Grants & Scholarships
Various grants and scholarship opportunities can help further offset the cost of your DeSales education. We've assembled a list of helpful resources for your consideration.
Adult Studies Scholarships
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The DeSales Community College Transfer Scholarships
DSU automatically awards this scholarship to new students entering the Adult Studies program for the 2022-2023 academic year who have earned an A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. degree from a community college. They must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program.
Qualified students will be awarded a $1500 scholarship that is disbursed in $500 increments for the first three courses taken. Students must remain ini good academic standing to receive the scholarship and complete the three courses within the academic year awarded.
* Restrictions apply. Courses must be completed within the session taken and remain in good academic standing.
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The AAUW for Studies Interrupted Scholarship
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the largest and oldest national organization of women who are college graduates. AAUW promotes education and equity for women and girls.
To qualify applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a female in the Adult Studies program who has had her studies interrupted at some point for at least six months.
- Completed a minimum of 15 credits.
- Returning or new student, accepted for the fall 2022 session 1 or 2 for undergraduate studies.
- Must take 2 classes during the fall sessions 1 and 2.
- Must be in good standing.
If applying and have attended another university, an official transcript from the respective university must be submitted to verify the completion of at least 15 credits and to verify a six-month or greater gap between semesters/sessions. Two recipients will be awarded $2000 towards the tuition for sessions 1 and 2. For information on how to apply, contact Adult Studies at adultstudies@desales.edu or 610-282-4361.
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Father Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, Adult Studies Scholarship
Since 2012, we have been awarding the Father Alexander Pocetto, OFSF, Adult Studies Scholarship. This fund honors the Adult Studies program founder and is awarded to Adult Studies students only. For the 2021-2022 academic year, scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,620, the tuition of one, three credit course. Six scholarships will be awarded, and recipients will be notified in August 2022. Application deadline is July 15, 2022. Qualified applicants will be notified through email and invited to apply. Qualifications include:
· Must be an Adult Studies student
· Good academic standing
· Completed at least 5 courses at DeSales
· Essay is required -
David M. Petzold Scholarship
This scholarship has been established in memory of Officer David M. Petzold, who was killed in the line of duty on November 6, 2006. David was an alumnus of DeSales University Adult Studies criminal justice program.
This scholarship will preserve David’s memory and will assist a current student to achieve his or her educational goal. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the scholarship recipient will be awarded $1,620, the tuition of one, three credit course.
The scholarship recipient will be notified in August 2022. Application deadline is July 15, 2022. Qualified applicants will be notified through email and invited to apply.
Qualifications include:
- Be an Adult Studies student
- Be a CJ major
- GPA of 2.5 or above
- Complete a minimum of 15 credits at DeSales
- Currently employed as a police officer*
- Have a record of service to the community
*Adult Studies program reserves the prerogative to award scholarship to a criminal justice major, other than a police officer, when appropriate.
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Addictions.com Scholarships
$5,750 In College Scholarships To Be Awarded
Are you a full-time college student in the U.S.? Do you have a passion for raising awareness about the dangers associated with substance abuse and addiction?
If you answered “yes” to both questions, you’ll want to enter the Addictions.com Scholarship Contest. Five scholarships will be awarded to qualified college students who write the winning essays (for first, second, third, fourth, and fifth places).
Non-DeSales U. grants and scholarships
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The Pennsylvania Society Scholarship Program with the Maguire Foundation
The Maguire Foundation has partnered with The Pennsylvania Society to create a scholarship to assist Pennsylvania high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited, non-proprietary four-year college or university which must be located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the entire academic year. Awards are eligible for renewal for up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an annual award of up to $8,000. Up to 25 awards will be granted.
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American Association of University Women (AAUW)
AAUW American Fellowships support women (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) scholars who are completing dissertations, planning research leave from accredited institutions, or preparing research for publication.
Applications for AAUW American Fellowships are open August 1 – November 15.
AAUW International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applications for AAUW International Fellowships are open August 1–December 1.
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The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council Scholarship Program
The LVMAC Scholarship Program target audience is:
- Veterans of working age seeking meaningful first-time civilian employment
- Veterans of working age seeking meaningful reemployment due to job loss
- Children of Veterans
- Children and Un-Remarried Spouses of Service members Killed in Action
- Children of Non-Veterans who will make an active duty service commitment through ROTC
Average Annual Scholarship is $1,000.
Visit LVMAC's website from February 1 through May 31 to apply.
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Horatio Alger Honeywell Scholarship Program
Open to current college freshmen studying in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) fields, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Application available is available January 15 - March 15. Visit the Horatio Alger Association website during those dates.
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Northampton County Medical Society Alliance Scholarships
Northampton County Medical Society Alliance provides $1000 scholarships to eligible medical, nursing and physician assistant students.
To learn about eligibility criteria and apply, go to http://ncmsa.org/scholarship.
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Mensa Foundation's College Scholarship Program
Mensa Foundation's college scholarship program bases its awards totally on essays written by the applicants. Consideration is not given to grades, academic program or financial need.
Application process opens September 15 and closes January 15.
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Annual Harris Lowry Manton LLP Civil Justice Scholarship
Scholarship award
$5000
Eligibility and requirements
To be eligible for the award, applicants must submit the following no later than June 1.
