At IUP, we invest in your success—literally! Our scholarships recognize achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts. We see you, and we recognize the work you have done through our scholarship program.

Scholarships are awarded to students who we believe will succeed at IUP and in the world professionally. The generosity of alumni and friends ensures IUP students like you have the chance to achieve their dreams.

IUP Admissions Scholarships

  • No extra scholarship application is required. Incoming freshmen are automatically considered for this academic scholarship at the time of admission to IUP.

  • For the 2024–25 academic year, there are three academic scholarship tiers—Sutton, President, and Trustee—that award between $3,000 and $5,000, renewable for a total of four years (or until you earn your first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first) if academic requirements continue to be met.  Continuous full-time enrollment is required (in fall and spring). 

  • The admissions scholarships are competitive and are based on your high school GPA and SAT/ACT results (if you have them at the time of admission). SAT/ACT scores are not required to be considered for the scholarships.

  • Transfer students are eligible for the renewable IUP Transfer Scholarship, based on cumulative college GPA once official transcripts are submitted. For the 2024–25 academic year, award amounts range from $3,000 to $4,000. Full-time enrollment is required.

  • If you are eligible to receive a scholarship through admissions, you will be notified within three weeks of admission to IUP.

  • For any scholarship questions, please email financial-aid@iup.edu.

Promising Scholars

Scholarships are awarded through the Promising Scholars program, a program that promotes access for high-achieving underrepresented and first-generation college students. The Promising Scholars program fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campus. Students eligible for the Promising Scholars program are invited to apply and interview. Participation in the Promising Scholars program is based on a successful interview. Students who become part of the program and are eligible for this scholarship will be notified of the award. 

Cook Honors College Scholarships

All students accepted into the Cook Honors College are eligible to receive scholarships. Visit the Cook Honors College website for information and learn how to apply to be a Cook Honors College student.

Fine Arts Talent-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen who submit a portfolio or complete an audition are considered for Fine Arts scholarships. Learn more about Fine Arts auditions and portfolios.

Athletic Scholarships

IUP competes at the NCAA Division II level in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Athletic scholarships are awarded through the IUP Athletics Department in compliance with all NCAA Division II policies and procedures.

National Achievement Scholarships 

Current IUP students can apply for National Merit Scholarships and Fellowships, which are awarded to students at the highest level of academic performance. Undergraduate students usually apply in or after their junior year. 

*IUP need-based grants/scholarships are awarded based on eligibility at the time of awarding and will not be adjusted due to overaward unless the student’s resources exceed cost. If the resources exceed cost, IUP grants/scholarships will be adjusted. If the student’s eligibility changes due to an EFC change as a result of verification or as a result of a student update, need-based awards will be adjusted to reflect the eligibility based on the revised EFC. If a student with IUP non-need-based scholarship has resources over cost, the IUP non-need-based scholarship will be adjusted to ensure that resources do not exceed cost.