Presented byThe Educational Opportunity Centers

of Southwestern Pennsylvania

• Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State Greater Allegheny, Central OfficeCentral Office

• Penn State BeaverPenn State Beaver

• Penn State Fayette: The Eberly Penn State Fayette: The Eberly CampusCampus

• The Educational Opportunity Centers The Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) of Southwestern Program (EOC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a federal TRIO program Pennsylvania is a federal TRIO program funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education and sponsored by Penn State Education and sponsored by Penn State University. EOC helps low- income adults, University. EOC helps low- income adults, age 19 or older, whose parents did not age 19 or older, whose parents did not graduate from college to begin or graduate from college to begin or continue a program of postsecondary continue a program of postsecondary education. education.

• EOC serves EOC serves 2,000 2,000 participants participants every year.every year.

• AlleghenyAllegheny• ArmstrongArmstrong• BeaverBeaver• FayetteFayette• GreeneGreene• IndianaIndiana• LawrenceLawrence• WashingtonWashington• WestmorelandWestmoreland

All services provided by EOC are All services provided by EOC are FREEFREE::• Admissions AssistanceAdmissions Assistance• Financial Aid & Scholarship AssistanceFinancial Aid & Scholarship Assistance• Education/Career Assessment Education/Career Assessment • GED ReferralsGED Referrals• Student Loan Default AssistanceStudent Loan Default Assistance• Academic CounselingAcademic Counseling• Additional Related ServicesAdditional Related Services

Gift AidGift Aid GrantsGrants

ScholarshipsScholarships

Self - HelpSelf - Help LoansLoans Work studyWork study

FederalFederal

StateState

Campus-basedCampus-based

PrivatePrivate

NEED BASED AIDNEED BASED AIDFinancial NeedFinancial NeedBased on previous year’s Based on previous year’s

incomeincome

MERIT BASED AIDMERIT BASED AIDAcademic Ability/ Special Academic Ability/ Special

TalentsTalentsAffiliationsAffiliations

Program Of StudyProgram Of StudyPersonal BackgroundPersonal Background

COA (Cost of COA (Cost of Attendance)Attendance)

- EFC (Expected Family EFC (Expected Family Contribution)Contribution)

Financial NeedFinancial Need

What are some of the What are some of the costs associated with costs associated with attending post-secondary attending post-secondary schooling or training?schooling or training?

What other items or What other items or services will you have to services will you have to purchase?purchase?

DIRECT COSTSDIRECT COSTS INDIRECT INDIRECT COSTSCOSTS

Tuition & FeesTuition & Fees Transportation Transportation Room & BoardRoom & Board Personal Personal ExpensesExpenses Books & SuppliesBooks & Supplies Rental/Purchase Rental/Purchase Of AOf A

Personal ComputerPersonal Computer Child or Elder CareChild or Elder Care Disability-RelatedDisability-Related

ExpensesExpenses Loan Related FeesLoan Related Fees

Completing the FAFSA (Free Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) before a Student Aid) before a

school’s school’s priority deadline priority deadline is a is a critical step.critical step.

www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov

To determine if you are eligible for To determine if you are eligible for grants, the Department of Ed calculates grants, the Department of Ed calculates an EFC using income and asset an EFC using income and asset information from the student/ spouse information from the student/ spouse and parents.and parents.

You will know your estimated EFC You will know your estimated EFC once you submit your FAFSA.once you submit your FAFSA.

You must submit parental information You must submit parental information if you are dependent. (if you are dependent. (MostMost seniors are seniors are “Dependent”.)“Dependent”.)

• You were born before Jan. 1, 1986.You were born before Jan. 1, 1986.

• You have a bachelor’s degree.You have a bachelor’s degree.

•You’re married / separated You’re married / separated on the day of FAFSA on the day of FAFSA submission.submission.

• You support children/ dependents more than 50%(may You support children/ dependents more than 50%(may be verified).be verified).

• Since you turned 13, both parents are deceased, you Since you turned 13, both parents are deceased, you were/are in foster care, or you were/ are a dependent of were/are in foster care, or you were/ are a dependent of the court.the court.

• You’re emancipated (under 18) or in legal guardianship You’re emancipated (under 18) or in legal guardianship as determined by a court.as determined by a court.

• You were determined to be an unaccompanied youth/ You were determined to be an unaccompanied youth/ homeless minor.homeless minor.

