Timeline:
- Application DUE: February 17, 2026 at 12 noon THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. THIS DEADLINE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
- Committee Review and Assessment: February 18-28, 2026
- All applications, rankings and cost materials are forwarded by Penn State to DOD Program: NLT February 28, 2026
- The Department of Defense Program will make selections: May 2026 (estimated)
- Grant Award from DoD to PSU to fund awards: July/August 2026
Students who are interested in applying for the DOD-Scholarship Program must complete:
- Complete the ONLINE application with the National Scholarship program.
- Letters of recommendation from faculty, staff, or employers (see the instructions in the application). The letters of recommendation must address the applicant’s capability in the six competency areas.
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable for the application. If you are selected, you will need to submit OFFICIAL transcripts to the government.
- Completed application with your knowledge and ability in the six competency areas (see the instructions in the application).
- Returning Scholarship Students who started the CySP Program in 2025-2026 (last year) submit on the same portal that new applicants do. Your application is due 20 February 2025 on the portal.
ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS will be reviewed by the Penn State Committee and will receive a rating of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, RECOMMENDED or NOT RECOMMENDED.