PHEAA outlines crucial steps for financial aid applications during Awareness Month

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) held a meeting on February 12, 2025, to celebrate Financial Aid Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of financial aid applications for students and families. The session aimed to provide guidance on navigating the financial aid process and to encourage early application to maximize available resources.

The meeting began with a discussion on the necessity of applying for financial aid, highlighting that students cannot receive need-based aid without submitting an application. Attendees were advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to create a studentaid.gov account several days prior to filling out the FAFSA. PHEAA representatives stressed the importance of checking for communications from PHEAA regarding state grant forms and institutional aid opportunities available through schools.

Participants were encouraged to start their financial aid education early, even as early as elementary school, to reduce stress and improve understanding of the various aid options available. The meeting underscored that families should not assume they will not qualify for financial aid and should apply regardless of their financial situation.

Several resources were shared to assist families in the financial aid process. The hashtag #Finaidfed was introduced as a way to access a wealth of information during Financial Aid Awareness Month. PHEAA's website was highlighted as a key resource, offering information for students, families, and educators. Additional websites such as educationplanner.org and mysmartborrowing.org were recommended for their tools and assessments related to financial planning and borrowing.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for families to apply for financial aid early, stay informed about scholarship opportunities, and utilize available resources to minimize student loan debt. PHEAA representatives reiterated their commitment to assisting families throughout the financial aid process, encouraging attendees to reach out with any questions or concerns.