Grow PA Tuition Waiver — Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

The Grow PA name covers two paths that students should not confuse. The Tuition Waiver is designed for students classified as out-of-state residents who begin at a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution; the Scholarship Grant serves Pennsylvania residents and may be used at a broader list of participating schools. The waiver reduces tuition under program rules, but does not mean housing, meals, transport, books and every other charge are covered.

PHEAA requires a FAFSA and out-of-state residency classification; for the cycle described, its official page also limits the application to first-year students enrolling in 2026–27 or students who received the waiver in 2025–26. The major must lead to an approved in-demand job. Check the eligible CIP-code list and ask admissions or financial aid how your residency is determined; admission to a PASSHE school by itself does not confirm the waiver.

After confirming eligibility, complete the appropriate form and submit it through the PHEAA account. The published 2027–28 call lists October 1, 2027 as its deadline, but a first-time applicant seeking 2026–27 aid must follow that year’s form and calendar rather than copy the next cycle. PHEAA describes stages for application, review, provisional selection, school listing, award certification and disbursement. Track each status and keep all notices.

The post-graduation employment requirement deserves attention before enrollment. Recipients agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in an occupation on the approved list for the period set by PHEAA, generally 12 months for each academic year of waiver funding. The FAQ explains program changes, deferment for further study and what to do if qualifying employment is not found; it also says noncompliance can convert the waiver to a loan with interest. Read those terms before accepting because they are binding conditions, not administrative fine print. Public student and family discussions often ask whether “Grow PA” means the same thing for residents and students coming from another state; other posts describe waiting for enrollment verification between PHEAA and the college. Those comments are anecdotal and do not replace an official decision. For an individual case, email GrowPA@pheaa.org and ask the school to confirm in writing the CIP code, residency classification, exact tuition coverage and any remaining certification steps.