First-Year Scholarships

At Slippery Rock University, we offer scholarships that are based on diverse criteria specific to each award including academic record, talent, place of residence and major. SRU proudly awards approximately 2 million dollars in scholarships annually to the incoming freshman class.

Here are the steps that you can take to be considered for scholarships:

  • Apply for admission by December 1st to automatically be considered for merit scholarships.  Students who apply for admission after December 1st will considered for scholarships if funds are available.
  • Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov.
  • Most first-year freshman scholarships do not require additional applications and are based upon admission materials.
  • Some scholarships require applications.  Review those that require applications in the Freshman Scholarships with Required Application section below. Those that require applications will have a link listed.
  • Students interested in Athletic Scholarships must discuss scholarship opportunities with the team coach. Contact the Athletics Office for further information.
  • Students interested in Dance, Music and Theatre will be considered for scholarships based upon their department auditions.

Attention Fall 2026 Students:  Most applications are now closed.  This list contains information regarding those that are still open:

Art Freshman Scholarship: Incoming freshmen students will need to provide a portfolio for consideration. Complete the SRU Art Scholarship Application by January 17th for the highest consideration which will include the portfolio. The final deadline is April 30th. Students will be asked to attach a PDF including one page describing academic and art goals which should include accomplishments, activities and exhibitions which involve the arts; and a portfolio of the six best art works in any medium. For further information, contact the Art Department directly at 724.738.4289. Art Scholarship Application

Robert H. Coulson Scholarship: Graduate of Valley High School, Kiski High School, or Burrell High School, PA and perform community services and other extra-curricular activities. Applicant must provide an essay describing career goals and aspirations, which can be sent to the SRU Foundation The deadline is May 1.

Winner Scholarship: Must be attending a high school in Mercer County, PA.  Must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.  Recommendation is required from a principal, vice-principal, superintendent or guidance counselor.  Recommendations can be uploaded here.  Dependents of Winner employees should notify the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu that their family member works for a Winner corporation. No additional information is required except for the recommendation. Suggested date for submission is prior to May 1.

Wolves Club of Coraopolis Scholarship: Recommendation by school counselor based on good high school academic performance. Priority consideration: 1. Financial need 2. Graduates of Cornell, Moon, Montour High Schools. The scholarship is renewable. Contact your school counselor at your high school for more information.  Suggested date for submission is prior to May 1.

Wolves Club of New Castle Scholarship: Permanent Lawrence County Resident. Student must demonstrate good academic performance. Student must demonstrate financial need. Contact your  school counselor at your high school for more information.  Suggested date for submission is prior to May 1.

FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS BASED UPON ADMISSION MATERIALS