Students on Locust Walk on a Fall Day

Why Support Undergraduate Financial Aid

By offering an unparalleled education to the most talented applicants, regardless of means, Penn expands opportunity and transforms lives.

Penn students go on to do great things: conduct groundbreaking research; found companies and nonprofits; lead in government, health care, the private sector, and the arts; and serve communities around the globe. It all starts with our pledge to make a Penn education accessible and affordable for every admitted student. Simply put, a gift to undergraduate financial aid powers Penn’s promise to admit the most talented scholars and inspires them to make a difference in the world.

 

Penn sets the gold standard in higher education with the largest grant-based financial program in the country, distinguished by:

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Need-blind admission for all applicants in North America

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A commitment to meeting 100% of assessed financial need

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Grant-based financial aid packages

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The Case for Aid

Students come to Penn from every part of the country and every corner of the world. Each has their own story. Some are the first in their families to attend college. Some are from families that cannot afford to pay tuition and expenses. Penn’s unflagging commitment to access is tearing down barriers with the largest grant-based financial aid program in the country.

Group of women walking on Locust Walk

By the Numbers

As the demand for undergraduate financial aid has grown steadily over recent decades, so too has Penn’s commitment to increasing access for talented students with financial need.

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Power of Penn Campaign Results

One of the Power of Penn Campaign’s greatest successes was the robust growth of Penn’s undergraduate financial aid program. Thanks to the inspiring support of the Penn Named Scholarship community, we surpassed our ambitious goal of $425 million and opened new doors of opportunity for talented scholars from diverse backgrounds and also from around the globe.

Bailey Head Shot
Scholar

Bailey, C'23

“I’m a first-generation student and would not have thought to study Philosophy, Political Science, and Anthropology if I didn’t have Named Scholarships and Penn behind me.”

Without the kindness of our donors, I would never have been afforded the opportunity to come here from my small town and meet incredible, diverse people.

—Joseph, W'24

Help shape the future of a young person.

By endowing a scholarship, you can support future 
generations of first-rate students who, if given the 
opportunity, can change the world.

Learn more