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Scholarships
Pennsylvania scholarships: Free money for students
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Scholarships for Pennsylvania
Featured
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 6/30/26
$2,000
Region 4 Dr. Barbara Wright Scholarship
Due: 9/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,000
The Region 4 Dr. Barbara Wright Scholarship will be awarded to a registered nurse who is a NJSNA Region 4 member (minimum of one year) and/or a nursing student who lives in Region 4 and is enrolled in a nursing education program at one of the following levels: Entry Level RN (Diploma, Associates, or Baccalaureate); RN to BSN; Master's in Nursing; Post Master's; and Doctorate in Nursing. Applicants must have current membership in NJSNA Region 4. Applicants enrolled in a pre-licensure entry level program are exempt; however, they must reside in Region 4 or be enrolled in a Nursing Program located in Region 4 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, or Bucks PA Counties). Applicants must submit two letters of reference that address their academic achievement or potential. The Dean or Program Director of the Nursing Program must complete the second part of the application. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$4,400
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship for medical students who are residents of Lycoming County. This scholarship is made possible by contributions from Lycoming County physicians. The county's medical society established the scholarship within The Foundation. Applicants must be a resident of Lycoming County for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school in Pennsylvania. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a fully accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school within the United States. Applicants cannot be a recipient of the Lycoming County Medical Society Scholarship in the immediate prior year of this application. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. A personal interview is not required; however, it may be requested. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,600
The Scott A. Gunder, MD, DCMS Presidential Scholarship is awarded to a second-year medical student at Penn State College of Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The scholarship was established by the Dauphin County Medical Society in honor of Dr. Gunder. It will serve as recognition of all Dauphin County Medical Society presidents who dedicate their time to the betterment of the society, as Dr. Gunder had done. Applicants must be a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months before registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school in Pennsylvania. They must be a second-year medical student. Applicants must also be a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and county medical society. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. A personal interview is not required; however, it may be requested. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Blair County Medical Society Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Blair County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship for medical students who reside in Blair County. This scholarship is made possible by a contribution from the Blair County Medical Society which established the fund within The Foundation to assist local students with the cost of attending a U.S. medical school. Applicants must be a resident of Blair County in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school in Pennsylvania. Applicants must be enrolled in a fully accredited United States medical school. Applicants must be enrolled in or entering their second, third, or fourth year of medical school. Applicants cannot be a past recipient of the Blair County Medical Society Scholarship. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a physician. One letter must be from either a medical school professor or physician. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Montgomery County Medical Society - William W. Lander, MD, Medical Student Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
Through The Foundation, Montgomery County Medical Society will award scholarships to qualified medical students in memory of William W. Lander MD. The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer this scholarship for medical students who are residents of Montgomery County. This scholarship is made possible by contributions from Montgomery County Medical Society and physicians. Applicants must be a resident of Montgomery County in the state of Pennsylvania at the time of high school graduation or for at least four years prior to registering as a medical student. Applicants must be enrolled in a fully accredited United States medical school. Applicants must be enrolled in or entering their first year of medical school. Applicants must submit one reference letter, from a non-family member, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a physician. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Lehigh County Medical Auxiliary's Scholarship and Educational Fund
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,400
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the LeCoMASE Fund Scholarship for medical students who are residents of Lehigh County. This scholarship is made possible by contributions from the Lehigh County Medical Auxiliary's Scholarship and Educational Fund. Applicants must be a resident of Lehigh County in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school. Applicants must be enrolled in a fully accredited United States medical school. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. One reference letter must be from either a medical school professor or a physician. Finalists may be called for a personal interview by the committee. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Myrtle Siegfried, MD, and Michael Vigilante, MD, Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,500
