Grants | Loans | Scholarships | Tuition Account Program | Work Study

Grants
A grant is money awarded that does not have to be paid back. Grants are usually given to students based on financial need.

• PHEAA: The Pennsylvania State Grant program allows eligible Pennsylvania residents to obtain financial assistance for undergraduate study at any PHEAA-approved institution of higher education. PHEAA offers state grants, work-study programs, educational loans and loan forgiveness programs.

• PELL Grant: The Pell Grant is a type of educational federal grant program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It was originally known as "Basic Educational Opportunity Grant (BEOG), and it is one of the most sought-after forms of financial aid available to undergraduate students. It is free money that you do not have to pay back. The Pell Grant is reserved for students with the most financial need, but it does not run out and there is no state or school deadline. If you are eligible, you may even get reimbursed for money that you have already paid for school. The amount can be adjusted as family circumstances change. The application for the Pell Grant is the FAFSA application.

• FAFSA: Federal Student Aid is an office of the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Student Aid provides money for college to eligible students and families. They partner with post secondary schools, financial institutions and other participants in the Title IV student financial assistance programs to deliver services that help students and families who are paying for college.

• Federal Campus Based Programs: Educational institutions are given campus based funds to be awarded to eligible students. Awards are based on availability of funds and the amount of students seeking aid. Each school determines its own criteria. The FSEOG, Federal Work Study and Federal Perkings loan are considered to be campus based programs.

• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Reserved for students with exceptional financial need. The FAFSA/PELL Grant application is used to apply for this grant.

• Institutional Grants: Funds are provided by individual colleges. Check with the financial aid office at your college for information about availability and instructions on how to apply.

• Robert C. Byrd Award: Renewable scholarship of $1,500 available to exceptional high school seniors. Not need based.