The Promising Scholars Program is your hard work rewarded.
This competitive scholarship program for Pennsylvania students blends financial support with academic and professional development.
Scholarships awarded range from $2,000 to full tuition and are renewable for up to four years.
Promising Scholars Overnight Campus Visit
All new Promising Scholars are invited to a two-day overnight visit program. During the visit, you and your parents will have the opportunity to experience the university up close. This is a great time to participate in Experience IUP, our admitted student program. You'll also enjoy a dinner reception and meet other Promising Scholar students.
To help students visit us from across the state, transportation and lodging are paid by IUP for students traveling from the Philadelphia area.
Apply Now
Eligible students who have already applied and been accepted to IUP, complete the Promising Scholars application.
Save the interview dates:
- Promising Scholars East: November 16, 2023, in Philadelphia
- Promising Scholars West: November 18, 2023, at IUP
Apply to the Promising Scholars Program
Haven't been accepted to IUP yet? Apply now.
Extra Features in the Program Unlock Your Full Potential
Throughout your years in the Promising Scholars Program, you'll take part in experiences that encourage you to reach your full potential in both academics and leadership. You'll have support and guidance from IUP's faculty and administrators to help you succeed. As a Promising Scholar, you'll participate in the following extra activities:
Freshman Year (2.75 GPA requirement)
- Study Hall
- Academic Plus Initiative
- Mentor and Mentee Program
- Volunteer Program
Sophomore Year (3.00 GPA requirement)
- Frederick Douglass Institute
- Debate Team
- Research Initiatives
- Volunteer Program
Junior Year (3.00 GPA requirement)
- Mock Interviews
- Internship Applications
Senior Year (3.00 GPA)
- Résumé Preparation Help
- Job Fairs
How to Become a Promising Scholar
- First, you'll need to apply to IUP. Apply and be accepted by October 31 for first consideration for the Promising Scholars Program. You must be a US citizen, have a permanent Pennsylvania residence and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Next, complete your Promising Scholar application online. For best consideration, apply early. Applications will be considered based on a variety of factors, such as:
- Academic excellence (3.0 or higher GPA, difficulty of high school classes)
- Class rank
- Community involvement
- Extracurricular activities
- An essay or recommendation letter (optional)
- Be one of the first qualified students to apply, and you'll be invited to an interview event. Only 30 students will be selected to participate at each interview location. If selected, you'll be scheduled for a 10-minute interview and have the chance to learn more about IUP and the Promising Scholars Program from IUP staff, alumni, and current students. Mark your calendar for the date of the closest interview location.
- Promising Scholars East - November 16, 2023
- Promising Scholars West - November 18, 2023
Finding Mentors, His Major, and the Path to a Rewarding Career
“Coming to Indiana, PA for school all the way from Philadelphia was very intimidating. Being a member of the Promising Scholars Program provided me with the funding and community I needed to flourish in college.”