The Beyond Scholarship

Egan Hall through the Old Main archway in winter

Guided by the Mercy values of justice, hospitality, and service, Mercyhurst University promotes respect for the dignity of every person. We celebrate the experiences and perspectives of our diverse community members as we work to build a culture that extends beyond mere tolerance to dedicated advocacy for social change. Our mission compels us not only to speak out against racism wherever it exists, but to take productive, meaningful action toward equity, inclusion, and justice.

As part of this commitment, we are pleased offer the Beyond Scholarship. The goal of this prestigious program is to connect promising students with world-class education and experiences to positively influence lives and broaden possibilities for change beyond all expectations. The Beyond Scholarship is awarded each fall to high-achieving students of color from Pennsylvania whose family circumstances might not otherwise afford them the opportunity for higher education. The scholarship includes the full cost for tuition (less any federal or state grant aid for which the student is eligible) for four years of full-time, on-campus study.

Who is eligible for the BEYOND Scholarship?


Scholarship applicants must:

  • Live in Pennsylvania.
  • Be eligible for admission to a bachelor’s degree program at Mercyhurst University. 
  • Have graduated high school no more than 18 months before their college entry term.
  • Self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color (BIPOC), including Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and individual of multiple races.
  • Be Federal Pell Grant and PA State Grant eligible at the time of admission, as determined by the FAFSA.

The scholarship application is open to high school seniors and recent high school graduates who meet the criteria above.

What does the BEYOND Scholarship cover?


The Beyond Scholarship is designed to cover the full cost of tuition for four years of full-time, on-campus study at Mercyhurst University, less any federal or state grant aid for which the student is eligible, as determined by the FAFSA. Scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional support during the summer terms. Academic, community-building, leadership, and mentoring opportunities will also be reserved for scholarship recipients over the course of their undergraduate careers.

The scholarship renews for four years of full-time, on-campus study, provided that the student meets Satisfactory Academic Progress as outlined in the undergraduate catalog. Scholarship recipients must complete the FAFSA each year by the appropriate deadline.

What is the application process for the BEYOND Scholarship?


1. Apply to Mercyhurst using our free online application, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. SAT or ACT scores are not required.

2. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Include Mercyhurst using our school code of 003297. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and acts as your initial application for the PA State Grant.

3. Complete the Beyond Scholarship Application by April 1. With your application, you must submit a video (up to seven minutes) or an essay (up to 1,000 words). In your video or essay, please include the following:

  • Personal Introduction: Help the scholarship committee learn more about you. You may share whatever you’d like about yourself in this portion of the portfolio.
  • Statement of Goals: Why is the pursuit of a college degree important to you? What do you hope to gain from your academic career and how will you put your degree to use upon graduation? How will this scholarship help contribute to realizing those goals?
  • Optional: If there’s anything else you think the scholarship committee should know as they review your application, please provide that information in your closing statements. 

Upon submitting your application, you’ll also be asked to identify two adults who know you well to provide recommendations on your behalf. We will provide a recommendation form and instructions you can give those individuals. Recommendation letters are due by April 8. Applicants selected as scholarship finalists will be asked to participate in a video or phone interview with members of the scholarship committee.