Spring on the York College campus

State and Federal Financial Aid

91% of alumni say York offers an excellent private college education for the price of a public college.

The federal government generally awards financial aid to students who have need. The largest federal grant program is the Pell Grant program. The federal government offers loans to help students pay for their education and subsidizes work-study jobs at various colleges and universities. Pennsylvania also offers need based aid to qualified students.

All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Need-based.
    • Must be Pennsylvania resident.
    • Must be enrolled at least half-time.

    Amount:

    • Amount changes annually.

    Repayment:

    • None.

    Application Procedure:

    Requirements for Maintaining Eligibility:

    • Full-time students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year to receive grant for subsequent year.
  • Other States
    • Out-of-state residents can make an application for state grant programs where money is permitted to be used at a Pennsylvania college or university.
  • Federal Direct Loan Program

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • Must be enrolled at least half-time.

    Amount:

    • First-Year Student -- $5,500 total; up to $3,500 Subsidized Loan. 
    • Sophomore -- $6,500  total; up to $4,500 Subsidized Loan. 
    • Junior, Senior -- $7,500 total; up to $5,500 Subsidized Loan. 

    Repayment:

    • First Payment due 6 months after no longer enrolled at least half-time at a fixed interest rate set annually.
    • Up to 10 years to repay.

    Application Procedure:

  • Federal Pell Grant Program

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Need-based as determined by the federal government.
    • Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • Cannot hold B.A. or B.S.

    Amount:

    • Amount changes annually.

    Repayment:

    • None.

    Application Procedure:

  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Need-based as determined by the FAFSA.
    • Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • Cannot hold B.A. or B.S.

    Amount:

    • $4,000 maximum annually.

    Repayment:

    • None.

    Application Procedure:

  • Federal Work Study Program (FWSP)

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Need-based.
    • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

    Amount:

    • $1,500 maximum annually.

    Repayment:

    • None.
    • Award must be earned through campus employment.

    Application Procedure:

  • Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Parent must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • This is a parent's loan.
    • Student must be enrolled at least half-time.

    Amount:

    • May borrow difference between cost and total of other financial aid awards.

    Repayment:

    • First payment begins 60 days after funds are disbursed. Payments may be deferred while student is enrolled at least half-time.
    • Up to 10 years to repay.
    • Fixed interest rate changes annually.

    Application Procedure:

    • Federal Direct PLUS Loan applications can be made online at studentaid.gov 
    • Application must be completed prior to the end of the academic semester.
  • CARES Act Reporting: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

    October 9, 2020 Update

    York College of Pennsylvania has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 situation on institutions of higher education.

    Below, please find additional information regarding the Act and its implementation on our campus.

    1. York College of Pennsylvania acknowledges that President Pamela Gunter-Smith signed and returned to the Department both the Funding Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding and the Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. York College intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

    2. York College of Pennsylvania has access to $1,641,892 from the Department of Education pursuant to the College’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. As of October 8, 2020, the College has drawn $1,345,435.51 of these funds.

    3. As of October 8, 2020, the College has distributed $1,345,435.51 to students, under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    4. At the College, there are an estimated 3,066 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    5. As of October 8, 2020, 850 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    6. The College is using an opt-in/application method and using the application to then determine which students meet eligibility requirements to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. The opt-in/application asks students to identify incurred eligible expenses and the associated amounts.

    7. Students have received instructions/directions/guidance from York College concerning the application for Emergency Financial Aid Grants via email, portal announcements, etc. Reminder emails and announcements have also sent and posted. The College has completed two application processes, the first for expenses incurred for the period from March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020; the second for expenses incurred during the period of March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020, and/or May 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020.

    The College began its third application process on September 14, 2020.  Applications were due on September 30, 2020 and the College is in the process of reviewing the applications to determine grant awardees and amounts. Funds awarded will be no more than the remaining available balance of $296,456.49, and first priority will be given to student applicants with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $12,000 and below on the 2020-2021 FAFSA. Award distributions are expected to occur within the next thirty days. A copy of the September 14, 2020 invitation to students to apply for funds is included below.

    Dear Students:

    York College is once again accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants.  In response to the COVID-19 situation, the federal government has provided resources to colleges and universities for expenses resulting from a disruption of campus operations. Part of the federal CARES Act is a direct grant program for students who are in need of emergency financial aid. As a point of clarification; please do not request reimbursement for tuition, fees, job loss, and/or wage reductions as these do not constitute qualifying expenses according to the language contained within the Federal CARES Act. We are unable to honor these types of requests.

    Purpose:

    The CARES Act student grants are designated for “...emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care)…”

    Eligibility:

    The criteria to participate in this grant program include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); satisfactory academic progress; and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting. Verification of eligibility based on FAFSA completion. 

