PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Here’s a clear, teacher-friendly summary of the RTSS Program as it works with the PA State Grant Program — the facts you need to know and the steps students should follow.

What the award does
- The RTSS Program, together with the PA State Grant, provides scholarships to help cover a student’s cost of attendance.
- For the 2023–24 academic year awards: up to $2,500 for full‑time students and up to $1,250 for part‑time students. The minimum award is $500. (These amounts are the total award for the year.)

Important process notes
- Students cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by their postsecondary institution.
- Funding is limited and awards are issued on a first‑come, first‑served basis, so timely nomination and paperwork matter.

Who is eligible
Students must meet all PA State Grant eligibility rules except the usual “financial need” requirement — but there are additional RTSS conditions. Specifically, a student must:
1. Submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the PA State Grant Form (SGF).
2. Be nominated by their college or university.
3. Have completed at least one academic year by the time the school checks academic progress for the PA State Grant Program. For these purposes “one academic year” means at least 24 semester credits (or equivalent), and that credit check may occur at the end of the spring or summer term of the previous academic year.
4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 at the time the school checks academic progress (this GPA threshold could change in future years).
5. Have a family income that does not exceed $126,000 (this limit is reviewed annually and may change).

A quick checklist for students
- Complete and submit the FAFSA and PA State Grant Form (SGF).
- Talk with your school’s financial aid office to confirm nomination procedures and timelines.
- Verify you have at least 24 semester credits and a cumulative GPA at or above 3.25 at the required academic progress check.
- Confirm your family income meets the program limit.

If you’re unsure about any step or your eligibility, your best next move is to contact your school’s financial aid office — they handle nominations and can explain exactly when the progress check happens.