ACCEPTED STUDENT GUIDE
New Student Checklist
Now that you’ve been accepted to Penn Highlands, it is important to know what needs to be accomplished next. It is necessary to complete the following items on this checklist to finalize your enrollment process.
Activate Your Student Account
An email will be sent to the email address you provided on your College application. It contains a username and password, as well as instructions to activate your myPEAK account. It is critical to complete this process and establish your College email in order to receive communications, including financial aid instructions, from the College.
For login information and technical help, contact the IT Help Desk at 814.262.6470 or helpdesk@pennhighlands.edu.
Login and Visit
All student account information, including financial aid statements and awards, can be found on our myPEAK portal.
Check Your Email Often
Our offices use College email to communicate with students regarding account information and other needs. Check it often. It can be accessed on any device using Office 365 at www.office.com.
Complete Placement Testing
This test assesses your skill level in English, math, and reading. Schedule your placement test with an admissions representative. Practice information is found on our website under Admissions > Placement Testing. (Testing may be waived based on the College’s waiver guidelines.)
Register for Classes
Contact and meet with an Academic Advisor to create a class schedule after you complete your placement test. Have your myPEAK login information available. To schedule, contact the location that you plan to attend.
Make Payment Arrangements
We offer a variety of payment options. Whether you select to pay in full, enroll in a payment plan, or are eligible to receive financial aid, all financial arrangements must be in place by the Tuition Due Date of each semester. This date can be found on the College’s Academic Calendar. Contact Student Financial Services at 814.262.6437 for more information.
Purchase Books
Books are available at Penn Highlands’ Bookstore, located at the Richland Campus or on our website. Call 814.262.6453 with questions regarding books.
Attend New Student Orientation
Our comprehensive orientation program is designed to aid you in making a successful transition, both academically and socially, to Penn Highlands. You will receive information regarding your scheduled session.
New Student Checklist
PEAKtxt
PEAKtxt is the College’s emergency text message notification system. We encourage you to enroll in this program, as it will be used to distribute emergency messages such as closings, weather delays, or other emergency situations. To enroll, visit the College website.
Student ID
Your student ID (called myID) is now located in the myPEAK mobile application. You can find your myID by clicking on the menu icon on the top left of the application and scrolling to myID. If you do not have the myPEAK Mobile App, download it from your phone’s app store (Search for myPEAK mobile). ID cards are used for library services, the PEAK Pass student discount program, and many student services. Contact the Office of Security and Safety at security@pennhighlands.edu or 814.262.6427 for more information.
Complete Your FAFSA
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an annual form completed by college students that helps determine if they are eligible to receive financial aid. Loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study eligibility are all types of aid that the FAFSA helps students apply for.
An education is a big investment. We are here to help you make the most of yours. Whether you are changing careers or finding your passion, our Financial Aid Office is available to assist you throughout the process.
Begin the process of completing the FAFSA by visiting fsaid.ed.gov and applying for your FSA identification.
With your FSA identification, visit fafsa.ed.gov and complete your FAFSA. (Use our Federal School Code: 031804)
Submit any additional information or documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office.
The FAFSA can be completed as early as October 1st of each year. Visit fafsa.ed.gov, and follow the on-screen instructions to apply. Remember, the process is free, so why wait?
Paying For College Cost Comparisons
Our tuition and fees are a fraction of what you would pay at a four-year institution. Why pay more for your education?
Let’s compare the yearly cost of tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students:
Local College Tuition & Fees Comparison
Mount Aloysius College
University of Pittsburgh
Penn State University
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
$26,160 $21,524
$20,022
$14,624
$11,380 $9,540 $7,110
Penn Highlands Community College (PA Resident)
Penn Highlands Community College (Cambria County Resident)
Figures are based only on annual tuition and fees for 2023-2024. Housing costs are excluded. For estimating purposes only. Numbers were provided by College Board or the respective website of the institution.
We are affordable.
Our students are able to complete their degree without incurring a large amount of student loan debt.
In 2023-2024, our undergraduate students received over $2.94M in grant aid. (Source: IPEDS)
Pennsylvania Highlands works hard to keep tuition affordable for our students. We encourage our students to develop a comprehensive financial plan that anticipates all educational costs.
Enroll in a Payment Plan if needed.
We offer a convenient option for spreading your educational expenses into manageable monthly payments.
STEP ONE: Sign into myPEAK, select Student Financial Services, and select My Financial Account
STEP TWO: Payment Plan options that are available to you will be shown at the bottom of the screen. Select the option that is best for you.
STEP THREE: Pay the $25 enrollment fee and your first payment.
STEP FOUR: Follow the payment plan schedule, and make all payments by the due date.
Contact Student Financial Services at sfs@pennhighlands.edu or 814.262.6437 for more information.
Scholarships
In 2023-24, more than $121,000 of scholarship money was awarded to our students to help pay their tuition.
The College Foundation offers many opportunities each year to qualified students. Application and deadline information is located under “Scholarships” on our website.
