Pennsylvania State Grant Program
Direct application
Eligibility
About this scholarship
Pennsylvania residents with demonstrated financial need who are high school graduates enrolled at an accredited eligible college may qualify for need-based grants administered by PHEAA.
Maximum award is up to $6,000. Exact amounts depend on financial need, enrollment status, and school cost. Awards are renewable with satisfactory academic progress.
File the FAFSA and complete Pennsylvania State Grant items by May 1 for most four-year and transfer programs, or August 1 for community colleges, trade and technical schools, and designated open-admission institutions. First-time applicants complete the PA State Grant Form when prompted.
The Pennsylvania State Grant Program provides need-based aid for in-state postsecondary study and some reciprocal-state institutions.
Essay questions
What else to submit
- FAFSA
- PA State Grant Form when prompted
- Complete the FAFSA (FAFSA data is shared automatically with PHEAA)
- Complete the PA State Grant Form (SGF) via PHEAA's GrantUs/Account Access platform — collects family/financial details not on the FAFSA (e.g., PA 529 College Savings Plan values)
- Be a Pennsylvania resident attending an approved school
- Be enrolled at least half-time (6+ credits) in an approved program of study at least two years in length, pursuing a first bachelor's degree
- Demonstrate financial need (need-based award)
- Meet deadlines: May 1 (renewal/first-time at certain schools) / August 1 for some first-time applicants
- Award amount depends on financial need, enrollment status, and school cost.
- Renewal requires satisfactory academic progress.