Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency announced changes in the student loan program known as KeystoneBEST that will make Stafford loans more affordable.

The KeystoneBEST program gives Stafford loan borrowers options that will help avoid the up-front costs of regular Stafford loans. It also rewards timely payments with interest rate reductions.

Applicants must be a resident of Pennsylvania and attend a school approved by the U.S. Department of Education. There is no income requirement, but applicants must be eligible for a standard Stafford loan. To determine eligibility, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

For more information on lenders and benefits of the KeystoneBEST program, see the PHEAA Web site at www.pheaa.org.