Scholarships

Kutztown University (KU) and the KU Foundation offers scholarships to make the cost of attending KU more affordable. Last year, KU awarded over $4 million in scholarships to incoming students. More than 80% of students receive financial aid to lower the cost of attending KU. Current and incoming students are encouraged to complete a scholarship profile each year between February 1^st to March 15^th. The majority of scholarships are then awarded between April 1^st through June 1^st. The search feature is always available.

Note: The scholarships listed below are for students entering KU either in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.

CLICK TO SEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS AND COMPLETE YOUR SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Merit Scholarships
Eligibility

Incoming freshmen and transfer students. Varies based on academic profile.
- Note: University employee-dependent students are not eligible for merit scholarships, as they receive a tuition waiver.
How to Apply

Kutztown University automatically reviews students for merit scholarships based on academic performance at the time of acceptance. Students who qualify for a merit scholarship are guaranteed the award as long as they maintain the academic standards listed in their acceptance letter for eight continuous Fall and Spring semesters. Questions about merit scholarships should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@kutztown.edu.

Award (beginning the 2025-2026 academic year)

Merit Scholarships for First Year In-State Students (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

HS GPA

Scholarship

Amount

4.0-3.85

Presidential

$5000

3.84-3.5

Founders

$3000

3.49-3.0

Outstanding

$2000

2.99-2.75

Emerging

$1000

Merit Scholarships for First Year Out-of-State Students (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

HS GPA

Scholarship

Amount

4.0-3.85

Presidential

$6000

3.84-3.5

Founders

$5000

3.49-3.0

Outstanding

$4000

2.99-2.75

Emerging

$1500

Merit Scholarships - Transfer In-State (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

College Cumulative GPA

Amount

3.0+

$2000

2.99-2.75

$1000

Merit Scholarships - Transfer Out-of-State (GPA is on a 4.0 scale)

College Cumulative GPA

Amount

3.5+

$3000

3.0-3.49

$ 2000

2.99-2.75

$1000
Need-based Scholarships

Award (per year)

Amount varies by award.

Eligibility

Incoming freshmen and transfer students. Varies based on submitted FAFSA (KU’s FAFSA school code is 003322).

How to Apply

You are automatically considered for need based scholarships when your FAFSA is submitted and processed for KU. Later applicants will be considered as funds are made available.
Sesquicentennial Academic Honors Scholarship

Award (per year)

The dollar amount of full In-State tuition (based on current tuition in an academic year)

Eligibility

Incoming freshmen who have a 3.5 cumulative weighted high school GPA and a 1410 total on the SAT or 31 composite on the ACT

How to Apply

You are automatically considered when you apply for admission.

Details

Student must participate in the Honors Program, live on campus for the first three years, and complete a minimum of 30 credits per year.
Board of Governors Scholarship
Transfer Housing Award

Award (per year)

$1,000

Eligibility

Incoming transfer students who have an associate’s degree

How to Apply

You are automatically awarded when you submit a transcript showing the associate’s degree being completed.

Details

Student must live on campus. The award is renewable for a second year
Transfer Book Award

Award

$500

Eligibility

First-time transfer students who have an associate’s degree

How to Apply

You are automatically awarded when you submit a transcript showing the associate’s degree being completed.

Details

This is a one-time book award of $500 for one academic year (Fall or Spring only) to be utilized in the KU Campus Book Store.
KU Foundation Scholarships

Award (per year)

Varies by award.

Eligibility

Open to all new and current students.

How to Apply

Current and incoming students must complete a scholarship profile each year between November 1^st and March 15^th to be considered for these scholarships. The search feature is always available.

Details

These scholarships are awarded based on the guidelines provided by the donors. Students who receive these scholarships will have to write a thank you letter to the donor of the scholarship.
PASSHE Scholarship Program
Award

Scholarships up to $3,000 per academic year are available for full-time students and up to $1,500 for part-time or non-credit bearing classes

Eligibility

The PASSHE Scholarship Program is open to all permanent and nonpermanent full-time and part-time employees that are in active pay status, except annuitants, and their eligible dependents. There is no minimum length of service requirement.

Eligible dependents for the PASSHE Scholarship Program include:
- Spouses
- Children under age 26
How to Apply

There are several application cycles, visit the PASSHE Foundation website to apply. View an application instruction guide.

Renewable Criteria

Scholarships, unless additional renewable criteria are listed, require students at the end of each academic year to maintain a 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average and earn 24 credits.

HS GPA	Scholarship	Amount
4.0-3.85	Presidential	$5000
3.84-3.5	Founders	$3000
3.49-3.0	Outstanding	$2000
2.99-2.75	Emerging	$1000

College Cumulative GPA	Amount
3.5+	$3000
3.0-3.49	$ 2000
2.99-2.75	$1000