Stay Informed!

Josephs reminds students of May 1 deadline for state student aid

HARRISBURG, April 17 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said the deadline for college-bound students to apply for State Grant and other scholarship aid for the upcoming school year is just a couple of weeks away.

Josephs said to apply for a Pennsylvania State Grant and federal aid, constituents must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as a FAFSA, by May 1. The application deadline for first-time applicants who plan to enroll in a business or trade school, hospital school of nursing or two-year community college is Aug. 1.

"The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers a wide range of financial aid to students seeking a college education, as well as for the parents and guardians who foot the bill. However, the FAFSA is the first step toward obtaining the assistance, and I urge everyone to make sure their applications are filed promptly," Josephs said.

To be considered for a 2007-08 State Grant, students must submit a completed FAFSA. Students can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper applications may be obtained from Josephs' office, high school counselors and college financial aid offices. The FAFSA serves as the application for both the Federal Pell Grant and the Pennsylvania State Grant.

The maximum State Grant available for the 2007-08 school year is $4,500. The State Grant Program is funded by the General Assembly and supplemented by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. The program provides grant assistance to students who demonstrate financial need and attend a PHEAA-approved post secondary educational institution on at least a half-time basis.

For more information or to answers to your questions about filling out the FAFSA, call PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392. If you have other questions about state aid, PHEAA can help, as well as Josephs' office, 215-893-1515.