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Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: June 11, 2025

Pennsylvania Scholarships

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Pennsylvania is one of the most historic states in the country. It’s the home of Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell and Gettysburg. Unfortunately, it's also known for how much student loan debt residents have. Pennsylvania has one of the highest student loan debt burden averages at $39,375 per borrower. And when you factor in accrued interest, the total amount you'll pay back might be even higher. If you're planning on attending school in Pennsylvania, you should maximize your scholarships to ensure you don’t graduate with tens of thousands in costly debt.

The 25 Best Pennsylvania Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • Pennsylvania State Grant Program

  • Amount$2,400
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

Created in 1963 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has evolved into one of the nation's leading student aid organizations. Today, PHEAA is a national provider of student financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach, and other

  • 2

  • Frank A. Sinon Scholarship at Penn State

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineAugust 9, 2025

Applicants for the Frank A. Sinon Scholarship must be an undergraduate student enrolling at Penn State, University Park who has graduated from Austin Area High School in Austin, PA. Applicants must demonstrate academic success, financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The award amount varies, with one award given

  • 3

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

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 4

  • Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 5

  • Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship

  • Amount$1,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 7

  • LeCoMASE Fund Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 8

  • Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 9

  • Montgomery County Medical Society (MCMS) Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

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

  • 10

  • PLNA Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 4, 2025

To enhance the relationship between students and the landscape and nursery industry, the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Foundation recognizes the effort of outstanding students in each of Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities offering horticulture nursery production, landscape contracting, or a strongly related field. Each scholastic award winner receives a certificate and cash

  • 11

  • Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineOctober 14, 2025

Applicants of the Association for Iron & Steel Technology Scholarships should be students majoring in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data science, safety or industrial hygiene programs. Applications will be accepted from university sophomore and junior applicants and university seniors planning to attend graduate school. Applicant must be enrolled full-time in a four-year

  • 12

  • Pennsylvania Society of Public Accountants Scholarships

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2025

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

  • Hagan Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineDecember 1, 2025

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Scholarship Details Need-based merit scholarship for high-achieving rural

  • 14

  • York County Conservation District Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

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

  • Charles E. Peterson Prize Fellowship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

Senior Fellows must be persons who hold a terminal degree and possess a distinguished record of accomplishment. Research is not subject to geographical restrictions, although preference is given to Delaware Valley topics. Applications are reviewed by a committee of architects, architectural historians, and educators appointed by the Athenaeum board of directors. Outside readers may be asked to

  • 16

  • University of Minnesota National Scholarship

  • Amount$60,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 1, 2026

The University of Minnesota National Scholarship is for residents of any state, excluding Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Incoming freshmen are considered for these scholarships based on an overall assessment of the application for admission. Full consideration for academic scholarships is given to students who submit a complete application for freshman admission by either

  • 17

  • Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 3, 2026

As part of Farm Credit’s centennial celebration, the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is kicking off a new scholarship program. We’ll be awarding 10 scholarships worth $10,000 each to students planning to pursue a career in agriculture. Not sure if you fit the bill? There’s more to agriculture than farming. Check out our video to learn about the bright future that lies ahead

  • 18

  • Dr. Omega Logan Silva Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 6, 2026

The Dr. Omega Logan Silva Healthcare Legacy Scholarship honors her life and commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged women aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare. Eligibility A candidate for graduation from an accredited high school or a student already pursuing a degree in higher education, vocational, or graduate school. The candidate must be from or attending a school in the

  • 19

  • Built Ford Tough Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 9, 2026

Through the National FFA Foundation, businesses and individuals support scholarships that are awarded to students with a wide variety of higher education plans and career goals. FFA provides scholarships that support all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required

  • 20

  • New York Women in Communications Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2026

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. All applications and required documentation must be submitted by Friday, January 10th. No late submissions will be accepted. Scholarship Details Awarded to students pursuing careers in

  • 21

  • Scholarship for Diversity in Media

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2026

Trib Total Media is proud to announce the Scholarship for Diversity in Media. This scholarship is designed to award exceptionally talented Journalism, Communication, or English Writing students who are culturally, ethnically or racially diverse. Minorities have been traditionally under-represented in newsrooms but we believe that all voices need to be heard and varied cultural perspectives need

  • 22

  • University of Alabama Out-of-State Merit Scholarships

  • Amount$112,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2026

The University of Alabama offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the country for qualifying students. As a first-time freshman applicant, you must submit the following to be considered for admission to the university: an application for admission, and an official high school transcript. There is also an optional submission of official ACT or SAT test scores. To maximize

  • 23

  • Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$30,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 10, 2026

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

  • 24

  • AAUW Carlisle Higher Education Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 21, 2026

AAUW Carlisle branch is pleased to offer scholarships to women of Cumberland or Perry County, Pennsylvania pursuing a higher education degree. Applicants must be female residents of Cumberland or Perry County, PA, for at least a year, have successfully completed at least one year of college, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in an educational program that, upon completion, confers an

  • 25

  • Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 31, 2026

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

What is a Pennsylvania scholarship?

