Pennsylvania Student Loans And Financial Aid Programs

Pennsylvania has several private student loan and financial aid programs that can help you pay for college. If you're going to be attending college in Pennsylvania, you need to be looking to take advantage of these programs.

These programs are designed to help make college more affordable - so that you can get the education you need. These programs can include scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Don't forget that there are Federal student loan programs available as well. You can find out more on how to get a Federal student loan here.

There is also a specific order of operations to pay for college that we recommend students follow. These programs specific to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can help you to avoid borrowing more money than you need to. 

Pennsylvania Student Loan Programs

Pennsylvania has the PA Forward student loan program, which is a state-based non profit loan offered to residents of Pennsylvania attending school in-state or out-of-state.

The PA Forward loan offers a low-APR fixed rate loan for undergraduate students, graduate students, or parents.

Learn more about PA Forward Student Loans here. 

However, there are still Federal student loans available to students who attend college in Pennsylvania. 

If you're just looking for private student loan options, we recommend:

• Credible - Like the Kayak of student loans, they help you shop around and compare options. Try Credible here.
• College Ave - One of the best private student loan lenders. Get A Quote At College Ave Here.

Check out our complete guide to finding the best student loans here.

Pennsylvania Scholarship Programs

Pennsylvania has several scholarships available to students who want to attend the in the state.

Ready To Succeed Scholarship

The Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program is administered by PHEAA in close cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, provides awards to high-achieving students whose annual family income does not exceed $126,000.

RTSS provides scholarships to high academic achievers that, in combination with the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, offer a total award up to $2,500 for full-time and $1,250 for part-time students. The minimum award is $500. Awards can be used to cover tuition, books, fees, supplies, and living expenses.

Learn more about the Ready To Succeed Scholarship.

Pennsylvania Grant Programs

Pennsylvania also has a grant program to provide need based financial aid to Pennsylvania residents.

Grants are one of the best forms of financial aid because, in most circumstances, you don't have to pay the money back.

Pennsylvania State Grant

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a financial assistance program that provides funding to eligible Pennsylvanians and helps them afford the costs of higher education at the undergraduate level.

To qualify you must have an Student Aid Index below $32,000.

Awards ranged from $500 to $5,000 for in-state students in the 2024 - 2025 academic year. The maximum award for Pennsylvania residents attending school out of state is $600 and $800 for veterans.

You can learn more about the Pennsylvania State Grant program here.

Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant

This state-funded program provides financial aid to blind or deaf students attending a postsecondary institution.

The maximum Blind or Deaf grant cannot exceed $500 within an academic year. The grant can replace your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) but cannot exceed your cost of attendance.

Learn more about the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant.

Other Options

If you already have student loans and are looking for options as a Pennsylvania resident, check out our Pennsylvania Student Loan Forgiveness Program page. That page has all the different options available to Pennsylvania residents to potentially get some of your student loan debt forgiven.

You might also look at refinancing your student loans and saving money in interest while also potentially lowering your payment. Check out our guide on the Best Places To Refinance Your Student Loans.

If you're looking for ways to save for college in Pennsylvania, check out the Pennsylvania 529 Plan and College Savings Guide.

Finally, check out the other student loan and financial aid programs by state.