Office of Student Aid : Aid Programs : Grants : Pennsylvania State Grant

State-funded gift aid awarded by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to undergraduate Pennsylvania residents who demonstrate high financial need.

Non-Pennsylvania residents from certain states may receive state grants from their respective states. Please access our list of state grants for out-of-state students.

Awarded based on financial need and enrollment status: full-time (12 or more credits) or half-time (6 credits) for a maximum of 8 semesters to students enrolled in a four-year program and a maximum of 4 semesters to students enrolled in a two-year program.

Note: If you choose to apply for a Summer Pennsylvania State Grant, it will be counted towards your maximum semesters of eligibility.

Maximum full-time award beginning with the 2009-10 academic year is $3,770 per year; maximum half-time award is $942 per year.

If PHEAA receives your FAFSA information by May 1, you are automatically considered for the grant.

You must meet federal student aid eligibility requirements.

The Pennsylvania State Grant regulations state that, for an approved program of study, at least 50% of the coursework for the minimum program length must be taken through classroom instruction in order to remain eligible for Pennsylvania State Grant consideration. This does not include online or independent learning courses.