Feb. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery),
House Bill 1653, will allow students earning degrees online to have permanent access to financial aid that was previously only available through a temporary pilot program.
The five-year pilot program was authorized in 2013 by the passage of Act 59 to permit students who take more than 50 percent of their credits online from a college or university headquartered and located in the Commonwealth to receive state grants through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
On Thursday, Feb. 15, Gov. Tom Wolf signed Quigley’s legislation, now Act 5, making the new Pennsylvania State Grant eligibility requirements effective starting in the 2018-19 academic year.
“Flexibility with education at all levels is critical so students can maximize their learning in the most beneficial setting. While the focus has been primarily on students before they pursue higher education, we must remember that students of all ages need to have the opportunity to personalize their experiences,” Quigley said. “Now, online learners will have permanent access to the same financial aid afforded to students who attend brick-and-mortar schools.”
During the 2014-15 grant award year, more than 5,900 students received grant awards, which totaled $8.52 million because of the pilot program.
“I am thankful that my bill received the necessary support to help Commonwealth students, who would have become ineligible for financial aid that was offered through the temporary program when it was set to expire on June 30,” Quigley added.
Representative Tom Quigley
146th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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