Helpful ways to pay for college

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Too often students assume they are not eligible for financial assistance, so they don't even apply. However, the only way to know if you're eligible for aid is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is free to complete and will inform students of their aid eligibility for the upcoming academic year. 

**Important FAFSA Update**
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available to the public beginning December 1, 2024 according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education. The Office of Financial Aid will provide additional information at that time.

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Types of financial aid

By filing the FAFSA, you could be eligible for:

• Federal grants — federal financial aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant, that does not have to be repaid;
• PA state grants — state financial aid that does not have to be repaid;
• Scholarships and awards — institutional financial aid that does not have to be repaid;
• Federal work study — part-time employment that helps finance your education;
• Loans — borrowed money that must be repaid with interest;
• Tax credits and deductions.

Additional information

Learn more about financial aid through informative video segments geared toward students and parents.