Scholarships

When combined with grants and loans, scholarships can make a college education far more affordable and accessible. There are two main types of Penn State campus scholarships for new and returning students:

  • Merit-based - Rewarding academic performance
  • Need-based - Addressing financial circumstance and income

Penn State is unique in that each campus has a list of scholarships specific to that location while some scholarships are available to students throughout the University. It is common for students to receive a combination of scholarship types in their financial aid package, so understanding the timing and process of scholarship review can help students receive the best possible package.

Delays in accepting offers of admission may result in the reallocation of funds, so students are encouraged to accept their offer of admission in a timely manner to secure their scholarship award.

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Penn State York Campus Scholarships

All admitted students (incoming and returning) are automatically considered for campus scholarships, but financial need is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so it’s important to complete the FAFSA form each year.

Some scholarships are renewable, while others are awarded only once. Financial aid packets include details about the duration and reapplication eligibility of specific awards.

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Maximum Scholarship Consideration for Campus Scholarships

For additional scholarship consideration, first-year and returning students are invited to complete a simple scholarship application form. The deadline to complete this form is May 1.

Minimum Campus Scholarship Requirements

To be eligible for a Penn State York scholarship, students must have:

  • Received an offer of admission to Penn State York
  • Completed the current year's FAFSA form, using Penn State code 003329
  • Earned a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher (for returning students)

Additionally, some scholarships require full-time enrollment at a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

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Other Penn State Scholarships

Because Penn State is a large network across the commonwealth, students may be eligible for institutional or academic college scholarships specific to their program, goals, or achievements. Scholarships include:

  • Discover Penn State Award - A four-year award available to first-year and transfer students who are residents of Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and the District of Columbia who enroll at a campus other than University Park or the World Campus.
  • Provost Award - A four-year award available to first-year students at any Penn State campus excluding World Campus.
  • Penn State Academic Scholarships - Students may receive an email with further details based on their area of study.

Students do not need to submit separate applications for University-wide awards. Find more information about scholarships at studentaid.psu.edu. 

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Timeline and Notification

After the University has reviewed the student's materials, they will create a unique financial aid package that will be sent via email or postal service. Students selected for an award are typically notified between February and June but may receive scholarship communications throughout the academic year, especially if they are a spring admit or transfer student.

The scholarships awarded by Penn State York are separate from federal and state aid awards, so the timing of notification will likely be different for each type of aid.

Student studying on the upper level of the Pullo Center.

Thank You to Our Generous Donors!

The funds for Penn State York's scholarship awards are primarily provided by members of the Penn State community who believe in the power of education. Thank you to our donors and their families.

Thank our Donors
Two students having a conversation.

Outside Scholarships

Students often qualify for scholarships from entities outside of the Penn State network. Free search engines can help connect students with opportunities, but keep in mind that Penn State does not endorse any scholarship search engine or service that charges a fee.

Outside Scholarship Guidelines