Scholarships
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.
What is the amount of most scholarships?
The average scholarship award is $1,750.
Are incoming freshmen eligible for scholarships?
There are limited merit- and need-based funds for incoming freshmen. Please contact Janet Klinefelter regarding availability and the application process for that support.
Application Process / Forms to File
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The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications Scholarship Application Form
Required to be considered for any scholarship from the College.
Deadline: Applications for the 2018-2019 academic year will be accepted between Jan. 2, 2018, and April 15, 2018 (before midnight).
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Free Application for Federal and State Aid (FAFSA)
Required for scholarships that stipulate financial need. In order to establish and document your financial need, you must complete this form in accordance with instructions from the Office of Student Aid. This form is required for any scholarship awarded for "demonstrated financial need," and more than 95 percent of Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications scholarships require that proof. If you have questions about the FAFSA form, please contact the Office of Student Aid by phone at 814-865-6301.
Deadline: This financial statement should be filed as soon as possible after Jan. 1 and no later than April 15.
PLEASE SUBMIT EACH FORM TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICE ON OR BEFORE THE INDICATED DEADLINES.
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
Eligibility Questions
Janet Klinefelter
814-863-6135
jqk9@psu.edu
Disbursement
After the start of classes in Fall 2018, scholarship monies will be awarded to your student account in the Office of the University Bursar and disbursed as stipulated by the scholarship guidelines. However, monies will not be released from your Bursar account until we receive a thank-you letter to your scholarship donor, per the instructions in your notification email.
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.
ONLY RECIPIENTS ARE NOTIFIED.
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.
Questions
Janet Klinefelter
814-863-6135
jqk9@psu.edu