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Penn State Discover Award

Learn the details about the Penn State Discover Award available at our Commonwealth Campuses.

The Penn State Discover Award is awarded annually to first-time, first-year domestic students who enroll at a Penn State campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus for both the fall and spring semester immediately following their high school graduation. Undergraduate Transfer students who have attempted a minimum of 18 credits after high-school and enroll in a degree program that can be completed at a Penn State campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World campus are also eligible to receive a Penn State Discover Award. 
 

General Award Information

 

  • First-year students that have a demonstrated financial need may qualify for an additional need-based Penn State Discover award. Transfer students are not eligible for the need-based award. To be considered for the need-based award, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1st.
  • The Penn State Discover Award is awarded for full academic years (one-half for the fall semester and one-half for the spring semester). 
  • The Penn State Discover Award is not available for summer semester(s) enrollment. 
  • The Penn State Discover Award is not available to students enrolled at Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus. 
Student Type Award Amount Total Value of Discover Award Eligible for additional need-based award?
First-Year Baccalaureate (four-year degree) $6,000 per academic year (up to 8 semesters continuously enrolled) $24,000 (four-year value) Yes
First-Year Associate (two-year degree) $6,000 per academic year (up to 4 semesters continuously enrolled) $12,000 (two-year value) Yes
Transfer Baccalaureate (four-year degree) $6,500 per academic year (up to 6 semesters continuously enrolled) $19,500 (three-year value) No
Transfer Student Associate (two-year degree) $6,000 per academic year (up to 4 semesters continuously enrolled) $12,000 (two-year value) No

Eligibility Information

  • All admitted undergraduate first-year students that are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents, excluding residents of Pennsylvania, will be automatically reviewed for the Penn State Discover Award through May 1 of each calendar year.
  • All admitted undergraduate transfer students from Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia will be automatically reviewed for the Penn State Discover Award through June 1 of each calendar year.
  • Recipients must be enrolled at one of the 19 Penn State campuses other than Penn State University Park and Penn State World campus. 
  • Penn State Discover Awards are awarded based on the information submitted in your application for admission. Your ACT and SAT scores are not required for award eligibility. 
  • Changes in program, residency, demonstrated financial need, or campus may result in a scholarship amount adjustment.  
  • The Penn State Discover Award cannot be combined with the Provost Award
  • Qualifying transfer students must be undergraduate students who have attempted a minimum of 18 credits after high school graduation or another accredited college or university.

Renewal Criteria

Students must meet the following requirements for renewal each year:

  • Maintain enrollment at a Penn State campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus.
  • Be in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0) at the end of the spring semester of each academic year.
  • Complete successfully (students must pass the courses) a minimum of 24 credits each year.
     

At any time during the academic year your award will be canceled if:

  • You change your campus to Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus. 
  • You receive the University grant-in-aid discount as the child of a Penn State employee.
  • You are reclassified as a Pennsylvania resident for tuition purposes.

FAQ

Where can I find a full snapshot of my financial aid summary?

Starting in early April, you’ll be able to view your entire financial aid award offer by logging into the MyPennState Portal. Visit the Office of Student Aid web page for detailed instructions on how to access this information.

Are there additional opportunities to earn more aid as part of the Penn State Discover Award?

Yes. Some students qualify for need-based aid that is awarded in addition to the merit-based award amounts. To be considered for additional aid opportunities, please file the FAFSA by May 1. If you’ve already filed your FAFSA, no additional action is needed. Any funds you’ve earned through RaiseMe micro-scholarships will be included in the scholarship you are offered. They are not added on top of any merit and need based scholarship amount.  

What if my residency status changes?

Changing your status from nonresident to resident will result in the adjustment of cost of attendance, scholarship, and financial aid amounts. Please be aware that after your scholarship is either adjusted or canceled, you will be responsible for payment of any resulting charges on your student account. 

What if my tuition status changes?

Changing your campus or tuition classification will result in adjustments to your cost of attendance, scholarship, and financial aid amounts.

What if I choose a World Campus major?

Students enrolled at the Penn State World Campus are ineligible for the Penn State Discover Award. 

What can I do if I'm not meeting renewal criteria?

If you are not meeting renewal criteria, we urge you to take advantage of the academic resources and support that is available at your campus. Students who did not meet renewal criteria have a one-time opportunity to appeal the cancellation of their award. Reinstatement through the appeal process is not a guarantee.  


Questions?

If you have more questions regarding the Penn State Discover Award, please contact the campus to which you have been admitted or your campus of interest. View the full campus list.

Penn State Discover Award Questions?

If you have more questions regarding the Penn State Discover Award, please contact the campus to which you have been admitted or your campus of interest

Penn State Campuses