Private Grants & Scholarship Opportunities
DeSales is proud to offer a variety of grants and scholarships to help offset the cost of your education. We've assembled a list of helpful resources that include our scholarships and grants, specific outside scholarships that we recommend, as well as scholarship opportunities for individual majors.
- DeSales Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
- General Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
- Major Specific Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
- Graduate Scholarship Opportunities
- Adult Studies Scholarship Opportunities
- Military, Veteran and ROTC Scholarship Opportunities
- Scholarship Databases and Search Engines
DeSales Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Awards are offered to graduates of Catholic high schools who are entering DeSales in the Fall.
Sorry, but graduates of Catholic Home Schooling agencies do not qualify for the Catholic Schools Grant.
Ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, recipients will receive this award each year for participation in the DeSales University Choirs.
The Francis X. Cassidy Jr. Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship at the Kathleen Waterbury and J.B. Reilly School of Business at DeSales that provides a $5,000 award for four years to an incoming first-year business student. The Cassidy family established the scholarship in memory of their father, Frank Cassidy Jr. The scholarship aims to honor Frank Cassidy Jr.'s legacy of giving back and stewardship to future generations of business students at DeSales.
This generous gift will provide an additional merit-based scholarship of $5,000/year for four (4) years. To be considered for the Cassidy Scholarship for the incoming freshman class:
- Submit an application along with a resume and 2-page essay discussing your interest in a career in business by February 15.
- Finalists will be chosen and required to complete an interview with the scholarship committee.
- The scholarship winner will be selected by the scholarship committee and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout all four years at DeSales.
Through the generosity of Nicholas ’96 and Carissa W. Moriello, the Waterbury Reilly School of Business at DeSales University is pleased to offer a prestigious competitive scholarship award for an undergraduate student studying in a business major at DSU.
This generous gift will provide an additional merit-based scholarship of $8,000/year for four (4) years. To be considered for the Moriello Scholarship for the incoming freshman class:
- Submit the application form along with a resume and 2-page essay discussing your interest in a career in business by January 30, 2026.
- Finalists will be chosen and required to complete an interview with the scholarship committee.
- The scholarship winner will be selected by the scholarship committee and must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA throughout all four years at DeSales.
Through the generosity of Joseph F. Mullen '85 and Kelly J. (Conley) Mullen '87, DeSales is pleased to offer this needs-based scholarship for students interested in studying in the business or nursing disciplines.
The selected student will receive this scholarship for four (4) years, provided they continue to meet the following criteria:
- student is a full-time undergraduate student at DSU.
- student has a demonstrated financial need.
- student is in good academic standing with University guidelines.
The Mullens are very proud alumni of DeSales University and want to give back to future students to help with the recruitment and retention of quality individuals in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales.
Preference for this scholarship will be given to a student in Business or Nursing. The Associate VP for Enrollment Management and the Director of Financial Aid will select the student according to the criteria outlined above. DeSales University reserves the right to reinvest the amount of the award back into the corpus if there is no student matching the criteria.
This is your chance to earn one of six DeSales University full-tuition scholarships. The leadership scholarship is offered to six students who have shown outstanding leadership in their high school careers and who plan to continue to develop those skills at DeSales.
To be considered, complete a written essay: Tell us about your character and leadership experience by selecting one of the following leadership traits and writing an essay (500 words or less) on that selected trait:
- Gentleness
- Humility
- Gratitude
- Hospitality
- Wisdom
Scholarship finalists will be invited for an interview with student life staff to determine if you're one of our six Leadership Scholarship recipients!
Apply for the Leadership Scholarship
Guidelines
- You must be planning to enter DeSales University in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 as a first-year, full-time, traditional day student.
- You must apply to DeSales University no later than December 1, 2025. Your completed scholarship application, essay, and resume must be returned by December 1, 2025.
- The scholarship is not transferable to any other institution and current students are not eligible.
DeSales University recognizes students' academic achievement in high school by awarding two categories of academic merit scholarships. Priority consideration is granted to students who have applied by December 1 of their senior year. A separate application is not required. Academic scholarships are available for up to eight semesters.
The selection process for these scholarships is competitive with awards going to top-ranking applicants based upon grade point average and SAT or ACT scores (if provided).
