The Financial Services Office supports Pennco Tech’s mission by diligently working to provide financial assistance, information and advice to students and parents in order to remove barriers in meeting their higher education expenses, all while fulfilling their responsibility as stewards of Federal, State, and Institutional funds
Hours of Operation
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00am to 8:00pm
Tuesday & Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm
Federal Pell Grant is an award, a gift aid in form of a grant that does not have to be repaid. Funds are awarded to students with “exceptional need” as defined by the Department of Education’s Student Aid index.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) This grant helps financially needy eligible students, who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, meet the cost of postsecondary education. The program gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. The award is made by the school based on the availability of funds. A FSEOG does not need to be repaid.
Federal Direct Student Loans or the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program allows students to borrow low-interest loans directly from the Federal government. To qualify for a Direct Loan, a student must file the FAFSA, be admitted to a program, and be enrolled at the school. For more information visit. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans
When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan. All loans have consequences to default.
Interest rates for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans First Disbursed on or After July 1, 2025, and Before July 1, 2026, is 6.39%.
Interest rates for Direct Parent PLUS Loans First Disbursed on or After July 1, 2025, and Before July 1, 2026, is 8.94%
Interest is additional money that you pay to a lender as a cost of borrowing money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount that you borrowed. Direct Loans are “daily interest” loans. On daily interest loans, interest accrues (adds up) every day. It’s your responsibility to pay any interest that accrues (adds up) on your loan(s). And, in some cases, unpaid interest can capitalize (be added to your principal balance).
For more information go to: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates
Direct Subsidized Loan
This loan program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education, to students who demonstrate a need. The US Dept of Education pays the interest while the borrower is in school, during grace and deferment periods; students must be attending at least half-time and have financial need. The loan comes with a fixed interest rate, that is set annually for new borrowers when they originate the loan.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
This loan program also provided by the U.S. Department of Education. In this loan program the borrower is responsible for all interest; must be enrolled at least half-time. Unlike the Subsidized Loan program, no financial need is required. The loan comes with a fixed interest rate, that is set annually for new borrowers when they originate the loan.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans for Dependent Students
This loan program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education to parents of dependent students, the student must be enrolled at least half-time. The loan comes with a fixed interest rate, that is set annually for new borrowers when they originate the loan.
More information about State funds can be found by visiting your states Higher Education Assistance Agencies.
PA: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA Program)
NJ: New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, created by Act 16 of 2019, seeks to remove barriers in accessing a postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care. This waiver applies only to charges that remain after all other gift aid (federal, state, and other scholarships or grants) have been applied to the student’s account. This will allow eligible foster youth to complete their studies, graduate with less debt, and have the opportunity to build a network of support.
The program is being administered collaboratively by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the PA Departments of Education, Human Services, and Labor & Industry. For additional information please visit:
https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/foster-education.shtml
To participate in the waiver program, eligible foster youth must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit a Chafee ETG Application (visit PHEAA.org for additional information).
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must meet the following criteria:
Upon your acceptance at Pennco Tech, please contact the school’s Financial Aid Department for verification of eligibility for the tuition waiver.
Cathleen Gonzalez
Title IV Disbursement and Reconciliation Officer
215-785-0111 Ext. 321
cgonzalez@penncotech.edu
A FAFSA or Federal Application for Federal Student aid must be completed at www.studentaid.gov to apply for all federal aid.
To apply for financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA. Applications are available online at http://studentaid.gov and must be completed in order to receive consideration for financial aid resources.
Before attempting to complete the FAFSA, a student will need to create an FSA ID and password. The FSA ID and password will allow the student to complete and sign the application electronically. For a continuing applicant, a student will access FAFSA Renewal on the web. Parents of dependent students will also need to also create an FSA ID and password so that they too can electronically complete and sign the FAFSA.
Verification is a process which requires institutions to verify the accuracy of the information provided on a student’s FAFSA in an effort to ensure that Federal Aid is distributed to those who are eligible. If a student’s FAFSA is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, the student and/or parent are required to provide documentation to Pennco Tech verifying the information entered on their FAFSA.
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
A dependent student is assumed to have the support of parents, so the parents’ information must be assessed along with the students to get a full picture of the family’s financial resources. If you’re a dependent student, it doesn’t mean your parents are required to pay anything toward your education; this information is simply used to determine the student’s maximum eligibility for federal student aid.
If you answer “No” for any of these questions below, you may be considered a dependent student for 2025-26:
Special & Unusual Circumstances
Dependency Override: Students who have been classified as dependent according to the criteria established by the Federal Government may petition for reclassification to independent status based upon documented extenuating circumstances
To request and petition the school to consider an independent student status, complete a Petition for Independent Status, available on our website under forms and publications or by email request askpafa@penncotech.edu.