There is no one standard for a Pennsylvania scholarship. A Pennsylvania scholarship is generally given to a student who is from Pennsylvania or who is attending school there. Some Pennsylvania scholarships are only given to students who are both current residents and attending school in the state. However, not every scholarship has that requirement.

Pennsylvania scholarships can have both merit- and financial-need components. Others may also have more intense geographic requirements.

Where to find Pennsylvania scholarships

Pennsylvania scholarships are available from many different sources. The school you apply to will usually have its own list of internal scholarships. These may be either need- or merit-based.

For example, the University of Pittsburgh has its own scholarship database for current or incoming students. If you're not sure where your school's scholarship database is, contact the financial aid department. They should have more specific guidance on how you can qualify for scholarships.

Third-party scholarships can be found from both nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies. These can be a powerful and lucrative source for scholarships, even if you’re searching for local Pennsylvania awards.

The directory at Scholarships.com is another great resource. You can also find other scholarships beyond just the basic state-based scholarships. Make sure to create an account so you'll get notified when a scholarship that meets your background comes up.

Don't forget to use a basic Google search as a scholarship finding tool. Make a list of attributes, skills and interests you have and add the word “Pennsylvania scholarship” to your search query. You may be surprised at what comes up. If you're still in high school, you should also talk to your guidance counselor about any scholarship opportunities.

How to apply for Pennsylvania scholarships

One of the first steps to take when applying for a Pennsylvania scholarship is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the official form from the federal government that grants access to federal student loans, grants and work-study, based on demonstrated financial need.

What many students don't know is that the FAFSA is also your golden ticket to scholarships. Not only do many schools require that you submit the FAFSA to qualify for their own internal awards, but some third-party organizations also require the FAFSA. There’s no reason not to complete the FAFSA unless you’re not eligible.

Also, make sure to submit the FAFSA by the state’s financial aid deadline which is XX. You should also check your school’s financial aid deadline, which may be sooner than the state’s deadline. Remember, some scholarships are only given on a first-come, first-serve basis so don’t delay in submitting the FAFSA.

When applying to school, many schools will automatically consider you for scholarships just by you submitting your regular application. However, some may also have additional forms you need to complete to be eligible.

What are the requirements for a Pennsylvania scholarship?

Pennsylvania scholarships often require basic demographic and contact information. They may also ask for one (or more) essay(s) and a recommendation letter from an adult who knows you well.

Some scholarships have different requirements. While many scholarships require an essay, others may not.

For example, the Road to Safety Scholarship asks that students submit a creative project explaining why driving safely should be important for teens. For this scholarship, you are not allowed to submit a traditional written essay. Instead, you must provide a video, painting, song, poem or other type of creative work. This scholarship is worth $1,000.

Pennsylvania Scholarships FAQs

When should I apply for Pennsylvania scholarships?

One of the biggest mistakes that students make is waiting to find out how much they'll receive in financial aid before applying for separate scholarships. You should not wait and hope that your school will automatically grant you a full ride. Instead, you should be proactive and apply for awards before you've even heard if you've been accepted to college. There are many scholarships that have deadlines that are sooner than the school’s official deadline.

Students also frequently assume that scholarships are only for incoming freshmen. But there are scholarships for every year. A general rule of thumb is to start looking for scholarships in your freshman year of high school, even though there won't be many available awards. The sooner you begin the process, the more likely it is that you'll get enough financial aid to minimize your loan burden.

Are there Pennsylvania scholarships for certain minority groups?

Many Pennsylvania scholarships are available to students from any kind of background. However, others will have more specific requirements. If you're part of any kind of ethnic, racial or gender diversity group, you may be able to find special Pennsylvania scholarships geared toward these groups.

For example, the Poise Foundation offers several different scholarships for African-American students. There are both general African-American Awards, as well as awards for students who are studying a specific field.

Also, many women qualify for special Pennsylvania scholarships. For example, the AAUW Carlisle Higher Education Scholarship is given to a female student with demonstrated financial need who has lived in either Cumberland or Perry County, Pennsylvania for at least one year. This scholarship is worth $2,000. Two-year, four-year and graduate students are eligible.