Established in 1999, the Myrtle Siegfried, MD, and Michael Vigilante, MD Scholarship is awarded to a qualified first-year medical student residing in eligible counties in Pennsylvania. The scholarship was made possible through a memorial contribution from Mrs. Elena Pascal, Foundation trustee, and her sister, Mrs. Carla Vigilante, in honor of their parents, Drs. Siegfried and Vigilante, who practiced medicine in Allentown for more than 50 years. Applicants must be a resident of eligible counties in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student. Applicants must be entering their first year of medical school and be enrolled in a fully accredited United States medical school. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Dr. Satish and Rupal Shah Family Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,400
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Dr. Satish and Rupal Shah Family Scholarship for a medical student attending Penn State College of Medicine. This scholarship was established in 2022 and is made possible by contributions received from Dr. Satish and Rupal Shah in honor and memory of their parents Amratlal and Chandraknta Shah. Applicants must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school. Preference will be given to residents of Central Pennsylvania. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. At least one reference letter must be from either a medical school professor or physician. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$4,000
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to administer the Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship for medical students who reside in Allegheny County. This scholarship is made possible by contributions from the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation, which established the fund within The Foundation to assist local students with the cost of attending a fully accredited Pennsylvania medical school. Applicants must be a resident of Allegheny County in the state of Pennsylvania for at least 12 months prior to registering as a medical student, not including time spent attending an undergraduate or graduate school in Pennsylvania. Applicants must be enrolled in or entering their third or fourth year of medical school. Applicants cannot be a past recipient of the Allegheny County Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship. Applicants must submit two reference letters, from persons other than family members, documenting the applicant's integrity, interpersonal skills, and potential as a future physician. One reference letter must be from either a medical school professor or a physician. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for more information.
Key things to know about Pennsylvania scholarships
- Pennsylvania students should look at grants and scholarships together. State grant programs can be some of the biggest sources of aid in Pennsylvania, so don't limit your search to scholarships.
- Some Pennsylvania aid is tied to in-state enrollment. That can matter if you’re looking at Penn State, Temple University, Pitt, PASSHE schools, or community colleges in the state.
- FAFSA® is a major starting point. State grant and scholarship processes often depend on filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and completing follow-up items on time.
- There are statewide, local, and city-based opportunities. Pennsylvania students can find aid through the state, colleges, local foundations, and place-based programs like Pittsburgh Promise.
- You can find opportunties beyond freshman year of college. Continuing students, transfer students, and trade or technical students can still find meaningful aid in Pennsylvania.
If you’re searching for Pennsylvania scholarships it helps to separate true scholarships from grants and then use both.
That approach matters because aid can be the difference between enrolling and stopping out. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.
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What are Pennsylvania scholarships?
Pennsylvania scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, technical training, or sometimes graduate school. They can come from colleges, nonprofit groups, the state, employers, and regional organizations.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds generally don't need to be repaid. Pennsylvania scholarships may be based on:
- Academic achievement
- Financial need
- Community service or leadership
- Intended major or career path
- Pennsylvania residency
- Place-based eligibility
- Personal background or life experience
What scholarships are available?
A good Pennsylvania scholarship search usually includes college scholarships, local scholarships, and private awards, alongside state grant programs. Scholly Scholarships can help you find both statewide and national options that fit your profile.
Here are some well-known Pennsylvania scholarships to explore:
Ready to Succeed Scholarship
The Ready to Succeed Scholarship is a Pennsylvania program for high-achieving students who meet income rules and attend a participating institution. This is one of the stronger scholarship-style state programs for students who match both the academic and financial criteria..
Horatio Alger Pennsylvania Scholarship
The Horatio Alger Pennsylvania Scholarship is part of a larger scholarship network focused on students who have shown perseverance in the face of adversity and have financial need. It can be a strong option for Pennsylvania high school students who have a compelling personal story and solid academic promise.
Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship
The Pittsburgh Promise supports eligible Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates with scholarship funding for college, trade school, or technical school. It's one of the best-known local scholarship programs in Pennsylvania.
College and university scholarships in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania colleges also offer institutional scholarships, and these can add up fast. At schools like Penn State, Temple University, and West Chester University, students may find merit awards, departmental scholarships, honors funding, and donor-supported aid.
Community colleges and PASSHE universities can also have local foundation scholarships that are worth checking each year.
