Financial Aid Help

Start by obtaining a Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) at: https://fsaid.ed.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.ed.gov/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.

Complete the FAFSA at: https://fafsa.ed.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 the summer of 2019 or later. You should complete the 2019-2020 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 2017 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 2017 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.

Apply for State of Pennsylvania Financial Aid

Residents of the state of Pennsylvania have a number of financial aid opportunities 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 PHEAA 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.