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Scam Alert!

Phone and text scams are currently underway targeting Erie residents and possibly other Pennsylvania residents offering “Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness”. If you are contacted from someone stating:

“We are reaching out to you because your student loan has been flagged for the Pennsylvania forgiveness program. You are eligible to receive full forgiveness. This applies to all Pennsylvania residents. Please call our office back at (717) 573-8721 to be connected to your loan counselor. Again, that number is (717) 573-8721. Thank you.”

This is a scam! You should contact your loan servicer directly for any questions about legitimate loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, if you have been contacted about a loan forgiveness scam, a complaint may be filed with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

2025-26 PA State Grant Update

The first step to apply for the 2025-26 PA State Grant is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) at StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA must be submitted by the deadline in order to be eligible for a PA State Grant.

Once you submit the FAFSA, PHEAA will trigger the next step in the PA State Grant process. Renewal students shouldn't have any other actions to take. First-time applicants must complete additional forms; we will email you when it's time to sign in and supply the needed information. We will let students and schools know when we send these emails by updating our website and social media channels. Follow PHEAA for continued updates.

Apply Now!

or call 1-844-PAFORWD

Loan Default

Default on a Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) Loan occurs when you fail to make payments, and your loan reaches 270 days of delinquency. If your loan defaults, your account will transfer to your guarantor, and your balance becomes due in full immediately. Additional action may occur, including wage garnishment, seizure of income tax returns, and collection fees may be assessed. Don't worry; PHEAA is here to assist you!

Who's Who

There are three key groups in the student loan life cycle. To understand who they are and how they work together, review the relationship below between your lender, servicer, and guarantor.

Loan Lender

The lender is the bank or other financial institution that provides the money for your student loan. Most likely, your lender was selected when you completed your FAFSA^® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Although they lent you the money, they don't hand