- Presidential Scholarships - $26,000 - $31,000
- Trustee Scholarships - $23,000 to $24,000
Scholarship Notification
If you file your FAFSA prior to January 1: Notification of scholarships will be included in your financial aid package.
If you file your FAFSA after January 1 (but prior to Feb 1 deadline): Notification will be sent independently of your financial aid package.
Due to the fact that we are an NCAA Division III institution, leadership in athletics cannot be considered in the awarding any scholarships or grants.
The Salesian Honors Program will shape the next generation of Christian humanists through a three-fold focus on deep intellectual and experiential engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition, service to the community, and spiritual formation. Students who complete the Salesian Honors Program will earn a minor in Catholic Studies.
- Participation in the Honors Program is competitive, limited to 12-15 students in each academic class.
- Honors students receive $3,000 every 2 years to travel together to places like Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and the Holy Land.
- The Honors Curriculum is an alternative to some General Education courses.
- Honors Students get preferential housing and course registration each semester.
- Honors students earn academic credit for Experiential Learning every month, such as taking field trips to Philadelphia and NYC, engaging in public academic debates, spending weekends with top scholars, and presenting research at academic conferences.
- Honors students take their classes in cohorts, moving through the program with groups of friends.
- Honors students can study and take classes in the Honors House, a quiet residential location on the edge of campus.
- Honors students can come from almost any major in the university, including business and the sciences.
Application Details
Incoming first-year students may apply for acceptance to the Salesian Honors Program as part of their Common Core application to DeSales University. Currently enrolled Freshmen (‘late applicants’) may apply to the Honors Program at the end of the Fall and Spring Semesters.
To be considered for the Salesian Honors Program, prospective students or late applicants must do the following:
- Demonstrate high academic achievement on high school transcripts, including a 3.5 cumulative GPA from high school institution OR DeSales University.
- Submit a resumé that includes biographical information, extracurricular activities and interests, and community service.
- Submit two short essays composed in response to prompts through the Common Core Application, OR prompts given by DeSales University.
- A letter of recommendation from one of their high school academic instructors OR first year instructor/full-time faculty member discussing their fitness for the Honors Program.
Scholarships start at $23K
DSU automatically awards merit scholarships for transfer students with a qualifying GPA. Award amount is based on factors such as GPA, courses and credits accumulated. DSU offers three levels of transfer scholarships:
- Aviat 1: $23,000/year
- Aviat 2: $24,000/year
- Aviat 3: $26,000/year
Additional opportunities
Did you graduate from a Catholic High School? DSU offers a Catholic School Grant that is worth $3000/year. Graduates of the Allentown Diocesan High Schools and Oblate High Schools are offered $5,000 awards through the Tuition Incentive Program.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Accepted students who are members of PTK will receive a $2,000/year PTK scholarship, in addition to any transfer scholarship for which the student qualifies.
Graduates of Allentown Diocesan schools and Oblate high schools who are entering DeSales in the Fall are offered $5,000 awards.
The Dr. Caroline 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.
Scholarship applications will be accepted until end of January.
Only accepted students who have secured their seat for the upcoming May cohort can apply. Scholarship money will be awarded and divided into four equal amounts to be disbursed over all four academic terms
How to Apply
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).
- Submit an essay which includes the following:
- Why you are applying for the Stabler/Hollshwandner 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.
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.
Scholarship applications will be accepted until end of January.
Only accepted students who have secured their seat for the upcoming May cohort can apply. Scholarship money will be awarded and divided into four equal amounts to be disbursed over all four academic terms
How to Apply
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).
- Submit an essay which includes the following:
- Why you are applying for the Stabler/Hollshwandner 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.
General Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Bethlehem Branch AAUW awards college scholarships to female high school seniors and to women whose education has been interrupted.
Scholarships are based on academic promise and financial need.
Eligibility: Adult women residing in the Lehigh Valley who are pursuing a bachelor's degree.
