Pennsylvania's student aid deadline is May 1

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency reminds students and families that the 2017-18 Pennsylvania State Grant application filing deadline is May 1.
“When paying for college, students should take advantage of available gift aid, such as grants and scholarships, before taking out a student loan,” said PA Rep. Mike Peifer, the board chair. “With the State Grant application deadline approaching on May 1, students should not miss the opportunity to help make their education more affordable while avoiding unnecessary student loan debt.”
The deadline applies to all renewal applicants and first-time applicants who plan to enroll in colleges, universities, or a college transfer program at two-year public or private colleges, except community colleges and designated Pennsylvania Open Admission institutions.
To apply, first complete the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants can access the FAFSA online at PHEAA.org/FAFSA or fafsa.gov.
In addition, first-time applicants must also submit a completed Pennsylvania State Grant Form (SGF). First-time applicants who submit the FAFSA online will be automatically redirected to the SGF by following the onscreen prompts on the FAFSA confirmation page..
First-time applicants who plan to enroll in a community college, business, trade or technical school, a hospital school of nursing, a designated Pennsylvania Open Admission institution, or a non-transferable two-year degree program at a community, two-year or four-year college, have until Aug. 1 to complete their application.
“The State Grant Program can be a financial lifesaver for many college-bound students and their families,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA board vice chair. “Since the program is need-based, it provides the greatest benefits to those who may be struggling the most to cover the cost of higher education.”