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 the Quaker Commitment – 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.
Through the Quaker Commitment, Penn sets the gold standard in higher education with one of the largest grant-based financial programs in the country, distinguished by:
Meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all aided undergraduates
With grant-based, no-loan financial aid packages.
Eliminating home equity from our financial aid calculations
A rare policy that acknowledges the difficulty of converting homeownership into tuition payments.
Supporting students from middle income backgrounds
Guaranteeing that students from middle income backgrounds (family income from $75,001-$200,000) receive scholarships that cover at least full tuition.
Supporting our Penn First Plus Highly Aided undergraduates
Those from families reporting up to $75,000 in income – with financial aid packages that fully cover tuition, fees, housing, and dining as well as access to summer internship, research and academic course funding, free laptops and health insurance.
These policies represent our enduring promise to educate the brightest minds, regardless of financial means, and to equip scholars with the tools to succeed at Penn and beyond – Free from the burden of insurmountable debt. This would not be possible without the generous philanthropy of our donors.
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 education is tearing down obstacles with one of the largest grant-based financial aid programs in the country.
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 more talented scholars.
Without the kindness of our donors, I would never have been afforded the opportunity to come here from my small town and meet incredible people.
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.