PA Forward Student Loans
A Loan with Pennsylvania Students in Mind
Through the PA Forward Student Loan Program, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers private education loan options to enable Pennsylvania students to pursue their higher education dreams and to make managing their loans easier and more convenient.
Benefits that Matter
- No application or origination fees
- Low, fixed interest rates
- Multiple repayment options
- Potential interest rate rewards
- No prepayment penalty
Loan Eligibility
PA Forward was designed for PA residents attending an approved school in or out of state, and residents of approved states (PA Forward approved states include DE, MD, NJ, NY, OH, VA, and WV) attending a PA school regardless of enrollment status, including those enrolled less than half-time. (Loans taken for a less than half-time academic period may borrow up to $5,000—this does not apply to the medical or health professional loans)
All borrowers must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
For parent loans, the dependent undergraduate student must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree, certificate, or diploma-granting program. Parents or guardians must meet the minimum credit qualifications.
To be eligible for a refinance loan, borrowers must currently be in repayment.
Co-signer
The PA Forward Student Loan Program does not require you to have a co-signer unless you have not met the age of majority based on the law of your state of residence or you do not meet the minimum credit requirements; however, you may benefit from a creditworthy co-signer. Having a co-signer may increase your chances that the loan will be approved and, perhaps, may get you a better interest rate.
Loan Types
Currently there are six loan types in the PA Forward Student Loan Program.
NOTE: If you visit one of the above sites, please remember to return to this site if you decide to apply for a PA Forward Student Loan.
For specific loan program questions, please call 1-844-PAFORWD (1-844-723-6793).
Plan Ahead & Be A Smart Borrower
The world of student aid can sometimes be difficult to navigate. However, it doesn’t have to be. We have gathered information that will make it easier for you to understand.
