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Financial Aid Help

First time applying for financial aid? We’re specialists in making financial aid a lot less scary. After you apply to PTC, you’ll be assigned a financial aid planner who will answer your questions and offer as much support as you need. Below you will find the most common funding sources, but these are not your only options. At PTC, there are no long lines behind financial aid counters, no long waits to get the answers you need. Only personal attention, every time you need it.

We’re here to help. Call us at any time at 412-809-5100 to schedule your one-on-one financial aid appointment.

Schedule an appointment

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“I was always worried about the finances and how to do this. I’m a single mom. I’m helping to support him through school so you know, you’re like ‘The forms can be very confusing. What if I fill them out wrong?’…They have been phenomenal. I’ve actually come into the school where they’ve sat down with me and filled out [that] paperwork with me.”

Vicky

A PTC parent

    Step 1: FSA ID

    Start by obtaining a Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) at: studentaid.gov.

    Several of the government forms require you to sign electronically with a FSA ID. If you follow the link to this government website you may create your FSA ID.

    The process only takes a few minutes. Once you create your FSA ID, it will be authenticated within 48 hours. You will need this FSA ID to electronically sign your forms. If you are a dependent student, both you and one parent must create a FSA ID. You and your parent must have different email addresses. If you are not sure if you are a dependent student, check this site: studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.

    Get FSA ID

    Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

    Complete the FAFSA at: studentaid.gov.

    The FAFSA form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Once you create your FSA ID you will be able to electronically sign the FAFSA and loan applications.

    Please note, the instructions below are for students starting school in July or October 2021 or January or April 2022. You should complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA. If you are starting school at another time, please call 412-809-5100 to ensure that you are using the correct form.

    • Having your completed 2019 IRS 1040 and W2’s handy will help with the FAFSA application process. Most of the income questions are found on the federal IRS 1040 and W2’s.
    • If you are a dependent student, you will want to have both yours and your parent’s 2019 federal tax return handy.
    • PTC’s Federal School Code is 007437. You will need this to ensure that your FAFSA application is sent to PTC.
    • The FAFSA application should take about 20 minutes.
    • If you need to stop in the middle of the application, remember to SAVE your work.
    PTC’s Federal School Code is 007437
    FAFSA Application

    Step 3: State of Pennsylvania Financial Aid

    Apply for State of Pennsylvania Financial Aid

    Residents of the state of Pennsylvania have a number of financial aid opportunities through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These programs are administered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

    To apply for a state grant, link to the application directly from your FAFSA application prior to logging out of the FAFSA or go to www.aessuccess.org. To learn more about grant opportunities visit http://www.pheaa.org.

    Some PA State grant options include:

    • The PATH Program (Partnerships for Access to Higher Education)
      PATH is a partnership with nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships to needy students. These scholarships have the potential to be matched by PHEAA on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Visit http://www.pheaa.org for a list of participating partners.
    • Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
      This program assists children of Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, rescue, and ambulance squad members, corrections employees, and National Guard and sheriff’s office staff who died in the line of duty.
    • Pennsylvania National Guard Education Assistance Program (EAP)
      This program was created for students who enter a commitment with the National Guard.
    • Pennsylvania State Work-Study Program
      Through the work study program Pennsylvania students can gain on-the-job work experience while earning money to help pay for college.
    • Blind or Deaf Beneficiary Grant Program
      Through this program, blind or deaf Pennsylvania residents may apply for funds to help pay for their education.
    • Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (TIPS)
      PA-TIP is a need-based program available to students enrolled in short terms programs such as: Energy, Advance Materials and Diversified Manufacturing, Agriculture and Food Production.
    • Pennsylvania CHAFEE Education and Training Grant
      This grant provides grants to Pennsylvania undergraduate student aging out of foster care.
    pheaa.org

    Step 4: Federal Direct Student/Parent Loans

    Federal Direct Student/Parent Loans

    There are a number of financial aid opportunities available to PTC students. After you have completed the FAFSA, the next step is to consider applying for a Federal Direct Student Loan at studentaid.gov and Parent Plus Loan. On this site you will find loan options, information on repayment plans, interest rates and other important information. Plan for about 10 minutes to complete these applications.

    Students:

    • Use your FSA ID to sign in to the site.
    • Complete the Master Promissory Note forms.
    • Select the subsidized/unsubsidized option.

    Parents:

    • Use your FSA ID to sign in.
    • Complete the Master Promissory Note form.
    • Select Parent PLUS for undergraduate students.
    Student Aid

    Once you apply to PTC and complete the financial aid steps above, log in to your PTC Dashboard for financial aid updates, access stored documents, and to see messages from your financial aid counselor.

    Schedule a financial aid appointment

    If you have questions about any step in the financial aid process, remember, we are here to help. Just give us a call at 412-809-5100, and we will assist you. If you would like for a financial aid counselor to contact you, please request an appointment using the form below.

    • By completing this form and submitting it to PTC, you are providing your express written consent for PTC to contact you, at the number provided, about its programs using a variety of methods including phone (both mobile or home, dialed manually or automatically), email, mail, and text message until PTC is notified otherwise. You are not required to provide consent in order to attend PTC.

    Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

    For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at ptcollege.edu/gainfulemployment.