Our Criminal Justice Training Center does more than provide noncredit training for police recruits and law enforcement personnel.

It plays an important role in the community, providing high-quality programs for the continuing professionalism and advancement of the criminal justice system.

First, File Your FAFSA

Apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study aid with one form.

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â’s School Code is 003277.

A number of financial aid programs are available to students who are enrolled in the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â municipal police academy (an Act 120 Program).

In addition to the information below, we've gathered information on grantsloans, and other types of financial aid on our website to help you understand your options.

Financial Aid Options to Consider

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program provides funds you can use for educational purposes that you won't have to pay back. Your Student Aid Report (SAR), which is generated as a result of filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), will indicate whether you are eligible for a Pell Grant.

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â determines the specific amount you'll be offered, based on the Pell formula for clock-hour programs. If you have previously earned a bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible for a Pell Grant.

Pennsylvania State Grant

Students enrolled in the Municipal Police Academy are not eligible to receive funds through the Pennsylvania State Grant program. This is due to the short length of the program.

Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans

Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid  will also allow you to be considered for federal direct loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). For more information on these student loans, please visit the loans page.

You should contact the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Financial Aid Office to determine which aid year’s FAFSA needs to be completed based on your particular program dates. You will need the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â school code, which is 003277.

Police Academy students are automatically offered their maximum loan eligibility by the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Financial Aid Office. The loan limits are based on student’s dependency status (as determined by the FAFSA) and whether the student is attending the full-time academy or the part-time academy.

Loan Limits
Status Full-time Part-time
Dependent $4,654 $5,500
Independent $8,038 $9,500

Notes:

  • Eligibility may be limited for students who have received federal subsidized/unsubsidized loan funds previously.

  • Once you cease enrollment in the police academy program, you must complete online exit counseling at , which also has helpful information on managing repayment.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

Parents of dependent students may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan online at the  for an amount up to approximately $16,000. The actual approval amount will be determined by ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, based on the student’s other financial aid.

A credit check is performed by US Department of Education (USDE) at the time of application. Dependent students whose parents have been credit-denied for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan may borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds. (The independent student maximum applies.)

  • If the parent borrower is credit approved, then a Federal Direct PLUS electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) must also be completed on the same website.

  • Your family's income and other debts are not factored in when approving the loan, which is based solely on the absence of an adverse credit history. Parents and students should talk about what they can afford before borrowing. Though the parent is legally responsible for the loan, families often discuss the student's willingness to help repay it.

  • Repayment of principal and interest begins 60 days after the Direct PLUS Loan funds are fully disbursed. There are some limited deferment provisions available. The loan proceeds are sent directly to ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. Current interest rate information can be found at .

Private/Alternative Loans

Federal loans usually offer students a better deal. In most cases, you should apply for federal student loans before applying for private, alternative loans.

There are a number of privately-funded loan programs available for students with a credit-worthy cosigner.

Go to the loans section of the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Financial Aid website for more information.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans or reservists may be eligible for veterans’ educational benefits. Upon acceptance into the program, you should contact the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Veterans Office at 724-357-3009. You will be sent the required documents for processing your VA educational benefits.

Other Possible Resources

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation offers funds for education for eligible applicants. Local civic groups or unions may have educational funding opportunities available for their members. 

Additional Financial Aid Information You May Need

Financial Aid Offers

You will be offered your maximum Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan eligibility after your Pell Grant eligibility is determined.

It is your responsibility to notify the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Financial Aid Office if you want to reduce or cancel any portion of your Federal Direct Loan.

Receiving Your Financial Aid Funds

All financial aid funds are paid directly to your account at ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â. One disbursement is made at the beginning of the program, and one is made after you have reached the midpoint of the program and have completed half of the program’s clock hours.

Maintain Your Grades for Your Aid

You must be enrolled and be making satisfactory academic progress to receive financial aid.

Excess Funds, Refunds

Funds in excess of the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â bill will be refunded for related educational expenses, such as books. (Note: Often refunds are not available until after the midpoint in the program, when the remaining portion of the federal aid is disbursed.)

Verification May Be Required to Receive Your Aid

If you are selected for Federal Verification, you will be required to provide copies of your federal tax returns and other documents to confirm your FAFSA data.

The ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Financial Aid Office will notify you if you have been selected for verification and let you know what documents are needed. You can review the status of your aid on your MyÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â account:

In the MyÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â portal:

  1. Log in to . Go to Discover and search for "financial aid."
  2. On the Tuition, Aid, and Finances card, select Financial Aid Information.

All forms must be received and completed before your last day of attendance in order to be eligible for financial aid.