University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Grants and Scholarships

• Federal Pell Grant amounts are determined by the Department of Education based on your FAFSA and full or part-time enrollment at the University. Pell Grants may only be used towards the student’s first undergraduate degree.

• Students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for the Federal SEOG. Federal SEOG awards are processed by the Financial Aid Office. Awards are determined for students through a combination of significant need as demonstrated on the FAFSA form and the availability of funds.

• Students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for the Federal ACG. Federal ACG awards are processed by the Financial Aid Office. Awards are determined for students through a combination of significant need as demonstrated on the FAFSA form and the completion of a rigorous secondary school program of study. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to receive this award during the second year of study.

• Students must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for the Federal SMART Grant. Federal SMART awards are processed by the Financial Aid Office. Awards are determined for students through a combination of significant need as demonstrated on the FAFSA form and the matriculation in an eligible math, science, foreign language or computer program of study. A student must be in her/his third year of study to be considered. A student must have a 3.0 GPA each semester to retain this award.

• PHEAA State Grants are awarded by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to eligible Pennsylvania residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Awards are based upon demonstrated financial need as determined by PHEAA from the information submitted on the FAFSA, and full or part-time enrollment.

• If you are from a state other than Pennsylvania, please check with the Office of Higher Education in your state for information regarding out-of-state use of grants. Delaware, Alaska, Maryland, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Ohio are the states that allow students to use their grants out-of-state. New Jersey and New York do NOT allow their grants to be used out-of-state. Please check with your State's Department of Education for more information and to apply.

• This award is based on your academic achievements to date. The Admission Office awards these grants to incoming students. You do not have to apply separately for a USP Merit Grant, but recipients must maintain full-time enrollment to retain this award. You will be reviewed automatically and notified by mail regarding your eligibility. Please direct inquiries regarding the USP Merit Grant to the Admission office. This is a non-need based program which can only be used to cover tuition costs. The USP Merit Grant is renewable upon successful progression in your program of study.

• Athletic grants are determined by the USP Athletic Department. Athletic awards are contingent upon the requirements and standards of that office. Please contact the Athletic Department with questions regarding this award. This is a non-need based program.

• USP grants are University funds made available to students as a means of supplementing other aid sources. Students who complete the FAFSA will be considered for this grant. A student must enroll full-time to receive this award.

• The USP Provost Award is granted to first year students who demonstrate financial need. This award is designed to assist with the cost of education as new students transition to a university setting and is non-renewable.

• The following websites allow you to set up a personal profile and then provide you with search results of scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.  There is no fee for the use of any of these websites.
  • www.fastweb.com
  • www.collegenet.com
  • www.scholarships.com
  • www.studentawards.com
  • www.studentscholarshipsearch.com
  • www.students.gov
  • www.educationplanner.com