Funding to Fit Your Situation Financial Support
Schreyer Honors College offers a variety of financial support for current Scholars. Each year we distribute more than $2 million in support, including grants for travel or research, emergency funding, and need or merit-based scholarships. We can also connect you with other sources of University support, if needed.
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Fund Your Experience Grants
Schreyer Honors College provides grant funding for Scholars to pursue experiential learning opportunities. Each year, the College funds more than 400 experiences, including internships, research, service, international travel, and conferences. Our goal is to ensure these experiences are available to all Scholars.
Grant ApplicationTo be considered for a grant, complete the grant application in the Student Records System (SRS) with as much detail as possible. If certain details are unknown, update the application as those details become available. Only complete application will be reviewed.
Deadlines
- September 1
- For fall semester activities
- November 1
- For spring semester activities, including December and January
- April 1 (Priority Deadline) / June 1 (Final Deadline)
- For summer activities, includiing May
We will consider late applications based on available funds. Email a statement of explanation to the Schreyer Grants Coordinator, for applications submitted after the deadline. Note that this does not guarantee funding.
In addition to applying for a Schreyer Honors College grant, we strongly recommend Scholars explore cost-sharing options and seek funding from their academic college, department, or special program. We receive many grant requests and are unable to fully fund all requested amounts.
You can monitor the status of your grant application from the Student Records System (SRS) dashboard. Applications are typically reviewed about 30 days before the start date of the intended experience. Applications will remain in the "In Progress" status until that time. If you are nearing this 30-day window and have not received an update, contact the Schreyer Grants Coordinator for assistance.
Schreyer grant funds are typically processed in 7-10 days upon review and transferred to your student bursar account. If you have any outstanding bills with Penn State, the Bursar will use the funds to pay your balance. If you have a zero balance, you will be issued a refund. You will get the refund by check mailed to the address Penn State has on file or via an eRefund if you have signed up for that option. Because eRefunds are processed much faster, we strongly encourage you to sign up for that option in LionPath.
Receiving an award may lead to an over award, where your aid surpasses your total costs or need. In such cases, the Office of Student Aid may adjust your package to comply with Federal regulations and remove the over award.
Share Your Experience with Your Supporter
Grants are made possible through the generosity of Schreyer supporters who are interested in hearing what you did or what you will be doing with the grant you received. After your application has been approved, you will receive an email from SHCStewardship@psu.edu asking you to complete your Scholarship Profile. Please complete this request by the deadline provided in the email.
This funding is available for study abroad, research, internship, and service activities. The funding levels chart below lists the maximum travel grants available by destination and program duration. Multi-region maximums are $1,600 for summer programs and $2,200 for semester programs.
| Region | 1-3 Weeks | 3-4 Weeks | 4-5 Weeks | 5-6 Weeks | 6-7 Weeks | 7-8 Weeks | 8-9 Weeks | 9-10 Weeks | 10+ Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | $950 | $1,050 | $1,150 | $1,200 | $1,250 | $1,350 | $1,400 | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Middle East/North Africa | $1,000 | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,400 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,700 | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Africa | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,550 | $1,700 | $1,850 | $2,000 | $2,150 | $2,300 | $2,600 |
| Canada/Caribbean/Central America/Mexico | $800 | $850 | $900 | $950 | $1,000 | $1,050 | $1,100 | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| South America | $950 | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,400 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,700 | $1,750 | $2,000 |
| Asia | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,550 | $1,700 | $1,850 | $2,000 | $2,150 | $2,500 | $2,800 |
| Australia/New Zealand/Pacific | $1,200 | $1,300 | $1,400 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $1,700 | $1,850 | $2,100 | $2,600 |
All Penn State-affiliated international travel requires Global Safety Network (GSN) registration at least 30 days before departure. If you are participating in a Penn State study abroad program, Penn State Global handles registration and no further action is required from you. For programs not officially affiliated with Penn State Global, such as conference presentation, research, or service, GSN approval is mandatory. Register via the Penn State Global Safety Network website. You will need GSN approval to begin the Schreyer grant application.
Applicants seeking research conference support must initiate their request through the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring (URFM) website. Contributions by the Honors College are capped at $400 per conference.
Thesis research grants are a one-time award capped at $400. While we consider the purchase of materials on a case by case basis, we are unable to support the purchase of computer hardware. Funds are awarded to the student and cannot be transferred to a research budget.
Certain grant types require confirmation materials to be uploaded in order for the grant application to be processed. Details on the requested confirmation materials for each grant type can be found below.
- Internship Grants
- Requires a letter of confirmation from internship supervisor with the expected start and end dates of the internship as well as compensation details.
- Summer Research Grants (Experience)
- Requires a letter of confirmation from research supervisor with the research period, an overview of duties, and compensation details.
- Thesis Research Grants (Materials)
- Requires a letter of confirmation from thesis supervisor/adviser with the name of the item you wish to purchase, the cost/subscription rate (including link), and a statement that the item is needed for thesis research.
- Service Grants
- Requires a copy of your program acceptance.
Many Different Options Scholarships & Financial Aid
Schreyer Honors College awards over $1 million annually for need-based and merit scholarships. If you have financial need or questions about any of the scholarships listed below, contact Schreyer's Financial Aid Specialist or schedule an appointment to discuss your specific needs.
Need-Based Scholarships
Scholars are automatically considered for most Schreyer Honors College scholarships based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file centrally through Penn State's Office of Student Aid. You do not need to apply or take any action to receive a need-based scholarship.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Schreyer Honors College awards several merit-based awards and scholarships each year. For awards that have an application process, you will see a notification on your Student Records System (SRS) dashboard or be notified via our weekly newsletter when those applications open.
Emergency Funding
We know Scholars are often faced with an immediate need for support due to unexpected challenges that may arise. Those needs can range from the cost to cover a textbook or meal to assistance with tuition, transporation, or housing.
To be considered for Emergency Funding, you should complete the Emergency Funding Request form in the Student Records System (SRS). The Emergency Fund is one-time financial support for Scholars who may otherwise be unable to continue their education due to circumstances beyond their control disrupting their financial planning.
Cost & Financial Aid
Incoming Scholars should visit the Cost and Aid page to learn more about financial aid, the FAFSA application, and the Academic Excellence Scholarship (AES).
