FAFSA Deadline Is Approaching

New students must file by May 1 for financial aid

The deadline for students and their families to file their 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is quickly approaching, warns state Senator Bob Robbins, R-50th District.

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, 2010.

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, 2010.

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 truth is the costs of going to college continue going up and it is tougher and tougher for families to make ends meet. That's why I strongly urge the families of high school seniors to file the FAFSA," Senator Robbins 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 2010-11 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.fafsa.ed.gov.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322