FINANCIAL PLANNING GUIDE
LET’S TALK MONEY
PER-CREDIT TUITION* & FEES
Cambria County: $244
Somerset County: $319
Other PA Counties: $327
Out-of-State: $458
Additional course and lab fees may apply. Visit PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/TUITION for complete Tuition and Fees information. *2025-2026 tuition rates
AFFORDABLE, QUALITY EDUCATION. THINK COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
On average, students save roughly $11,033 annually in tuition and fees by attending a community college compared to a four-year state university in Pennsylvania.
72% of Penn Highlands students will receive scholarships and other types of financial aid.
In the last full academic year, our undergraduate students received over $2.95 million in grant aid that does not need to be repaid.
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
FILING THE FAFSA
20 MINUTES TO SAVE THOUSANDS
FAFSA Code: 031804
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your federal aid eligibility and is how to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete and could save you thousands each year. Visit STUDENTAID.GOV to learn more.
Penn Highlands participates in State and Federal Programs, including:
• Pell Grants
• Pennsylvania State Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Work-Study (FWS)
• Federal Community Service Work Study
• Federal Direct Loan Programs
SAMPLE TIMELINE
• Attend an open house, schedule a visit, or meet with a representative.
• Gather information from our website and publications.
• Begin application process.
• Receive acceptance letter.
• Apply for financial aid.
• Apply for scholarships. Visit: PENNHIGHLANDS.AWARDSPRING.COM.
• Attend an Academic Planning Day.
• Attend New Student Orientation.
FOUNDATION: SCHOLARSHIPS
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation awards thousands of dollars yearly in scholarships for deserving students to assist with the cost of their education. These scholarships are offered yearly. Visit WWW.PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS for more information.
ACE Dual Enrollment Scholarship
American Association of University Women (AAUW), Johnstown Branch Scholarship
Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship
College Employee Supported Scholarship
Joe & Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship
Griffith Family Scholarship
Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship
Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship
Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship
Huntingdon Hope Scholarship
Ignite The Fire Culinary Scholarship
Covers one 3 credit course.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.
A total of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
Annual award amounts are determined by yearly fund availability.
Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship
Dale W. Miller Scholarship
Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship
Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship
Roth Family Scholarship
Gaynelle Schmieder Memorial Scholarship
Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship
Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship
Stan and Helen Westbrook Scholarship
A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded annually to up to 2 students.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of six scholarships will be awarded annually (full tuition).
A maximum of $500 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually to up to 4 students.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually. Two students receive $500.00 each.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded annually.
LEARN MORE AT PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/SCHOLARSHIPS.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Complete a College application and submit your high school transcript.
2. Receive your acceptance letter with your computer account activation information.
3. Complete the online scholarship application and essay using your myPEAK username and password at PENNHIGHLANDS.AWARDSPRING.COM.
FOUNDATION: STUDENT SUPPORT
STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND
To support our most vulnerable students facing unexpected financial burdens, the College Foundation offers emergency funds designed to help cover unforeseen bills, repairs, or more. To access this assistance, the necessary form can be found at www.pennhighlands.edu/foundation.
BLACK BEAR FOOD HUB
Located within the Richland campus, the Bear Necessities Food Hub serves as our on-campus food pantry. It provides students with access to pantry and other food items they can take home as needed. A second location is also available at the Blair Center, ensuring more students can benefit from this resource.
BLACK BEAR FOOD SHARE
To support our students throughout their day, we provide grab-and-go nutritional breakfast bars, fresh fruit, crackers, and other essential items to maintain energy levels and mental alertness during classes and breaks. Available at all locations.
THE BASIC HYGIENE PROGRAM
To assist our students with essential personal care items such as soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, and more, we have made these items readily available in bathrooms and other designated locations. We aim to ensure all students have access to necessities for well-being and comfort.