• You’re a veteran or currently serving in the Armed You’re a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces.Forces.

• Family Size/Number In CollegeFamily Size/Number In College

• Parent(s) & Student IncomeParent(s) & Student Income

• Parent(s) & Student Assets Parent(s) & Student Assets (stocks/ (stocks/ stock options, bonds, CD’s, mutual funds, real stock options, bonds, CD’s, mutual funds, real estate, 529 (Unow), UGMA/UGMT accounts, estate, 529 (Unow), UGMA/UGMT accounts, money market, securities, etc.)money market, securities, etc.)

• Total of Cash, Savings, Checking for Total of Cash, Savings, Checking for bothboth

• Value of farm or family-owned Value of farm or family-owned business employing 100+business employing 100+

PELL grantPELL grant

ACG grantACG grant

SMART grantSMART grant

TEACH grantTEACH grant

Federal campus-basedFederal campus-based

Federal Stafford loansFederal Stafford loans

PLUS loansPLUS loans

Largest Federal GrantLargest Federal Grant

FAFSA RequiredFAFSA Required

EFC Determines EligibilityEFC Determines Eligibility

Award Amount Based On Enrollment Status Award Amount Based On Enrollment Status And Cost Of AttendanceAnd Cost Of Attendance

2009- 2010 Awards Range from $890- $ 4,731. 2009- 2010 Awards Range from $890- $ 4,731. EFC eligibility range is 0 to 4041 for full-time EFC eligibility range is 0 to 4041 for full-time enrollment (12 credits or more).enrollment (12 credits or more).

U.S. Citizen Or Eligible Non-CitizenU.S. Citizen Or Eligible Non-Citizen

High School Diploma Or EquivalentHigh School Diploma Or Equivalent

Enrolled In A Certificate, Diploma Or Enrolled In A Certificate, Diploma Or Degree Degree Program Program

Males Between The Ages Of 18 & 25 Must Males Between The Ages Of 18 & 25 Must Register Register With Selective Service (can be done via With Selective Service (can be done via FAFSA)FAFSA)

Not be convicted of any offense under Not be convicted of any offense under Federal or state law involving possession or Federal or state law involving possession or sale of a controlled substance if the offense sale of a controlled substance if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment while occurred during a period of enrollment while student received financial aid.student received financial aid.

High school graduates since High school graduates since January 1, January 1, 20062006 that meet the following criteria: that meet the following criteria:

•U.S. citizens or Eligible Non-CitizenU.S. citizens or Eligible Non-Citizen•Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant •Be a first or second year undergraduate Be a first or second year undergraduate student student •Be enrolled full-time in a two- or four- Be enrolled full-time in a two- or four- year degree program. year degree program. •Rigorous high school program of study Rigorous high school program of study (as determined by state- next slide.)(as determined by state- next slide.)

Rigorous Program of StudyRigorous Program of Study

•State Designated High SchoolState Designated High School•State Scholars InitiativeState Scholars Initiative•AP/ Honors diploma programAP/ Honors diploma program•AP or IB Courses/ TestsAP or IB Courses/ Tests•College-ready courses: 4 yrs. English, 3 yrs. College-ready courses: 4 yrs. English, 3 yrs. Math (Algebra 1+), 3 yrs. Science (Biology+), Math (Algebra 1+), 3 yrs. Science (Biology+), 3 yrs. Social Studies, 1 yr. Foreign Language3 yrs. Social Studies, 1 yr. Foreign Language

Up to $750 for first yearUp to $750 for first yearUp to $1,300 for 2Up to $1,300 for 2ndnd academic year (Must academic year (Must have 3.0 GPA first year college)have 3.0 GPA first year college)

Science and Math Access to Retain Science and Math Access to Retain Talent grant will provide up to $4,000 Talent grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study.of undergraduate study.

•Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizenBe a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen•Be a Federal Pell Grant recipientBe a Federal Pell Grant recipient•Be enrolled full-time in a degree Be enrolled full-time in a degree program at least ½ timeprogram at least ½ time•Be enrolled in a four-year degree-Be enrolled in a four-year degree-granting institutiongranting institution•Major in physical, life or computer Major in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or a critical foreign language technology, or a critical foreign language •Have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade Have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scalepoint average on a 4.0 scale

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education provides $4,000 a year at Higher Education provides $4,000 a year at PARTICIPATING institutionsPARTICIPATING institutions

• Freshman- have high school GPA of 3.25 or Freshman- have high school GPA of 3.25 or score in 75score in 75thth percentile on college admissions percentile on college admissions testtest

• Preparing for career in teaching and taking Preparing for career in teaching and taking relevant coursework.relevant coursework.

