Financial Aid

Eligibility Requirements

• Need-based
• Must be Pennsylvania resident
• Must be enrolled at least half-time

Amount

• Amount changes annually

Repayment

• None

Application Procedure

• Pennsylvania residents should file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Deadline: May 1

Requirements for Maintaining Eligibility

Full-time students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year to receive grant for subsequent year.

Out-of-state residents can make an application for state grant programs where money is permitted to be used at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must be enrolled at least half-time

Amount

• First-Year Student -- $5,500 total; up to $3,500 Subsidized Loan
• Sophomore -- $6,500  total; up to $4,500 Subsidized Loan
• Junior, Senior -- $7,500 total; up to $5,500 Subsidized Loan

Repayment

• First Payment due 6 months after no longer enrolled at least half-time at a fixed interest rate set annually
• Up to 10 years to repay

Application Procedure

• Must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Must complete MPN (Master Promissory Note).  MPN can be completed online by clicking here
• Must complete Entrance Counseling.  Entrance Counseling may be completed online by clicking here

Eligibility Requirements

• Need-based as determined by the federal government
• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Cannot hold B.A. or B.S.

Amount

• Amount changes annually

Repayment

• None

Application Procedure

• Must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Eligibility Requirements

• Need-based as determined by the FAFSA
• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Cannot hold B.A. or B.S.

Amount

• $4,000 maximum annually

Repayment

• None

Application Procedure

• Must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Eligibility Requirements

• Need-based
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Amount

• $1,500 maximum annually

Repayment

• None
• Award must be earned through campus employment

Application Procedure

• Must complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Eligibility Requirements

• Parent must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• This is a parent's loan
• Student must be enrolled at least half-time

Amount

• May borrow difference between cost and total of other financial aid awards

Repayment

• First payment begins 60 days after funds are disbursed. Payments may be deferred while student is enrolled at least half-time
• Up to 10 years to repay
• Fixed interest rate changes annually

Application Procedure

• Federal Direct PLUS Loan applications can be made online at studentaid.gov
• Application must be completed prior to the end of the academic semester

This program was enacted into PA state law in 2019 and was created to remove barriers in accessing postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care.  The program provides a tuition and mandatory fee waiver for eligible students in the foster care system.  

Student eligibility criteria are as follows:

• A resident of Pennsylvania
• A recipient of a high school diploma or Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma
• Under the age of 26
• Eligible for services under Pennsylvania’s John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood
• Identified as a youth in foster care or a youth discharged or adopted from foster care on or after attaining age 16
• Or be a youth that has exited foster care on or after age 16 due to adoption or permanent legal guardianship

Students must also file a FAFSA for the award year associated with the waiver request, file an application for the PA Chafee ETG program, and have unmet costs as determined by the postsecondary institution.

Additional information:

For additional information regarding the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program and additional enrollment and renewal criteria, please contact York College’s FosterEd point of contact:

Eric Dinsmore
Senior Director, Financial Aid
717.815.1226
edinsmore@ycp.edu

Most students in the Honors Community join their program at the start of their first year, with scholarships offered as part of the York College admissions process. Interested students should apply to the program of their choice before the stated application deadline.

For details about admission requirements, contact information, and application links, please visit your desired program:

• Presidential Research Fellows
• Graham Collaborative Innovation Fellows
• Eisenhart Community Scholars
• Gordon Leadership Scholars

First Year Students

We consider first-time students for merit scholarships and grants based upon their complete applications. How do you maximize your merit award? It's straightforward: The better you do in the classroom, the better the award. Every accepted York College student will be eligible for a merit award, further decreasing the cost of a college that's already a tremendous value! We'd be glad to discuss how your award was calculated once you receive your award offer.

• Scholarships and grants for first-time students range from $4,000 to $13,000 based on residency status.
• You'll be notified of your award level after being admitted to York College of Pennsylvania. This makes it even more important to get your application in!
• Additional financial assistance is available through completing the FAFSA and listing York College as a recipient of information.
• Financial aid award information will be available early 2024. If you're awaiting a financial award, make sure we have your FAFSA (opening December 2023)!
  • FAFSA Code: 003399

Transfer Students

The York College Transfer Merit Scholarship award is for up to three years, (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers and Study Abroad), toward one undergraduate degree. You'll be automatically considered once you complete your application.

