PA State Grant Program

Last Updated: Jan. 16, 2026

As Pennsylvania’s first and largest community college, we are proud to support students throughout their academic journey.

Please note the following:

HACC is responsible for the accurate processing of all state and federal funds disbursed to students. As a Title IV institution, the College will not rush through processes that are in place to ensure accuracy, correctness and compliance.
Some individuals are spreading false information that HACC is withholding these funds from students. This is not true. HACC has nothing to gain from “holding” onto any state funds distributed to the College for students’ educational use. In fact, state funds are held in restricted accounts that are non-interest bearing.
The College’s Financial Aid Department has continued to be transparent with students about PA State Grant funds. Important updates are frequently shared with students through Dr. Ski’s weekly emails. We encourage students to read these emails carefully and proceed accordingly.
HACC - like other institutions nationwide, especially open-access colleges such as community colleges - is experiencing increased fraudulent activity associated with financial aid. This is a known, widespread problem that has received national and local media coverage. Therefore, the College will do its due diligence to ensure it is awarding and disbursing aid to legitimate students.

Following is a timeline that outlines HACC’s process for confirming students’ eligibility for PA State Grant funds.

Nov. 12, 2025: The Pennsylvania state budget was passed.
Nov. 19, 2025: HACC received a message from PHEAA that the budget had passed and PA State Grant fund processing would resume.
Dec. 19, 2025: HACC received its final roster for fall 2025 from PHEAA. This roster is the list of potentially eligible students for whom HACC must verify eligibility. The College’s review and processing of that list began upon receipt of the list.
Dec. 23, 2025: HACC closed for the winter holiday break.
Jan. 5, 2026: HACC re-opened for the spring 2026 semester, and the review of PA State Grant funds resumed.
Jan. 15, 2026: HACC began releasing PA State Grant funds for students who were deemed eligible based on their enrollment and other factors. Please note that $1.4 million was disbursed to students’ accounts.
Jan. 16, 2026, and moving forward: Additional PA State Grant funds will be released to students in the coming days and weeks as their eligibility is confirmed.

To contact HACC’s financial aid team, please refer to this webpage.