The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced that the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is available to college-bound students and families on October 1, and joins the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in presenting a FAFSA completion workshop event.
Filing the FAFSA online is the first step to determine if you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, PA State Grant, scholarships, institutional awards, and federal student loans.
“The FAFSA is the only application for financial aid, so it’s critical that is complete and submitted correctly,” said Senator Wayne D. Fontana, PHEAA Board Chairman. “A simple mistake could result in loss of aid, so we encourage every student and their family to attend our event and rely upon the experience of our financial aid professionals to ensure successful FAFSA submission.”
PHEAA and PDE are offering a FAFSA Completion Workshop on Thursday, October 8, to assist students and their families in successful FAFSA completion. PHEAA Access Partners will provide hands-on guidance in completing and submitting the FAFSA. This is especially helpful to those families who have unique filing situations.
“Sometimes the first step toward an opportunity is knowing that it is within reach,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Completing the FAFSA helps students and families see the financial aid that may be available to them so they can consider their options and make informed decisions about their future.”
“Every student who plans to pursue postsecondary education should seek affordable financial aid,” said James H. Steeley, PHEAA President and CEO. “The first step in that process is submitting the FAFSA to determine if they qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, PA State Grant, need-based scholarships, institutional awards, and federal student loans. These free, accessible resources are provided to ensure that they successfully take that first step.”
The FAFSA Completion Workshop is an in-person event that will be held at PHEAA Headquarters, located at 1200 North Seventh Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102. Assistance will be offered in 30-minute sessions, beginning at 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, and 6:30 PM (ET). Although walk-ins are welcome, PHEAA will have a limited number of laptops available for these sessions, so registration is recommended.
All students and contributors (such as parents and spouses) must establish their federal StudentAid.gov accounts at StudentAid.gov/fsa-id/create-account prior to attending this event.
The workshop will be preceded by a brief press conference at 5:00 PM (ET) with PHEAA and PDE leadership discussing the importance of successful FAFSA completion.
