Affording College
Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is not a loan, so it does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students. So if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, you may not be eligible.
Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student aid, but aid from other sources might be added. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant, you will receive the full amount you qualify for.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is for undergraduates with low Expected Family Contributions (EFC). The EFC is used by colleges to determine a student’s financial aid package. The EFC represents the amount of money the family of a student can reasonably be expected to contribute toward college expenses.
After completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that includes the EFC. The Federal Student Aid Office (part of the US Department of Education) determines the EFC through income, investments, and savings.
The amount of aid you receive depends on many factors including:
- Your financial need,
- The amount of other aid you will receive, and
- The availability of funds at your school.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
Federal Work Study is a federal program that allows students to earn money for school costs through part-time employment. The program offers jobs on campus and off-campus, usually at community service agencies. Students are paid on an hourly basis and usually work 10–20 hours per week. To work in a FWS position, students must apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need.
Federal Student Loans
When you apply for financial aid, you might be offered loans as part of your financial aid offer and this is money you borrow and must be paid back with interest.
Types of Federal Student Loans
| Direct Loan Type | Direct Loan Borrower | Annual Award (subject to change) |
| Direct Subsidized Loan | Eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need | Up to $5,500 depending on grade level and dependency status |
| Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students | Up to $20,500 (minus any subsidized amounts received for the same period) depending on grade level |
| Direct PLUS Loans |
| Maximum amount is the cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid the student receives |
Federal student loans are an investment in your future. You should not be afraid to take out federal student loans, but you should be smart about it.
Federal student loans offer many benefits compared to other options you may consider when paying for college:
- The interest rate on federal student loans is fixed and usually lower than that on private loans—and much lower than that on a credit card!
- You don’t need a credit check or a cosigner to get most federal student loans.
- You don’t have to begin repaying your federal student loans until after you leave college or drop below half-time.
- If you demonstrate financial need, the government pays the interest on some loan types while you are in school and during some periods after school.
- Federal student loans offer flexible repayment plans and options to postpone your loan payments if you’re having trouble making payments.
- If you work in certain jobs, you may be eligible to have a portion of your federal student loans forgiven if you meet certain conditions.
Pennsylvania State Grant & Grow PA Grant Programs
The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is funded in part or in whole by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The PA State Grant is awarded to eligible students based on enrollment, academic progress, and other PHEAA eligibility requirements. Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is required to verify that students receiving a Pennsylvania State Grant are meeting applicable Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
The Grow PA Grant Program, also administered by PHEAA, provides financial assistance to eligible Pennsylvania students enrolled in approved programs of study that prepare graduates for high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania.
The following P.I.T. programs are currently eligible programs under the Grow PA Grant Program:
- Allied Health – Pre-Nursing, Associate in Science
- Business Administration, Associate in Science
- Business Administration, Bachelor of Science
- Cannabis Business, Bachelor of Science
- Cannabis Horticulture, Associate in Science
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate in Science
- Health Care Management, Associate in Science
Eligibility for the Pennsylvania State Grant and Grow PA Grant is determined in accordance with PHEAA requirements. For additional information regarding eligibility requirements or to apply, visit PHEAA’s website.
Financial Aid Data
For more detailed information on financial aid statistics directly related to our College (and other data), visit the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and search our College by clicking here. From 7/1/21-6/30/25, the average student loan indebtedness is $8,477. The 3-Year 2021 cohort official default rate for our student borrowers was 0%. About 91% of P.I.T. students use student loans as part of their financial aid plan and our team helps students understand borrowing and repayment before they commit.
Apply to Our College
If you’re ready to get started at our college, apply today! We are also happy to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us.
