June 3, 1999

 Bard Reports More Students Will Be Eligible for Grants

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s parents and students will have a few state grant dollars more to help with higher education next year, reports Rep. Ellen Bard (R-153).

Bard said today that a new formula adopted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) board will increase the maximum student grant for the 1999-2000 school year from $2,900 to $3,100 for full-time students.

"This is welcome news to parents and students looking for ways to fund a higher education," Bard said.

The board adopted a formula that will result in an average grant award of $2,225, which is about $120 more than the current year.

The new formula will enable approximately 143,000 students to receive awards for the 1999-2000 academic year.

In addition to increasing the maximum grant for full time students, part-time students will be eligible for grants of up to $1,550 -- an increase of $100.

The maximum PHEAA-adjusted asset eligibility level has been increased from $50,000 to $60,000.

In addition, the maximum Pell Grant is $3,125 for 1999-2000, an increase of $125 over the 1998-99 level.

"The federal Pell Grant serves as a resource when the applicants state grant eligibility is determined, directly reducing the student’s need for state grant aid," Bard said.

"Every dollar the General Assembly appropriates for the state grant program goes directly to students since PHEAA pays all costs to administer the program at no expense to the taxpayer."