA and test score ranges you may be eligible for merit scholarships

  • Google is your friend!

    • If you are looking for scholarships with certain criteria, try googling it!

    • Warning: If you find a site that is asking you to pay to apply, DO NOT DO IT!

      • No scholarship should ever ask you to put money in to be eligible for it & this is a scam

• What is the difference between scholarships, grants, and loans?

  • Scholarships and grants are both sources of free money that do not need to be paid back

    • These terms are often used interchangeably and the differences between the two are negligible

  • Loans must be paid back, with interest after ones education is complete

    • For more information on loans and the many different types out there check out: Student Aid