Please visit our Office of Student Aid at Penn State for an overview of scholarship information and resources.

Academic and Need-Based Scholarships and Awards

All Penn State Behrend students are automatically considered for most of our academic and need-based scholarships. There is no separate Penn State application for most scholarships; however, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for need-based scholarship consideration.

While Penn State continues to build its scholarship endowment, available funds do not yet reach all deserving students. Scholarship funds are very competitive and limited. Nearly half of all Behrend students receive Penn State scholarships, averaging $2,000 to $6,000.

Awards vary and are determined by donor guidelines. Scholarships are awarded based on merit or financial need, or a combination, as defined by the specific scholarship program.

University-wide Scholarships

University-wide scholarships are available to incoming and upper-class students:

Available to transfer students:

  • RaiseMe Transfer: Pennsylvania community college students can earn scholarships toward a future Penn State Behrend degree.

Leadership Scholarships

Penn State Behrend offers numerous leadership scholarships based on extracurricular activities and leadership potential.

Leadership Scholarship Application: Academic Year

Scholarships of $1,000–$2,000 are offered on an annual basis to students who demonstrate leadership and engagement outside of the classroom. In addition to this financial scholarship, opportunities are provided to awarded students as part of our Behrend Leadership Scholar program. Opportunities occur throughout the semester and include social events, service projects, speakers, alumni resources, and workshops.

  • First-year students: Applications for first-year students starting in Fall 2025 are now CLOSED.
  • Transfer, change-of-campus, and returning students: Applications for the 2025-26 academic year will open March 1, 2025. Applications must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025.

Any additional materials or questions can be directed to Kris Motta Torok, Director, Student Leadership and Involvement, at [email protected] or 814-898-6171.

Honors Scholarships

Lawrence and Elizabeth Held Scholarships

Students enrolled in a major in Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business who have been accepted into the University-wide Schreyer Honors College will be considered for scholarships up to $10,000 per year. Learn more about scholarships for honors business majors.

Schreyer Scholars Program

First-year students selected to join the Schreyer Scholars Program will receive an Academic Excellence Scholarship through the Schreyer Honors College. Penn State Behrend will provide $2,500 guaranteed to all incoming Scholars with the potential for higher amounts up to $5,000 per year based on demonstrated need. The scholarship match includes all Behrend scholarships received for the academic year. Financial need is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These scholarships are renewable as long as students remain in good academic standing with the Schreyer Honors College.

Students may be considered for admission to the Schreyer Scholars Program after their first year; however, scholarships are not guaranteed.

Students may also be selected to join the Penn State Behrend Honors Program. Although being a member of the Honors Program does not guarantee scholarship funds, Penn State Behrend has scholarships that give preference to those students who are members of the Schreyer Honors and/or Behrend Honors programs. Please visit the Schreyer Honors College and Penn State Behrend Honors Program for further details.

Disability Scholarships

Penn State Behrend, in conjunction with the Newcombe Foundation, has scholarship funds for students with disabilities as defined under Provisions of Section 504, 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as amended. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students can apply online for the Elizabeth Lee Black and Charlotte Newcombe Foundation Scholarship and the Black Family and Charlotte W. Newcombe Trustee Scholarship.  

Employer-Based Scholarships

Penn State Behrend offers several scholarships that give preference to students or dependents of parent(s) who work for specific companies.

Complete the online application form

Veterans Benefits and Scholarships

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents may be eligible to receive one or more educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Army ROTC Scholarships

The Penn State Behrend Army ROTC program offers generous scholarship benefits, including full tuition and fees coverage, book allotment, and a spending allowance.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Penn State Behrend awards several study-abroad scholarships to students enrolled or planning to enroll in an international study program who have a proven need for funds to meet their necessary college expenses.

Complete a study abroad scholarship application

Outside Scholarships

Outside scholarships are available through civic foundations, nonprofit organizations, churches, high schools, and employers.

Creative Writing Scholarships

The following endowed scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved a superior academic record or who show promise for& outstanding writing. Creative writing scholarships may require a separate application. Learn more about creative writing scholarships.