    If you wish to be considered for funding from the federal CARES Act, please complete the Federal CARES Act Grant Application at https://www.ycp.edu/caresgrant. After completion and submission, the form will automatically be sent to the Financial Assistance Office for review. Please understand that funding is limited, and first priority will be given to student applicants with an excepted family contribution (EFC) of 12,000 and below on the 2020-2021 FAFSA. This application is for expenses during the time period of June 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020. Applications are due by September 30, 2020. Let us know if you have any questions by emailing financialaid@ycp.edu. 

    The College admires and appreciates the resilience, flexibility, and understanding demonstrated by members of the Spartan family as we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to utilize our resources for the betterment of our community.

    August 18, 2020 Update

    York College of Pennsylvania has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 situation on institutions of higher education.

    Below, please find additional information regarding the Act and its implementation on our campus.

    1. York College of Pennsylvania acknowledges that President Pamela Gunter-Smith signed and returned to the Department both the Funding Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding and the Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. York College intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

    2. York College of Pennsylvania has access to $1,641,892 from the Department of Education pursuant to the College’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. As of August 17, 2020, the College has drawn $1,345,435.51 of these funds.

    3. As of August 17, 2020, the College has distributed $1,345,435.51 to students, under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    4. At the College, there are an estimated 3,066 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    5. As of August 17, 2020, 850 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    6. The College is using an opt-in/application method and using the application to then determine which students meet eligibility requirements to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. The opt-in/application asks students to identify incurred eligible expenses and the associated amounts.

    7. Students have received instructions/directions/guidance from York College concerning the application for Emergency Financial Aid Grants via email, portal announcements, etc. Reminder emails and announcements have also sent and posted. The College has completed two application processes, the first for expenses incurred for the period from March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020; the second for expenses incurred during the period of March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020, and/or May 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020.  The College intends to commence its next application process on September 14, 2020. Information provided for both completed application processes was similar, and the College expects the upcoming application process to be the same, although funds awarded will be no more than the remaining available balance of $296,456.49. The first application process included the following communication:

    Dear Students:

    York College is now accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants.  In response to the COVID-19 situation, the federal government has provided resources to colleges and universities for expenses resulting from a disruption of campus operations. Part of the federal CARES Act is a direct grant program for students who are in need of emergency financial aid.  

    Purpose:

    The CARES Act student grants are designated for “...emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care)…”

    Eligibility:

    Only students who have or could be eligible to file a FAFSA may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in this grant program include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); satisfactory academic progress; and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

    If you wish to be considered for funding from the federal CARES Act, please complete the 2019-2020 Federal CARES Act Grant Application. After completion and submission, the form will automatically be sent to the Financial Assistance Office for review. Please understand that funding is limited, and resources may not be available to provide the amount requested. This application is for expenses during the time period of March 27 through April 30, 2020. Applications are due by May 8, 2020. Let us know if you have any questions by emailing financialaid@ycp.edu. 

    The College admires and appreciates the resilience, flexibility, and understanding demonstrated by
    members of the Spartan family as we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to utilize
    our resources for the betterment of our community.

    June 30, 2020 Update

    York College of Pennsylvania has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 situation on institutions of higher education.

    Below, please find additional information regarding the Act and its implementation on our campus.

    1. York College of Pennsylvania acknowledges that President Pamela Gunter-Smith signed and returned to the Department both the Funding Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding and the Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. York College intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

    2. York College of Pennsylvania has access to $1,641,892 from the Department of Education pursuant to the College’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. As of June 30, 2020, the College has drawn $1,345,435.51 of these funds.

    3. As of June 30, 2020, the College has distributed $1,345,435.51 to students, under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    4. At the College, there are an estimated 3,066 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    5. As of June 30, 2020, 850 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    6. The College is using an opt-in/application method and using the application to then determine which students meet eligibility requirements to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. The opt-in/application asks students to identify incurred eligible expenses and the associated amounts.

    7. Students have received instructions/directions/guidance from York College concerning the application for Emergency Financial Aid Grants via email, portal announcements, etc. Reminder emails and announcements have also sent and posted. The College has completed two application processes, the first for expenses incurred for the period from March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020; the second was for expenses incurred during the period of March 27, 2020 through April 30, 2020, and/or May 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020.  Information provided for both processes was similar, the first application process included the following:

    Dear Students:

    York College is now accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants.  In response to the
    COVID-19 situation, the federal government has provided resources to colleges and universities for expenses
    resulting from a disruption of campus operations. Part of the federal CARES Act is a direct grant program for
    students who are in need of emergency financial aid.  

    Purpose:
    The CARES Act student grants are designated for “...emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses
    related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s
    cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care)…”

    Eligibility:
    Only students who have or could be eligible to file a FAFSA may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria
    to participate in this grant program include but are not limited to the following:

    U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the
    student is male); satisfactory academic progress; and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in
    an approved homeschool setting.

    If you wish to be considered for funding from the federal CARES Act, please complete the 2019-2020 Federal
    CARES Act Grant Application. After completion and submission, the form will automatically be sent to the
    Financial Assistance Office for review. Please understand that funding is limited, and resources may not be
    available to provide the amount requested. This application is for expenses during the time period of March 27
    through April 30, 2020. Applications are due by May 8, 2020.

