Youth with a history in foster care are considered independent students and eligible for the maximum Pell grant of $5,750. Complete the FAFSA application for this grant. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Be sure to answer ‘yes’ to questions about being in foster care. To get started, see https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) manages the state based financial aid program. Grant amounts depend on income with a maximum of $5,750 for the 2023-4 academic year. Apply for the state grant after completing the FAFSA at https://www.pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program/.

Youth who were in foster care at age 16 and under age 26 (including aged out youth) are eligible for up to $5,000 from the Chafee Grant (federal funds). A separate, one page application is required. Complete the Chafee grant application and send to the college you plan to attend. The application is also used to determine eligibility for the PA Tuition Waiver (state program). The tuition waiver (called Fostering Independence) requires all Pennsylvania based colleges to accept grant and scholarship funds awarded as full payment for tuition. This means NO student loans needed to pay for tuition! Learn more and complete the Chafee application at https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program.shtml.

Youth who were in foster care at age 16 and under age 26 (including aged out youth) are eligible for up to $5,000 from the Chafee Grant (federal funds). A separate, one page application is required. Complete the Chafee grant application and send to the college you plan to attend. The application is also used to determine eligibility for the PA Tuition Waiver (state program). The tuition waiver (called Fostering Independence) requires all Pennsylvania based colleges to accept grant and scholarship funds awarded as full payment for tuition. This means NO student loans needed to pay for tuition! Learn more and complete the Chafee application at https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/chafee-program.shtml.

Find more free money! Every year, many scholarships go unclaimed across the country. The $ is worth the search!  Here are some lists to get you started: Phillygoes2College, BigFuture, Field Center, Peterson’s.

Student loans are not all bad! They have LOW interest rates, are not payable until after leaving college, and can be paid at an affordable monthly amount. College degree holders earn higher income making repayments easier. Students can use small student loans to help pay for living expenses while in school.