FAFSA Requirements for Seniors
Under a Pennsylvania law effective with the 2026–27 school year, high school seniors are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or submit the Pennsylvania FAFSA Completion Opt-Out Form to the Connellsville Area High School Counseling Office.
The FAFSA is a free application that helps students access financial aid for college and eligible career schools. FAFSA information is used by:
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The U.S. Department of Education to determine eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and student loans;
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The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to determine eligibility for the PA State Grant and other state aid; and
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Colleges and career schools to determine eligibility for their financial aid and prepare aid offers.
Completing the FAFSA does not obligate a student to accept financial aid or enroll in a college or training program. Students who choose not to file during high school may file in the future. Students seeking financial aid generally complete a new FAFSA for each academic year.
Families who do not wish to complete the FAFSA may submit the opt-out form instead. A parent or guardian signs for a student under 18; a student who is 18 or older may sign for themselves. No reason is required to opt out. No student may be prevented from graduating or penalized for not completing the FAFSA or the opt-out form.
To apply, visit StudentAid.gov and select the FAFSA for the academic year when the student plans to attend school. For assistance, contact the Connellsville Area High School Counseling Office or visit PA FAFSA Go!.
Privacy and Financial Information
Financial information submitted through the FAFSA is entered directly into the secure federal FAFSA system.
Connellsville Area School District does not receive a family's tax returns, income information, or other financial information entered on the FAFSA.
The District may receive information indicating whether the FAFSA completion requirement has been satisfied, but school staff do not have access to the family's FAFSA financial information.
Important FAFSA Dates
Families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible because colleges, universities, scholarship programs, and other organizations may have their own financial aid deadlines.
- October 1: FAFSA typically becomes available for the following academic year.
- May 1: Pennsylvania State Grant FAFSA deadline for many students attending four-year colleges and universities.
- August 1: Pennsylvania State Grant FAFSA deadline for qualifying students attending certain two-year, business, trade, technical, and community colleges.
FAFSA Resources
Federal Student Aid
Complete or update the FAFSA:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Pennsylvania Department of Education