I'm an international student looking to apply to Penn State and was curious about merit scholarships available. Does anyone know what options there are and how competitive they might be for international applicants?
Penn State does offer merit-based scholarships for international students. However, it's important to note that these can be quite competitive due to the large international student population at Penn State.
One of the prominent scholarships is the Provost Award, which is a merit-based award for incoming first-year students who are not residents of Pennsylvania. This award ranges from $2,000-$4,000 and is renewable for all four years of college, provided that you maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Another is the Bunton-Waller Scholarship, a merit-and-need-based award. The Bunton-Waller award amount varies, but it includes funds to offset the cost of out-of-state tuition, a stipend for books and supplies, and an enrichment fund.
While the university does not specify the competitiveness or the exact qualifications for these scholarships, typically, to be considered for merit-based scholarships, you'll need to have a strong academic performance. This often includes things like high GPA, strong course rigor, and more.
Be sure to apply by the priority deadline (November 30th) to have the best chance at these scholarships. Your application for admission will automatically consider you for these scholarships – no additional application is necessary.
Remember that while merit-based scholarships can be an excellent way to help finance your education, they often cover only a portion of the total cost and most likely won’t cover everything. Make sure to have a comprehensive plan for covering your college expenses.
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