COSTA REMINDS STUDENTS TO FILE FAFSA

HARRISBURG, February 7, 2008 - - State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today reminded college-bound Pennsylvania students to start preparing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.

“A college education can be a very expensive four years, but it will pay great dividends down the road for those who earn a degree,” Costa said. “Filing a FAFSA can help students and families get much-needed financial aid that can lessen the burden of high tuition payments.”

Costa said the deadline for submitting the FAFSA to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1, but families should submit their FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure meeting all other financial aid deadlines.

The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, and many other scholarships, institutional awards, and low-cost student loans.

Costa said students are encouraged to visit www.pheea.org/fafsa for more information on how to complete and submit the FAFSA.

FAFSA forms can also be obtained and submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.educationplanner.org.

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