
FAFSA is live
Financial Aid update from the HAHS Counseling Office
November 2024
11/18/2024 The 2025-2026 FAFSA is open ahead of schedule--How to apply
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The U.S. Department of Education just announced that the FAFSA form is now live and ready for students and contributors.
Filing the FAFSA, how to get started!
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.
Resources to assist with completing the FAFSA and FAFSA Help!
What's next? I completed my FAFSA
- 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
Resources for filing the PA State Grant Application
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!
After submitting the FAFSA, look for an email with directions on applying for PHEAA, PA State Grant
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.
Are you FAFSA ready? EP59 PHEAA Video Series
What happens after submitting the FAFSA?
You and your contributor(s) completed the FAFSA application and submitted the form. Watch this video for more information.
Add FAFSA & PHEAA social media accounts for the most up to date information!
Apply for Scholarships!
Use the various web-resources for finding and applying!
Scholarships are all around: National, State, and Local
The key to finding scholarships is putting in the time to search and apply!
- 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?)
Student Scholarships.org
Great one-stop webpage that gathers local, state, and national scholarship opportunities. Create an account to filter scholarships to your situation in order to target the scholarships you are eligible to apply to. There are thousands of scholarships across the US, but you might only be eligible for a handful based on college major or program (trade or other), GPA, community service, etc.
The BCCF manages hundreds of scholarships for Berks County residents. Take the time to filter through the scholarships that you are eligible for.
The BCCF consists of a Board of caring individuals that provide services and opportunities for the residents of Berks County. Check out all the great things they do for our towns!
Esther Ludwig Scholarship- Jan 7, 2025 Deadline!
Students should have an Unweighted GPA of 80% to apply funds to a two year college or trade school OR 85% to apply funds to a four year college.
Students must attend college, full time, at an accredited institution.