Financial Aid: Grants, Loans, and More
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes the process much easier. This page provides essential information on grants, scholarships, loans, and timelines to help families make informed financial decisions.
🎓 For the Class of 2026 and Their Families
Senior year is the time to take action with financial aid. Use the fall to get ahead on FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, and understanding borrowing options.
FAFSA Opening and Completion Timeline
- The FAFSA for the 2026–27 academic year opens on October 1, 2025.
- DO NOT BEGIN OR SUBMIT PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1ST
- We strongly encourage families to complete the FAFSA by November 30, 2025.
- Submitting early allows you to:
👉 Start your FAFSA at Federal Student Aid.
💡 Financial Aid To-Do List for Seniors (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)
September 2025
- Gather 2024 tax returns, W-2s, and income information for FAFSA.
- Create your FSA ID (student + parent/guardian).
- Attend the Senior Parent College Info Session at the Fall Future Fair (9/23/25).
- Begin searching for scholarships (set aside weekly time).
October 2025
- FAFSA Opens October 1 → Complete as soon as possible.
- Attend a PHEAA Financial Aid Webinar for FAFSA guidance.
- Submit early scholarship applications.
- Double-check priority deadlines for your colleges (some as early as Nov 1).
November 2025
- Aim to submit FAFSA by November 30.
- Confirm your FAFSA has been received by colleges.
- Continue applying for scholarships.
- Review early decision/early action aid packages if applicable.
December 2025 – January 2026
- Watch for Student Aid Report (SAR) from FAFSA → correct any errors.
- Colleges begin sending financial aid award letters (compare carefully).
- Apply for local scholarships (many deadlines are in Jan–Feb).
February – March 2026
- Attend FTCHS Financial Aid Night (date TBA).
- Compare award letters side by side using tools like the Federal Student Aid Comparison Tool.
- Appeal for more aid if family circumstances have changed.
April – May 2026
- Finalize your enrollment decision by May 1, 2026 (National Decision Day).
- Notify colleges you are declining admission.
- Accept your financial aid package and complete loan entrance counseling (if borrowing).
Understanding Financial Aid Options
Grants & Scholarships (Free Money 💸)
- Federal Pell Grant (based on need)
- Pennsylvania State Grant Program (PHEAA)
- Scholarships from colleges, community organizations, and national databases
Loans (Borrow Wisely)
- Direct Stafford Loans: Most common federal student loans
- Federal PLUS Loans: For parents or graduate students
- Private Loans: Offered by banks/credit unions; usually require a cosigner and may have higher rates
⚠️ Always use federal and state aid options first. Borrow only what you need and understand repayment terms.
Helpful Resources
Sample Financial Aid Package
Wondering what a financial aid award letter looks like? Check out this [Sample Financial Aid Package] to familiarize yourself with common terms and figures you’ll see.
Questions?
If you need help, reach out to your school counselor or the post-secondary programming office. We’re here to make sure you understand your options and feel confident about your family’s financial plan for college.