The Complete Penn State Program supports students navigate barriers and challenges to achieving their first associate's or bachelor's degree.

Complete Penn State Program

 The 23-24 Complete Penn State Scholarship Application has closed. The Application for 24-25 will reopen on August 8, 2024.
 

Current Penn State undergraduate students can apply for the Complete Penn State Program to receive support as they work toward completing their first associate's or bachelor's degree. As part of this program, students will be reviewed for up to a $3,000 one-time scholarship (applied over their two final semesters). The Complete Penn State Program application will also allow students to identify other complete challenges they may be facing. 

The program is guided by three principles: 

Advocacy: The Complete Penn State Program advocates for students who are working to overcome barriers to completion.

Opportunity:  The Complete Penn State Program connects students to key resources that will help them finish strong and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. 

Achievement: The Complete Penn State Program supports degree achievement for all Penn State students who need a little extra support on their way to the finish line. 

Complete Penn State Program eligibility: 

  • currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Penn State
  • one or two semesters away from completing a first associate’s or bachelor’s degree (30 or fewer credits remaining)
  • in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
  • experiencing a hardship that is complicating degree completion

To be eligible for an "Open Doors" Completion Scholarship, students must also have evidence of the following: 

  • a current FAFSA on file (if applicable, international students may still apply)
  • documentation that confirms an official timeline to degree completion
  • financial need for educational expenses related to the current academic year
  • record of having accepted all available aid (including Direct Loans, Parent Plus Loan, or private loans)  
  • not previously awarded the maximum "Open Doors" scholarship (typically $3,000 total)

Completion Scholarship FAQ

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Re-enrollment Support

Complete Penn State supports students who are ready to return to Penn State to finish their undergraduate degree. Through this program, the Student Success Center supports returning students who are no more than five years from being enrolled in a degree program with Penn State. Complete Penn State addresses student needs and identifies helpful resources and possible pathways to degree completion.

To be eligible for re-enrollment support through Complete Penn State, a student must be:

  • no more than five years out from their last semester of enrollment in a degree program at Penn State
  • currently seeking to re-enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at Penn State
  • one or two semesters away from completing a first associate’s or bachelor’s degree (30 or fewer credits remaining)
  • in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher) before they stopped out from their degree program
  • experiencing or have previously experienced a hardship that is complicating degree completion 

Re-enrollment guidance request

Re-enrollment FAQ

Complete Penn State advocates for students who are working to overcome barriers to completion.

Complete Penn State connects students to key resources that will help them finish strong and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. 

Complete Penn State supports degree achievement for all Penn State students who need a little extra support on their way to the finish line. 

See what Complete Penn State participants are saying:

  • "The Complete Penn State program was able to quickly and efficiently advocate for me to be given the financial resources that I needed."
  • "I believe awarding financial assistance to struggling students is very impactful, and I am very much grateful to the Complete Penn State program. Very helpful!"
  • "The Complete Penn State program gives hope to students struggling to pay for their final year/semester due to depleted funds."
  • "The Complete Penn State program really cares about the students and is also helpful to provide other resources for financial aid."
  • "Complete Penn State allowed me to focus on my classes and activities for the rest of my senior year instead of being concerned and worried about how to pay the rest of my bill."
  • "Complete Penn State relieved the stress of paying off a balance that seemed impossible to pay."
  • "The Complete Penn State program is opening to listening to students and their needs to support them as much as they can."
  • "The most impactful aspect of Complete Penn State is knowing that there is help when trying to complete your degree. Any amount helps and I’m so grateful that some of the financial burdens have been alleviated."
  • "Complete Penn State provided the support and influence to help me reach graduation."
  • "The dedication from the Student Success Coach that I spoke with was amazing and helped me find the support that I needed."
  • "Complete Penn State is extremely helpful. The program allowed me to graduate on time and took the extra stress off my final semester."