Scholarships Awarded by the Office of Student Aid
Overview
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. Scholarships are included in your Aid Summary on LionPATH and count toward your cost of attendance.
Eligibility
For most scholarships you must:
- Maintain Federal and Penn State Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
- Enroll full-time (12 credits or more)
- Many require that students maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Both Pennsylvania and out-of-state students receive equal consideration.
Award
- Annual amounts range from $1,500 - $3,200
- Some are renewable
- Notifications are sent March through August — you will receive a letter or an email if you are selected
- Approximately one in four undergraduate students receive a scholarship
How to Apply
The majority of scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Aid are based on a combination of merit and demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not filled out the FAFSA, please see our application section.
Available Awards
The Bunton-Waller Scholarship
Full-time students in resident instruction (not available for World Campus students) who have the highest financial need are considered for the Bunton-Waller Scholarship. The annual award is $3200, renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA. First year students should file the FAFSA no later than December 1st. Continuing students should file the FAFSA no later than April 15th.
Renaissance Scholarship
Full-time students with outstanding academic records who have the greatest financial need are considered for a Renaissance Scholarship. The award is $1500 per year with up to four years of eligibility provided the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.
Trustee Scholarship
Full-time students with the greatest financial need are considered for a University Trustee Scholarship. Award amounts and eligibility for individual trustee scholarships vary depending on funds availability and donor preferences. Typical award amounts are between $2,000-3,000 per year and may be renewable for future years.
Donor-Sponsored Scholarships
Students are considered based on the specific scholarship requirements. Award amounts and terms of the award vary depending on donor specifications and funds availability.
Penn State Alumni Association Chapters
Full-time students are considered for one or two semester awards based on chapter requirements. Award amounts vary.
National Merit Scholarships
Full-time students who list Penn State as a first-choice school on the National Merit application by February are considered. Award amounts vary with a maximum amount of $2,000 per year with up to four years of eligibility.