The Grow PA Grant links college aid to employment in Pennsylvania: a resident attends a college in the state, pursues an approved high-demand major, and agrees to live and work there after graduation. The 2026–27 application is open and offers up to $5,000 per year for as many as four academic years. The state lists more than 460 programs across agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM, nursing, allied health, and criminal justice, but the official CIP list—not just a major’s common name—controls eligibility.
Before filing the FAFSA, confirm residency and school participation with financial aid. The program is intended for Pennsylvania residents attending an eligible institution in the state in a listed program. The college certifies the correct CIP code because schools can use different names for similar majors and may not offer every listed program. Checking first helps prevent a student from relying on a grant for a concentration that does not match an approved code.
The service obligation is substantial: after graduation, recipients must live and work in Pennsylvania in a related occupation under the current terms. The state guide says the award can convert to a loan if the recipient fails to meet the residency and employment condition. Before accepting, request the full agreement and ask what counts as qualifying employment, how long it must last, and whether exceptions exist. This is more than tuition aid; the career and location commitment affects a student’s post-college choices.
The 2026–27 application is open, according to the Department of Education and PHEAA. Follow the official account and application steps, file the FAFSA, and verify that the major appears on the current list. The grant is capped annually and may be lower based on calculation and institutional eligibility. Compare the full package, including housing, transportation, and other expenses, and keep copies of the award and service agreement for future reference.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle and deadline, participating institution, enrollment load, and required documents. Keep copies of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, supporting records, and submission confirmation. Ask whether renewal is automatic, which expenses are covered, and how the award coordinates with other grants. Do not rely on funds until you receive an official award and written balance estimate.
Compare net cost and aid type: a grant, forgivable loan, and service scholarship work differently. Confirm dates and requirements directly with the administrator for the current cycle.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
2026–27 Grow PA Grant Application Update — Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program — Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
Grow PA CIP Codes — Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
PA State Financial Aid Guide — Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Funding, eligibility, and dates can change by cycle. Confirm your circumstances with the administrator and financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
The Grow PA Grant links college aid to employment in Pennsylvania: a resident attends a college in the state, pursues an approved high-demand major, and agrees to live and work there after graduation. The 2026–27 application is open and offers up to $5,000 per year for as many as four academic years. The state lists more than 460 programs across agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM, nursing, allied health, and criminal justice, but the official CIP list—no
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program ↗
Primary source
Pennsylvania Department of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.