The U.S. Department of Education just announced that the FAFSA form is now live and ready for students and contributors.

We understand that the financial aid process can be confusing. We hope that you take a few minutes to page through the digital resources and videos provided by the FSA (Federal Student Aid) and other agencies to help you complete the application.

• Students and contributors (parents, guardians) must complete the FAFSA online application in order to be reviewed for financial aid eligibility. This process must be completed each year the student is enrolled in college.

• First Step: Create a FSA ID (if you do not have one.) Both student and contributor will create an individual account. Student must use a personal email account (NOT hak12 email).
• Second Step: Log in and Start a FAFSA Application for the 2025-2026 year.
• For help: Contact FAFSA or use their online resources and FAQs.

• How to fill out the FAFSA
• Not living with parents: Who is required to fill out the FAFSA/Unique circumstances
• Determine which parent(s) are required to fill out the FAFSA
• FSA Federal Student Aid Estimator
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• After you submit the FAFSA: FAFSA Submission Summary (Read about it!)
• Comparing Financial Aid Offers from each school
• Receiving Financial Aid
• Understanding Student Loan Repayment

PHEAA is the state's financial aid organization that assists eligible Pennsylvanians with affording higher education. All students should also apply for state grant funds each year they are enrolled in college. Due to the update to the FAFSA, PHEAA's application process has also changed slightly. Please follow instructions below, for more information!

The FSA will transmit your FAFSA data to the PHEAA GrantUs system. GrantUS will automatically create your student profile after the FAFSA is submitted. Students should receive an email from PHEAA with instructions to create a password, set up a GrantUs account, and complete the application.

• Visit the HS Counselor Webpage for a running list of posted scholarships https://www.hasdhawks.org/Page/811
• Use national search engines like Studentscholarships.org, Collegeboard's Big Future program, Education Planner and others!
• Check with parent and student employers
• Check with the college to see how they award scholarships through their Financial Aid Office. (Is there a separate scholarship application, like Kutztown, or are you automatically screened, or do you have to apply to each scholarship individually?)