Penn State University offers thousands of scholarships annually. Penn State funds undergraduate education through institutional aid. Scholarships do not require repayment. Awards cover tuition, fees, and living costs. Most undergraduate students receive automatic scholarship consideration. Students must file the FAFSA, if they seek need-based aid.
Penn State scholarships fall into three main categories. These categories include University-wide awards, college-specific awards, and campus-based awards. The majority of awards prioritize academic merit or financial need. Scholarship committees review admission application materials. A strong high school record increases your chance of winning.
Securing funding is a vital step toward earning a Penn State degree. The application process involves key deadlines and separate forms for specialized awards. This guide explains each scholarship type and the necessary steps to maximize your financial aid package.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships
Penn State offers three main types of scholarships. These awards come from different University funding pools.
1. University-Wide Awards
These awards are available to all students, regardless of campus or major.
- Discover Penn State Award: This award targets non-resident, first-year students. The recipient must enroll at a campus other than University Park. This scholarship provides $6,000 to $6,500 annually.
- University Trustee Scholarship: This award is based on financial need. Students demonstrate the greatest financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
- Schreyer Honors College Academic Excellence Scholarship: This is a merit-based award reserved for admitted Scholars. This scholarship provides $5,000 per year.
2. Academic College and Campus Scholarships
Individual colleges and Commonwealth Campuses administer their own scholarship funds.
- College Scholarships: These awards target students in specific majors. The College of Engineering awards hundreds of scholarships to its students. These funds often require a minimum GPA for renewal.
- Campus-Based Scholarships: Campuses outside University Park provide funds to their own students. The Penn State Commonwealth Award supports Pennsylvania residents at regional campuses. These awards help reduce the cost of attendance.
3. Educational Equity Scholarships
These scholarships support diversity and inclusion within the University. The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity administers these funds.
- Focus: These awards support specific groups of students, such as veterans, students with disabilities, and first-generation students.
- Bunton-Waller Scholarship: This is a notable fund awarded for outstanding academic and cultural achievement. Educational Equity scholarships require a separate, specialized application.
Scholarship Coverage
Scholarships are considered gift aid. The funds do not require repayment. Awards apply directly to the student account.
- Priority Use: Funds first cover tuition and mandatory fees. Remaining balances then cover on-campus housing and dining.
- Refunds: Any scholarship funds remaining after all university charges are paid are refunded to the student. The student uses this refund for indirect costs like books, supplies, and transportation.
- Average Award: One in five undergraduates secures a University scholarship. The average scholarship amount is approximately $2,500 for the academic year.
Eligibility Criteria
Penn State evaluates eligibility based on three core factors. Individual donor agreements set specific scholarship rules.
- Academic Merit: New students must present a strong academic record for automatic consideration. Continuing students must maintain a minimum GPA, often a $\mathbf{3.0}$ or higher. Scholarship committees review your high school GPA, class rank, and submitted test scores.
- Financial Need: You must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you seek need-based scholarships.
- Enrollment and Status: Students must be enrolled full-time to secure funding. Some awards restrict eligibility to a specific campus or major.
Application Process
You gain scholarship consideration through four steps.
How to Secure Funding at Penn State
- Submit an Application for Admission: All students receive automatic consideration for most major awards, based on their admission file.
- File the FAFSA: Students must complete the FAFSA, if they seek need-based aid.
- Submit an Application to Your College: Students must check their college’s official website, if they seek specialized departmental awards. Many colleges require a separate internal application for continuing students.
- Complete the Educational Equity Application: You must submit a separate form, if you apply for awards supporting diversity and inclusion.
Deadline
The deadlines center on the FAFSA submission.
| Item | Recommended Deadline | Importance |
| FAFSA (First-Year Students) | February 15 | Maximizes consideration for federal, state, and need-based institutional aid. |
| FAFSA (Continuing Students) | April 15 | Recommended date for continuing students to secure funding. |
| College Scholarship Applications | Varies (Often Jan. – May) | Check your specific college for the internal deadline to submit an application. |
| Scholarship Notification | February to June (Rolling) | Students receive notification of awards via their LionPATH account. |
