Financial Planning Guide - Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

FINANCIAL PLANNING GUIDE

LET’S TALK MONEY

PER-CREDIT TUITION & FEES

Cambria County: $233

Somerset County: $304

Other PA Counties: $312

Out-of-State: $436

Additional course and lab fees may apply. Visit PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/TUITION for complete Tuition and Fees information.

AFFORDABLE, QUALITY EDUCATION. THINK COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

On average, students save roughly $5,500 annually in tuition and fees by attending a community college compared to a four-year state university in Pennsylvania.

65% of Penn Highlands students will receive scholarships and other types of financial aid.

In the last full academic year, our undergraduate students received over $2.9m in grant aid that does not need to be repaid.

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

FILING THE FAFSA

20 MINUTES TO SAVE THOUSANDS

FAFSA Code: 031804

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your federal aid eligibility and is how to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete and could save you thousands each year. Visit STUDENTAID.GOV to learn more.

Important Dates

October 1 - 2023-2024 FAFSA Opens

April 1 - Suggested date for FAFSA submission

April-May - Foundation Scholarships Deadline

May 1 - PA State Grant Deadline

Penn Highlands participates in State and Federal Programs, including:

• Pell Grants

• Pennsylvania State Grant

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Federal Work Study (FWS)

• Federal Community Service Work Study

• Federal Direct Loan Programs

SAMPLE TIMELINE

• Attend an open house, schedule a visit, or meet with a representative.

• Gather information from our website and publications.

• Begin application process.

• Receive acceptance letter.

• Apply for financial aid.

• Apply for scholarships. Visit: PENNHIGHLANDS.AWARDSPRING.COM.

• Attend an Academic Planning Day.

• Attend New Student Orientation.

FOUNDATION: SCHOLARSHIPS

Last year, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation awarded more than $37,000 in scholarship funds to assist students with their education. These scholarships are offered yearly. Applications open in early April and close in mid-May. Because many scholarships are based on a student’s registration status, students are advised to first register for classes prior to completing the scholarship application.

American Association of University Women (AAUW), Johnstown Branch Scholarship

Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship

College Employee Supported Scholarship

Joe & Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $1000 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $1000 will be awarded annually.

Griffith Family Scholarship

A total of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship

A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.

Huntingdon Hope Scholarship

Johnstown Regional Indian Subcontinent Association (JRISA) Scholarship

Learning Lamp Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $1000 will be awarded annually.

Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship

A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded annually to up to 2 students.

Dale W. Miller Scholarship

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Scholarship

Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship

A maximum of $2,000 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $2,500 will be awarded annually to up to 2 students.

A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.

Roth Family Scholarship

Spruce Street Animal Clinic Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually to up to 4 students.

A maximum of $8,000 will be awarded annually to up to 8 students.

Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship

Stan and Helen Westbrook Scholarship

A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.

A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.

LEARN MORE AT PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete a College application and submit your high school transcript.

2. Receive your acceptance letter with your computer account activation information.

3. Complete the online scholarship application and essay using your myPEAK username and password at PENNHIGHLANDS.AWARDSPRING.COM.

FOUNDATION: STUDENT SUPPORT

STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND

As a way to help our most vulnerable students in need, the Penn Highlands Community College Foundation created the Student Emergency Fund to be used for students at risk of dropping out of college due to unforeseen financial emergencies.

Sometimes a $300 debt or unforeseen bill can stand in the way of a student staying in college and graduating. This fund assists students in paying a utility bill, temporary lodging, car repairs, and more.

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation holds fundraisers, manages funds, builds relationships, and gives back to the College and students on a regular basis.

Check your College email for Foundation updates and information.

CONTACT THE FOUNDATION

For additional questions on the Student Emergency Fund, please contact the Foundation at 814.262.6499 or foundation@pennhighlands.edu.

Hunter Connor Criminal Justice, 2016

Hunter chose Penn Highlands for the affordability, convenience, and flexibility. He was able to earn a degree debt-free while maintaining a full-time job. Hunter built a strong foundation for his education and career path and now has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies and a thriving career.

QUALITY EDUCATION

“Receiving the College-Sponsored Scholarship allowed me to attend Penn Highlands free of financial burden.”

SUPPORTING SCHOLARS

Presidential Scholarship ($3,000 per semester)

This prestigious scholarship is valid toward one associate degree and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits.*

These scholarships are awarded to high school seniors and must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.

*Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.

The Presidential Scholarship application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19.

Emerging Leader Scholarship ($1,000 per semester)

The scholarship is valid toward one associate degree and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits.*

This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors and must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.

*Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.

The Emerging Leader Scholarship awards will be determined during two award periods. The application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19 and will reopen on or about the 2nd Monday of January and close on or about March 14.

TERMS

Scholarship will be renewed each academic semester provided the following criteria are met:

• Student maintains a 3.30 grade point average and be enrolled full-time. (*See exemption on previous page regarding final semester completion of degree.)

• Student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.

• Student can be involved in the honors program.

• Student completes 15 hours per semester of participation in College-related service as defined by the Scholarship Committee (Students involved in the honors program will be required to complete 10 hours of service per semester).

• Student meets with an assigned scholarship mentor throughout the award period and attends all scheduled meetings.

• Student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club, organization (PTK, NSLS included), or athletic team.

Any recipient found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy is no longer eligible in subsequent semesters.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must:

• Be a high school senior eligible for graduation with a cumulative overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (Emerging Leader Scholarship) or 3.5 (Presidential Scholarship).

• Be recognized as a good citizen of the high school community by being involved and demonstrating leadership in at least three extra-curricular activities.

• Complete the admissions process and be accepted to Pennsylvania Highlands.

• Complete and submit a Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Qualify for college-ready status in writing, reading, and math through the College’s Placement Testing Policy and Waiver Guidelines.

Select candidates will be asked to participate in a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee. Students will be monitored each semester to track academic progress, credit load, and eligibility.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to the top two candidates during the fall cycle.

Emerging Leader Scholarships are awarded in the fall and spring cycles.

Learn more about scholarships:

Scan the QR code or visit PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS

START YOUR JOURNEY

GET STARTED IN 15 MINUTES.

We know that choosing a college can be overwhelming. Applying shouldn’t be. At Penn Highlands, it’s easy and should take no longer than 15 minutes. No essays. No SAT/ACT. No application fees. No problem!

Visit pennhighlands.edu/discover or call us today to discuss your future.  Ask about virtual or in-person appointments.

WE

ARE AFFORDABLE.

Our students are able to complete their degree without incurring a large amount of student loan debt. Our in-state tuition & required fees are a fraction of what you would pay at a public state university (31%), a state-related university (56%), and many private regional institutions (72%).

WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

An education is a big investment, and we are here to help you make the most of your education. Whether you are changing careers or trying to find your passion, our Financial Aid Office is available to assist you throughout the process.