    Let us know if you have any questions by emailing financialaid@ycp.edu. 

    The College admires and appreciates the resilience, flexibility, and understanding demonstrated by
    members of the Spartan family as we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to utilize
    our resources for the betterment of our community.

    May 28, 2020 Update


    York College of Pennsylvania has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, which addresses the impact of the COVID-19 situation on institutions of higher education.


    Below, please find additional information regarding the Act and its implementation on our campus.


    1. York College of Pennsylvania acknowledges that President Pamela Gunter-Smith signed and returned to the Department both the Funding Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Funding and the Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Formula Grants Authorized by Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. York College intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

    2. York College of Pennsylvania has access to $1,641,892 from the Department of Education pursuant to the College’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. As of May 8, 2020, the College has not drawn any of these funds.

    3. As of May 8, 2020, the College has distributed $0 to students, under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    4. At the College, there are an estimated 3,066 students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    5. As of May 8, 2020, no students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

    6. The College is using an opt-in/application method and using the application to then determine which students meet eligibility requirements to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. The opt-in/application asks students to identify incurred eligible expenses and the associated amounts.

    7. Students have received instructions/directions/guidance from York College concerning the application for Emergency Financial Aid Grants via email, portal announcements, etc. Reminder emails and announcements were also sent and posted. The information provided included the following:

    May 11, 2020


    Dear Students:

    York College is now accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants. In response to the COVID-19 situation, the federal government has provided resources to colleges and universities for expenses resulting from a disruption of campus operations. Part of the federal CARES Act is a direct grant program for students who are in need of emergency financial aid.  

    Purpose:

    The CARES Act student grants are designated for “...emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care)…”


    Eligibility:


    Only students who have or could be eligible to file a FAFSA may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in this grant program include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); satisfactory academic progress; and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

    If you wish to be considered for funding from the federal CARES Act, please complete the 2019-2020 Federal CARES Act Grant Application. After completion and submission, the form will automatically be sent to the Financial Assistance Office for review. Please understand that funding is limited, and resources may not be available to provide the amount requested. This application is for expenses during the time period of March 27 through April 30, 2020. Applications are due by May 8, 2020.

    Let us know if you have any questions by emailing financialaid@ycp.edu. 

    The College admires and appreciates the resilience, flexibility, and understanding demonstrated by members of the Spartan family as we all continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to utilize our resources for the betterment of our community.

    --

    May 28, 2020

    Dear Students:

    York College is again accepting applications for the CARES Act Student Relief Fund grants.  In response to the COVID-19 situation, the federal government has provided resources to colleges and universities for expenses resulting from a disruption of campus operations. Part of the federal CARES Act is a direct grant program for students who are in need of emergency financial aid.  As a point of clarification; tuition, fees, job loss, or wage reductions do not constitute qualifying expenses according to the language contained within the Federal CARES Act.

    Purpose:

    The CARES Act student grants are designated for “...emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care)…”

    Eligibility:

    Only students who have or could be eligible to file a FAFSA may receive emergency financial aid grants. The criteria to participate in this grant program include but are not limited to the following:
    U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); satisfactory academic progress; and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

    If you wish to be considered for funding from the federal CARES Act, please complete the 2019-2020 Federal CARES Act Grant Application at https://www.ycp.edu/caresgrant. After completion and submission, the form will automatically be sent to the Financial Assistance Office for review. Please understand that funding is limited, and resources may not be available to provide the amount requestedThis application is for expenses during the time period of March 27 through April 30, 2020 and/or May 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020.  Applications are due by June 12, 2020.

    If you have already applied and received a grant for the first time period (March 27 to April 30), please be sure that the expenses are for new expenses not previously submitted.  Let us know if you have any questions by emailing financialaid@ycp.edu. 

    Information about applying for CARES Act funding was also made available on a Coronavirus FAQ page for York College students and families.

  • Pennsylvania Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program

    This program was enacted into PA state law in 2019 and was created to remove barriers in accessing postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care.  The program provides a tuition and mandatory fee waiver for eligible students in the foster care system.  

    Student eligibility criteria are as follows:

    • A resident of Pennsylvania
    • A recipient of a high school diploma or Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma
    • Under the age of 26
    • Eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
    • Identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care on or after attaining age 16
      • Or be a youth that has exited foster care on or after age 16 due to adoption or permanent legal guardianship

    Students must also file a FAFSA for the award year associated with the waiver request, file an application for the PA Chafee ETG program, and have unmet costs as determined by the postsecondary institution.

    For additional information regarding the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program and additional enrollment and renewal criteria, please contact York College’s FosterEd point of contact:

    Eric Dinsmore
    Senior Director, Financial Aid
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid
Miller Administration Building, Room 138
Phone: 717.815.1282
financialaid@ycp.edu
Hours:
M - F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.