• Merit scholarships for transfer students range from $1,000 to $7,000
• Full-time accepted transfer students
• A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required to renew the scholarship each year for up to three years (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers)
• The student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility
• All information is subject to change in the federal/state regulations and York College policy

International Students

The scholarship ranges between $2,000 and $9,000 (over 4 years) and is awarded based on the student’s secondary school academic achievement

• Open to first-time full-time resident students seeking F-1 student visa status applying for an undergraduate degree
• Applicants must be accepted by June 1st to be considered
• Scholarship recipients will be selected and notified by mid-June
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent to be considered
• Applicants must qualify for an I-20 certificate of eligibility for F-1 status
• The scholarship award is for eight full-time semesters, excluding summers and study abroad, toward one undergraduate degree
• Recipients must maintain a 2.75-grade point average and live on campus housing in order to continue receiving the scholarship
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility

Transfer Merit Scholarship

The scholarship ranges between $1,000 and $7,000 for up to three years, (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers and Study Abroad), toward one undergraduate degree. You'll be automatically considered once you complete your application.

• Full-time accepted transfer students
• A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required to renew the scholarship each year for up to three years (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers)
• The student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility
• All information is subject to change in the federal/state regulations and York College policy

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship

The PTK Scholarship award at York College is for up to three years, (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers and Study Abroad), toward one undergraduate degree. You'll be automatically considered once you complete your application.

• Full-time accepted transfer students who transfer to York College as a current member of the PTK Honor Society
• Applicant must provide a copy of his/her current PTK certificate as part of the application process
• A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required to renew the scholarship each year for up to three years (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers)
• The student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility
• All information is subject to change in the federal/state regulations and York College policy

HACC Scholarship Program

The HACC Scholarship award at York College is for up to three years, (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers and Study Abroad), toward one undergraduate degree. You'll be automatically considered once you complete your application.

• For Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) students who are enrolling full time at York College
• Applicant must be transferring from HACC as their last college attended
• Applicant must have at least 30 completed credits at HACC
• Applicant must have an accumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at HACC at the time of application review
• A minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required to renew the scholarship each year for up to three years (six full-time, continuous semesters, excluding summers)
• The student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility
• All information is subject to change in the federal/state regulations and York College policy

More information about scholarships is available by contacting Erica Schieler, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, at eschieler@ycp.edu.

International Merit Scholarship

The scholarship ranges between $2,000 and $9,000 per year, over 4 years and is awarded based on the student’s secondary school academic achievement

• Open to first-time full-time resident students seeking F-1 student visa status applying for an undergraduate degree
• Applicants must be accepted by June 1st to be considered
• Scholarship recipients will be selected and notified by mid-June
• Applicants must qualify for an I-20 certificate of eligibility for F-1 status
• The scholarship award is for eight full-time semesters, toward one undergraduate degree
• Recipients must maintain a 2.75-grade point average and live on campus housing in order to continue receiving the scholarship
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility

The Sanjay Parekh International Merit Scholarship

The scholarship ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 per year, over 4 years and is awarded based on the student’s secondary school academic achievement

• Open to first-time full-time resident students seeking F-1 student visa status applying for an undergraduate degree
• Applicants must be accepted by June 1st to be considered
• Scholarship recipients will be selected and notified by mid-June
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA or equivalent to be considered
• Applicants must qualify for an I-20 certificate of eligibility for F-1 status
• The scholarship award is for eight full-time semesters, excluding summers and study abroad, toward one undergraduate degree
• Recipients must maintain a 2.75-grade point average and live on campus housing in order to continue receiving the scholarship
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Students under disciplinary suspension lose future merit scholarship eligibility

Alumni Association Scholarship

Scholarship amount varies.

• Awarded to students who have an Alumnus/a relative (parent, grandparent, sibling, or other blood relative or non-blood relationships that are valid for eligibility are spouses and stepparents)
• Scholarship consideration is based on financial need and other extenuating financial circumstances
• All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, excluding incoming freshman
• All applicants must complete the necessary forms for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office of York College to determine your financial need
• All applicants must submit a letter of reference from their alumni sponsor if one is not already on file in the Alumni Relations Office
• Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis and recipients must reapply each year
• Contact the Alumni Office for questions and the application
• The student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Please note: the Alumni Scholarship would be in addition to any of the above merit awards

For more information, visit the Alumni Relations page.

Millard E. and Ida G. Gladfelter Fellows Program

The Millard E. and Ida G. Gladfelter Fellows Program is awarded to students dedicated to pursuing research in history, political science, or related disciplines who are interested in better understanding our society and the complex problems it faces.

