Students who receive tuition relief have better graduation rates.

Rising tuition poses a financial burden for students who are not aware of alternative ways to gain tuition relief. Students who receive tuition assistance have a better graduation rate than those who accumulate large amounts of debt or out-of-pocket expense while attending college. In Pennsylvania, public college students have the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, Federal Student Aid, work study and no-loan colleges that they may take advantage of to reduce tuition costs.

Pennsylvania State Grant Program
o A grant is a form of student aid that is not paid back. Pennsylvania residents who have received their high school diploma or GED and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for tuition relief through the Pennsylvania State Grant Program. Students apply for the aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The award amounts vary based on a student's financial need and availability of funds, which are disbursed directly to the student's college two or three times a year.

Federal Student Aid
o Federal Student Aid comprises the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), student loans and work study. Students complete the FAFSA by June 30 before each academic year they plan to attend college. A student chooses the type of assistance she would like to receive, and if she is deemed eligible, the funds (which are based on financial need) will be disbursed to the student's college two or three times a year.

Work Study
o Work study is a form of Federal Student Aid that is not based on financial need and is available to all college students. This program offers students a way to reduce their tuition and gain work experience. Work study positions are limited, so the sooner a student completes the FAFSA , the better the chance of gaining this type of aid. The student is paid either once or twice a month by the university where he is performing the work study.

No-Loan Colleges
o The University of Pennsylvania has a no-loan policy for undergraduate students who are eligible for state and federal financial aid. These students will receive additional grants in their financial aid package instead of loans in an effort to provide tuition relief. The funds for the additional grants are derived from the university's endowment and fund-raising efforts. All undergraduate students who are eligible for state and federal financial aid at the University of Pennsylvania will be considered for this program upon acceptance.