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Cambria County Smart Start Promise Program

Start college with confidence.
start tuition-free.

Get up to 100% of your first-year tuition and comprehensive fees covered at Penn Highlands without student loan debt.

The Cambria County Smart Start Promise Program (Smart Start) is a pilot program to help recent Cambria County high school graduates begin college with confidence. The College will provide a last-dollar scholarship that pays for your tuition and comprehensive fees for up to 30 college credits during your first year. This includes your fall, spring, and the following summer sessions, directly following your high school graduation.

Our goal is to remove financial barriers, allowing Cambria County residents to focus on earning their degree or certificate. 2026 Cambria County High School Graduates can now apply.

Apply Now

A promotional image for the 'Smart Start' program featuring a young woman with long blonde hair, smiling and holding a piece of chalk. She stands against a dark chalkboard-like background with the text 'FIRST YEAR = TUITION-FREE' written in large, white, handwritten-style font at the top. To the left of the woman is the 'Smart Start' logo, which includes an open book with sprouts and an upward arrow symbolizing growth. The woman wears a light-purple sweater, and the image promotes a tuition-free first year of education.

Why Smart Start

We built this program to help you succeed academically and financially.

  • Zero Tuition Costs: We pay your tuition and comprehensive fees for your first 30 credits.
  • No Student Loans Required: You do not need to take out loans to pay for covered tuition and comprehensive fees.
  • Flexible Options: Take classes at any Penn Highlands location, including Penn Highlands Online.
  • Maximize Dual Enrollment Credits: College credits you earned during high school do not count against your 30-credit Smart Start maximum.

Note: You are responsible for paying for required textbooks, specific lab or class fees, and any tuition costs for credits beyond the 30-credit maximum.

Apply Now

support every step of the way

We want you to succeed from your first day of class to graduation. As a Smart Start student, you will gain a competitive advantage.

  • Early Academic Advising: Plan your schedule and chart your path to graduation before classes begin.
  • Financial Aid Guidance: Understand your financial aid options and complete your paperwork with our expert guidance.
  • Campus Resources: Access all student support services available at the College to stay on track.

A black bear mascot costume posed against a white background. The costume features black plush fur with tan accents on the muzzle, inner ears, and chest. The bear has large, friendly eyes, a rounded black nose, and a subtle smile. The left arm is extended in a thumbs-up gesture, while the right hand rests on the hip, conveying a cheerful and confident demeanor.

who can apply

You are eligible for the Smart Start if you meet the following core requirements.

  • Recent HS Graduate: Graduated from high school in the spring or summer directly before fall college classes begin. (Typically enrolling immediately after high school graduation.)
  • Cambria County Resident: Meet the College’s Residency Policy for Cambria County. If you graduated from a Cambria County high school, but need time to establish residency, you may become eligible for the spring semester.
  • Credential Seeking: Plan to earn an approved degree or certificate while taking a minimum of 6 credits each semester.
  • File Applications: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing process to receive a valid Student Aid Index (SAI), complete the PA State Grant application through PHEAA (must accept any grant aid), and apply for at least one additional scholarship outside of Smart Start.

Two individuals seated in beige chairs against a tan brick wall, likely in a classroom or study setting. On the right, a woman with dark hair in a bun wears glasses and a purple, white, and grey plaid shirt over a blue undershirt. On the left, a man in a dark grey hoodie with blue text on the sleeve and a black baseball cap looks down, appearing focused. The background includes a window with horizontal blinds and overexposed light.

maintaining smart start eligibility

Once you enroll, you must meet a few expectations to keep your funding active. 

  • Academic Progress: Keep a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.0 and successfully finish at least 67% of your attempted credits.
  • Community Service: Give back to the community by completing one service hour for every three credits you take. For example, if you take 12 credits, you will complete 4 hours of community service that semester. The College will provide opportunities for authorized community service activities.

While students who fail to meet the requirement for one semester may remain eligible, failing to do so for two consecutive semesters will result in the loss of Smart Start eligibility.

Photo of students in classroom with professor and chalkboard in background

Want more reasons to attend penn highlands

Accredited Institution

We are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the same as major four-year institutions.

Flexible Options

We understand your diverse needs. Penn Highlands offers flexible class options - including evening and online classes.

Dedicated Faculty

Faculty are committed to your success, valuable advice and the education you need to thrive.

You are family

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, each student receives a genuinely hands-on experience.

Ready to get started

Follow these steps to secure your Smart Start funding. 

  • Apply to Penn Highlands: Submit your college application for admission.
  • File Your FAFSA: Ensure you have a valid Student Aid Index (SAI) on record.
  • Apply For Grant: Submit for the PA State Grant through PHEAA and accept aid.
  • Register for Classes: Enroll in at least 6 credits for the upcoming semester.
  • Residency Verification: Able to provide documentation proving Cambria County residency if asked.

Begin Application

Three students walking to class in a hallway of the Richland Campus

Questions?

Contact us today to start building your future. 

Penn Highlands Admissions 

admissions@pennhighlands.edu
814.701.2628

Penn Highlands Student Financial Services

sfs@pennhighlands.edu
814.262.6437

a solid education found wherever you are.

At Penn Highlands Community College, you’ll receive the same high-quality education as you would from leading institutions like Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. Our courses and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and are taught by leading academic scholars. Experience educational excellence without the financial burden.

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