HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s maximum college financial aid award has reached a record $6,000 for the 2026-27 academic year, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency announced.
The increase follows a $5.9 million state budget boost that pushed total PA State Grant Program funding to $419.2 million. The new maximum surpasses the $5,750 ceiling that had held for four years.
PHEAA will supplement state funds with up to $15 million of its own earnings to support the increased award — part of a practice the agency has maintained since 2012. PHEAA said its self-funded administration of state programs saved taxpayers more than $34.5 million last year.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support that the 2026-27 Commonwealth Budget provides to students,” said James Steeley, PHEAA president and chief executive. “We are pleased to supplement the PA State Grant Program with our own earnings to raise the maximum award to $6,000 and excited to implement new programs and changes assigned to PHEAA in the budget.”
Sen. Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA board chairman, credited the General Assembly for the increase. “This budget enables more students to afford their dream of higher education and provides Pennsylvania with an educated workforce,” Fontana said.