• TEACH graduates must teach four 4 years in a TEACH graduates must teach four 4 years in a high-need school in Math, Science, Bilingual high-need school in Math, Science, Bilingual Education, Foreign Language, Special Education, Foreign Language, Special Education, Reading Specialist, or other high Education, Reading Specialist, or other high need field.need field.

• Must certify employment and comply with Must certify employment and comply with requirements or grant reverts to a loan. (8% requirements or grant reverts to a loan. (8% rate)rate)

• FSEOG Grant- exceptional need Pell recipients FSEOG Grant- exceptional need Pell recipients --$100-4,000/year$100-4,000/year

• Perkins Loan-exceptional need students- Perkins Loan-exceptional need students- $100-4,000/year; Subsidized; fixed 5% interest $100-4,000/year; Subsidized; fixed 5% interest rate with a 9 month grace period rate with a 9 month grace period

• Work Study- May be done on or off campus (at Work Study- May be done on or off campus (at least minimum wage).least minimum wage).

• Colleges have set allocations & awards are Colleges have set allocations & awards are based on availability of funds & priority based on availability of funds & priority deadlines (student may receive award from deadlines (student may receive award from one school & not another!)one school & not another!)

Fixed Interest Rate – After July 1, 2009: Fixed Interest Rate – After July 1, 2009: •5.6% - Subsidized 5.6% - Subsidized •6.8%- Unsubsidized6.8%- Unsubsidized

Fees of up to 2% Fees of up to 2%

Delayed Repayment - 6 Month Grace Period Delayed Repayment - 6 Month Grace Period After Graduation, Withdrawal, Less Than Half-TimeAfter Graduation, Withdrawal, Less Than Half-Time Deferments AvailableDeferments Available

Maximum amount is automatically approved, Maximum amount is automatically approved, unless the student indicates a lesser amount is unless the student indicates a lesser amount is desired.desired.

Dependent Undergraduates- Base Amount Subsidized and/ or Unsubsidized

Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Amounts

First YearFirst Year $ 3,500$ 3,500 $2,000$2,000

Second Second YearYear

$ 4,500$ 4,500 $2,000$2,000

After After Second Second YearYear

$ 5,500$ 5,500 $2,000$2,000

*Borrowing may be Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or a combination of both. *Borrowing may be Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or a combination of both.

*Subsidized loans only offered to students demonstrating financial need.*Subsidized loans only offered to students demonstrating financial need.

•If a dependent student needs additional loan funds, If a dependent student needs additional loan funds, the parents must apply for a Parent Plus Loan. the parents must apply for a Parent Plus Loan.

•If the parents are rejected for a Parent Plus loan, the If the parents are rejected for a Parent Plus loan, the student may ask to be considered for additional student may ask to be considered for additional unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts.unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts.

•Additional loan amounts can be requested for Additional loan amounts can be requested for reasons of parental incarceration, unknown reasons of parental incarceration, unknown whereabouts, or the receipt of public assistance/ whereabouts, or the receipt of public assistance/ disability as only source of parental income.disability as only source of parental income.

Fixed interest rate of 7.9% (Direct) or 8.5% Fixed interest rate of 7.9% (Direct) or 8.5% (FFELP)(FFELP)

Parents may borrow up to Cost of Attendance Parents may borrow up to Cost of Attendance Minus other Financial Aid.Minus other Financial Aid.

Credit check required.Credit check required.

Parents that don’t pass the credit check can get Parents that don’t pass the credit check can get an co-signer OR qualify based on extenuating an co-signer OR qualify based on extenuating circumstances.circumstances.

Use aessuccess.org to apply and/or to find a Use aessuccess.org to apply and/or to find a lender that participates.lender that participates.

