Frequently Asked Questions
Before submitting
I submitted a scholarship application last year, do I have to submit another one this year?
Yes.
If I received a scholarship last year, will I receive one again this year?
You will need to re-apply for the scholarship each year.
Do I need to apply for each scholarship that I want to be considered for?
Only one application form is necessary for the majority of our scholarships.
The Office of Veterans Programs administers several scholarships for student veterans, actively serving military members, and military dependents and Student Disability Resources administers scholarships for students with disabilities all of which must be applied for separately.
If I filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) last year, do I have to file another one this year?
Yes, you must submit a new FAFSA each year.
Do I need to submit the FAFSA prior to completing the scholarship application?
The FAFSA and Educational Equity scholarship application do not need to be submitted at the same time. The important thing is that both documents are filled out before the University's May 1 deadline.
My financial need is not very high. Why should I apply?
Not all scholarships are based on financial need. Some are based on academic performance and other criteria only. We encourage all students to apply!
I am an international student. Can I still apply and do I need to document financial need?
Yes, you can still apply. However, only students (or their parents who claim them as a dependent) who file a U.S. tax return are able to complete the FAFSA form. Since not all scholarships require financial need, we encourage all students to apply.
What kinds of scholarships are available in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity?
A list of Educational Equity scholarships with specific eligibility requirements is available along with specific scholarships administered through the Office of Veterans Programs and Student Disability Resources.
After submitting
Can I make changes to my application after it is submitted?
Yes, you can make changes to your application up until the application deadline. When you access the application (login required) after having initially submitted it, you will be provided with a link to edit your application.
After I submit my application, what happens next?
Current Penn State students will receive a confirmation email sent to their Penn State email address.
Prospective and incoming students will receive a confirmation email to the email address they provide as part of the application process.
I am having trouble accessing my PSU email address, what do I do?
You need to have completed New Student Orientation (NSO) before you can access your Penn State email address. If you have completed NSO or are a currently enrolled student, please contact the Penn State IT Help Desk for assistance.
When will I know if I received a scholarship or not?
Recipients of a scholarship will be notified via email by July 20. If a scholarship is awarded during the academic year, recipients will be notified at the time it is awarded.
Only students who have received awards are notified.
Who makes the scholarship awarding decisions?
The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity Scholarship Committee makes award determinations for the majority of scholarships. The committee is led by Kelli Canonge, Director of Talent Search Programs, and includes representatives from Student Disability Resources, the Office of Veteran Programs, the Office of Scholars Programs, and the TRIO programs. Administrative support for the committee is provided by Daniela Saraka.
For question, please contact the committee at equityscholarships@psu.edu.
I am graduating in December. Can I still apply?
Yes. Students graduating in December are eligible to apply. Please note only half of the total scholarship amount will be awarded for fall semester.
I have just been notified that I received a scholarship. What is the next step?
Follow the instructions in your notification letter. If you have any additional questions or concerns, send them to equityscholarships@psu.edu.