Secretary of Education Dr. Noe Ortega today joined the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Harrisburg University to remind Pennsylvanians to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) by May 1, 2022.
“From meeting graduation requirements to applying to college, contemplating a field of study to considering moving into an on-campus residence, preparing for postsecondary education can be overwhelming for many students and their families,” said Sec. Ortega. “However, filling out the FAFSA and submitting it before the PA State Grant deadline will help current and future college students check one box on their to-do list and will help determine how much financial assistance they will receive at the school they plan to attend. The FAFSA helps make college more affordable, and helps students feel more prepared, whether they are stepping onto campus for the first time or are returning in the fall.”
John Friend, Vice President for Admissions and Secondary School Partnerships, and HU Senior Rachel Skinner joined the press conference.
A video of the press conference is found online at https://pacast.com/m?p=20480
All the speakers reminded the audience that all first-time applicants enrolled in a community college; business, trade, or technical school; hospital school of nursing; designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution; or nontransferable two-year program do have an extended deadline the first year they file which is August 1, 2022.
Additionally, individuals financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be able to adjust their FAFSA and qualify for additional aid. More information about adjustments and eligibility can be found on the Federal Student Aid website or students may contact their institution.
“Submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible is the first step toward receiving both federal AND state student aid – including the PA State Grant Program, which is providing a $5,000 maximum award during the current academic year”, said State Representative Sheryl Delozier, PHEAA Board member and Chair of the Board’s Executive Committee. “Unlike student loans, PA State Grants do not need to be repaid, which can help reduce or eliminate the need to borrow money, making college an affordable reality for many of our students who have financial need.”
The FAFSA is an important tool for students seeking postsecondary education opportunities. Current and prospective undergraduate and graduate students should submit the FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education to determine eligibility for federal student aid.
Students should apply for federal grants, work study, and loans using the FAFSA application before each year of postsecondary education. Federal aid eligibility is determined by schools using FAFSA data, and states and many colleges will award their own aid based on that data.
About Harrisburg University
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Harrisburg University is a private nonprofit university offering bachelor and graduate degree programs in science, technology, and math fields. For more information on the University’s affordable demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, call 717-901- 5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Follow on Twitter (@HarrisburgU) and Facebook (Facebook.com/HarrisburgU).
