Funding Resources

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES AND INFORMATION 

Students who are registered for at least 5 credits per semester may be eligible for graduate financial aid. Graduate federal aid includes Stafford loans and the Graduate PLUS loan program. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek outside scholarships or tuition assistance through their employer. 

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that they would like to receive graduate financial aid. For adequate time to prepare students’ aid, Penn State recommends that students complete their FAFSA by March 1 for the following fall and spring semesters. Each financial aid year runs from July 1 to June 30. Penn State’s federal school code for the FAFSA is 003329.

For more information on loans and long-term funding, go to http://studentaid.psu.edu/. Notices of special funding opportunities will be emailed directly to your Penn State account. It is your responsibility to follow-up within the deadlines.

VETERANS’ FINANCIAL AID 

Penn State is a proud supporter of our active duty, Guard, and Reserve military members and veteran students. The Penn State World Campus participates in several financial aid programs. to help currently serving military members and veterans. First, it honors the G.I. Bill, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and it is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Penn State also accepts several types of military tuition assistance benefits. To receive all of the financial aid that you have earned military members and veterans should contact a Veterans Financial Aid Counselor to explore all possible options.

Although the graduate certificates offered are not eligible for federal financial aid, the G.I. Bill and other military financial aid programs are accepted as payment for these programs. Certificate students are also encouraged to speak with a Veterans Financial Aid Counselor to explore options. For additional information on military education benefits, students should refer to the Penn State World Campus website: http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/paying-for-your-education/military-education-benefits

UNIVERSITY ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of assistantships are available through the University. Assistantships cover tuition and pay a monthly stipend. In return, the recipient assists an assigned faculty mentor in various capacities for up to 20 hours per week. For additional information refer to the Graduate Degree Programs Bulletins http://bulletins.psu.edu/bulletins/whitebook/index.cfm or contact the graduate program staff assistant.

PREDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

During the first year of full-time study (or equivalent) students are encouraged to develop an individual application for a Pre-doctoral Fellowship. These fellowships cover tuition, research expenses and stipend during doctoral study. Please consult with your adviser.

GRANTS FOR CONDUCTING DISSERTATION RESEARCH

Small grants are available through Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Sigma Chapter, and the College to help defray costs of conducting research for theses. The graduate program office frequently receives announcements from other agencies regarding grants; contact the graduate program staff assistant for information.

CENTER FOR NURSING RESEARCH TRAVEL GRANTS

The CNR provides supplemental support for registration and travel costs as well as poster and presentation preparation for graduate students attending conferences. A  Student Research Travel Request should be completed (including mentor approval) and submitted to the Center for Nursing Research at least thirty (30) days before the travel date.  Students, whose travel is sponsored by the Center for Nursing Research, are required to submit a one page Student Conference Summary before requesting travel reimbursement. The report should reflect on what you learned at the conference, talk about your presentation, your impressions, etc.