- Proof of enrollment for the upcoming academic year
- One recommendation from a member of the faculty or staff at the university or school (incoming IL students may submit a letter from a teacher from the previous year)
- An essay of no more than 1,000 words about the importance of the right to a trial by jury
The scholarship will be awarded, and the student notified of his or her selection, prior to August 1.
Scholarship Application
https://www.hlmlawfirm.com/annual-harris-lowry-manton-llp-academic-scholarship-award
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Nursing Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
Several scholarship opportunities are available for high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Amounts: varies by scholarship
Deadline: varies by scholarship
For more information: Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students | NurseJournal.org
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Sallie Mae: Completing the Dream Scholarship
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program helps diverse students from historically underserved communities complete their post-secondary education.
Students on-track to complete their degree or continuous education program who are facing financial challenges may apply to receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 to help complete their post-secondary education program.
Scholarship applications for AY 2022-23 are being accepted now through 5/31/23 or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded.
By 2024, we’ll award nearly 800 Completing the Dream Scholarships totaling $1.95 million, to help students from underserved communities complete their dream of higher education.
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Nordson BUILDS Scholarship Program
The mission of Nordson BUILDS is to attract and develop a diverse, highly-skilled talent pool for careers in the manufacturing industry. It is designed to help bright and motivated students access and complete postsecondary education by lessening the financial barriers of enrolling in college for many, and decreasing the loan burden for individuals that apply for financial aid. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible to receive a Nordson BUILDS Scholarship.
Business, Finance, Accounting, STEM, and IT majors can apply.
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The Rizwan Ahmed CPA Scholarship
Award Amount: $1000
Submission Deadline: Dec 15th, 2022.
Winner Announcement Date: 23rd-Dec-2022https://rizwanahmedcpascholarship.com/rizwan-ahmed-cpa-2022-scholarship/
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Study.com Student Scholarships
A variety of scholarships are offered through Study.com, most of which have an annual deadline of May 1. Study.com Scholarships are awarded annually. Any applications received after the deadline will be considered for the following year.
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Citizens Scholarship
0 essays. 0 report cards. 1 solid financial bump.
Enter to win, and you're in the running for a monthly $2,500 prize, and eventually our yearly $15,000 prize towards tuition.
Deadline: 6/30/2023
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SmartSolar Sustainability Scholarship
The SmartSolar Sustainability Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that’s open to all students who strive to make sustainable choices. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2023, and winners will be announced on February 1, 2023.
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Scholarship for Sports Majors
The PrimePutt Scholarship for Sports Majors is a $1,000 scholarship that’s open to all students that are majoring in sports or a sports-adjacent subject. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2023 and winners will be announced on February 1, 2023.
Accelerated BSN Scholarships
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Loan Forgiveness Opportunities - up to $40,000
Select ABSN students may be eligible for up to $40,000 in loan forgiveness opportunities.
Learn more by completing this inquiry form: -
The Stabler Scholarships - up to $5000 for qualified applicants
Scholarships from the Stabler Grant are a “debt of conscience” in that recipients are asked to “pay it forward” with future donations to the Stabler Grant endowment fund.
The Stabler Scholarship for DeSales Accelerated BSN students is primarily need-based, although academic excellence may also be considered. Qualified applicants can receive up to $5,000.
Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler founded this generous scholarship in recognition that many people might not be able to afford higher education without financial assistance. The Stablers believed that those receiving financial aid should recognize an obligation to reciprocate by aiding future students in the future.
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The Dr. Carolyn Hollshwandner Scholarship - up to $5000 for qualified applicants
The Dr. Carolyn Hollshwandner Scholarship is primarily a need-based scholarship, although academic excellence may also be considered. Qualified recipients can receive up to $5,000.
This scholarship is named for the founder and long-time nursing department chair at DeSales.
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ABSN Scholarship Deadlines and How to Apply
Applications will be accepted starting February 1.
Applications are due no later than March 15.
- Decisions regarding the scholarship recipients will be made by the scholarship committee.
- Scholarship money will awarded and divided into four equal amounts to be disbursed over all four academic terms.
- The scholarship money will be awarded per matriculated student based upon demonstrated need and the number of applications submitted. Recipient students will be notified no later than May 19. A sample of the Stabler Foundation Information handout that is provided when scholarships are awarded is enclosed with this application document for your review.
How to Apply
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form no later than March 15.
- Submit an essay which includes the following:
- Why you are applying for the Stabler/Hollschwandner Scholarship
- Describe your financial need (including relocation or housing needs)
- Provide any additional special circumstances that pertain to your need for a scholarship
- Describe how this scholarship will impact your future endeavors in nursing
Send your completed essay as an attachment to:
Nursing@desales.edu
Subject line: ABSN Scholarships
Include the date of your FASFA submission in the email.
You may find the following resources useful in your scholarship search.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Scholarships and Loans for International Students
- USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships
- Unigo's List of College Scholarships
- Reagan Foundation
- StudentScholarships.org
- Sallie Mae's List of College Scholarships
- Nursing Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
- Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award
- ScholarshipGuidance.com

Office of Financial Aid - Here to Help
We'll guide you to make the best choices to fund your education at DeSales University. We can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
DeSales Financial Aid Office
610.282.1100, ext. 1287
Fax: 610.282.0131
finaid@desales.edu
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.