PHEAA grantPHEAA grant NETS Scholarship programNETS Scholarship program ROBERT C.BYRD scholarship ROBERT C.BYRD scholarship

programprogram State Work StudyState Work Study Chafee Educational and Chafee Educational and

Training GrantTraining Grant KEYSTONEBEST Stafford LoanKEYSTONEBEST Stafford Loan

$ 4,120*** Maximum (PA $ 4,120*** Maximum (PA schools)schools)

Non-Veterans / Out-of-StateNon-Veterans / Out-of-State

$ 600$ 600 MaximumMaximum - CT, DE, MA, ME, OH, RI, VT, - CT, DE, MA, ME, OH, RI, VT, DC, WVDC, WV

$ 400$ 400 MaximumMaximum – in all other states except MD, – in all other states except MD, NJ, NYNJ, NY

$ 0$ 0 MD, NJ, NY MD, NJ, NY (Some Exceptions)(Some Exceptions)

Veterans / Out-of-StateVeterans / Out-of-State

$ 800 $ 800 MaximumMaximum For All States Except NY, NJ & For All States Except NY, NJ & MD (Some Exceptions)MD (Some Exceptions)*** Maximum subject to change based on availability of funds.*** Maximum subject to change based on availability of funds.

BY MAY 1BY MAY 1 4-Year Programs, College Transferable 4-Year Programs, College Transferable Programs And Programs And ALL RENEWALSALL RENEWALS

BY AUGUST 1BY AUGUST 1 First Year Applicants At:First Year Applicants At: - Business, Trade, Technical And 2 Year - Business, Trade, Technical And 2 Year Nursing Nursing SchoolsSchools - 2 Year Terminal Programs- 2 Year Terminal Programs

• High School Graduate Or GED RecipientHigh School Graduate Or GED Recipient

• PA residents for at least 1 year (or parents, if PA residents for at least 1 year (or parents, if student is under 18) before FAFSA completionstudent is under 18) before FAFSA completion

• Make academic progress for continued fundingMake academic progress for continued funding

• At Least At Least Two Academic YearTwo Academic Year Undergraduate Undergraduate ProgramProgram

•At least 15 months/60 credit hours/1800 clock hours (1500 At least 15 months/60 credit hours/1800 clock hours (1500 clock hours, if an associate degree program)clock hours, if an associate degree program)

• At Least At Least Half-Time Enrollment (6 or more credits)Half-Time Enrollment (6 or more credits)

• PHEAA Approved SchoolPHEAA Approved School

• Satisfactory Character (not incarcerated)Satisfactory Character (not incarcerated)

PA residents with a H.S. Diploma or GEDPA residents with a H.S. Diploma or GED

Enrolled At a PHEAA-approved postsecondary Enrolled At a PHEAA-approved postsecondary school.school.

Enrolled in an approved science or technology Enrolled in an approved science or technology programprogram

Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPAMaintain a 3.0 or higher GPA

Apply for PELL & PHEAA grantsApply for PELL & PHEAA grants

Agree to be employed in PA in a related field Agree to be employed in PA in a related field for each year scholarship was received.for each year scholarship was received.

Two separate componentsTwo separate components

TECHNOLOGY: Less TECHNOLOGY: Less than 4 yr. programthan 4 yr. program

• Full or part-time Full or part-time enrollment enrollment

• Less than four-Less than four-year programyear program

• May apply for May apply for freshman yearfreshman year

• Max $1,000/ year Max $1,000/ year for 2 years.for 2 years.

SCI-TECH: 4 yr. SCI-TECH: 4 yr. programprogram

• Full time enrollmentFull time enrollment

• Must be a Must be a sophomore to applysophomore to apply

• GPA at least 3.0 at GPA at least 3.0 at time of applicationtime of application

• Max $3,000 per year Max $3,000 per year for 3 years.for 3 years.

Federally-funded administered by PHEAAFederally-funded administered by PHEAA

$1,500 per year for each year of renewal$1,500 per year for each year of renewal

US Citizen or eligible non-citizen AND PA residentUS Citizen or eligible non-citizen AND PA resident

Deadline is April 1Deadline is April 1

Top 5% of high school class (or 1, 2, or 3 in senior Top 5% of high school class (or 1, 2, or 3 in senior classes 60 students or less classes 60 students or less

3.5 GPA & SAT score of 1150+ or ACT score 25+3.5 GPA & SAT score of 1150+ or ACT score 25+

GED recipients- must have a score of at least 3500GED recipients- must have a score of at least 3500

Be a H.S. graduate during the same academic year Be a H.S. graduate during the same academic year receipt of first awardreceipt of first award

