Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Cara Goldstone Image Written By: Cara Goldstone | Edited By: Alyssa Schulz | Updated: May 31, 2026

Pennsylvania Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • There are scholarships offered specifically to Pennsylvania residents and those attending college in Pennsylvania.
  • Pennsylvania scholarships vary in their eligibility, including their location-based requirements. Some may be local to Philadelphia only, while others may span across the entire New York City metropolitan area.
  • You can make a free account on Scholarships.com to find every Pennsylvania scholarship for which you are eligible.

To attend a public 4-year institution in Pennsylvania, the average student will have to pay 28.33% more than anywhere else in the United States. Even Pennsylvania community colleges are expensive; their costs of attendance is over 50% higher than the national average. Thankfully, though, there are countless scholarships to help students attend school in Pennsylvania. Read on for info about the best ones available.

Jump to:

The 25 Best Pennsylvania Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2026

  • 1

  • Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJune 15, 2026

Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania (KCPA) makes a significant difference in the lives of affected Pennsylvania families by providing scholarship support to help eligible students pursue and achieve their higher educational goals. Scholarship Details Scholarships available for eligible students pursuing undergraduate degrees, licenses, or certifications Applicable for full-time or part-time

  • 2

  • Pennsylvania State Grant Program

  • Amount$5,750
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2026

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) according to students' financial need. Exact award amounts vary. Scholarship Details Need-based Renewable Applicable to some schools in reciprocal states in addition to PA Eligibility Criteria Pennsylvania resident Demonstrated financial need

  • 3

  • Montgomery County Medical Society (MCMS) Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Montgomery County Medical Society (MCMS) Scholarship is offered to students who are residents of Montgomery County. To be eligible, applicants must: be enrolled in or entering their first year of a US medical school (full-time); be a resident of Montgomery County in the state of Pennsylvania at the time of high school graduation or for at least four years prior to registering as a medical

  • 4

  • Alliance Medical Education Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Alliance Medical Education Scholarship for Pennsylvania residents attending a Pennsylvania medical school as a second- or third-year student. To financially assist Pennsylvania residents enrolled in a Pennsylvania medical school, the Pennsylvania Medical Society Alliance established the Alliance Medical Education

  • 5

  • Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$3,600
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

Eligibility for the Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship include the following: applicant must be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months before registering as a medical student (not including time spent attending an undergraduate/graduate school in Pennsylvania); applicant must be a second-year medical student; applicant must be enrolled full time at Penn State

  • 6

  • Myrtle Siegfried, MD and Michael Vigilante, MD Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Myrtle Siegfried, MD and Michael Vigilante, MD Scholarship is offered to a first-year medical student who is a resident of Berks, Lehigh, or Northampton County. Eligible applicants must: be a resident of Lehigh, Berks, or Northampton County in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student; be entering his/her first year of medical school and be

  • 7

  • Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship

  • Amount$4,400
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship is offered to medical students who are residents of Lycoming County. To be eligible, applicants must: be enrolled full time in a fully accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school within the United States; be a resident of Lycoming County in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student (not

  • 8

  • Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship is awarded to a South Asian student enrolled full-time in his/her second, third, or fourth year at a Pennsylvania medical school. Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, and either be US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Drs. Jitendra M. and

  • 9

  • LeCoMASE Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$3,400
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the LeCoMASE Fund Scholarship for medical students who are residents of Lehigh County. Must be enrolled full-time in a fully accredited United States medical school. Applications run from July until the due date. Scholarship Details Designed for medical students who are residents of Lehigh County Funded by

  • 10

  • Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship for medical students who reside in Allegheny County. Eligible applicants must be attending a medical school in Pennsylvania, be enrolled in or entering his/her third or fourth year of medical school, and be a US citizen. This scholarship is made possible by

  • 11

  • Merlin Arc Fayette Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026

As we continue working toward a more inclusive and supportive community, The Arc Fayette recognizes the critical need for skilled, compassionate, and well-trained professionals in the IDD field. This scholarship is an investment in future educators, therapists, advocates, and healthcare providers, individuals who will play a crucial role in empowering and improving the lives of those we

  • 12

  • Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants Scholarships

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2026

The object of this Society is to elevate and maintain among its members a high standard of proficiency and integrity; to promote and protect the interests of public accountants within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; to cultivate a spirit of professional cooperation among its members; to promote local associations of public accountants and establish goodwill and understanding between the general

