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 Diversity Enhancement Programs are dedicated to providing financial assistance to students who qualify. Scholarships are available that are both needs- and merit-based.

Penn State students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for multiple student financial aid programs. Visit the Office of Student Aid for more information.

Scholarships

In addition, Smeal identifies students who qualify for the following scholarships; current students can get assistance with the application process for Smeal 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 incoming full-time Smeal students who have achieved superior academic records and who manifest the promise of outstanding academic success.
  • Mildred S. Bunton-Calvin Waller Fellowship: The awards are merit based and seek to enhance the diversity of the student population at Smeal.
  • START Study Abroad Travel Grants: For Smeal diversity students who are interested in education abroad programs.
  • 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 Programs. For full-time undergraduate or graduate students who contribute to the diversity of the student body. First preference given to students who are in the MBA program in the Smeal College

Graduate 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. The awards are merit based and seek to enhance the diversity of the student population at Smeal.
  • 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.