The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several free financial aid webinars during September to guide college-bound students and their families in affording their dream of higher education.

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online is the first step to determine if you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant, scholarships, institutional awards and federal student loans. The 2027-28 FAFSA will be available on Oct. 1, and students are encouraged to complete and submit it as soon as possible. For students who want to get a head start on the 2027-28 FAFSA, Federal Student Aid is testing the 2027-28 FAFSA now. To learn more, visit StudentAid.gov/joinbeta.

• Searching for Scholarships: The cost of a postsecondary education can add up quickly for students and families. Thankfully, there is funding to help cover those expenses. Hear tips to help students successfully search for and apply for scholarships. After attending this webinar, students will understand the different types of scholarships, resources for finding scholarships and tools to help increase their chances of earning those scholarships. Monday, from 6-7 p.m.

• Get Ready to File the FAFSA: Learn the key steps you can take now to prepare for filing the 2027-28 FAFSA. Discussed will be who needs and how to get a StudentAid.gov account; practical tips to make the application process easier; and important deadlines and requirements for federal and state financial aid programs. This session will help students and families feel informed and confident as they get ready to file. Sept. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m.

PHEAA encourages students to exhaust every possibility of gift aid before turning to borrowing to afford the cost of their education. The best opportunity for gift aid is scholarships. While some scholarship money is awarded based on merit, there are myriad scholarships offered with a wide variety of eligibility requirements and varying deadlines.

You can register for these webinars at pheaa.org/virtual.