Paying For Higher Education
For most families, the prospect of helping a child pay for college is quite daunting. In order to help families get started in this process, the SAHS Guidance Department offers usually offers an evening financial aid workshop (which was held in September this year). During those presentations, you will learn some of the basic terminology and steps necessary to get financial aid and you will have a chance to ask your own questions following the presentation.
Additionally, there are many websites that can provide information about applying for financial aid, making educated guesses about how much your family will be expected to pay, and scholarship opportunities.
Helpful Links:
Federal Financial Aid Form (FAFSA)
Pennsylvania Higher Education Association
Update from PA Treasury
PA Treasury’s Consumer Programs, which consists of the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars, and the PA ABLE Savings Program, are increasing outreach activities and adding three team members. Elementary and secondary school counselors are invited to tell parents about Keystone Scholars, a $100 investment for education savings available to all PA children born after January 1, 2019. Email pa529@patreasury.gov or call 717-772-5000 to be connected to a specialist in your area.
School professionals and community organizations are especially encouraged to learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE), a savings account for people with disabilities that helps individuals and their families save without affecting eligibility for benefits. Visit paable.gov or call 855-529-2253 to coordinate an informational session in your district today.
Additional Info:
Please remember to stay calm, complete all the paperwork you are asked to do, apply for scholarships, and work carefully with the financial aid office.