Do you have to attend a public school in Pennsylvania to get a Pennsylvania scholarship?

Many Pennsylvania scholarships only have a geographic requirement: either you have to be from Pennsylvania or attend school in Pennsylvania to qualify. However, there are some awards that require students fulfill both parts and attend a public school.

For example, the Pennsylvania Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program provides scholarships to students whose parents died while acting as a police officer, firefighter or as an ambulance worker. Students must be Pennsylvania residents and attend a school in Pennsylvania that is a Pennsylvania community college or a four-year state school.

This is one of the most generous scholarships on this list. Students will have their full tuition, fees and on-campus room and board paid for with this award.

In-state public schools are also often less expensive than private schools. However, if you have demonstrated financial need you may still receive a general financial aid package from private schools.

Do you have to attend school in Pennsylvania to win a Pennsylvania scholarship?

There are some Pennsylvania scholarships that don't mandate that you enroll in a Pennsylvania school to qualify. For example, the New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) Scholarship Program is given to a female student who is interested in the communication field. Awards range between $2,500 and $10,000. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. Students must live in one of the following states to qualify:

Do you have to be from Pennsylvania to win a Pennsylvania scholarship?

While many Pennsylvania scholarships are only available to students who are from the Keystone State, others are more lenient in who can apply.

What are the best Pennsylvania scholarships?

There are many generous scholarship programs for Pennsylvania students. For example, the PA State Grant Program provides awards to students. For the 2023-24 school year, the amount was $4,818 for the year or $2,409 per semester.

You must have demonstrated financial need to qualify for these scholarships. Award amounts can vary depending on how much funding is available and your individual financial need. These scholarships can be renewed for multiple years as long as you still qualify. Students must take at least six credit hours to be eligible.

Students who attend school outside of Pennsylvania are eligible to receive a smaller scholarship than students who stay local. These awards range between $500 and $800.

Are there scholarships for students from specific Pennsylvania counties or cities?

Many Pennsylvania scholarships are open to students who live anywhere within state lines. However, others have firm geographic limits.

For example, the Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship is only available to students who are from Pittsburgh and attended four years of high school in the Steel City. You must also plan to attend college in Pennsylvania. This scholarship is worth $20,000.

If you currently live in Pennsylvania, do a Google search for your city or county along with the word “scholarship.” You may be surprised at how many awards you find. If you or your parents are members of any local organizations, see if they offer scholarships to students.

Are Pennsylvania scholarships available for community college students?

Four-year students may have more access to scholarships, but there are still tons of opportunities for Pennsylvania community college students. Through the Octavius Catto Scholarship, students will receive free tuition, along with extra funds for textbooks, transportation, and food.

Are Pennsylvania scholarships available for graduate or professional students?

When you think about who is eligible for scholarships, most people assume they are only available for students getting a bachelor’s degree. But undergraduate students aren’t the only ones who can get a scholarship.

Many scholarships provide awards for graduate and professional students. Like other scholarships, they may require you to submit the FAFSA to qualify.

Are there specific Pennsylvania scholarships for certain majors or degrees?

The PSGC Statewide Undergraduate Scholarship is available for students studying STEM. This is a $4,000 scholarship for junior or senior students attending an accredited Pennsylvania school.

Can I get a Pennsylvania scholarship if I’m an international student?

International students may find it harder to qualify for scholarships, but there are still some opportunities. For example, the University of Pennsylvania will pay 100% of the tuition for an international student with demonstrated financial need.

Can DACA students receive Pennsylvania scholarships?

Having DACA status can make qualifying for financial aid much harder. DACA students cannot receive federal financial aid. However, they are able to fill out the FAFSA as long as they have a Social Security Number. They may need to submit a paper version of the FAFSA if their parents don’t have a Social Security Number.

However, DACA students can still receive in-state tuition if they qualify as Pennsylvania residents, meaning that they have attended a high school in Pennsylvania for four years and have a high school degree or GED from Pennsylvania. Some schools, like Penn State University, may not offer special financial aid to DACA students. If you have DACA status, look for scholarships that are specifically geared toward undocumented students. These can help you find the financial support that you need.

What is the minimum GPA for a Pennsylvania scholarship?

Many scholarships have GPA requirements that students must hit to be eligible. A typical GPA requirement is a 3.0. However, this can also vary depending on the exact scholarship you’re applying for.

For example, York College of Pennsylvania has several scholarships that only require a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA. Some scholarships may also have different rules on the GPA you need to have as a high school student compared with the GPA for a college student. The minimum required college GPA may be lower than the cut-off high school GPA. Make sure to understand what the GPA requirements are, especially if your GPA is below a 3.0.