Penn Undergraduate Grants and Scholarships
Detail of Financial Aid at the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, aims to provide need-based financial assistance to its undergraduate students. As part of its financial aid policy, Pennsylvania does not offer scholarships based on academic or athletic merit. Instead, the university focuses on addressing the demonstrated financial need of its students through a combination of institutional grants and external resources.

Types of Financial Aid at University of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Grant (Institutional Need-Based Aid)
The cornerstone of many financial aid packages at Pennsylvania is the Penn Grant, an institutional grant designed to meet a student’s demonstrated financial need. This grant is awarded based on the information provided in the student’s financial aid application, including the CSS Profile and, for first year students, the Pennsylvania Outside Resource Form. The Penn Grant is renewable for up to eight academic semesters, ensuring consistent financial support throughout a student’s undergraduate career. All traditional undergraduate students, regardless of their major or field of study, are eligible to receive the Penn Grant if they demonstrate financial need.
- Named Scholarships
Penn offers various named scholarships, funded through generous donations from alumni and other supporters. These scholarships are awarded based on specific criteria, such as academic achievements, home state, or chosen field of study. They are also need-based, providing financial assistance that addresses the student’s demonstrated need, as determined by the Penn financial aid office. Notable examples include the Ben Franklin Endowment Scholarship and the David K. Kim Memorial Scholarship.
Named scholarship recipients are invited to exclusive events during New Student Orientation, where they learn more about the program and have the opportunity to express their gratitude to their donors. Each year, students receiving a named scholarship are required to submit a brief statement of thanks to their donor and may also be invited to an annual reception, either on campus or in major cities such as New York.
- Maguire Scholarship
The Maguire Scholarship is one of the most prestigious financial awards at Penn, offering up to five students in each entering class a four-year, last dollar scholarship funded by the Maguire Foundation. This scholarship is awarded based on both financial need and academic excellence. The scholarship is designed to ensure that students can fully attend university without the burden of tuition and fees, making it a highly competitive and sought after form of financial aid.
- Federal Financial Aid
Penn’s financial aid program is mainly need-based, but eligible U.S. students can also apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). To be eligible for federal aid, students must meet specific requirements, such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress and not being in default on federal loans. Penn’s financial aid office uses the FAFSA to assess eligibility for federal grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
International students are generally ineligible for federal financial aid but may still qualify for Penn’s institutional aid or outside scholarships.
How to Apply for Financial Aid at Pennsylvania
To be considered for financial aid at Pennsylvania, students must complete several steps:
- CSS Profile: This form collects detailed financial information and is required for institutional aid, including the Penn Grant.
- FAFSA: For federal aid eligibility, the FAFSA must be submitted annually.
- Tax Returns: Students and their families are required to submit the most recent federal income tax returns as part of the financial aid application process.
- Pennsylvania Outside Resource Form: First year students need to complete this form to report any external scholarships or other resources they plan to receive.
Scholarships and Grants for Graduate Students
In addition to undergraduate financial aid, Pennsylvania offers limited grants and scholarships to students in its twelve graduate and professional schools. While some graduate programs base financial support on financial need, others award funds based on academic or professional achievement. Graduate students should contact their specific program’s financial aid office for details on the availability of scholarships and the application process.
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