FAFSA Applications Now Available

Students may file electronically for student loans

The 2008-09 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available and students and their families can either file a traditional form or submit an application electronically, according to state Senator Pat Browne (R-16th District, parts of Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe Counties).

The FAFSA is used to determine students' eligibility for almost all types of student aid, including state grants, Federal Pell Grants, Keystone Stafford Loans, regular Federal Stafford Loans and other federal and institutional programs.

"The costs of higher education continue to rise, placing an ever increasing burden on family budgets. I strongly urge the families of high school seniors to file the FAFSA," Senator Browne said. "There are many grant and loan programs available for students and this application is the first step in securing that money."

Families are encouraged to visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa to access the 2008-09 online FAFSA and a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to help walk them through the application process step-by-step. Students may also file online at www.educationplanner.org or www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Students planning to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs – including those enrolled in college transfer programs at community or junior colleges – must file the FAFSA by May 1, 2008. Students planning to attend business, trade and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing or two-year non-transferable programs at community, junior or four-year colleges must file the FAFSA by Aug. 1, 2008.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468