Funding your education

Classroom of students smiling at Dr. Zimmerman

The price tag for a graduate degree can be intimidating, but there are many ways to defray the costs through funding opportunities.

The majority of our students receive financial assistance directly from Penn GSE. Whether you are a master’s student or a doctoral student, Penn GSE provides a range of options to help offset tuition costs.

We are committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to many of our students. 

2025 Financial Aid Stats

  • $21M ANNUAL FINANCIAL AID BUDGET

  • 54% ADMITTED STUDENTS OFFERED A SCHOLARSHIP

  • $20K AVERAGE MASTER’S STUDENT AWARD

Explore Funding Opportunities

Degree-Level Funding

Discover the funding opportunities available for master's and doctoral students at Penn GSE. From merit awards and need-based assistance to program-specific scholarships and more.

Master's Degree Funding Ed.D. Degree Funding Ph.D. Degree Funding

Student Loans

Explore government-sponsored programs available for your graduate education through federal aid and private education loans, which are credit-based loans offered by banks, credit unions, state agencies, and private education loan providers. 

Explore Student Loans

Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

Penn GSE proudly supports active-duty service members, including those attending service academies, by accepting military tuition benefits for graduate studies. We offer a wide range of flexible degree programs specifically designed for working professionals and distance learners, making it easier to balance education with service commitments. Learn more on Penn's Financial Aid website.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Penn GSE participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, established under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, providing unlimited $15,000 matching awards to eligible students. Visit Penn's Financial Aid website to learn more.

External Scholarships

Many students find funding from organizations dedicated to helping students become leaders in education, both locally and around the world.

We encourage students to explore the many external funding opportunities available to assist them in financing their graduate education. Many of our students have found success by searching for external scholarship through FastWeb, ProFellow, and ScholarshipOwl. You can also explore options below to learn more about external scholarships, fellowships, and private loans.

Scholarships Open to All Students

Harry S. Truman Scholars Program
Horatio Alger Scholarship Program
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships
Rotary Grants

Scholarships for International Students

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Becas Don Carlos Antonio Lopez Scholarship Program
Inlaks Scholarship
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships

Scholarships for Future Teachers

James Madison Graduate Fellowship
Knowles Teaching Fellowship
Pennsylvania Student Teacher Support Program

Contact Us

Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

215-898-6415

admissions@gse.upenn.edu