Diversity Fellowships & Aid

Information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities from the Penn State Smeal College of Business and the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs.

Undergraduate Financial Aid

Penn State, Smeal, and the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs are dedicated to providing financial assistance to students who qualify. Scholarships are available for both needs-based and merit-based students.

Penn State students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for the following student financial aid programs:

  • Federal, State, and University grants
  • Federal work-study
  • Federal loans
  • Scholarships
  • Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students (PLUS)

Scholarships

In addition, Smeal identifies students who qualify and assists them with the application process for the following scholarships:

  • Dean’s First-Year Merit Scholarship: For first-year students who have earned a high school minimum GPA of 3.4-4.0, SAT scores of at least 1300 (600 minimum for math), and have active leadership involvement are considered for this scholarship.
  • Martha Barnhart Jordan Diversity Outreach Scholarship: For full-time Smeal students who have achieved superior academic records and who manifest the promise of outstanding academic success.
  • S.T.A.R.T. Study Abroad Travel Grants: For Smeal diversity students who are interested in education abroad programs.

Diversity Fellowships

As a diverse MBA student, you will have the opportunity to compete for diversity scholarships: 

  • Mildred S. Bunton-Calvin Waller Fellowship: Provides for tuition and stipend for selected students. Bunton-Waller graduate assistantships are merit based and seek to enhance the diversity of the student population among Smeal undergraduates and graduates. Assistantships from this program are awarded to individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds with strong academic and professional potential. 
  • The Virginia Kimmel Award: Provides tuition assistance for qualified students. In 2007, Harvey '64 and Virginia Kimmel challenged Smeal alumni to raise contributions of $20,000. If this goal was achieved, they would match it. Alumni were not only successful in donating $20,000, but they exceeded the goal! Harvey and Virginia Kimmel continue to show unyielding support to the Office of Diversity Enhancement.
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid for LGBTQ: Visit this online resource, which aims to reduce the stress of college for LGBTQ students by assisting with one key element: financial aid. Read on to find scholarships and other financial aid for LGBTQ students – plus learn expert tips for overcoming hurdles during the application process, such as gender identification and parental estrangement.
  • Forté Fellowships: These fellowships are awarded each year to students who demonstrate exemplary leadership academically, professionally or creatively, as well as a proven commitment to the empowerment of women in education or the workplace.