  • 13

  • Jonathan Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2026

The Lax Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by the late entrepreneur and inventor Jonathan R. Lax for the express purpose of encouraging other gay men to pursue higher education, contribute to society through activism, and to be out about their sexual orientation. Scholarship Details Awards scholarships of $5,000–$10,000 annually Supports gay men pursuing undergraduate,

  • 14

  • York County Conservation District Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2026

The York County Conservation District will award scholarships to any York County residents majoring in – or planning to major in – the field of conservation (agriculture, environmental, natural history, natural resource management or related science field). Applicants must be currently enrolled or already accepted to an accredited college or university. Applicant must not have received a York

  • 15

  • New York Women in Communications Scholarships

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 9, 2027

The NYWICI Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! This prestigious program supports students pursuing careers in communications by offering scholarships and exclusive benefits to recipients. No late submissions will be accepted. Scholarship Details Awarded to students pursuing careers in communications Opportunities to attend and participate in exclusive NYWICI events

  • 16

  • Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 16, 2027

The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to carrying on the tireless mission of the late Trib Total Media managing editor to inspire the next generation of journalists to pursue their work with the same unfailing passion and integrity that Jim displayed each day. Each year, Trib Total Media will select one Western Pennsylvania student to receive up to $30,000 in scholarship funds awarded

  • 17

  • Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

The Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships to seniors graduating from Berks County high schools who intend to further their education after high school in pursuit of a bachelor's degree, who swam on a high school or club swim team in at least their senior year of high school, and are intending to swim on the college team or the college club team. Scholarship

  • 18

  • Society of Women Engineers - Lehigh Valley Section

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineFebruary 1, 2027

Since 2001 a major focus of SWE-LV has been to distribute scholarships for high school senior women who intend to major in engineering at their respective college or university. Scholarship funds are provided by area businesses and all of the work for administration of the program is provided by SWE volunteers. Evaluation is based on academic achievement, extracurricular and leadership

  • 19

  • PSGC Statewide Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2027

Each year, the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium (PSGC) awards multiple $4,000 awards to undergraduate students in Pennsylvania in conjunction with NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. Scholarship Details Non-renewable Applications open in November and are due in March Eligibility Criteria U.S. citizen Rising junior or senior in college

  • 20

  • M. Verna Butterer Educational Trust

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2027

The M. Verna Butterer Educational Trust offers a combination scholarship and interest free loan to Bucks County, Pennsylvania residents that demonstrate financial need and want to pursue post high school education. A recipient of a scholarship/loan may be eligible for up to four years of funding for attendance at colleges, universities, technical schools, nursing schools and other post-secondary

  • 21

  • Crawford Heritage Community Foundation Scholarships

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2027

Crawford Heritage Community Foundation Scholarships are available to students residing in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Applicants must include a copy of their Federal Student Aid Report. Most scholarship applications are due April 1st. Besides the basic information, the application will ask for other things, including scholastic honors, extracurricular activities, transcript, work history and a

  • 22

  • UCP Be the Future Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 31, 2027

Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy (AUCP) offers two $1,000 scholarships each year to Pennsylvania high school seniors who are pursuing a college degree that supports individuals with physical disabilities. Since 2019, AUCP has awarded a total of 9 scholarships to outstanding students, helping to support the future of healthcare and community support. Scholarship Details Two $1,000

  • 23

  • Pennsylvania Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program

  • AmountFull-Tuition
  • DeadlineMarch 31, 2027

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers funding from the PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP) to dependents of public safety members who passed away while on-duty defending Pennsylvania. Scholarship Details Waives any costs not already covered by other awards, including: Tuition Room and board Fees

  • 24

  • Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMarch 31, 2027

The Chafee Education and Training Grant (ETG) provides financial assistance to Pennsylvania students who have experienced foster care after age 16. Designed to support their successful transition to adulthood, this grant can help cover educational costs at eligible postsecondary institutions. Students may receive up to $5,000 for the coming academic year based on financial need and other aid

  • 25

  • American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2027

The American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to build stronger ties between the Pittsburgh advertising community and college, technical school and university level students entering the advertising field. The motivation for the scholarship is to inspire and reward outstanding candidates who have demonstrated potential success in the

What are Pennsylvania scholarships?

Pennsylvania scholarships are financial aid awards offered to students who either maintain permanent residence in Pennsylvania or those who simply attend college there. These scholarships may have extremely specific or very broad eligibility criteria.

