New Graduation Requirement

Overview

Under Pennsylvania's Act 47 of 2025, all graduating seniors, starting with the Class of 2027, must choose one of two paths prior to graduation:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Submit a signed FAFSA completion opt-out form

Reason for New Requirement

The goal of this school code amendment is to ensure that every student and family is fully aware of the financial aid available to them. Filing the free FAFSA form unlocks access to federal grants, work-study programs, low-interest student loans, and PHEAA state grants that can be used for universities, community colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs. Millions of dollars in aid go unclaimed every year simply because families do not realize they qualify.

Next Steps

• Completing the FAFSA

  • The application opened Oct. 1, 2026. Both the student and at least one parent/guardian will need to create an account (FSA ID) at studentaid.gov before applying.

  • More information about completing the FAFSA form can be found at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

• Opting Out

  • If you do not wish to complete the FAFSA, you may simply sign and return the official PA FAFSA Requirement Opt-Out Form to York Tech's School Counseling Office.

  • If the student is 18 or older, they must be the signer of the  form.

  • If the student is under 18 and not legally emancipated, the  parent/guardian must be the signer of the form.

Please note that students will not be penalized or prevented from graduating for failing to complete the FAFSA or opt-out form. Also, opting out does not prevent a student from completing the FAFSA later if their plans change.

Workshops

Our school counseling team will be hosting an informational virtual workshop and in-person FAFSA completion workshops.

• Virtual Financial Aid Information Night will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at 7 p.m.

• In-person FAFSA Completion Nights will be held at York Tech Monday, Nov. 23, 2026, and Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026. Both in-person events will begin at 6 p.m. 

• More information about these events, including registration details, will be shared in the near future.

Questions

If you have any questions or need a copy of the opt-out form, please visit the School Counseling Office or visit the PA FAFSA Requirement web page.