Local and community scholarships in PA
Local awards are still one of the best ways to build a Pennsylvania scholarship list.
- Regional foundations
- School district and county scholarships
- Employer-sponsored awards
- Civic and community organizations
- Faith-based and identity-based scholarship programs
Additional financial aid resources
Pennsylvania State Grant Program
The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a state grant that helps eligible Pennsylvania residents pay for undergraduate education. It is one of the main forms of aid students in Pennsylvania should review, and it starts with FAFSA® plus any required state grant follow-up items.
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program helps in-state students prepare for in-demand occupations in Pennsylvania. It is a grant program, not a traditional scholarship, but it belongs on your list because it can be a major source of aid for eligible students in approved fields.
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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply to Pennsylvania scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid. For step-by-step help check our FAFSA® guide.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
For Pennsylvania students, it’s also smart to watch your PHEAA and school accounts for follow-up steps. Scholly® Easy Apply can also help you move faster on outside scholarships.
What are the eligibility requirements for PA scholarships?
Pennsylvania scholarships and grants vary, but many ask for a mix of the following:
- Pennsylvania residency
- FAFSA® filing and on-time follow-up
- Enrollment at an eligible institution
- Minimum GPA or academic standing
- Financial need for need-based programs
- A qualifying major or career track for some awards
- Community service, leadership, or local eligibility
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Don’t ignore grants because they aren’t labeled scholarships. In Pennsylvania, grant programs can be some of the biggest awards available.
- Keep applying after senior year. College students, transfer students, and adult learners can still qualify for aid.
- Ask your college how nomination-based programs work. Some awards, like Ready to Succeed, may require school nomination instead of a direct student application.
- Use local programs to your advantage. Pittsburgh-area and county-based scholarships can be less competitive than national awards.
- File FAFSA® early and finish the process. State grant programs often need more than just the initial form.
More scholarship resources
Pennsylvania students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
Pennsylvania students usually do best when they build a full aid strategy that includes scholarships, grants, and school-based aid.
Start early, stay on top of FAFSA®, and apply to a mix of statewide, local, and campus-based options. That gives you more ways to make college or career training affordable.
To keep your options open, pair state-specific programs with quick-apply options like Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.
FAQs about Pennsylvania scholarships
What scholarships are available for Pennsylvania students?
Pennsylvania students can look at programs such as the Ready to Succeed Scholarship, the Horatio Alger Pennsylvania Scholarship, Pittsburgh Promise, local scholarships, and institutional scholarships from colleges across the state. They should also review the Pennsylvania State Grant Program and Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program.
What is the Pennsylvania State Grant Program?
It's a state grant program that helps eligible Pennsylvania residents pay for undergraduate education. It usually starts with FAFSA® and then any additional state grant steps required through PHEAA.
Are there scholarships for PA high school seniors?
Yes. Many Pennsylvania scholarships are open to high school seniors, including statewide, local, and college-based options.
Can Pennsylvania students get scholarships for out-of-state colleges?
Sometimes, yes. Private scholarships may be usable out of state, but many Pennsylvania state aid programs are tied to in-state rules or approved institutions.
Do Pennsylvania scholarships require FAFSA®?
Many do, especially state aid and school-based need aid. Filing FAFSA® is one of the most important early steps.
Are there scholarships for students attending Pennsylvania state colleges and universities?
Yes. Students at Penn State, Temple University, PASSHE universities such as West Chester University, and other Pennsylvania schools may qualify for institutional scholarships and state aid.
When should Pennsylvania students start applying for scholarships?
Start as early as junior year if possible. Seniors should begin in the summer or early fall, and current college students should keep applying each year.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for Pennsylvania students?
Yes. Some scholarship platforms and national programs offer quick-entry or no-essay options. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and No Essay Scholarship options can help you find them.
What is the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program?
It's a Pennsylvania grant program that helps students preparing for approved in-demand occupations in the state. It's not a traditional private scholarship, but it can be an important source of aid.
Can Pennsylvania trade school students get scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships and local programs can be used for trade, technical, or certificate study, depending on the school and the award.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
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