Scholarships

All students offered admission who submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Penn State are considered for scholarships. Below are several scholarship opportunities specific to our adult learners.

To Apply

Please be sure to submit your FAFSA and complete an online scholarship application. The deadline for application is March 1, 2013.

  • Fischer Family Scholarship for Continuing and Distance Education

The Fischer Family Scholarship offers recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students who have a demonstrated need, as defined by the FAFSA, and have completed the online scholarship application.

  • Osher Foundation Re-entry Scholarship

The Osher Foundation Re-entry Scholarship provides support for students returning to school to complete their first bachelor's degree, after a gap in enrollment or educational pursuits of 5 years or more, are the ages of 25 to 50 years old, and have completed the online scholarship application.

  • Suzanne Seamans Memorial Scholarship*

To be eligible for the Suzanne Marie Seamans Memorial Scholarship, candidates must be female adult learners enrolled or planning to enroll part-time in an undergraduate program at a Penn State campus/college other than University Park. *Eligible students will be invited to apply for this scholarship.

(Penn State employees receiving the educational benefit are not eligible for these scholarships.)

For more general information regarding these scholarship opportunities and the criteria for eligibility, contact the Office of Student Aid for World Campus and Continuing Education by email at studentaid@psu.edu or by phone at 800-252-3592.

General and Outside Adult Learner Scholarships

The Penn State Office of Student Aid website lists numerous resources for finding scholarships. On that page you can find information on specific Penn State scholarships and on finding a scholarship. There are also numerous scholarship search websites that can help you find scholarship opportunities.

General Adult Learner Scholarships

AFCEA Scholarship for Working Professionals
This scholarship provides $1,500 to students pursuing an undergraduate degree while employed in science and technology disciplines directly related to the mission of AFCEA. Candidates must be at least second-year students attending an accredited college or university in the United States. The scholarship is intended for students attending school on a part-time basis, whether at a two-year community college or a four-year institution. Part-time status is defined as enrollment in at least two courses per semester, with a declared major in a science or technology degree program. 

Destiny Solutions — Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship
Destiny Solutions offers two scholarships each year, in honor of Dr. Mary Cone Barrie, to nontraditional students enrolled in distance and continuing education, living in the United States or Canada. You can find more information and the scholarship application on the Destiny Solutions website.

Scholarships for Pennsylvania Residents

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers various special programs and scholarships to Pennsylvania residents. For more information and how to apply, visit the PHEAA website.

Aid for Veterans and National Guard Members
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) have always considered service to any of the U.S. armed forces as service directly to the Commonwealth. Service to our country may qualify you for financial assistance in pursuing higher education through any of the programs that apply to your situation.

New Economy Technology Scholarship
The SciTech Scholarship and the Technology Scholarship are both awarded through the New Economy Technology Scholarship (NETS) program. These scholarships make financial aid available to undergraduates studying in approved science or technology fields. These scholarships are not based on financial need. First priority for awarding funds under this program is given to renewal applicants; thereafter, funds under this program are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible.

Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH)
PHEAA is committed to providing as many sources of money for higher education as possible. Equally dedicated partners throughout the Commonwealth have joined PHEAA’s efforts. The PHEAA PATH program offers qualified students additional financial aid via educational grants. To be eligible for a PATH grant, you must first be awarded a scholarship or grant by a participating PHEAA PATH partner.

Pennsylvania Loan Forgiveness
Loan forgiveness programs encourage students to pursue education that will lead to employment in specific occupations, by forgiving part or all their educational loans provided they fulfill certain work-related requirements. Loan “forgiveness” does not magically erase debt. It is a program through which an organization or company makes a payment on your loan (if you meet certain requirements).

Scholarships for Women

AAUW Scholarship Application
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) State College Branch is seeking applicants for four undergraduate scholarships. Visit the AAUW’s website for eligibility requirements, scholarship information, an application, and deadlines.

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Program
The ASIST program offers scholarships at local chapter areas to help adult students during transitional periods in their life, such as going back to school.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation Grants
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards grants to low-income women over the age of 35 who have a vision of how their education will benefit themselves, their families, and their communities.

Linda Lael Miller Scholarships
Women 25 years and older that may not qualify for other scholarship opportunities are encouraged to apply for the Linda Lael Miller Scholarship for Women.

Soroptimist's Women's Opportunity Awards (PDF download)
The Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award is given to women who provide the main financial support to her family and who have been accepted into, or are already attending, a vocational/skills training program or undergraduate degree program.

Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund 
Women living in the United State or Canada who have earned their high school diploma or GED by September 2001, plan to enroll part- or full-time for both fall and spring semesters in an undergraduate degree program, and meet the other eligibility requirements, are encouraged to apply for the Talbots Scholarship.

Other Available Scholarships

The Office of Student Aid also offers information about and links to scholarship search engines.