HARRISBURG — The newest student aid guide has been made available from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, according to a press release from PHEAA.

The guide, which is free, offers information on federal student aid and the process for application, as well as detailed information on all state student aid programs, including the need-based State Grant, according to PHEAA.

A print and online version of the guide are available and copies of the 2009-2010 guide will be sent out to all guidance counselor offices in the state. To obtain a copy of the online guide, which includes links to helpful Web pages and online aid applications, visit PHEAA.org.

High school counselors can order extra copies of the guide at PHEAA.org/counselors

Supplies of the printed version are limited.

PHEAA also recommends families with students interested in higher education visit EducationPlanner.org for college planning guidance. The Web site can assist with identifying a solid career path and the education necessary to enter it, and offers one of the largest scholarship searches on the Internet.