Pennsylvania State Grants & FAFSA Help

Pennsylvania State Aid: Real Grants and Real Deadlines for PA Families

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, there’s serious money on the table — but it doesn’t all come automatically. You’ll need to file your FAFSA early and complete a second step through the state’s PHEAA system (pronounced “fee-uh”). We’ll walk you through what to expect.

💡 Heads up: The PA State Grant deadline is May 1 for new applicants. Returning students may have a different timeline — check your PHEAA portal to confirm.

💵 Major Pennsylvania Grants & Scholarships

Program What It Covers
PA State Grant Program Need-based grant for PA residents attending eligible colleges in PA or certain out-of-state schools. Requires FAFSA + PHEAA application. Award size varies (up to ~$5,750).
PATH Program Matches outside scholarships (up to $2,500) for students already receiving the PA State Grant. Must be nominated by the private scholarship provider.
Targeted Industry Certification Grant (TIC/TIP) Up to $5,000 for short-term training programs in high-demand fields like healthcare, energy, or manufacturing.
Blind or Deaf Higher Ed Grant Up to $500/year for students who are legally blind or deaf. Must apply directly through PHEAA.
Chafee Education and Training Grant Up to $5,000/year for youth who were in foster care after age 16. FAFSA + separate application required.
Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Covers tuition and fees at PA public colleges for former foster youth. Can stack with the Chafee Grant.
PA National Guard Education Assistance Full tuition at PA public colleges (or equivalent at private ones) for eligible Guard members with a service commitment. Separate form required.

💡 This is where most parents mess up: FAFSA isn’t enough — the PHEAA form is step two.

🎓 Tip: After submitting your FAFSA, watch your email — PHEAA will prompt you to complete your state grant application.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Submit your FAFSA by May 1.
  2. Check your email for a link to the PHEAA Grant Form.
  3. Log into your MyPHEAA account and complete the form.

📝 How to Apply

  1. File the FAFSA as early as possible (by May 1 for most grants).
  2. Wait for a prompt to complete the PHEAA Grant Form (usually appears after FAFSA submission).
  3. Apply separately for Chafee, Fostering Independence, or National Guard Aid if eligible.
  4. Double-check eligibility and paperwork on the PHEAA website.

🏫 Pennsylvania Colleges You’ll Want to Check for Scholarships

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