The American Association of University Women, Harrisburg branch, announces six college scholarships available to women from Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry County who are pursuing degrees in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Beverly J. Smith Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Requirements include completion of 60 credits, a minimum 3.40 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Member Memorial Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree. Requirements include completion of 15 credits, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment on at least a half-time basis (6 credits per term) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Ronald D. and Kathleen A. Krausse STEM Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major. Requirements include completion of 30 credits, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Sally C. Chamberlain Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who is seeking to resume or renew academic work for credit towards career employment or advancement, for example, those who have experienced interruptions in their post-secondary education and want to resume their studies. Requirements include completion of 15 credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, a minimum 2.9 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment on at least a half-time basis (6 credits per term) at a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Jack Sherwin Memorial Humanities Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in the humanities (e.g. history, philosophy and religion, modern and ancient languages and literatures, fine and performing arts, media and cultural studies). Requirements include completion of 30 credits, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Jack Sherwin Memorial Political Science Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to a female resident of Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry County who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in political science, international studies, foreign policy, or related academic majors. Requirements include completion of 30 credits, minimum 3.00 GPA, demonstration of financial need, and enrollment as a full-time student in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Contact Information: AAUW Scholarship Committee at HbgAAUWScholarship@gmail.com
Zero essays. Zero report cards. One solid financial bump.
Enter to win the Citizen Scholarship, and you're in the running for a monthly $2,500 prize, and eventually our yearly $15,000 prize towards tuition.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
Throughout the year, 12 winners will be randomly selected to receive a $5,000 Discover® Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund recipients are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need. Must be of Hispanic Heritage.
Eligibility: Students of Hispanic heritage, for undergraduate and graduate students.
The Horatio Alger Association supports deserving young people who are overcoming significant challenges and are committed to pursuing higher education. Our scholarships and services serve as a powerful symbol of recognition of Scholars’ character and of our belief in their potential.
The African American Business Leaders Council Scholarship recognizes outstanding African American high school seniors & adult learners who have demonstrated academic ability and a commitment to learning, achievement, and community service.
Eligibility: African American high school seniors & African American adult learners who wish to attend a higher education institution and who have graduated from high school at least one year ago.
The Women's Business Council Scholarship recognizes outstanding female high school seniors & adult learners who have demonstrated academic ability and a commitment to learning, achievement, and community service.
Eligibility: Female high school seniors & adult learners who wish to attend a higher education institution and who have graduated from high school at least one year ago.
The YPC Student of the Year Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
Eligibility: Current senior in high school or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
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.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen students who are enrolled in accredited colleges.
The Mental Health Importance Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship open to any student who believes mental health is important. Open to high school seniors and current undergraduate students.
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students.
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship offers college scholarships of up to $40,000 for High School seniors nationwide who showcase leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.
Eligibility: High school seniors enrolling in a 4-year college/university.
Sallie Mae cares about providing you the resources needed to successfully navigate financing college. That's why we're offering you the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship. We know that college is a big step forward in achieving your goals and we want to help you get there using all the tools Sallie Mae has to offer.
Eligibility: Upcoming undergraduate or current undergraduate student.
The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program for High School Seniors helps make the dream of higher education a reality for outstanding high school seniors from historically underserved communities.
Eligibility: Enrolled full-time or part-time in either a Two-year, Four-year, or Vocational certification program.
The SmartSolar Sustainability Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that’s open to all students who strive to make sustainable choices.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students.
The Pennsylvania Society's Benjamin Franklin Scholar Award invites Pennsylvania public school juniors to submit an original essay discussing the modern-day relevance of a Benjamin Franklin quote.
Eligibility: PA public school juniors.
Major Specific Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Eligibility: Student who is or has graduated from a high school within the Lehigh Valley and will attend a 4-year institution.
Eligibility: Current or incoming Law or Law-adjacent major students.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in the last two years of a nursing program, be in the upper 25% of his/her class, and have a 3.2 grade point or above.
Eligibility: Students planning to or are already enrolled in an accredited 4-year university.
Eligibility: Student resides in Northampton County, PA, and must be accepted or enrolled in a healthcare related program.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students majoring in a sports or sports-adjacent subject.
Graduate Scholarship Opportunities
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Zero essays. Zero report cards. One solid financial bump.
Enter to win the Citizen Scholarship, and you're in the running for a monthly $2,500 prize, and eventually our yearly $15,000 prize towards tuition.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
Throughout the year, 12 winners will be randomly selected to receive a $5,000 Discover® Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund recipients are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need. Must be of Hispanic Heritage.
Eligibility: Students of Hispanic heritage, for undergraduate and graduate students.
