Financial Aid and Scholarships

To recognize the accomplishments of our students, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the College of Health and Human Development awards scholarships on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school/community activities, leadership positions, and work experience. Students must be enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development. Some scholarships and awards require enrollment in a specific major.

Scholarships for HDFS Students

These scholarships are offered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Review the eligibility requirements and access the application form for each below.

Corneal Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in HDFS: This award, created in recognition of the long-term contributions of Sherry Corneal to the personal and professional development of undergraduate students in HDFS, is intended to recognize an outstanding senior HDFS student who has combined strong classroom achievement, career-related extracurricular activities, and personal and professional growth during their HDFS studies.

This award is given to a graduating senior majoring in HDFS who has completed at least 90 credits and plans to graduate within 12 months of the application deadline.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Corneal Award is Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Quell Foundation Bridge the Gap Undergraduate Scholarship: Students who are enrolled in HDFS at University Park, have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to pursue a career in or related to mental health services are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Quell Foundation Bridge the Gap Undergraduate Scholarship is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Suzann Andrews Tedesco Award: This award recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students whose interests and actions promote service to individuals, families, and communities. Students who are enrolled in HDFS are eligible to apply. Selection is based on evidence of success in areas that include academics, but also social maturity and commitment to bettering the lives of young children.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Suzann Andrews Tedesco Award is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Anthony R. D'Augelli Undergraduate Scholarship in LGBTQ Research and Service: This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students whose interests and actions promote research and/or service related to LGBTQ individuals, families and communities. Students who are enrolled in HDFS as a major or minor, and are actively engaged in faculty-approved research about LGBTQ topics or are interning at an agency or non-profit organization serving the LGBTQ community are eligible to apply. Selection is based on evidence of working in an LGBTQ research lab and/or human service area.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Anthony R. D'Augelli Undergraduate Scholarship in LGBTQ Research and Service is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Mark A. and Kathryn Snyder Klins Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in or related to early childhood education or development.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Mark A. and Kathryn Snyder Klins Scholarship is Friday, May 9, 2025.

Nancy Saylor Gamble and Glenn W. Gamble Scholarship: This scholarship is intended for students whose coursework emphasizes the biological, psychological, and social development of infants and children.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Nancy Saylor Gamble and Glenn W. Gamble Scholarship is Friday, May 9, 2025.

HHD Scholarships - No Application Required for Most

All currently enrolled HHD students, currently enrolled Penn State students intending to transfer to the College, incoming freshmen, and students transferring from a college outside of the Penn State system will be automatically considered for all scholarships and awards for which they are eligible.

A small number of scholarships/awards require an application. Students who are determined to be eligible for such scholarships and awards will be contacted and encouraged to apply.

Learn more about scholarships available to students in the College of Health and Human Development.

University Scholarships and Financial Aid

Penn State awards a number of scholarships each year; there also are grants, loans, and work-study programs for those who qualify. Information on University-wide scholarships and other forms of financial aid is available on the Office of Student Aid website.

For more information, contact The Office of Student Aid.