For Immediate Release
April 24, 2008
Contact: Brian Grove
bgrove@pasen.gov
(570) 675-3931
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Student Aid Application Deadline Approaching

Deadlines to file are May 1 for baccalaureate degree programs, Aug. 1 for others.

Harrisburg -- The deadlines for submitting the 2008-09 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are approaching, and students and their families can file a traditional form or submit an online application, according to state Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne).

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

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.  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.

"There are many grant and loan programs available to help families meet the increasingly expensive challenge of paying for higher education. An easier way to determine who's eligible for which program is to submit a FAFSA form," said Baker.  "It helps cut through the clutter to give parents and students a clearer picture of what aid is available to them."

Baker encouraged families 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 .