Scholarships Overview

Students with a passion for excellence contribute to Penn State's reputation as a top public university. Penn State is committed to building its resources and endowments to offer scholarship opportunities to students who excel. Penn State scholarships are awarded to exemplary students and are highly competitive due to limited funding. Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not need to be re-paid.

All students who are offered admission and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Penn State are considered for scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Aid. Some academic colleges, campuses, and administrative units require separate applications. Outside scholarships are awarded by high schools, community organizations, or other private philanthropies.

At a glance

Penn State scholarships comprise 7 percent of the available funding for undergraduate students. Approximately 21 percent (16,958) of undergraduate students (79,815) receive a Penn State scholarship.

Across Penn State's 20 undergraduate campuses, approximately 4,100 first-year students receive a University scholarship.

Thirty-eight percent of first-year scholarship recipients are at University Park; the remaining 62 percent at Penn State campuses.

Both Pennsylvania and non-Pennsylvania residents receive equal consideration.

Typical Penn State scholarship award values are $1,500 to $3,000 per academic year (fall & spring).

Approximately one in five first-year students receives an outside scholarships.