Scholarship Opportunities at Penn State Berks

At Penn State Berks, we are happy to offer a number of different scholarships to our current students and to incoming students.

Scholarships for first-year students

First-year students offered admission to Penn State Berks are automatically considered for merit-based and other new student awards from the University. For the best chance of receiving an incoming student award, we strongly recommend that first-year students have their admissions application completed and submitted with all supporting materials by November 1 (Early Action) and also have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submitted as soon as possible (based on when the FAFSA is open each academic year).

First-year scholarships and awards are selected based on a review of academic credentials shown in the admission application, along with other factors. Students do not apply for these scholarships.

If a student is awarded a Berks merit scholarship, the student will be emailed at the email address on file in their Admissions application.

Scholarships for transfer students

Penn State Berks has several transfer student scholarships and award opportunities with The Reading Area Community College (RACC).

Students transferring to Penn State Berks from any Pennsylvania community college are encouraged to participate in Penn State's "Raise Me Transfer" scholarship program, which you can learn about online »

For more details about these opportunities, please contact Bradley Simko at bsimko@psu.edu or 610-396-6465

Scholarship eligibility requirements for returning Penn State Berks students

Current students who would like to be considered for Berks returning student scholarships must submit an application and complete a FAFSA for the next academic year. The Penn State Berks Returning Student Scholarship Application is emailed to all Berks students' Penn State email addresses and announced via the Penn State Berks Financial Aid Instagram and Stall Stories in March each year. The application must be submitted for consideration by May 1. Students selected to receive a Returning Student Scholarship will be notified through their Penn State email in June or July.

Annual awards are made from a variety of funds, typically ranging in amount from $1,250 to $1,500. Awards are based upon demonstrated academic performance and financial need. Most campus-specific scholarships are not automatically renewable. Students will be considered each year.

To be considered for a Penn State Berks scholarship, current students must:

  • Have an up-to-date FAFSA on file
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher at the end of the spring semester
  • Be returning to Penn State Berks for at least the fall semester

Additional Penn State Berks scholarship opportunities

Penn State Berks also has additional scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in the following academic programs:

  • Early Elementary and Childhood Education
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering