Scholarships and awards are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Penn State offers several sources for possible scholarships funding. All students who are offered admission and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Penn State are considered for scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Aid. Regardless of whether a student thinks he or she will be awarded aid, Penn State recommends that every student submit a FAFSA to be eligible for all aid consideration.
Penn State's Provost Award is available to first-year students at Penn State’s 20 undergraduate campuses, excluding World Campus. Both Pennsylvania and non-Pennsylvania residents are considered for this award. Applicants must be new undergraduate first-year students to the university. Students do not have to apply for the award – they are automatically considered. Penn State recommends submitting a FAFSA, although it is not a requirement to be eligible for the award. During school, a 2.0 GPA is required, as well as completing 24 credits per year. The number of recipients will vary.