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For Immediate Release
February 9, 2004
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White: PA Tuition Aid Program Benefits Farm Families

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania's tuition aid program has special provisions for residents who operate family farms, state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) said today.

Of the approximately 1,700 applicants who identified themselves as farmers in 2002-03, 73 percent received a state tuition grant, compared to 64 percent of general applicants, said White.

"Agriculture is Pennsylvania's number-one industry, and the hard work by generations of farm families is a major reason," said White. "It's important that those families know the Commonwealth is there to help when it comes time to finance a college education."

In addition, the average grant awarded to students from farm families was $2,601, compared to an average of $2,496 for all applicants, said White.

As part of the application process, all Pennsylvania State Grant Program applicants must report family financial data. For a member of a family who lives on and materially participates in the family farm, no farm assets are considered when aid eligibility is considered. Only income from investment farming is included. A $200,000 shelter is permitted against net worth in an investment farm, and 10 percent of the remaining net worth is reported family earnings.

In addition to awarding grants, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the federal Stafford Loan Program. In 2002-03, 99 percent of family farm applicants (1,300) received loans totaling nearly $6.2 million.

"The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency provides financial aid to college students from all backgrounds, with special provisions set aside for families who are part of the Commonwealth's proud agricultural heritage," said White. "Farm families planning a college education should check out what PHEAA has to offer."

More information on PHEAA aid programs can be found at http://www.pheaa.org.