Dependent FAFSA filers whose parents are unwilling to provide information on the application may be eligible for Unsubsidized Direct Loan assistance only.
Students whose marital status changes should provide our office with a copy of their marriage certificate so that we can update their application information. For dependent students, changes in their marital status will change their dependency status and eligibility for aid. Additional documentation (ex: student and spouse’s tax returns transcripts may be requested.
Change in Income: If you or your parent(s) financial situation changes after you have filed your financial aid application or at any time during the academic year, you should submit a letter explaining your special circumstances along with supporting documentation to the Pennco Tech Financial Services Office. Changes in your financial situation include, but are not limited to:
To request and petition the school to use a Projected Year Income, submit your request by email to askpafa@penncotech.edu.
Note: Your request will not be considered without supporting documentation.
Tuition and Fees – Pennco Tech uses actual tuition and fee amounts for each program as outlined in the student’s Enrollment Agreement.
Housing and Food – An estimate of cost associated with living expenses while attending school. Pennco Tech uses actual dorm costs for on campus students, and gathers research from MIT Living wage calculator, College Board, and surrounding post-secondary schools in the area to provide a fair estimate for food and housing costs for students residing off campus, on campus, or with parent.
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment – Pennco Tech uses actual book and tool pricing required for coursework in the COA. Students may wish to include these items in their packaging, or purchase them elsewhere if they choose to do so.
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses – The allowance for miscellaneous expenses is intended to allow students a reasonable standard of living. The allowance may include clothing, recreation, and personal care expenses. Pennco Tech uses national averages derived from College Board Guidance.
Transportation Expenses – The transportation component of the COA includes the cost of a students’ travel as it relates to attending school. This can include the average estimated costs for students traveling to and from school and work. Pennco Tech uses national averages derived from College Board Guidance for estimating transportation costs.
Loan Fees – Loan fees are the mandatory charges assessed by the U.S. Department of Education on federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS Loans. These fees are deducted proportionally from each loan disbursement and are included in the Cost of Attendance when a student or parent borrower is expected to take out federal loans. The amount included in COA is based on average fees charged to borrowers at the institution.
Net Price Calculator Tool for Pennco Tech Bristol and Blackwood Campus’
You can use this tool to get an estimate of your EFC, Cost of Attendance and Estimated Financial Aid:
https://www.penncotech.edu/npc/Bristol/npcalc.htm
https://www.penncotech.edu/npc/Blackwood/npcalc.htm
College Financing Plan
This resource tool will help you better understand your educational costs and the financial aid that is available to meet those costs. This form was created by the Department of Education (ED) and is available to help prospective students compare the cost of attendance (COA) and aid offers from multiple institutions in order to make an informed decision about where to attend school.
Please contact the Financial Services office for your personalized College Financing Plan.
College Affordability & Transparency Center
This provides the Department of Education tools for comparing college costs, please visit: https://collegecost.ed.gov.
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), each postsecondary institution that participates in the Title IV federal student aid programs is required to establish a Cost of Attendance. The cost of attendance is the amount it will cost the student to go to school. The COA is the estimate of both direct costs (costs charged directly by the school) and indirect costs (costs a student might incur while attending school). A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining cost of attendance at Pennco Tech. The budgets consist of direct and indirect costs and will vary based on whether you are living with parents or relatives, off-campus (away from family) or on campus
Components of Cost of Attendance at Pennco Tech
Indirect Costs: The indirect expenses below are based off a 7-month/26-week academic year and may be prorated when academic years are shorter or longer.
The living expenses components are compiled using the annual numbers published by the College Board – https://highered.collegeboard.org/financial-aid/policies-research/budgets/9-month
MIT Living Wage Calculator https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/34007
And comparable schools in our area.
Note: Indirect expenses reflect an average cost of the components that fall within the category. For additional cost of attendance budgets, by program please contact the Financial Services office.
‘I got it!!!!!I got it!’, Anthony said as he raced into the Career Services Office. He was talking about his new job. Hired by a former graduate of Pennco Tech, Anthony will begin his new career with a two-day OSHA training course.
Anthony Z. - Air Conditioning/Heating Graduate
I enjoyed all my teachers. They made it interesting and challenging. I enjoyed going back to school at the age of 48! Career Services was a big help to me. Danielle was great. She helped me with my resume and showed me how to apply. I got the job with Dietz and Watson! Pennco Tech was the right choice for me as I get ready to start my career.
Mark E. - Electrician GraduateI just wanted to say thank you again for all your help…I just got a full time job at Kennedy Healthcare in Stratford, NJ as a Patient Services Representative. Thank you again.
Maria Z. - Medical Assisting Administrative Graduate
