CLARION, Pa. — Clarion University President Karen M. Whitney, Ph.D., has announced a new scholarship program for transfer students.

The merit-based program represents a continuing commitment to attracting high-achieving students who have at least 12 transferable credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education. The scholarship is available to students who meet the academic criteria and are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

“Increasingly, college students chart a complex approach to their college life, which includes attending many colleges and universities on their way to completing a college degree,” Whitney said. “Our commitment to student success includes meeting students where they are in their approach to learning, and offering scholarships to students who are coming to Clarion from other universities or colleges.”

“Transfer students are among our most successful students,” said Dana Bearer, associate director of admissions for transfer students. “They bring a diversity and quality to the classroom and enrich our campuses.”

The dollar amount awarded is dependent upon the GPA from the previous institution. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for the $1,000 award, but students with higher GPAs can receive up to $2,000 per year. It is renewable for a second year in the same amount, contingent upon completing 30 credits while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the first year at Clarion.

“We know more students are choosing different routes to their degrees and careers and recognize the financial challenges these students face,” said Ron Nowaczyk, Ph.D, Clarion provost. “Funding for this initiative is coming from scholarship endowments made possible from many generous private donors, matched by our own university funds.”

Students with any level of financial need are eligible for the scholarship, which is awarded through the admissions process, but a FAFSA is required to be on file.

The transfer student scholarship is specifically for bachelor’s degree-seeking students attending classes at the Clarion and Venango campuses. Students planning to pursue online degrees are not eligible.

The intent of the scholarship is to strengthen Clarion’s partnerships with community colleges and to help students to bridge the gap between the cost of attending a community college and a four-year institution.

Clarion’s newly created Transfer and Adult Center also speaks to the commitment to this group of students.

“It helps us attend to all their needs,” Bearer said. “It’s a one-stop shop to enable them to easily transition onto the Clarion campus.”

Eligibility will be determined through the admissions process. To confirm eligibility, call admissions at 800-672-7171 (ext. 1).

Although this scholarship program is designed for transfer students, Clarion has other scholarships available. To learn more about additional scholarship opportunities, please visit www.clarion.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/scholarships.