Sources of Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans
Federal Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Plus Loans (PLUS)
Consolidation Loans
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Veteran’s Benefits
PHEAA PA-TIP Grants
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
Fostering Independence Waiver
Federal Pell Grant
Federally funded program to assist needy undergraduate students. Eligibility for this grant is determined by the U.S. Department of Education’s analysis of the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students with a prior bachelor’s degree are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federally funded program to assist students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and have exceptional financial need. The amounts of these grants are based on the need and the availability of funds.
The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans
These loans are low-interest loans that are borrowed directly from the U.S. Federal Government by students attending school at least half-time.
Federal Stafford Loans
There are two types of Federal Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. Students will not be charged interest while enrolled in school at-least half-time or during grace and deferment periods; the Federal Government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods. First-time subsidized student loan borrowers are limited to borrowing up to 150% of the length of their program of study. Unlike a subsidized loan, an unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Students may choose to pay the interest quarterly as it accumulates. If students allow this interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized; that is, the accrued interest will be added to the principal balance of the loan. This will increase the amount that the student has to repay. Repayment normally begins 6 months after the student’s last date of attendance or as early as 30 days after the student’s attendance falls below half-time status.
Federal Direct Plus Loans (PLUS)
PLUS Loans are available to assist parents with the education expenses of each child who is a dependent student enrolled in school at least half-time. Parents are subject to a credit check. Repayment of this loan begins typically within 30 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
Consolidation Loans
Under federal guidelines, consolidation pays off existing student loans and consolidates them into one monthly payment on a single, new loan, generally with an extended repayment period and fixed interest rate. Consolidation also allows students to take advantage of different repayment options designed to provide the lowest possible monthly payments.
Federal Work Study (FWS)
FWS provides jobs for undergraduate students who need financial aid to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work. Eligible students may apply for FWS jobs through Student Financial Services.
Veteran’s Benefits
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides tuition assistance and other educational expenses for eligible veterans who are interested in education advancement and skills training.
PHEAA PA-TIP Grants
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides need-based awards to students pursuing an eligible course of study at an approved school. The Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) benefits Pennsylvania residents who meet the domicile requirements and are enrolled in courses of study in our trade programs. Students may be required to provide additional information.Students must have financial need as determined by the PA-TIP program guidelines and certified by the school.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
OVR benefits are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education according to an applicant’s rehabilitation needs.
Fostering Independence Waiver
a. Establishment–There is established a fostering independence waiver program for individuals who satisfy the eligibility requirements under subsection (c).
b. Award–Beginning with the semester starting in the fall of 2020, each institution of higher education shall award a fostering independence waiver for undergraduate courses at the institution for each individual who is eligible under subsection (c).
The fostering independence waiver shall have subtracted from it the amount of any Federal grants, State grants or other scholarships or grants the individual receives. An individual shall receive a fostering independence waiver under this act for five years, whether or not consecutive, or until the individual reaches 26 years of age, whichever occurs first, as long as the individual remains eligible under subsection (c).
c. Eligibility–In order to receive a fostering independence waiver under this section, an individual must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be at least 14 years of age but under 26 years of age and be in or have been in substitute care in this Commonwealth for at least six months before, on or after the effective date of this section, including any of the following:
(i) Placement in substitute care as a dependent child at any time while 14 years of age or older.
(ii) Adoption at any time after reaching 14 years of age from substitute care as a dependent child.
(iii) Placement with a permanent legal custodian at any time after reaching 14 years of age from substitute care as a dependent child.
- Have graduated from high school or received a Commonwealth secondary school diploma or another equivalent approved by the Department of Education.
- Have been accepted for admission to, or be currently attending, an institution of higher education.
- Have maintained satisfactory progress after admission as defined by the institution of higher education attended.
- Have applied for all available Federal and State grants.
- Currently resides in this Commonwealth.
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the program, please contact the point of contact at the information listed below.
Student Financial Services at Orleans Technical College will assist you in applying for federal and state grants to see if you qualify for funds to help pay for the cost of the program. Federal and State grants are listed in the school catalog in the Financing Your Education section under the sub-heading “Sources of Financial Aid”.
Point of Contact:
Latanya Byrd – Latanya.Byrd@OrleansTech.edu – 215-728-4702
Additional information about the program: