Pennsylvania scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Pennsylvania runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (8) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)
up to $6,000 (currently), or unmet need if lessPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due May 1, 2027Need-based award up to $6,000 for short programs (10 weeks to under 2 years) in energy, health, manufacturing and agriculture fields.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For energy, health, advanced materials and diversified manufacturing students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (as described on the FAFSA)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Grow PA Scholarship Grant
up to $5,000 per year (max 4 years)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due January 7, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Live and work in Pennsylvania in an in-demand job one year per year funded after graduating, or repay it with interest.
Up to $5,000 a year (max 4 years) for PA residents studying for in-demand jobs who agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduating.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- For in-demand occupations (460+ eligible CIP-coded programs, e.g. nursing, allied health, education, STEM, computer science, agriculture, business, criminal justice) students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Grow PA Tuition Waiver
In-state tuition rate at a PASSHE university (waives the out-of-state tuition difference)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due October 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Live and work in Pennsylvania in a qualifying job 12 months per year of waiver after graduating, or it becomes a loan with interest.
In-state tuition at PASSHE universities for out-of-state students in in-demand majors who agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduating.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For in-demand occupations (460+ eligible CIP-coded programs) students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS)
up to $3,000 full-time / $1,500 part-time in total RTSS + PA State Grant awards (2026-27); minimum $500Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Apply any timeUp to $3,000 (full-time) for high-achieving Pennsylvania students with family income up to $208,000, nominated by their college.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + school nomination
- For undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Pennsylvania Internship Program (PIP) at The Washington Center
$4,000-$11,000 per term depending on school type and term (anticipated 2027); short-term programs up to $2,500Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (administered by The Washington Center)
Check datesState-funded scholarship ($4,000-$11,000) for PA students doing a Washington, D.C. internship or seminar through The Washington Center.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Student Teacher Support Program
$10,000 stipendPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Teach 3 years at an approved Pennsylvania school within 4 years, or repay the stipend (proportionally if partly done).
$10,000 stipend for student teachers in Pennsylvania who commit to teach in PA for 3 years.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- For education (teacher preparation) students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Usual timing: Annual; application opens in spring (2026-27 opened April 16, 2026) and closes September 15; placement deadlines July 1 (fall) and December 1 (spring).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Pennsylvania State Grant
up to $6,000 per year (2026-27 maximum)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Opens laterNeed-based grant of up to $6,000 a year for Pennsylvania undergraduates (2026-27).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Usual timing: Annual. FAFSA due May 1 before the academic year for first-time applicants at 4-year/2-year private colleges and for all renewal applicants; August 1 for first-time applicants at community colleges, designated PA open-admission schools, business/trade/technical schools, hospital schools of nursing or non-transferable 2-year programs; Summer PA State Grant application due September 1. Late applications may be funded if money remains.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
PA Active Volunteer Tuition & Loan Assistance Program
$1,000 per academic year full-time; $500 less-than-full-timePennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due May 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Volunteer 5 years with a Pennsylvania fire company or EMS agency, or repay the award.
$1,000 a year (full-time) or $500 (part-time) for active Pennsylvania volunteer firefighters and EMS members.
- Who it's for: Active volunteer in a Pennsylvania volunteer fire company or emergency medical services agency
- What it takes: state application + membership
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG)
up to $500 per academic yearPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due March 31, 2027Up to $500 a year for Pennsylvania students who are blind or deaf.
- Who it's for: Only some students qualify. The official page explains who.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Horace Mann Bond-Leslie Pinckney Hill Scholarship (Bond-Hill)
Tuition, tuition-related fees and course materials (amount varies by program)Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
Open now · due December 1, 2026Tuition, fees and course materials for graduate/professional study for Cheyney and Lincoln University graduates at PA public universities.
- Who it's for: Senior or graduate of Cheyney University or Lincoln University (PA)
- What it takes: state application + school nomination
- For grad students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, legally authorized to work in the U.S., or TPS with work authorization
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd)
Remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other gift aidPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due May 1, 2027Waives remaining tuition and mandatory fees at most Pennsylvania colleges for students who were in foster care at 16 or older.
- Who it's for: Current or former foster youth (in foster care at 16+, or adopted/permanent legal custody after 16)
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PEGP)
Remaining tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board after other grantsPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Open now · due March 31, 2027Covers remaining tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board at PA public colleges for children of police, firefighters, EMS, corrections and Guard members who died in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Child of a PA police officer, firefighter, rescue/ambulance squad member, corrections employee or National Guard member who died in the line of duty after Jan 1, 1976; or of a sheriff, deputy sheriff, Guard member or other person on federal/state active military duty who died in the line of duty after Sept 11, 2001
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Grant for Children of POW/MIA Soldiers
up to $1,200Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Apply any timeUp to $1,200 for children of U.S. service members declared prisoners of war or missing in action.
- Who it's for: Child of a U.S. service member designated POW or MIA (military family)
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Educational Gratuity Program (Children of Disabled or Deceased Veterans)
up to $500 per term/semester (max 8 payments)Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Apply any time$500 per semester (up to 8 terms, $4,000 total) for children of wartime veterans who are 100% disabled or died in service.
- Who it's for: Child of an honorably discharged wartime veteran with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, or of a veteran who died in service during war or armed conflict (military family)
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
Up to PASSHE in-state tuition + technology fee (lesser of your school's charges)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Apply any timeService scholarshipThe catch: Serve 6 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard, or repay the full award plus interest.
Tuition assistance up to state-university tuition for Pennsylvania National Guard members who commit to 6 years of service.
- Who it's for: Pennsylvania National Guard member with a 6-year service commitment
- What it takes: membership + state application
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP)
Up to PASSHE in-state tuition + technology fee (lesser of your school's charges)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Apply any timeService scholarshipThe catch: Your parent or spouse must serve a 6-year PA National Guard re-enlistment, or the full amount must be repaid with interest.
Tuition assistance for spouses and children of PA Guard members who re-enlist for 6 years.
- Who it's for: Spouse or child of a PA National Guard member who re-enlists for 6 years (military family)
- What it takes: membership + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Partnerships for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Grant
up to $5,000 per academic yearPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Apply any timeExtra need-based state grant (up to $5,000/yr) for PA State Grant recipients who won a scholarship from a participating PATH Partner.
- Who it's for: Scholarship recipient from a participating PATH Partner organization
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + school nomination
- For undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA Mental Health Education Learning Program in Schools (PA HELPS)
$2,500-$25,000 during the internship by field, plus a possible $5,000 commitment awardPennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Work at least 3 years in a Pennsylvania school in your field after finishing; repayment terms are on the official page.
Paid school-based internships ($2,500-$25,000) for future school psychologists, counselors, social workers and nurses who commit to 3 years in PA schools.
- Who it's for: Accepted to an internship at a participating Pennsylvania LEA
- What it takes: school nomination
- For grad students
- For school psychology, school counseling, school social work students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Act 105 Tuition and Fee Waiver for Surviving Spouses of PA National Guard Members
Tuition and fees waivedPennsylvania National Guard / Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Check datesTuition and fee waiver for unmarried surviving spouses of PA National Guard members killed on active duty.
- Who it's for: Unmarried surviving spouse of a PA National Guard member killed or fatally injured on federal or state active duty
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For undergrads, grad students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
PA National Guard Military College Assistance Program (MCAP)
Full tuition, housing, food and uniform costs (first 2 years at VFMC)Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Serve at least 8 years in the PA National Guard, including 6-8 as an officer after graduating; repayment terms are on the official page.
Full scholarship (tuition, housing, food, uniforms) at Valley Forge Military College for 10 cadets a year who commit to the PA National Guard.
- Who it's for: PA National Guard Simultaneous Membership Program cadet at Valley Forge Military College (Early Commissioning Program)
- What it takes: membership + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.