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PHEAA host urges seniors to finish strong, complete FAFSA and compare college costs
Summary
On PHEAA’s ‘Higher Education Access Corner,’ host Tiffany DeVann walked high school seniors through final steps — completing FAFSA, watching for Pennsylvania State Grant notices, comparing net price and avoiding loans as a first option.
Tiffany DeVann, host of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s Higher Education Access Corner, urged high school seniors in a March podcast to finish the school year and complete financial-aid steps including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
DeVann said FAFSA is the essential first step for students seeking federal aid and for determining eligibility for the Pennsylvania State Grant. “First step is to complete the FAFSA,” she said, and added that PHEAA will email students at the address listed on their FAFSA application when the Pennsylvania State Grant application is available.
Why it matters: Completing FAFSA and watching for state-grant notices affects which schools’ financial packages students can compare and how much gift aid they may receive. DeVann advised students to collect and compare financial-aid award letters and to calculate each school’s net price — cost of attendance minus gift aid and scholarships — before making a deposit.
DeVann walked through practical next steps for students who plan to enter the workforce and those who will attend college or career schools. For students entering the workforce, she emphasized proof of graduation and having a resume and interview practice ready. For students heading to college, she recommended confirming application deadlines, continuing to apply for scholarships, and contacting financial-aid offices with questions.
She cautioned families to treat student loans as a last resort. “A student loan is your absolute last resource,” DeVann said, while acknowledging loans remain a viable option when other funds are insufficient.
DeVann also reminded seniors to factor non-tuition costs — travel, room and board or commuting — into any comparison of schools and to verify deposit deadlines; many colleges observe Decision Day on May 1. She encouraged students to keep up grades and complete AP exams where applicable, since accepted AP credits can reduce future course load and cost.
Resources DeVann cited included PHEAA’s website, PHEAA.org (which hosts recorded webinars and the Pennsylvania State Grant guidance), and Studentaid.gov, the U.S. Department of Education’s student-aid portal. She noted PHEAA’s Higher Education Access partners and webinars are available for students and families seeking help interpreting award letters.
DeVann closed by encouraging seniors to celebrate milestone events like prom and graduation once the required steps are complete, and to reach out to admissions and financial-aid offices or to PHEAA for clarification on award letters and next steps.
