Financial Aid
Financial Aid Session - Virtual Event
Financial Aid is money that the government and other organizations give or lend you so you can pay for college. To qualify for Financial Aid, you must apply. Financial aid comes from the federal government (the largest source), state governments, colleges and universities, private organizations (such as companies, clubs and religious organizations), and banks and lending companies.
Click on the following link to the YouTube presentation: 2024-25 Financial Aid Presentation
FAFSA Completion Session - Virtual Event
The Kiski Area School Counseling Department will host a virtual FAFSA Completion Session open to SENIORS AND THEIR PARENT/GUARDIANS ONLY on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00pm.
Pre-registration is required; registration information will be announced on Skyward in mid September.
Again, this will be a VIRTUAL EVENT.
Event Webinar Link: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
This free FAFSA Completion Session is designed for college-bound seniors and their parents/guardians. It provides the opportunity to get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the chance to ask questions related to the financial aid process. 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 federal student loans.
Federal Student Aid and the FAFSA
The first step in the financial aid process for all students applying for aid is the Federal Student Aid program and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To begin, visit FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov and follow the 3 step process for filling out the form. You may contact the Federal Student Aid office by phone at (800) 433-3243.
Financial Aid deadlines vary by school, state, program of study and more. To ensure that you are considered for all financial aid programs, the FAFSA should be filed by the earliest application deadline date for each school you are considering attending.
For PA State Grant Applicants, the FAFSA Deadlines are:
- May 1 - For students attending colleges, universities, and college-transferable programs (excluding community colleges) and for all renewal students
- August 1 - If you plan to enroll in a community college, a Business, Trade, or Technical school, a Hospital School of Nursing, an “Open-Admission” institution (visit PHEAA.org for a list of these schools). Or a non-transferable 2-year programs
PROCEDURE TO SIGN THE FAFSA: The Student and ONE Parent MUST create a FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. This first step in the financial aid process should be completed as soon as possible.
FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online and can serve as your legal signature.
Pennsylvania Higher Education Association (PHEAA) State Grants & Loans
PHEAA serves millions of students and thousands of schools nationally through its state grant, guaranty, servicing, and financial aid processing systems. Visit www.pheaa.org and follow PHEAA's 5 Steps to Financial Aid. You can reach the PHEAA office by phone at (800) 692-7392.
Here are some useful resources to help you in understanding the financial aid process.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Tipsheet
Learn about the FAFSA and How to Apply
5 Steps to Financial Aid for College
Paying for College: Learn about Financial Aid, Scholarships and FAFSA