Two incoming students will be admitted to the Gladfelter Fellows program each year and will both receive $5000 in both their junior and senior years ($10,000 over two years) as long as they remain in good standing in the program and will be required to conduct a multi-semester research project in their junior and/or senior years.

Millard E. and Ida G. Gladfelter Fellows Program!

IMPACT York

The Impact York program awards $6,000 ($1,500 for each year up to four years) to qualified residential students from York County. Impact York engages students in community-based and project-based learning. Through a guided set of experiences, Impact York team members learn to address the needs of a community by participating in leadership training, developing innovation skills, and applying knowledge from their area of study to address real-world needs.

To qualify for Impact York, you must:

• Enroll at YCP starting in the fall of the same calendar year that you graduate from high school.
• Attend York College as a residential, first-time student.

Visit the Impact York webpage to learn more about the program.

James L. Mohatt Excellence in Music Scholarship

Scholarship amount varies.

• Awarded to students with talent in vocal and instrumental music regardless of major
• The student must be full-time. Music majors are not eligible (and are instead eligible for the Vincent Risley scholarship).
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Scholarships may be renewed for students maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.5

Apply to the James L. Mohatt Excellence in Music Scholarship!

STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars are students who are drawn to science because they want to know how the world works. They are builders who see the ways technology can advance both our knowledge and our work. They value reliable data as well as teamwork, and they enjoy opportunities to work with other like-minded students who share a love of learning. In addition to collaboration with their fellow students, STEM Scholars also work with faculty in many disciplines to understand the role of science and technology in the wider world.

Students in this program are part of a living/learning community. They work together in a first-year seminar designed specifically for their group, and take part in a number of enrichment activities. STEM Scholars are eligible to apply for full membership in the Honors Community after their second semester. Those who are accepted have the opportunity to apply for global travel, research, and other grants to advance their work. 

Visit the STEM Scholars page to learn more! 

Vincent Risley Scholarship

Scholarship amount varies.

• Awarded to students with a major or minor in music
• Audition required
• After a successful audition, students are considered
• Satisfactory progress in the music program is required to renew the award
• All information is subject to changes in the federal/state regulations and York College policy
• Please note: the Vincent Risley Scholarship would be in addition to any of the above merit awards

To learn more about auditioning to obtain this scholarship please visit the music audition information page.

York College Promise

The York College Promise provides eligible graduates from York County high schools with an opportunity to attend college as part of a cohort of fellow program participants who will live and learn together on campus.  Students will receive personalized support with academic advising, work-study job opportunities, and free tuition toward their cost of attendance at York College. 

• Students will be full-time, first-time students from York County.
• Students must have graduated from a York County high school in good standing, or have been homeschooled in York County, with at least a 2.5 high school GPA.
• Students must enroll at York College in the fall immediately following their high school graduation.
• Students must be residential students, on campus, during their four years of college, and enrollment must be continuous every regular term.
• Students must come from families whose Adjusted Gross Family Income, as indicated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is $75,000 or less and eligible for a Pell Grant award. 
• Students must complete at least 30 new credits toward degree completion each year, with a minimum college
  GPA of 2.0.
• Enrollment must be full-time and continuous every regular term. 
• Students must remain in good standing — academically, financially, and socially. 
• Students must live on campus in assigned residential housing each regular term.

Learn more about the York College Promise by visiting the York College Promise page. 

Full Tuition and general fees for up to 8 full-time fall/spring semesters

• The student must have a parent employed and deemed eligible by a member institution of either the Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE, Inc.) or the Council of Independent Colleges – Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
• The employer’s Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer can provide specific eligibility requirements
• Admission to York College of PA is the only requirement for consideration
• Three CIC-TEP Scholarships are awarded each fall to incoming freshman on a first-come/first served basis
• Transfer students can be considered for a CIC-TEP Scholarship if a scholarship from their freshman year has gone unclaimed
• Five or more TE, Inc. Scholarships are awarded each year to incoming freshman and transfer students
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 is required to renew the scholarship each year
• Replaces any other merit-based award
• Exchange scholarships may not be used for part-time study (< 12 credits), summer courses, study abroad, or graduate studies
• Exchange scholarships do not cover semesters in which a major requires study at another institution and tuition is paid to that institution (directly or through YCP)

Additional information is obtainable from the YCP Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer, Erica Schieler, Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, escheiler@ycp.edu.