The Penn State Discover Award
The Penn State Discover Award is an award for undergraduate first-time, first-year students, and transfer students who enroll in a degree program at a Penn State campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus.
There is no additional application to be considered for the Discover Award. We evaluate students for this award based on your admission and financial aid information. While other forms of financial aid can be combined with the Discover Award, the Provost Award and the Discover Award cannot be combined.
Award Eligibility
You are encouraged to file the FAFSA, but it is not required to be considered for the award
Students who demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA may qualify for an additional need-based award
The Discover Award is used for fall and spring terms only, not summer
First-year, first-time undergraduate students must:
Be admitted to Penn State
Enroll at a campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus
Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
Be a non-resident of Pennsylvania
Be charged the non-resident tuition rate
Transfer undergraduate students must:
Have attempted 18 or more post-secondary credits after high school graduation
Be admitted to Penn State
Enroll in a degree program that can only be completed at a campus other than University Park or the World Campus
Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
Reside in Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia
Be a non-resident of Pennsylvania
Be charged the non-resident tuition rate
One university. Many options.
Big or small, Penn State has it all! Not only will students save on their Penn State degree by studying at a campus, they have smaller class sizes and hands-on academic engagement supported by faculty and staff across the state. The unique partnerships available at every campus support career exploration, civic engagement, and leadership development for Penn State students.
Renewing Your Award
You must meet the following award criteria every year to continue receiving the award:
Maintain enrollment at a Penn State campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus. Students taking advantage of the 2+2 Plan to transition to University Park are not eligible to keep the award after the first two years.
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.
To renew your Discover Assistance award you are required to complete the FAFSA each year and demonstrate financial need.
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 charged the resident tuition rate.
Awarding Timeline
Eligible first-year students who reside outside of Pennsylvania and have an offer to a campus other than Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus will be considered for the Discover Award through May 1.
Transfer students who reside in states outside of Pennsylvania, have an offer to a campus other than Penn State University Park and Penn State World Campus, and pursue a degree program that can only be completed at a campus other than Penn State University Park or Penn State World Campus will be considered for the Discover Award through June 1.