Pennsylvania is home to some of the most prestigious and well-known colleges and universities in the country. To keep top talent in state, Pennsylvania provides scholarships that are exclusive to students living in-state. This state is also known for having one of the most active state aid agencies in the country – the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
Read on to see how you can afford college in Pennsylvania through aid programs and scholarship opportunities.
This entity offers grants as well as low-rate loans to students and families, whether students are working toward a four-year degree or entering the workforce after high school graduation. This unique state agency is just one resource Pennsylvania students can rely on to make college more affordable.
There are also scholarships for Pennsylvania residents or out-of-state students opting to attend one of the state’s colleges. Below are just a few of the Pennsylvania-specific awards Fastweb has in its database.
Understanding Pennsylvania's Financial Aid Landscape
The PHEAA was created in 1963 and its goal has been to help make higher education accessible and affordable for Pennsylvania residents. Today, that assistance extends to neighboring states -- Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.Top Pennsylvania-Specific Scholarships and Grants
Charles “Chick” Roberts Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000 The Charles "Chick" Roberts Scholarship is available to graduate students in Pennsylvania who are studying water technologies.Smooth Transition PASSHE Scholarship
Award Amount: $3,000 The Smooth Transition PASSHE Scholarship is available to incoming students at Point Park University who are transferring directly from a school within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.Educational Gratuity Program
Award Amount: $500 The Educational Gratuity Program is open to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict, and children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. You must be between the ages of 16 and 23, have been living within the Commonwealth five years prior to application, be attending a school within the Commonwealth, and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.Intel PhD Fellowship Program
Award Amount: Varies The Intel PhD Fellowship Program is open to PhD candidates at select U.S. universities who are working in fields related to Intel's business and research interests. The one-year fellowship includes a cash award, equipment with Intel architecture, an Intel mentor, and the opportunity to conduct research or an internship at Intel.NACA Mid Atlantic Undergraduate Scholarship for Student Leaders
Award Amount: Varies The NACA Mid Atlantic Undergraduate Scholarship for Student Leaders is available to undergraduate students enrolled in a college or university within the NACA Mid Atlantic region. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate significant leadership skills and ability to be eligible for this award.Jim Brett Global Conservation Education Scholarship
Award Amount: Varies The Jim Brett Global Conservation Education Scholarship is available to international students who wish to study environmental management and conservation education in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program
Award Amount: Varies The House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is open to junior, senior, and graduate students who reside or attend school in Pennsylvania. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. During this full-time, 13-week program; fellows will work on drafting bill analyses, writing constituent letters, and performing policy research.Application Strategy for Pennsylvania Students
Because state aid in Pennsylvania relies heavily on data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it’s imperative that students complete this as soon as possible after October 1. With this information, the state of Pennsylvania can distribute financial aid. It’s important to note that Pennsylvania is one of the states that gives out financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to completing the FAFSA, Pennsylvania students should create a free profile on Fastweb. We will match them to local awards as well as national opportunities. It’s the easiest way to see all the scholarships that may be at your disposal. Finally, talk with your school counselor about local and regional awards that you may have missed. Make sure you’re applying for every scholarship for which you qualify. The more Pennsylvania scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of winning one.You Might Also Like
Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph covers trends in higher education, changes to admissions and financial aid practices, and the student experience. She is passionate about simplifying the college search and financia...
