Pennsylvania Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Pennsylvania Scholarships & Grants

Pennsylvania offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Pennsylvania more affordable.

The PA State Grant (PHEAA) is a core need-based program; many institutions add aid.

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

Undergraduate students in Pennsylvania have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities through both state-funded and private programs. The Pennsylvania State Grant Program provides need-based funding to qualifying residents, while the Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) rewards high-achieving students with additional financial support. The Horatio Alger Pennsylvania Scholarship offers assistance to students who have overcome significant personal challenges. In addition, many institutions — such as Penn State University, Temple University, and Villanova University — provide institutional scholarships like the Trustees Scholarship and merit-based awards for outstanding academic achievement.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Several prestigious full-ride scholarships are available in Pennsylvania for academically exceptional students. These include the Stamps Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania and the Millennium Scholars Program at Penn State University. Both programs cover tuition, fees, room, and board — and in some cases, provide funding for research or study abroad opportunities. Additional full-ride and high-value scholarships may also be available through private foundations and honors colleges within Pennsylvania universities.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania high school seniors can apply for several competitive and community-based awards. Key programs include:

• 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.

Many local school districts, credit unions, and community foundations also sponsor scholarships for graduating seniors each year.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia students can access numerous scholarships from city-based organizations and institutions. The Philadelphia Education Fund Scholarship and Lenfest Scholarship support students demonstrating academic potential and financial need. The Philadelphia Foundation also administers more than 200 separate scholarship funds, benefiting both undergraduate and graduate students across a variety of majors. Many Philadelphia-area colleges offer automatic merit-based scholarships upon admission, especially for students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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

Yes. Many Pennsylvania universities provide merit-based scholarships for out-of-state students to help offset non-resident tuition costs. For example, Penn State University offers the Provost Award to high-achieving non-resident students, while Temple University provides academic scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition for out-of-state applicants. Private institutions such as Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon University also award competitive merit and need-based aid to qualified non-resident students.

What Scholarships Are Offered by Penn State University?

Penn State University administers a variety of scholarships to support students from diverse academic and financial backgrounds. Notable programs include:

• 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 Penn State scholarships are automatically considered during admission, while others require separate applications or nominations.

Who Is Eligible for the PA State Grant?

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and provides need-based funding for undergraduate students. Eligibility requirements include:

• 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 vary depending on financial need, enrollment status, and the type of school attended (public, private, or out-of-state partner institutions).

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

Full-ride and elite scholarships at Penn State, such as the Millennium Scholars Program and Bunton-Waller Scholarship, typically require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher. Competitive SAT or ACT scores, strong leadership experience, and demonstrated commitment to academic research or community service are also important selection factors. Applicants are encouraged to participate in rigorous coursework, honors programs, and extracurricular activities to strengthen their profiles for these highly selective awards.