Some of these scholarships may only welcome applicants from certain Pennsylvania counties and some may be open to the entire New York City metropolitan area. They may be merit-based or require financial need. These scholarships may even include an applicant’s unique personal traits as qualifying factors, such as minority status. It all depends on the award.

Keep in mind that if you plan to apply for any financial need-based Pennsylvania scholarships, you may be required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA provides the government with your financial information for evaluative purposes; you are not required to accept any loans the FAFSA determines you may be eligible for.

How to apply for Pennsylvania scholarships

The best way to find and apply for any local scholarship is to sign up for a free account on Scholarships.com. It takes under 5 minutes to complete your profile, which includes your basic demographics and academic information. With this info, we’ll match you to every scholarship in our database for which you are eligible, including Pennsylvania scholarships.

Once you have created your account, you can organize your scholarship matches and see their details, including the step-by-step instructions on how to apply. From there, all you need to do is submit the required materials to the scholarship provider.

What are the best Pennsylvania scholarships?

Generally, the best scholarships for any particular student will be the ones they have the greatest chance of winning. You can find out which Pennsylvania scholarship is best for you by assessing your financial situation, year in school, and personal traits, then applying to scholarships catered to those specific qualities. If you are an athlete, for example, you may look for scholarships tailored to your specific sport.

For instance, the Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund is a highly-specific– and thus low-competition– award for Berks County high school seniors who are part of a swim team. If you attend high school in Berks County, Pennsylvania and participate in a swim program, this scholarship might be the best option for you.

This does not mean that you should avoid more competitive scholarships entirely; just make sure to apply to a good mix of awards to ensure you have a good probability to win some of them, whether they’re competitive, full-ride scholarships or specific scholarships of a lower amount.

Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania scholarships:

What are the best scholarships for current college students in Pennsylvania?

There are all kinds of scholarships available to Pennsylvania college students. Most of these opportunities are for undergraduate students. However, there are also scholarships available for graduate students. The best award for any student attending college in Pennsylvania may differ based on their major, year, and other demographic factors.

For instance, rising college juniors and seniors in STEM attending college in Pennsylvania may be eligible for the $4,000 Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium (PSGC) Statewide Undergraduate Scholarship. Historically, this scholarship is awarded with preference to underrepresented students. That means those who are eligible may face less competition when they apply, so it may be their best option.

Pennsylvania graduate students, on the other hand, may fit the qualifications for the Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship. Worth $5,000, this award is available to continuing South Asian medical students who live and attend graduate school in Pennsylvania. Its specificity means it is low-competition, and as such may be the best scholarship for eligible students.

What are the best grants for Pennsylvania students?

Grants differ from scholarships in that they are typically awarded by the government or other federally-recognized organizations and may also come with terms and conditions that other scholarships may not have. There are also some grants specific to students in Pennsylvania.

For example, the Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a need-based grant for high school graduates in Pennsylvania attending an approved higher education institution. Award amounts and deadlines vary based on applicants’ financial need and academic status.

Are there scholarships for high school seniors in Pennsylvania?

High school seniors are the most represented group when it comes to scholarship awards based on grade level. Because there are so many options, high school seniors hoping to attend college in Pennsylvania should narrow down their choices as much as possible. One way to narrow the search is to look for awards targeted to minority groups the applicant is a part of.

For instance, the National Society of Black Engineers offers 3 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in the Greater Philadelphia area through the STEM Futures Scholarship. Applicants must aim to study a STEM field in college. Priority is given to minority students, including racial minorities like Black students and others like students with disabilities.

What are the best scholarships for Pennsylvania residents?

Pennsylvania scholarships may be offered based on applicants’ residence in Pennsylvania, their attendance at a Pennsylvania college, or both. For Pennsylvania residents who do not wish to attend college in their home state, there are plenty of scholarships whose location requirements are based solely on primary residential status.

For instance, the New York Women in Communications Scholarship Program is open to residents of Pennsylvania, along with other New York-area residents. If you are a woman from Pennsylvania pursuing higher education in a communications-related field, you are eligible to apply even if you are not attending college in your home state.

Are there Pennsylvania scholarships that cover room and board?

There are few scholarships available specifically to Pennsylvania students whose funds can be used to cover room and board costs, but they do exist. Generally, these scholarships have strict or unusual criteria, but they are valuable options for students who are eligible.

In order to qualify for the Pennsylvania Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program, for example, students must be the living children of public safety staff who passed away in the line of duty. While this is an extremely specific requirement, the scholarship waives up to full tuition, room, and board for its recipients.