PA state-grant eligible residentsPA state-grant eligible residents

Work in high-tech or community service Work in high-tech or community service positions with for-profit or non-profit employers, positions with for-profit or non-profit employers, including postsecondary schoolsincluding postsecondary schools

Visit pheaa’s website for details. Visit pheaa’s website for details. www.pheaa.orgwww.pheaa.org

Federally-funded, but administered by PHEAA & Federally-funded, but administered by PHEAA & PA DPWPA DPW

Up to $5,000/ yr for foster care or former foster Up to $5,000/ yr for foster care or former foster care youth who were discharged or adopted from care youth who were discharged or adopted from foster care after age 16foster care after age 16

PA resident under the age of 21PA resident under the age of 21

Attends an approved institution at least half-Attends an approved institution at least half-timetime

Must file a FAFSA & Chafee applicationMust file a FAFSA & Chafee application

1-800-692-7392 or www.pheaa.org for 1-800-692-7392 or www.pheaa.org for applicationapplication

Eligible PA State Grant ApplicantsEligible PA State Grant Applicants

Enrolled At Least Half-time In An Enrolled At Least Half-time In An Undergraduate Degree or Certificate Program at a Undergraduate Degree or Certificate Program at a participating school.participating school.

0% Origination Fee0% Origination Fee

An Additional .25% Interest Rate Reduction If An Additional .25% Interest Rate Reduction If Payments Deducted from Checking Account.Payments Deducted from Checking Account.

Use aessuccess.org to apply and/or to find a Use aessuccess.org to apply and/or to find a lender that participates.lender that participates.

KNOW YOUR DEADLINES!! KNOW YOUR DEADLINES!! Find out the Find out the priority deadline dates for each school you priority deadline dates for each school you are interested in attendingare interested in attending

Complete the FAFSA before priority Complete the FAFSA before priority deadlines using www.fafsa.ed.govdeadlines using www.fafsa.ed.gov

If possible, complete all applications at If possible, complete all applications at least 30 days before deadlinesleast 30 days before deadlines

You don’t have to wait to apply to schools You don’t have to wait to apply to schools or be accepted before completing the or be accepted before completing the FAFSA.FAFSA.

Respond quickly to requests for additionalRespond quickly to requests for additional information information (SAR, PHEAA State Grant (SAR, PHEAA State Grant Status Notice, verifications/ paperwork from Status Notice, verifications/ paperwork from schoolsschools).).

Explore every funding resource available Explore every funding resource available to you.to you.

Keep copies of all applications for your Keep copies of all applications for your records.records.

Never pay for financial aid assistance or Never pay for financial aid assistance or FAFSA completion!FAFSA completion!

• Alternative Loans- shop around!Alternative Loans- shop around!• Institutional payment plansInstitutional payment plans• Family resourcesFamily resources• VA Benefits, Americorps, PA National VA Benefits, Americorps, PA National

GuardGuard

Insurance Policies, Retirement Insurance Policies, Retirement Funds, Cash Advances – Funds, Cash Advances – Almost Almost Never A Good Idea!Never A Good Idea!

Search scholarship web sites:Search scholarship web sites:

• www.educationplanner.orgwww.educationplanner.org• www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com

Community-based organizationsCommunity-based organizations

Church / Religious affiliationsChurch / Religious affiliations

Service / Fraternal organizationsService / Fraternal organizations

Labor unions / Trade associations / Labor unions / Trade associations / Professional affiliationsProfessional affiliations

EOC of SWPAEOC of SWPA1-888-EOC-SWPA or 1-888-362-1-888-EOC-SWPA or 1-888-362-

79727972

EOC EOC Penn State Greater AlleghenyPenn State Greater Allegheny

4000 University Drive4000 University DriveMcKeesport, PA 15132McKeesport, PA 15132

(412) 675-9078(412) 675-9078

EOCEOC EOC EOCPenn State Fayette: The Eberly Campus Penn State Fayette: The Eberly Campus Penn Penn

State BeaverState BeaverOne University DriveOne University Drive 100 University 100 University

DriveDriveUniontown, PA 15401Uniontown, PA 15401 Monaca, PA Monaca, PA

1506115061(724) 430-4100 ext. 4796(724) 430-4100 ext. 4796 (724) 773-3768 or (724) 773-3768 or

1-800-378-62301-800-378-6230