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Grants

Federal and state aid agencies determine which families are eligible for grants based on the information provided in the FAFSA. There are four basic types of grants:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  • Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
  • Pennsylvania State Grant
Federal Pell Grant 

The basic need-based federal grant is the Pell Grant. For 2021-22, the maximum Pell grant award is $6,495 (for a full-time student). Grants are based on the extent of financial need as determined by federal guidelines.

Federal SEOG Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is given if the student is determined to have the maximum financial need.  For students to have the maximum financial need, an Expected Family Contribution would be $0. Clarion University awards this grant.

Federal TEACH Grant 

This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who:

  • Will teach in a high need field (mathematics, reading specialist, science and special education).
  • Will teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
  • Are junior and senior undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25.

Interested students should have a FAFSA on file. Recipients must teach full-time for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study.

Financial need is not a requirement of this grant. Students who are interested in the TEACH Grant should print the Teach Grant Preliminary Application and return it to the Student Financial Services Office located on the first floor of Becht Hall.

Note: TEACH recipients who fail to complete the service obligation will have their grants converted to interest-bearing Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans. Interest will be charged from the day the "grant" was disbursed.

Pennsylvania State Grant 

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) administers the Pennsylvania State Grant program.  The PA State Grant is dependent on need. PHEAA notifies students (who have filed a FAFSA) directly of their eligibility for the grant.  

The maximum award amount is dependent upon your enrollment status (full-time vs half-time) and enrollment mode ratio (in-person vs on-line credits).  Every year, PHEAA determines if their State Grant need formula will award different amounts based on the enrollment mode.  It is anticipated there will not be a change in the PA State Grant amount based upon a student’s enrollment in on-line courses for the 2021-2022 aid year.  PHEAA does grant exceptions for ADA accommodations.  The deadline to submit documentation for reconsideration of ADA eligibility is April 1st.  For questions on the PA State Grant or how adding or dropping courses will affect your PA State Grant, contact PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392 or Clarion’s Student Financial Services office.

In addition, per PHEAA regulations, for students enrolled in a module course (7W1, 7W2, and all summer sessions) for the term, the PA State Grant cannot be credited to the student’s account until enrollment is confirmed in the final  module, which is after add/drop, even if the student is enrolled at least half-time prior to that final module.

Limits on financial aid

Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

PHEAA also offers the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program which provides a waiver for tuition and mandatory fees charged by most post-secondary institutions located in the commonwealth 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.

University contacts for:

Assistance in completing admissions applications
Mr. Isaac Leonard
Assistant Director of Admissions and Multicultural Recruitment
318 Becht
814 393 2141 

Financial Aid applications and obtaining verification of eligibility
Anna Drayer
Assistant Director of Financial Aid – Federal SAP and State Aid
116 Becht
814-393-2315

Providing referrals for on and off-campus resources and support services
Mr. James P. McGee
Director of the Center for Wellness Health & Wellness Services
222 Becht
814 393 1949

Mr. Thomas W. Crissman
Senior Student Support Asst-Counseling services
252 Becht
814 393 2031

Additional Resources for Students

Last Updated 12/1/22