We know families carefully consider the value of the investments they make, and education is no exception. Penn State New Kensington prides itself in partnering with students and families to help meet their needs, from academics to student engagement and affordability. There are many University-wide awards and scholarships, as well as New Kensington-specific scholarships, that help make a Penn State New Kensington education affordable. 

  •  90% of Penn State New Kensington students receive some form of financial aid. 
  •  In 2023, Penn State New Kensington awarded $309,354 out of its Endowments and Trustee accounts to 263 students. 
  •  With other University-wide scholarships and awards given, over 400 students received awards totaling over $1,600,000.

Scholarships Without an Application:

Students are considered automatically for campus-based and general University-Wide Scholarships, i.e. scholarships available to all students without regard to campus or college. Decisions are based on the performance information collected from admission applications or current Penn State academic records.

Most scholarships are merit and need-based. To be considered for scholarships that require financial need, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive maximum consideration for all forms of student aid, Penn State recommends certain completion dates.

  • First year students recommended completion date for academic year 2024-2025 is February 15.
  • Returning students recommended completion date is April 15 each year.

The Discover Penn State Award is for out of state students. The Discover Award will follow students to another commonwealth campus for completion of their degree, but not to University Park or World Campus.

  • 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 will be considered for the Discover Award. 

    • First-year students that have a demonstrated financial need may qualify for an additional need-based Penn State Discover award. 
    • First-year student award is $6,000 per academic year (up to 8 semesters continuously enrolled). 
  • Undergraduate Transfer students from Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, who have attempted a minimum of 18 credits after high school, will be automatically reviewed for the Penn State Discover Award through June 1 of each calendar year.
    • They must be enrolled 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. 
    • Baccalaureate Transfer students award is $6,500 per academic year (up to 6 semesters continuously enrolled)
    • Associate Transfer students ward is $6,000 (up to 4 semesters continuously enrolled) are not eligible for the additional need-based award. 

University Wide Scholarships All Students who are offered admission and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to Penn State are considered for scholarships awarded by the Office of Student Aid.  Award values range from $1,500 to $3,200, with some being renewable.

Scholarships With an Application:

Academic College Scholarships Award values range from $700 to $4,000 per academic year. Awarding for both first-year and continuing students usually begins as early as December and continues throughout the year. Scholarship funds for first-year students are limited for some academic colleges.

Administrative Unit Scholarships Some scholarships are offered by Penn State administrative areas such as Educational Abroad, Student Affairs, and University Libraries.

Adult Learner Scholarships is available for undergraduate students enrolled in a Penn State degree program and taking classes full-time or part-time (at least 6 credits per semester). You must also meet at least one of the following criteria: be of age 24 or older, active-duty military or veteran, or have a spouse and/or dependents.

Complete Penn State Scholarship Award value up to $3,000 for a one time assistance is for students who are in their final two semesters of study, experience a situation which negatively impacts their ability to complete their degree, and have used all available aid options. 

  • To refer a PSNK student who you believe may be eligible for the Complete Penn State Scholarship, please contact Sherri Smith, Financial Aid Coordinator, at [email protected]. 

  • Students may also refer themselves for the scholarship by emailing Sherri Smith at [email protected].

Educational Equity Scholarships The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity facilitates the awarding of approximately eighty annual scholarships through a central application process. The Educational Equity Scholarships include support for students with disabilities, students with veteran status or military dependents, and students who further the inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives of the University. To apply for these scholarships, visit equity.35buy.net/scholarships.

The Penn State New Kensington Honors Scholarship The Penn State New Kensington Honors Program is designed for academically strong students in all majors who will work closely with professors and fellow honors students in honors courses and independent study, conduct independent research and present it at the annual Research and Creative Expo, attend cultural and academic activities, and earn honors credits which appear on Penn State transcripts.

  • The Honors Program is by invite only. 
  • Candidates will be invited to fill out an application that must be submitted in March for consideration. See Application procedures.