Countless college scholarships in Pennsylvania are earmarked specifically for Commonwealth residents to relieve mounting tuition bills.
As America’s ninth most densely populated state, Pennsylvania attracts students with its:
- history
- four-season climate
- beautiful landmarks like Presque Isle State Park
The Quaker State also has one of the Northeast’s most diverse higher education landscapes with 64 public and 109 private options. Pennsylvania hosts:
- small liberal arts schools like Bryn Mawr College
- Catholic institutions like Duquesne University
- tech-oriented colleges like Carnegie Mellon University
- big research headquarters like the University of Pittsburgh
Since being founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania has become the eighth best national college according to the USNWR.
Gain the financial footing to afford your dream school with these Pennsylvania scholarships.
Ranking the Top Scholarships in PA
1. Aviation Council of Pennsylvania Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
The Aviation Council of Pennsylvania provides several scholarships for $500 to $2,000 to support students studying:
- aviation management
- avionics
- aerospace engineering
- aviation technology
- other flight-related fields
General guidelines require:
- residing in Pennsylvania
- attending an accredited college or flight school
- presenting clear aviation career goals
The Professional Pilot Scholarship also requires a student pilot certificate and experience flying solo.
Contact
Aviation Council of Pennsylvania Scholarships
3915 Union Deposit Road
P.O. Box 935
Harrisburg, PA 17109
(717) 850-0227
scholarship@acpfly.com
2. Bishop David Zubik Scholarships
Deadline: April 18th
The Bishop David Zubik Scholarships are awarded through Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. The $1,000 award is for Catholic high school students in ninth to 11th grade. Eligible applicants must have participated in at least one volunteer-led JA program in the dioceses of:
- Altoona
- Erie
- Greensburg
- Johnstown
- Pittsburgh
Applications must include:
- a transcript
- teacher recommendation
- Federal 1040 form
- 400-word essay highlighting how JA influenced their future.
Contact
Bishop David Zubik Scholarships
One Allegheny Center Suite 430
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 208-4747 ext. 111
jminsterman@jawesternpa.org
3. Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 20th
The Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship is named for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ late coach who led the team to its first Stanley Cup in 1991. It grants $5,000 annually to outstanding athletes showing on-ice hustle and good sportsmanship across Western Pennsylvania. College-bound high school seniors must be continuing their hockey and academic careers in an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Selection is based upon:
- leadership
- teamwork
- community involvement
- scholastic achievement.
Contact
Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship
1001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 642-1842
4. David A. Long Scholarship Fund
Deadline: January 10th
The Pennsylvania Section of the American Water Works Association offers the David A. Long Scholarship Fund. It awards $2,000 yearly. College juniors, seniors, and graduate students may apply. They must be attending an accredited four-year Pennsylvania college to pursue careers in the state’s drinking water industry. Acceptable majors include:
- water resources engineering
- hydrology
- biology
- chemistry
- business administration
- environmental science.
Contact
David A. Long Scholarship Fund
1309 Bridge Street Box D
New Cumberland, PA 17070
(717) 774-8870
nancydinger@paawwa.org
5. Doreen Dew Kauffman Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania offers the Doreen Dew Kauffman Scholarship for $1,000. It’s for high school seniors or current college students who exhibit genuine interest in garden cultivation. Residing in Pennsylvania is required.However, recipients may attend any U.S. university with majors in:
- agriculture
- horticulture
- floriculture
- landscape architecture
- botany
- forestry plant pathology
- allied fields
Students could also receive the Dorothy A. Hermani Scholarship.
Contact
Doreen Dew Kauffman Scholarship
2359 Hillside Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 323-2180
gdapp@comcast.net
6. Ernst R. Behrend Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 15th
The Erie Community Foundation hosts the Ernst R. Behrend Scholarship Program. It annually presents $2,000 to $8,000 for graduating high school seniors from Pennsylvania’s Erie County. Eligibility criteria mandates:
- being accepted into an accredited college
- holding a minimum 3.3 GPA
- scoring at least 1650 on the SAT (2400 scale)
- having financial need with a combined family income below $80,000.
First priority is given to lineal descendants of Behrend’s Hammermill Paper Company.
Contact
Ernst R. Behrend Scholarship Program
459 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 454-0843
mobrien@eriecommunityfoundation.org
7. Florence Grady-Fasick Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 30th
The Florence Grady-Fasick Scholarship Fund is administered by the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania. It divides $10,000 among five deserving nursing students each year. To qualify, candidates must:
- attend a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing school in Pennsylvania
- have completed their first semester
- maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- exhibit commitment to the healthcare profession
Recipients must “pay their gratitude forward” with volunteer service to the NFP.
Contact
Florence Grady-Fasick Scholarship Fund
3605 Vartan Way Suite 204
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 827-4369
info@theNFP.org
8. Glenn and Goldie Clark Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
The Glenn and Goldie Clark Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to high school and home study seniors in Mercer County. They must be planning to enter an accredited in-state college within two years of graduation. The Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH will choose applicants seeking environment-oriented majors, including:
- forestry
- wildlife management
- conservation
- ecology
Other Pennsylvania scholarships include the Louis Colella Music Scholarship and Steven Chavara Scholarship.
Contact
Glenn and Goldie Clark Scholarship
7 West State Street Suite 301
Sharon, PA 16146
(724) 981-5882
linda@comm-foundation.org
9. Harrisburg Chapter PSPE Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
The Harrisburg Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers offers one $1,000 scholarship annually. Eligible are undergraduate students from the counties of:
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Franklin
- Lebanon
- Juniata
- Perry
Ideal recipients will:
- be first-time freshmen
- attend ABET-accredited engineering schools in Pennsylvania
- achieve a minimum 3.6 GPA
- score at least 700 on the SAT Math section
- exhibit gifted problem-solving skills
Upperclassmen should pursue the PSPE’s $2,000 Faber Scholarship.
Contact
Harrisburg Chapter PSPE Scholarship
908 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 1712
(717) 441-6051
jennifer@wannerassoc.com
10. Jody Loudenslager Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: May 9th
The Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association picks two college-bound high school seniors to receive $1,000 Jody Loudenslager Memorial Scholarships for higher learning. The only requirement for Keystone State residents is participating in the PREA Youth Tour. Submit the online application with:
- an official transcript
- ACT/SAT scores
- FAFSA form for expected family contribution
Five additional scholarships in Pennsylvania are presented in memory of William F. Matson.
Contact
Jody Loudenslager Memorial Scholarships
P.O. Box 1266
Harrisburg, PA 17108
(717) 233-5704
scholarships@prea.com
11. John Apple Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 11th
The John Apple Swim Fund honors his 50-year coaching career motivating hundreds of athletes. This $1,000 scholarship is given annually to graduating high school seniors from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Qualified applicants must:
- participate on the varsity swimming team
- display good sportsmanship
- exhibit leadership outside the pool
- be accepted at an accredited U.S. college
- possess a minimum B average
- submit a coach’s letter of recommendation.
Contact
John Apple Memorial Scholarship
487 Letort Road
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 872-6445
info@johnappleswimfund.org
12. Mary Ravita Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
The Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development offers the Mary Ravita Memorial Scholarship. It’s for $2,000 to $3,000. It’s to support education majors pursuing state teaching certification at the elementary, middle, or secondary level. To qualify, aspiring educators must:
- reside in Pennsylvania
- maintain full-time enrollment with 12+ credits
- attain at least sophomore standing
- have classroom experience
The six-page application requires:
- an unofficial transcript
- faculty recommendation
- W2 forms.
Contact
Mary Ravita Memorial Scholarship
3640 Old Oakdale Road
McDonald, PA 15057
(412) 221-4542 ext. 603
PASCDscholarship@gmail.com
13. Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 2nd
Created by Troop 185, the Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship Fund is managed under the Philadelphia Foundation. It awards $1,000 to worthy Boy Scouts who are pursuing higher education. Applications are accepted from the Pennsylvania counties of:
- Bucks
- Chester
- Delaware
- Montgomery
- Philadelphia
Interested candidates must:
- have attained the Eagle rank
- have 5+ years of scouting experience
- display outstanding leadership
- exemplify the ideals of the Boy Scouts.
Contact
Mervyn Sluizer Jr. Scholarship Fund
1234 Market Street Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 563-6417
scholarships@philafound.org
14. Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program
Deadline: May 1st
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency funds the Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP). It’s to encourage vocational training in high-demand areas of:
- energy
- advanced materials and diversified manufacturing
- agriculture and food production
The need-based scholarship provides up to $4,340, or 75 percent of tuition. Eligible Pennsylvania residents must:
- hold a high school diploma or GED
- pursue an approved program lasting from 10 weeks to two years
- not have been incarcerated.
