Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation's leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other student aid programs. PHEAA's earnings are used to support its public service mission and to pay its operating costs, including administration of the PA State Grant and other state-funded student aid programs.
A Pennsylvania State Grant is based on financial need. You may be eligible if you demonstrate financial need and are a high school graduate as stipulated in the Pennsylvania State Grant law; attend a post-secondary school approved by PHEAA for Pennsylvania State Grant purposes; are enrolled at least half-time; are admitted and enrolled in an approved program of study of at least two academic years in length; and have not already earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. The State Grant deadlines are different for first-time applicants, renewal applicants, and summer-term applicants. The number of awards will vary.