Top 11 Pennsylvania Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Pennsylvania Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for Undergraduate Students in Pennsylvania?

Undergraduate students in Pennsylvania can take advantage of a broad network of state-funded, institutional, and privately sponsored financial aid opportunities. The state’s flagship program, the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, provides need-based awards that significantly reduce tuition for qualifying residents attending approved colleges or universities. High-achieving students may also benefit from the Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS), which rewards academic excellence by supplementing other financial aid. Additional programs, such as the Horatio Alger Pennsylvania Scholarship, offer support for students who have faced adversity but remain committed to education.

Colleges and universities across Pennsylvania—including Penn State University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, and Villanova University—offer their own institutional scholarships, ranging from merit-based awards to need-based grants and specialized departmental funding. Many of these awards are renewable and automatically considered during the admissions process, helping thousands of students reduce overall education costs.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania is home to several prestigious full-ride scholarship programs that fully cover tuition, fees, housing, and other educational expenses for outstanding students. The Stamps Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the most competitive awards, often including additional funding for research, travel, and leadership opportunities. Similarly, the Millennium Scholars Program at Penn State University supports students pursuing STEM majors with a focus on research and innovation.

Many smaller colleges and honors programs also offer full-ride opportunities, often combining academic merit, leadership, and community service as core selection criteria. Because these awards are extremely competitive, applicants typically need high GPAs, strong test scores, compelling essays, and evidence of leadership or research experience.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Pennsylvania?

High school seniors in Pennsylvania can access a wide range of scholarship programs that recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. In addition to statewide programs, many regional organizations play a major role in funding local students.

• The Pennsylvania Society Scholarship: Recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
• The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship: Offers up to $20,000 for eligible graduates of Pittsburgh Public Schools pursuing postsecondary education.
• The Pennsylvania State Grant: Provides need-based aid for students enrolling in approved Pennsylvania colleges or universities.

Students are encouraged to begin researching scholarships early in their senior year, as many awards have strict eligibility requirements and early deadlines.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia students can access numerous scholarship opportunities through local nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and major universities. The Philadelphia Education Fund Scholarship supports students with strong academic records and financial need, while the Lenfest Scholarship assists students from select high schools in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

The Philadelphia Foundation oversees more than 200 scholarship funds, offering awards based on academic performance, field of study, career goals, and personal background. Colleges such as Temple University, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania also provide generous merit and need-based funding—some of which is automatically awarded through the admissions process.

Are There Scholarships for Out-of-State Students in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania universities frequently offer scholarships to out-of-state students to help reduce nonresident tuition and attract high-achieving applicants. For example, Penn State University awards the Provost Award to strong academic performers from outside Pennsylvania, lowering the overall cost of attendance. Temple University offers merit-based awards that may significantly reduce tuition for qualified out-of-state applicants.

Private universities—such as Lehigh University, Bucknell University, and Carnegie Mellon University—also distribute competitive merit scholarships that are open to students regardless of residency. Many of these awards automatically consider all applicants, making them accessible during the admissions process.

What Scholarships Are Offered by Penn State University?

Penn State University administers a diverse portfolio of scholarships designed to support students across its campuses and academic programs. Many awards focus on academic achievement, financial need, or contributions to campus diversity. Students can also access departmental funding in fields such as engineering, business, agriculture, and health sciences.

• Provost Award: A merit-based scholarship for both in-state and out-of-state students demonstrating academic excellence.
• Academic Excellence Scholarship: Honors top-performing students based on GPA, test scores, and leadership activities.
• Bunton-Waller Scholarship: Provides financial and academic support to students who contribute to diversity at Penn State.

Some scholarships require separate applications or interviews, while others are automatically considered through Penn State’s admissions process.

Who Is Eligible for the PA State Grant?

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program—administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)—is one of the state’s most important financial aid resources. It provides substantial need-based awards to eligible undergraduates attending approved schools both in and outside of Pennsylvania.

• Being a Pennsylvania resident.
• Demonstrating financial need through the FAFSA.
• Enrolling in at least six credits per semester at an approved institution.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Award amounts differ based on tuition costs, financial need, and whether the student attends a public, private, or out-of-state partner institution. Early FAFSA completion is essential, as funding is limited each year.

What GPA Do You Need to Get a Full-Ride Scholarship to Penn State?

Full-ride scholarships at Penn State—such as the Millennium Scholars Program, Bunton-Waller Scholarship, and top-tier academic awards—are highly competitive and typically require an excellent academic record. Most full-ride contenders maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher, though successful applicants often exceed this benchmark with advanced coursework, AP or Honors classes, and strong SAT/ACT scores if provided.

Beyond GPA, Penn State evaluates leadership involvement, research interest, extracurricular achievements, community service, and personal essays during the selection process. Students aiming for elite awards should prepare a well-rounded academic profile and apply early to maximize their chances.