Library to Offer Free FAFSA Session

will offer a free FAFSA Completion Session on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. in the first-floor Meeting Room.

This workshop, for college-bound and seniors and their parents, provides the opportunity to get personalized help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the chance to ask questions related to the financial aid process. 

Session information will be provided by Jayeann Harr, higher education access partner at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Preregistration is required for this program by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org, by calling 724.941.9430, or by visiting the library circulation desk. 

The deadline for submitting the FAFSA to determine eligibility for a need-based Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1 or Aug. 1 for first-time students entering programs of study at community colleges, business, trade or technical schools, and hospital schools of nursing.

The library staff suggest families submit their FAFSA as early as possible in the new year to ensure meeting earlier financial aid deadlines that may be required by selected schools. 

The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial assistance, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, many scholarships, work-study programs, many school-based awards and low-cost federal student loans.

Last year, 98 percent of all applicants completed the FAFSA online, which provides for faster and more accurate results.

A new feature this year will allow tax filers to have their IRS data automatically populate certain FAFSA questions, making the process easier.

Families are advised to be cautious of online FAFSA sites that require a fee to complete the free application, as help is available through PHEAA staff and the U.S. government at no charge.