A Message from Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-10)
"Many local residents who call or stop by my office are interested in learning more about financial assistance for college. Given the rising cost of tuition and other college expenses, a solid financial aid plan is an essential component of earning a degree. Students who plan to attend college in the fall can file their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now to get a head start on financial planning for the 2015-16 school year.
The FAFSA form is the key that unlocks a wide variety of student aid options, including state grants, Federal Pell Grants, Keystone Stafford Loans, regular Federal Stafford Loans and other federal and institutional programs. Failing to submit this form could lead to students missing out on grants and low-interest loans that make a college education possible for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania students each year.
FAFSA forms are available in my offices, as well as additional information regarding financial aid programs available to Pennsylvania students. Families can also visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa to access the 2015-16 online FAFSA and learn more about the application process.
Students planning to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs in the fall must file the FAFSA by May 1st.While this deadline is still several months away, it is often a good idea to file as early as possible to avoid time constraints in the spring when high school seniors are preparing for graduation and current college students are studying for finals. Students who are planning to attend business, trade and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing, or two-year non-transferable programs at community, junior or four-year colleges must file the FAFSA by August 1.
Financial aid programs are a lifeline for many families who struggle to afford the rising costs of higher education. I strongly encourage local students and their families to file the FAFSA as soon as possible to get a clearer picture of their financial needs in the fall."