1. HAHS Guidance / J M Samoyedny
Important Things HAZLETON AREA High School COLLEGE PREPARATORY Seniors Need to Know about Financial Aid
HAHS Guidance / J M Samoyedny

2. GET YOUR PARENTS IN THE LOOP.
It is important to discuss your college goals and costs with your folks. They play an integral role in determining whether or not you have enough money to cover your educational costs.
Share your plans, THE PHEAA GUIDE, scholarships, and other important information.

3. TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
Scholarships (merit-based money) and Grants (gift money)
Come from a variety of sources, including federal and state governments, colleges, organizations, foundations, etc.
This money does not have paid back.
Loans
Need to be repaid, some after college graduation

4. TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID Work Study Summer Jobs Savings
Federal and state program money can be used for a variety of college expenses
School-sponsored job program; work on- or off-campus
Apply for via the FAFSA
Summer Jobs
Savings

5. COMPLETE THE FAFSA ON THE WEB.
F Free!!!
A Application (for)
F Federal
S Student
A Aid

6. FAFSA DETAILS Complete this application online at www.fafsa.gov
DO NOT GO TO !!!
is a fee-based site, and the FAFSA is FREE!

7. FAFSA DETAILS
The application is now completed with income from tax information
It checks for eligibility for federal and Pennsylvania State Aid.
List the most expensive Pennsylvania school FIRST.
You will receive notices from the government and financial aid packages from the schools you listed on the FAFSA. Follow instructions.
IRS Data Retrieval Tool*

8. BE MINDFUL OF DEADLINES!
The deadline for submitting the FAFSA on the WEB for Pennsylvania residents is May 1, Some program deadlines are August 1, 2017.
The school you plan to attend might have an earlier deadline.
PSU Priority Deadline is March 1, 2017
Bloomsburg, etc. Deadline is March 15, 2017
LCCC’s Scholarship Deadline is April 15, 2017

9. A TALE OF TWO APPLICATIONS…
In addition to completing the FAFSA, Pennsylvania residents must also complete the requirements for the Pennsylvania State Grant.
You must either:
Watch for the LINK at the end of the FAFSA application process -- or –
Go to to complete the application.
Remember to mail the signature page to the PHEAA Office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

10. OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS
Some schools require other financial aid applications.
They might have their own forms, etc.
Some schools require the CSS Profile, available from the College Board website. (Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.)

11. FAFSA4CASTER/Net Cost Calculator
Other useful websites to predict your family contribution
Colleges also have a required link in the admissions or financial aid sections of their website called “Net Cost Calculator” or “Net Price Calculator.”

12. SPECIAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
Be aware of special federal and Pennsylvania financial aid programs.
Loan forgiveness for particular majors (certain education majors, nursing, armed forces, etc.)
Awards for certain science and technology majors
Grants for foster children, 9/11 children, etc.
Read the PHEAA GUIDE and share it with your parents!

13. FINANCIAL AID EVENTS AT HAHS
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016 Time: 9:30 A.M.
Financial Aid Overview and FAFSA Completion
Location: HAHS Library
Bring your FSA ID and tax information with you!
Get your FSA ID at
The FSA ID Café will take place on October 4, Listen to announcements for further information.

14. FINANCIAL AID EVENTS
A representative of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will present “How to apply for financial aid with the FAFSA.”
It’s free
In-depth review of financial aid types and sources
Includes FAFSA tutorial

15. FAFSA COMPLETION HELP
Even if the annual “FINANCIAL AID EVENT” has passed, there are several options available to help you complete the FAFSA.
College Financial Aid Office
PHEAA Regional Representative
Local FAFSA Completion Sessions
SPARC Representative
Your tax preparer or accountant
Your high school guidance counselor

16. SCHOLARSHIPS Visit the STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER in the guidance office.
Available LOCAL scholarship details and application materials are updated WEEKLY.
LOCAL versus NATIONAL

17. SCHOLARSHIPS This is money that can be used for educational purposes
Tuition
Room and Board
Transportation
Books
Entertainment
Etc.

18. OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES
There are several NATIONAL websites available where you can apply for additional scholarship money.

19. KEEP YOUR PARENTS PROUD!
College acceptances are published in the Standard- Speaker weekly column each Tuesday.
To get your name on the list, see your counselor.

20. SENIOR CLASS SURVEY
In the latter part of May 2017 counselors will meet with seniors to finalize their post-high school plans.
The “SENIOR CLASS SURVEY” accomplishes several things –
Informs the guidance staff where to send final transcripts
Reports demographic information to the state
Assists the school in compiling the most recent profile data
Tallies the total scholarship money awarded to the Class of 2017

21. GOOD LUCK!
We wish you the best of luck with finalizing your college plans!
We will always do our best to fulfill your requests and answer your questions.
Keep in touch with us!