Contact
Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program
1200 North 7th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(800) 692-7392
patip@pheaa.org
15. Phillip Donley Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 1st
The Phillip Donley Scholarship Award is distributed by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society. The $2,000 award honors the pioneer who developed the nation’s first co-ed training program. Eligible nominees must:
- be pursuing a CAATE-accredited degree in the Commonwealth
- have PATS membership for 6+ months
- be involved in intercollegiate athletics
- distinguish oneself through clinical service initiatives outside the classroom
Another Pennsylvania scholarship is the Richard M. Burkholder Student Scholarship.
Contact
Phillip Donley Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 2164
Boothwyn, PA 19061
(610) 496-4192
president@gopats.org
16. Richard G. Bickel, FAICP Scholarships
Deadline: April 30th
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association offers two Richard G. Bickel, FAICP Scholarships annually. They’re for $1,000 each. Eligible are undergraduate or graduate students pursuing in-state degrees recognized by the Planning Accreditation Board. These are for planning majors at:
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- the University of Pennsylvania
Applicants must write a maximum three-page narrative illustrating their dedication to “making great communities happen.”
Contact
Richard G. Bickel, FAICP Scholarships
587 James Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 671-4510
sshermer@shermer-assoc.com
17. Robert T. Zaleski Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: June 1st
The Pennsylvania Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals offers one $2,000 and two $1,000 Robert T. Zaleski Memorial Scholarships per year. Suitable applicants are Commonwealth residents who are matriculated as full-time undergraduates. They must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and over 60 credit hours completed in accounting majors. The competitive scholarships are awarded based on:
- academic achievement
- leadership capacity
- professional involvement
- CPA potential.
Contact
Robert T. Zaleski Memorial Scholarships
20 Erford Road Suite 200A
Lemoyne, PA 17043
(800) 270-3352
info@pstap.org
18. Speedwell Study Abroad Scholarship
Deadline: January 19th
The American Field Service used a generous donation from Jenny and Mike Messner to establish the Speedwell Study Abroad Scholarship. Chosen Central Pennsylvanians will receive full program fee coverage for year-long study abroad programs. These must be in non-English speaking nations. Applicants must live or attend school in the Susquehanna Valley, including the counties of:
- Cumberland
- Lebanon
- Juniata
- Schuylkill
- Clinton
- Mifflin
However, no foreign language experience is necessary to apply.
Contact
Speedwell Study Abroad Scholarship
120 Wall Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(800) 237-4636 ext. 1
scholarships@afsusa.org
19. Teresa Spatara Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 25th
Male and female student members of the Pennsylvania Women’s Press Association can apply for the $1,500 Teresa Spatara Memorial Scholarship. It’s designed to financially support Pennsylvania residents who are classified as juniors, seniors, or graduate students. They must be journalism majors at in-state universities. Applications must include:
- a resume or cover letter
- college transcript
- financial need statement
- clippings of published work
- a 500-word essay outlining career aspirations in the newspaper industry.
Contact
Teresa Spatara Memorial Scholarship
400 Fair Avenue
Beaver, PA 15009
(724) 775-3200 ext. 139
pwpa1937@gmail.com
20. William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
The William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship assists deserving college-age children and grandchildren of life benefit members. Eligibility criteria requires:
- finishing a high school diploma or GED
- matriculating full-time at an accredited university this Fall
- showing a cumulative GPA above 2.5
- demonstrating unmet financial need
Applicants must pen a short 100-word essay addressing “Where do you want to be in 10 years?”
Contact
William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship
709 Brighton Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
(800) 848-7366 ext. 128
mkelly@williampennassociation.org
Worrying about soaring tuition is enough to make your ears ring like the Liberty Bell. College certainly isn’t cheap in Pennsylvania with an average yearly cost of $11,559 in-state and $23,225 out-of-state. Figures can rise drastically higher at elite private schools too. For instance, Bucknell University charged a comprehensive fee of $51,676 for the 2016-17 academic year. Pennsylvanians shouldn’t be discouraged though, because the Keystone State has plentiful financial aid resources to unlock. These 20 great college scholarships in PA can remove monetary obstacles to your higher education goals.
GCD Staff
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