Need-Based Grant Programs

The following is our list of Need-Based Grant Programs. Students must be full-time day students and must file the FAFSA to be eligible. These grants do not have to be repaid and students must maintain academic progress for their grants to be renewed.

  • Alvernia University Grants: Awarded to students on the basis of financial need as determined by the federal formula.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This is a campus-based program funded by the federal government awarded to at least half-time students with high need and amount available is dependent upon federal funding levels.
  • Pell Grant: The federal government funds this grant program and students must demonstrate financial need according to a federal formula.
  • Pennsylvania State Grant: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers grants to undergraduates (over 18) who are enrolled at least half time and have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to the date of application. Parents must meet domicile requirements for students under 18. The state grant deadline is May 1 for the academic year. Full-time students MUST complete the State requirement of 24 CREDITS for the prior year of state grant eligibility to maintain progress (part time: 12 credits). State grant eligibility is limited to eight semesters. Questions concerning the State Grant program can be directed to PHEAA in Harrisburg at 1-800-692-7392 or PHEAA's website.
    • Students must complete a separate summer State Grant application at pheaa.org. Students who do receive summer funds may impact their future State Grant eligibility. If you have any questions about summer eligibility, contact the Office of Student Financial Services during the preceding spring semester. 
  • Other State Grants: Delaware, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, Washington DC, and West Virginia residents may bring their state grants to most Pennsylvania colleges. Call the Higher Education Assistance Agency in your state for additional information on eligibility criteria and the application procedures.
  • PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program: The FosterEd Program, created by Act 16 of 2019 and amended by Act 49 of 2019, mandates postsecondary institutions in the Commonwealth waive tuition and mandatory fees for youth who are or were in foster care. This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other gift aid (federal, state, and other scholarships or grants) have been applied to the student’s account. The program is being administered collaboratively by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the PA departments of Education, Human Services, and Labor & Industry.


If you think you may qualify for this program or are interested in more information, please contact the following individuals who are the point of contacts for Alvernia’s program:


Arielle Phillips-Law
Assistant Director for Transfer Students
arielle.phllips@alvernia.edu
610-796-8207
Office: 2nd Floor of Student Center, Admissions Office


Joseph Berardi
Senior Counselor, Student Financial Services
joseph.berardi@alvernia.edu
610-796-8201
Office: Francis Hall, Room 203

Financial Aid Scholarship and Grants