College & Education in Pennsylvania

18 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

18 Resources

1. PHEAA (PA Higher Education Assistance Agency) — Free

Pennsylvania's state agency for higher education financial aid, administering the PA State Grant Program, managing student loan services, and providing college access resources for PA residents. PHEAA distributes hundreds of millions in state grant aid annually. Fathers returning to school or helping their children access higher education in Pennsylvania should visit pheaa.org or call to learn about available grant and loan programs.

1-800-692-7392 · 1200 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Community College of Philadelphia — Paid

Largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia offering 80+ degree and certificate programs with among the most affordable tuition rates in the region and comprehensive financial aid. CCP offers day, evening, weekend, and online courses to fit working parents' schedules. Fathers returning to school or seeking workforce credentials in Philadelphia can call 215-751-8010 or visit ccp.edu to explore programs and apply.

215-751-8010 · 1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) — Paid

Largest community college in the Pittsburgh region with four campuses offering 160+ degree and certificate programs and comprehensive workforce training. CCAC provides affordable, flexible education options for working adults including evening and weekend courses. Fathers in the Pittsburgh area returning to school or upgrading job skills can call 412-237-2700 or visit ccac.edu to explore programs and financial aid options.

412-369-3722 · 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — Free

Free application for federal and state financial aid including Pell Grants, federal work-study, and subsidized student loans. Filing the FAFSA also applies Pennsylvania students for the PA State Grant. Fathers returning to school or helping their children apply for college financial aid in PA should complete the FAFSA as early as possible at studentaid.gov. Deadline dates vary by institution and PA State Grant requirements.

1-800-433-3243 · Online resource · Mon-Fri 8am-11pm ET · Visit Website

5. PA CareerLink - Education & Training — Free

Pennsylvania's statewide workforce system offering free career counseling, job training referrals, GED preparation, and WIOA-funded education and training programs at CareerLink centers across the state. Fathers seeking employment, career changes, or educational pathways can walk into any PA CareerLink for free resume help, job search assistance, and referrals to funded training programs. Find your nearest center at pacareerlink.pa.gov.

1-833-750-5627 · Multiple locations statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. PA Adult Education & GED Programs — Free

Pennsylvania covers the cost of GED subtests for residents, with free preparation classes offered through community colleges, adult education centers, and libraries statewide. Fathers without a high school diploma can earn a GED through free prep classes and state-subsidized testing. Contact your local community college, library, or PA CareerLink to find free GED classes. A GED significantly improves employment and earning prospects.

717-787-5532 · Statewide · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. PHEAA State Grant Program — Free

Pennsylvania's largest state-funded student grant providing need-based aid to eligible PA residents attending approved colleges and universities. Grants do not need to be repaid. Funded through PHEAA, the grant requires filing the FAFSA by the PA deadline. Fathers returning to school at an eligible PA institution should apply as early as possible. Grant amounts vary based on income, enrollment status, and cost of attendance.

1-800-692-7392 · 1200 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA 17102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. PA Bureau of Workforce Development — Free

Oversees workforce education including WIOA-funded job training, registered apprenticeship programs, and career pathways through local PA CareerLink offices statewide. Fathers seeking funded job training, apprenticeship opportunities, or career pathway education can contact their nearest PA CareerLink or visit the Bureau of Workforce Development online to learn about available programs and income-based training funding.

717-787-6997 · 651 Boas St, Room 514, Harrisburg, PA 17121 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) — Paid

Central Pennsylvania's largest community college with five campuses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Gettysburg, and York areas offering 100+ degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and continuing education. HACC serves working adults with flexible scheduling options. Fathers in the Harrisburg region returning to school can call 717-780-2300 or visit hacc.edu to explore programs and financial aid.

717-780-2300 · 1 HACC Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17110 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Reading Area Community College — Paid

Comprehensive community college serving Berks County with associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and adult education programs including GED preparation. RACC offers affordable tuition and flexible scheduling to accommodate working adults. Fathers in the Reading area returning to school or seeking job credentials can call 610-372-4721 or visit racc.edu to learn about programs, costs, and financial aid options.

610-372-4721 · 10 S 2nd St, Reading, PA 19602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Lehigh Carbon Community College (Allentown) — Paid

Serves the Lehigh Valley with associate degree programs, career training, workforce development, and continuing education at the Schnecksville main campus and multiple regional locations. LCCC offers affordable tuition and flexible scheduling for working adults. Fathers in the Allentown-Bethlehem area returning to school or seeking job credentials can call 610-799-2121 or visit lccc.edu to explore programs and financial aid.

610-799-1133 · 4525 Education Park Dr, Schnecksville, PA 18078 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Northampton Community College — Paid

Community college serving the Bethlehem area and northeastern Pennsylvania with 100+ degree and certificate programs, workforce training, and adult education across campuses in Northampton and Monroe counties. NCC offers affordable tuition and evening courses for working adults. Fathers in the Bethlehem or Pocono region seeking higher education or workforce credentials can call 610-861-5300 or visit northampton.edu.

610-861-5300 · 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Montgomery County Community College — Paid

Serves Montgomery County and surrounding areas with associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce training, and dual enrollment programs for high school students. MCCC has two campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown and offers online courses. Fathers in Montgomery County returning to school or building workforce skills can call 215-641-6300 or visit mc3.edu to explore programs, costs, and financial aid opportunities.

215-641-6300 · 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Delaware County Community College — Paid

Largest suburban community college in Pennsylvania offering 75+ degree and certificate programs, workforce development, adult education, and university transfer agreements at campuses in Delaware and Chester counties. DCCC offers affordable tuition and evening classes. Fathers in the Delaware County and Chester County suburbs seeking college credentials or workforce training can call 610-359-5000 or visit dccc.edu.

610-359-5050 · 901 S Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Bucks County Community College — Paid

Community college serving Bucks County with associate degrees, career programs, workforce training, and adult education at three campuses in Newtown, Perkasie, and Bristol. BCCC offers affordable tuition and flexible scheduling including online courses. Fathers in Bucks County returning to school or building job credentials can call 215-968-8100 or visit bucks.edu to learn about programs, tuition costs, and financial aid.

215-968-8000 · 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport) — Paid

Penn State affiliate in Williamsport specializing in applied technology education with bachelor's and associate degrees in over 100 career-focused majors including engineering technology, healthcare, and trades. PCT blends hands-on lab training with academic coursework. Fathers seeking career-ready technical credentials in Pennsylvania can call 570-326-3761 or visit pct.edu to explore majors and financial aid options.

570-326-3761 · 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Butler County Community College — Paid

Community college north of Pittsburgh offering associate degrees, workforce training, and adult education programs at multiple locations across Butler County and the surrounding region. BC3 serves students from Butler, Lawrence, and surrounding counties with affordable tuition and career-focused programs. Fathers in the northern Pittsburgh area seeking higher education or job credentials can call 724-287-8711 or visit bc3.edu.

724-287-8711 · 107 College Dr, Butler, PA 16002 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

18. Westmoreland County Community College — Paid

Community college east of Pittsburgh in Youngwood serving Westmoreland, Fayette, and surrounding counties with career-focused programs, transfer degrees, workforce development, and continuing education. WCCC offers affordable tuition and flexible scheduling including online options. Fathers in the eastern Pittsburgh suburbs seeking education or job credentials can call 724-925-4000 or visit westmoreland.edu.

724-925-4000 · 145 Pavilion Ln, Youngwood, PA 15697 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.