Thanks to the contributions of individuals and foundations, the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications continues to award a record amount of scholarship support to communications students each year. Most scholarships are awarded by a scholarship committee in May to apply toward the following year's expenses.
Students at the University Park campus interested in applying for scholarships must complete the online application.
FAQs
Who receives a scholarship?
The typical recipient of a Bellisario College scholarship is a sophomore or junior at the time of application, has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and has unmet financial need. All currently enrolled students are eligible to apply. The selection process is extremely competitive.
Are first-year students eligible for scholarships?
There are limited merit- and need-based funds for incoming students.
First-Year Student Scholarship Application
What's the process for returning students?
Current and returning students to be considered for any scholarship from the Bellisario College.
Deadline
The deadline for all scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year is May 1, 2026.
Applications may be received following that deadline date but may not be given first consideration in the first round of awarding.
Eligibility
Recipient selection is based on the pre-set criteria established for each scholarship. While on scholarship, students must continue to meet the eligibility requirements:
- Declare a major in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at University Park
- Complete a full-time course load (12 or more credits per semester with a requirement of 30 credits per year)
- Maintain a respectful cumulative GPA
- Attend scholarship recognition events as requested
Disbursement
Scholarship monies will be awarded to student accounts in the Office of the University Bursar and disbursed as stipulated by the scholarship guidelines.
Renewals
Scholarships are not automatically renewable and a new scholarship application should be filed each year.
Notification
Scholarship awarding is an ongoing process; however, the majority of the awarding is completed in June before the upcoming academic year. You will be notified by an email to your Penn State address -- and there is a deadline to respond.
ONLY RECIPIENTS ARE NOTIFIED, AND THEY ARE ONLY NOTIFIED VIA THEIR PENN STATE EMAIL ADDRESS.
If you do not receive a scholarship in the first round, your application will be kept on file for the academic year and will be reconsidered if additional funds become available.
Other Scholarship Sources
Questions
