Did you know that Pennsylvania offers several state grants to students to help make college more affordable and accessible? We’ve outlined some of their programs, plus provided details on how you can find out more information and apply below.
Pennsylvania State Grants
1. Pennsylvania State Grant
The Pennsylvania State Grant is hosted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) for undergraduate students in the state. For students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, award amounts can vary from year to year based on the individual student’s financials and the funding available for the program.
In order to apply, students must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Be working towards an associate’s or their first bachelor’s
- Meet academic progress requirements
The award can be renewed up to 8 semesters for students obtaining their bachelor’s and up to 4 semesters for those going after their associate’s.
2. The Partnerships for Access to Higher Education Grant (PATH)
The Partnerships for Access to Higher Education Grant, also simply known as PATH, is a partnership between the PHEAA and non-profit organizations in the state. The grant matches scholarship funds the student has received from participating non-profits up to $2,500 or a minimum of $200.
In addition to being a PA resident, Eligibility requirements include:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Be an undergraduate student
- Enroll in at least half-time
- Be seeking a degree
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Be nominated by a nonprofit PATH partner
- Be receiving a PA State Grant
- Complete the FAFSA
3. The Ready to Succeed Scholarship
Another state-funded grant in Pennsylvania is The Ready to Succeed Scholarship. It currently awards up to $2,500 for full-time students and $1,250 for part-time students. The lowest amount a student can receive is $500.
Some program requirements are:
- Complete the FAFSA
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Be working towards an associate’s or their first bachelor’s
- Meet academic progress requirements
- Finish at least one academic year (at least 24 semester credits or their equivalent)
- Demonstrate academic achievement (3.25 GPA or higher)
- Not exceed the required family income (currently $126,000)
4. And More
Other state college grants and financial aid programs dedicated to students in Pennsylvania include:
- PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Program
- PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program
- PA New Economy Technology Scholarship Program
- Chafee Education and Training Grant Program
- PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
- PA State Work-Study Program
- PA Targeted Industry Program
Where Can You Find More Information on Pennsylvania State Grants?
For additional information and application details about the above-listed grants, head over to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) website. There you can find application prep tips, deadlines, FAQs, and more. The site also has some great resources for college planning, financial aid, upcoming college fairs, and more for both students and their parents.
If you are a student from a different state looking to go to school “in-state,” see what grants are available for you here.
In many cases, grants and scholarships won’t be quite enough to cover college tuition, especially if you don’t qualify for programs based on financial need. Find out how you can make college more affordable.