The YPC Student of the Year Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
Eligibility: Current senior in high school or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in the last two years of a nursing program, be in the upper 25% of his/her class, and have a 3.2 grade point or above.
Eligibility: Student resides in Northampton County, PA, and must be accepted or enrolled in a healthcare related program.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students majoring in a sports or sports-adjacent subject.
The SmartSolar Sustainability Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that’s open to all students who strive to make sustainable choices.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students.
Adult Studies Scholarship Opportunities
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
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. The Bethlehem Branch of AAUW has been awarding grants and scholarships to local women since 1954. The Used Book Sale, which is held in April each year, generates funds for the AAUW grants and scholarships, which are typically $1,000 to $2,000 per recipient. For more information and how to apply, visit the AAUW website bethlehem-pa.aauw.net.
Zero essays. Zero report cards. One solid financial bump.
Enter to win the Citizen Scholarship, and you're in the running for a monthly $2,500 prize, and eventually our yearly $15,000 prize towards tuition.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
This scholarship is made possible by DeSales University to new students entering the upcoming academic year who have earned an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degree from a community college and have enrolled in a certificate or degree program. As a graduate of the community college and a new student in our Adult Studies program, you will be awarded a $1500 scholarship that is disbursed in $500 increments for the first three courses taken. Students must remain in good academic standing to receive the scholarship and complete the three courses within the academic year awarded.
The David M. Petzold Scholarship is awarded to a criminal justice major based on academic achievement and a record of service to the community. The David M. Petzold Scholarship was established in memory of Officer David M. Petzold, who was killed in the line of duty on November 9, 2006. David was an alumnus of the DeSales University Adult Studies criminal justice program. Students who qualify for the scholarship will be sent an invitation to apply. Scholarships are awarded in August.
Throughout the year, 12 winners will be randomly selected to receive a $5,000 Discover® Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
The Father Alexander T. Pocetto, OSFS Scholarship is awarded to students based on academic achievement and who exhibit an appreciation for the pursuit of higher education. The Pocetto Scholarship is named in honor of Fr. Alexander T. Pocetto, retired senior vice president of DeSales University and one of the founders of the Adult Studies program. Students who qualify for the scholarship will be sent an invitation to apply. Scholarships are awarded in August.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund recipients are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need. Must be of Hispanic Heritage.
Eligibility: Students of Hispanic heritage, for undergraduate and graduate students.
The African American Business Leaders Council Scholarship recognizes outstanding African American high school seniors & adult learners who have demonstrated academic ability and a commitment to learning, achievement, and community service.
Eligibility: African American high school seniors & African American adult learners who wish to attend a higher education institution and who have graduated from high school at least one year ago.
The Women's Business Council Scholarship recognizes outstanding female high school seniors & adult learners who have demonstrated academic ability and a commitment to learning, achievement, and community service.
Eligibility: Female high school seniors & adult learners who wish to attend a higher education institution and who have graduated from high school at least one year ago.
The YPC Student of the Year Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
Eligibility: Current senior in high school or an undergraduate/graduate student from the Lehigh Valley that is currently attending a university/college in the Lehigh Valley.
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in the last two years of a nursing program, be in the upper 25% of his/her class, and have a 3.2 grade point or above.
Eligibility: Student resides in Northampton County, PA, and must be accepted or enrolled in a healthcare related program.
The Mental Health Importance Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship open to any student who believes mental health is important. Open to high school seniors and current undergraduate students.
Eligibility: High school seniors and undergraduate students.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students majoring in a sports or sports-adjacent subject.
The SmartSolar Sustainability Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that’s open to all students who strive to make sustainable choices.
Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students.
Military, Veteran and ROTC Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Databases and Search Engines
We've assembled a list of helpful resources for your consideration.
- Scholarship America
- Scholly
- StudentScholarships.org
- Study.com student scholarships
- Bold.org scholarships
- FastWeb
- Central Scholarship Bureau
- College Resource Network
- SallieMae.com scholarship resources
- Scholarships for College (via UNIGO)
- Scholarships for LBGTQ+ students (via Nurse Journal)
- Scholarships and loans for international students (via eduPASS)
Office of Financial Aid
Contact
-
610-282-1100 x1287 -
finaid@desales.edu -
Dooling Hall
