Each year Penn Highlands Community College awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to our students.
At Penn Highlands, we offer scholarships tailored for students at every stage of their academic journey. Whether you’re a high school student exploring college options, embarking on your first college experience, midway through your studies, or approaching graduation, we have financial support opportunities designed just for you.
Stay vigilant for scholarship opportunities each semester during your tenure at Penn Highlands. If you don’t secure scholarships in your first application year, don’t be discouraged—apply again the following year!
Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, field of study, academic excellence, volunteer service, and more.
tax credits
There are two tax credits available to help students offset the costs of higher education by reducing the amount of your income tax. They are the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.
The American Opportunity Credit
This credit can help parents and students pay part of the cost of the first four years of college. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers. Eligible taxpayers may qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. Generally, 40 percent of the credit is refundable, which means that you may be able to receive up to $1,000, even if you owe no taxes.
The Lifetime Learning Credit
This credit can help pay for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree courses – including courses to improve job skills – regardless of the number of years in the program. Eligible taxpayers may qualify for up to $2,000 – $4,000 if a student in a Midwestern disaster area – per tax return.
For additional information, consult a tax advisor or click here.
veterans benefits
The Financial Aid Office provides information about G.I. Bill® benefits for veterans, eligible dependents of veterans, members of the National Guard, Selected Reserves, and active duty service persons. This office assists students in applying for benefits and certifies enrollment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
For information on Veteran and Dependent VA Education Benefits call 1.888.442.4551 or access online. Most veterans are responsible to pay tuition and fees by the College’s tuition due date. Veterans applying for benefits for the first time should expect a six to eight week wait until the first check from the Department of Veterans Affairs arrives.