Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Financial aid for graduate students is only available for 400 level and higher coursework. Additional information and applications are available from the Graduate Program Chairs.

Graduate Student Funding for 2017-2018

Full-time Graduate Student Stipends

For the following awards, students apply through their graduate program:

  • University Graduate Fellowship: Awarded to full-time incoming doctoral students starting in the first semester of enrollment. Usually include two years of funding:  stipend (approx $27,000 2016-2017) + tuition remission. The award selection is based on GPA and GRE scores, and the program evaluation of prior experience.
     
  • Bunton-Waller Graduate Scholars Awards: — Assistantship awards for entering students who contribute to the diversity of the College; awarded competitively; GPA/GRE scores (or other standardized test) required.  Usually includes two years of funding at the masters level, four years of funding at the doctoral level. Master’s Stipend (approx. $19,035 2016-2017) + tuition remission.
     
  • Capital College Graduate Assistantships: Capital College Graduate Assistantships for one year; awarded competitively; GPA/GRE scores (or other standardized test) required; Stipend (approx $19,035 2016-2017) + tuition remission.

School-Specific Funding

Please contact the School of Public Affairs at 717-948-6050 for more information regarding the following:

  • Blue Shield Fellowship: A Blue Shield Fellowship is awarded to a full-time or part-time student in either the Master of Health Administration, Master of Public Administration, or Ph.D. in Public Administration program at Penn State Harrisburg. Tuition is awarded for 12 credits for the fall and spring semester that includes a paid internship with Pennsylvania Blue Shield. Application deadline is April 1.
     
  • HealthAmerica Fellowship: A HealthAmerica Fellowship will be awarded for 12 credits per academic year and includes a paid internship with HealthAmerica. Full-time or part-time students in either the Master of Health Administration, Master of Public Administration, or Ph. D. in Public Administration program at Penn State Harrisburg may apply. Application deadline is April 1.

Tuition Scholarships

  • International Student Tuition Grant-In-Aid: This program offers some assistance for both graduate and undergraduate students. Details and application information are available from the Office of Global Programs.

  • Summer Tuition Assistance: Tuition remission for 1-9 (depending on availability of funds) summer credits for students who received two consecutive semesters of fellowship/assistantship support.  Eligible students are notified in the spring.

  • Other ways to fund students: School-specific funding, for example, teaching assistantships and grant-funded research assistantships; wage-payroll (through the respective graduate program).  Inquire within the specific Schools and Programs for availability. Loans (see Office of Financial Aid).

Sources available through the Office of Financial Aid

  • Filing the FAFSA: Complete the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Penn State’s federal school code is 003329.  An FSA ID# is required and can be completed from the FAFSA website. The 2015 federal income tax formation is required to complete the 2017-18 FAFSA. Work Study (graduate students earn $11 an hour with a maximum of 20 hours per week); Loans (possible eligibility of $20,500).
     
  • Academic Scholarships: Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are automatically considered for all of Penn State Harrisburg’s scholarships. Anticipated notification will be early May.
     
  • Board of Advisors Graduate Fellowship: Fellowship to recognize and support an outstanding graduate student enrolled or planning to enroll at Penn State Harrisburg who demonstrates financial need.  Deadline date is March 15, 2017. For more information please visit the Board of Advisors Graduate Fellowship page.
     
  • Stafford Student Loan:  Graduate Students must be enrolled for a minimum of five (5) graduate level credits to receive a Stafford Student Loan.  The graduate level loan is $20,500.