What are scholarships?
Scholarships are based on financial need, merit, or both, and do not have to be repaid. The source for scholarships may be the institution that the student is attending or an outside source.
Each year, Penn State enrolls many outstanding and academically talented students and therefore cannot assist all deserving students. Because scholarship funds are very competitive and limited, Penn State cannot guarantee an award to every student who may rank at or near the top of their class.
Penn State cannot negotiate financial aid packages to match grant and scholarship offers from other colleges and universities.
One in five undergraduates receives a University scholarship. Awards vary and are determined by donor guidelines. The average award is $2,500 for the academic year. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit or financial need, or a combination, as defined by the specific scholarship program.
Scholarship awards can be made by the student's campus, academic college, the Office of Financial Aid, or other administrative units. Awards are highly competitive due to limited funding.
Scholarship Options
- Penn State Altoona Scholarships
Available to incoming and continuing students without the need for an application. Eligibility for these scholarships is determined by the Financial Aid Office. - University-wide scholarships
Available to incoming and upper-class students. - Steve and Nancy Sheetz Diversity Scholarship
A scholarship for full-time Penn State Altoon students who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in the college's Sheetz Fellows program. - Isaac Awards Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the hard work, dedication, and talent of students who participate in their respective high school musicals, and Altoona Community Theatre's Isaac Awards program. - External Scholarships
All students are encouraged to look for scholarship opportunities outside of the Penn State system.
Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize consideration for financial aid.
Questions or concerns regarding scholarships at Penn State Altoona can be forwarded to [email protected].
Note: Your correspondence should not contain attached documents requested for financial aid verification or documentation containing a social security number. Please direct questions regarding the verification process to 814-949-5055. We welcome via email any other questions or concerns.