Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA)
A grant is a type of financial aid award that you don't need to repay, as long as you meet all of the eligibility requirements:
- Completed your FAFSA by May 1st of the year prior to awarding
- Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA
- An undergraduate student enrolled in an Associate Degree program
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress according to the guidelines set forth by PHEAA to receive the award each year
- Note this satisfactory academic progress is separate and different than CCAC's SAP requirements
- Be enrolled in at least 3 college level credits in combination with college level and developmental credits to equal a minimum of 6 credits for AT LEAST HALF TIME STATUS and 12+ credits to be considered FULL TIME STATUS
- Completed/Submitted any items required by PHEAA for award determination and be included on a disbursement roster for review by CCAC (NO student can be awarded until a roster is received by CCAC and can be reviewed)
The student is responsible for making sure the PHEAA/AES account is complete and listed under CCAC
A student that planned on attending another institution or is transferring from another institution MUST contact PHEAA to ensure they have the proper school on file. Updating the FAFSA school code DOES NOT update the information with PHEAA.
How to Apply for the PHEAA grant?
- To be considered for a Pennsylvania State Grant, you must fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Form. Most renewal students do not have to complete the State Grant Form.
- This must be done by the deadlines set by PHEAA, which is normally May 1st
Will the Award Amounts be the same each year?
Most likely Not- The awarding formula considers three primary factors- The funding provided for distributing awards
- The number of applicants for State Grants
- The financial need of the families of those applicants
Do I have to be a Pennsylvania resident to get a the PHEAA grant?
Yes, you must be a Pennsylvania resident, as outlined in the Pennsylvania State Grant law.- If you are 18 years of age or older—You must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least the 12 consecutive months before you file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) excluding any time you are enrolled in a Pennsylvania postsecondary school. If you came into or remained in Pennsylvania for the purpose of attending a school or college that does not count towards your 12 months.
- If you are under 18 years of age—You must have a supporting parent or guardian who has been a Pennsylvania resident for at least the 12 consecutive months before you filed, the FAFSA
What is "Domicile" and what and how does affect my state grant?
"Domicile" is another word for your true, fixed, and permanent home—the place to which you intend to return despite temporary residences elsewhere or a temporary absence.
You must have Pennsylvania domicile to get a State Grant
- A student who enters Pennsylvania to attend college is NOT considered to be domiciled in Pennsylvania
- Students born and raised in Pennsylvania who attend college in another state do not relinquish their Pennsylvania domiciliary status simply because they are temporarily in another state. However, a student is no longer eligible for a State Grant if he or she attends college out of state and registers to vote in that state
- Pennsylvania military personnel are presumed to maintain their Pennsylvania domicile even though they are stationed out of state or overseas, unless the family has taken steps to become residents of that state or country
Must I be a High School Graduate?
Yes. You must be a graduate of an approved high school, a Department of Defense high school, a foreign high school that has obtained U.S. accreditation, have a General Education Diploma (GED) or another high school equivalency credential
What if I missed the State Grant Filing Deadline?
Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible
We may still consider applications received after the deadline for:
- Applicants who have a loss in expected family income due to a recent (after January 1) death, disability, retirement, unemployment, divorce, or separation of a parent
- Applicants who are recently discharged veterans
- We may also consider a late application if extenuating circumstances delayed its filing
Why must I go to AES to complete the online Pennsylvania state grant form?
American Education Services (aesSuccess.org) is a division of PHEAA
- You must create an account and sign in to complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Form online
- If applicable, the month and year your diploma was received (for High School or GED)
- Your Social Security number, not your parent's or guardian's. This will alleviate any processing issues
- If married, your spouse's 9-digit Social Security number
Why is my State Grant eligibility subject to a review?
- Your State Grant eligibility may be subject to a review since the Pennsylvania State Grant Program is financial assistance program that is funded in whole or in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- PHEAA is responsible for administering the State Grant Program and ensuring that the data provided by applicants meets the eligibility requirements
- PHEAA will notify you either by email or by a letter to your permanent home address
- Additionally, you may visit AES Account Access to check your Pennsylvania State Grant status