Pennsylvania State Grant Program

The State Grant program offers financial assistance to help eligible Pennsylvania undergraduate students meet the costs of higher education. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) serves as the program's application.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the State Grant program, you must:

Complete the FAFSA.
Be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months.
Be a graduate of an approved high school or have a GED.
Meet criteria for financial need.
Attend a PHEAA-approved school.
Be enrolled for at least six credits as an undergraduate.
Be enrolled in an approved program of study for least two academic years in duration.
Earn, through classroom instruction, at least 50% of the total credits/clock hours required for completing the program of study.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress (if prior State Grants were received).
Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

Deadlines

Deadline	Who
May 1	All renewal applicants. First-time applicants in undergraduate baccalaureate degree programs or two-year college transfer programs.
August 1	First-time applicants in business, trade, technical, and nursing schools or two-year terminal (non-transferable) programs at community, junior, or four-year colleges.
August 15 (Summer term only)	Students attending classes during summer term who wish to apply for a Pennsylvania Summer State Grant. Although you may still apply after August 15th, your application will be considered late and may not be approved unless you are attending an approved business, trade, or technical school.

Deadline

Who

May 1

All renewal applicants.

First-time applicants in undergraduate baccalaureate degree programs or two-year college transfer programs.

August 1

First-time applicants in business, trade, technical, and nursing schools or two-year terminal (non-transferable) programs at community, junior, or four-year colleges.

August 15
(Summer term only)

Students attending classes during summer term who wish to apply for a Pennsylvania Summer State Grant. Although you may still apply after August 15th, your application will be considered late and may not be approved unless you are attending an approved business, trade, or technical school.

Missed a deadline?
Apply anyway. Late applications may qualify for awards if funds permit.