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is dedicated to helping students thrive. Through fundraising, community partnerships, and generous donor support, the Foundation provides scholarships, emergency assistance, and resources that make college more affordable and accessible. Learn more or get involved at WWW.PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/FOUNDATION.
CONTACT THE FOUNDATION
For inquiries about programs, scholarships, or resources, contact the Foundation at 814.262.6448, foundation@pennhighlands.edu, or visit the Richland Campus office.
Hind Achouri
Business Administration & Bookkeeping, 2024
“Affordability was a crucial factor in my decision-making process, and Penn Highlands’ commitment to providing quality education at an accessible cost made it an ideal choice. The college’s dedication to making education financially feasible without compromising on academic excellence resonated with my goals.”
SUPPORTING SCHOLARS
Presidential Scholarship ($3,000 per semester)
This prestigious scholarship is valid toward one associate degree and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits.*
These scholarships are awarded to high school seniors and must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.
*Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.
The Presidential Scholarship application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19.
Emerging Leader Scholarship ($1,000 per semester)
The scholarship is valid toward one associate degree and is renewable each academic semester. A student has a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree, but no more than 66 credits.*
This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors and must be used beginning with the fall semester following high school graduation. The Academic Scholarships Committee reviews all applications and recommends recipients for selection to the President’s Office.
*Scholarships will be pro-rated for students taking a part-time credit load during the semester in which they are completing their credential.
The Emerging Leader Scholarship awards will be determined during two award periods. The application will open each year on or about October 1 and close on December 19 and will reopen on or about the 2nd Monday of January and close on or about March 14.
TERMS
Scholarship will be renewed each academic semester provided the following criteria are met:
• Student maintains a 3.0 (Emerging Leader Scholarship) or 3.5 (Presidential Scholarship) grade point average and be enrolled full-time. (*See exemption on previous page regarding final semester completion of degree.)
• Student successfully completes at least 24 college credits in an academic year.
• Student can be involved in the honors program.
• Student completes 15 hours per semester of participation in College-related service as defined by the Scholarship Committee (Students involved in the honors program will be required to complete 10 hours of service per semester).
• Student meets with an assigned scholarship mentor throughout the award period and attends all scheduled meetings.
• Student is meaningfully engaged in at least one club, organization (PTK, NSLS included), or athletic team. Any recipient found to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy is no longer eligible in subsequent semesters.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must:
• Be a high school senior eligible for graduation with a cumulative overall grade point average of 3.0 (Emerging Leader Scholarship) or 3.5 (Presidential Scholarship).
• Be recognized as a good citizen of the high school community by being involved and demonstrating leadership in at least three extra-curricular activities.
• Complete the admissions process and be accepted to Pennsylvania Highlands.
• Complete and submit a Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Qualify for college-ready status in writing, reading, and math through the College’s Placement Testing Policy and Waiver Guidelines.
Select candidates will be asked to participate in a personal interview with the Scholarship Committee. Students will be monitored each semester to track academic progress, credit load, and eligibility.
Presidential Scholarships are awarded to the top two candidates during the fall cycle.
Emerging Leader Scholarships are awarded in the fall and spring cycles.
START YOUR JOURNEY
GET STARTED IN 15 MINUTES.
We know that choosing a college can be overwhelming. Applying shouldn’t be. At Penn Highlands, it’s easy and should take no longer than 15 minutes.
No essays.
No SAT/ACT.
No application fees.
No problem!
Apply now and start your journey.
Scan the QR code or visit APPLY.PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU to get started.
Visit PENNHIGHLANDS.EDU/DISCOVER or call us today to discuss your future.
Ask about virtual or in-person appointments.
WE ARE AFFORDABLE.
Our students are able to complete their degree without incurring a large amount of student loan debt. Our in-state tuition & required fees are a fraction of what you would pay at a public state university (22%), a state-related university (45%), and many private regional institutions (72%).
WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
An education is a big investment, and we are here to help you make the most of your education. Whether you are changing careers or trying to find your passion, our Financial Aid Office is available to assist you throughout the process.
