What Are P.E.O. Scholarships and Grants?
We believe education unlocks doors and creates endless possibilities. Together we can help women reach for the stars.
P.E.O. provides several types of financial assistance to help women pursue education at many stages of life…from high school to graduate school and beyond. Their support comes through scholarships, grants, awards, and low-interest loans. Most P.E.O. awards require sponsorship or recommendation by a local P.E.O. chapter, but recipients do not have to be P.E.O. members themselves.
P.E.O. STAR Scholarship
The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is for exceptional high school senior women planning to attend a college or university in the U.S. or Canada. Awards are competitive and recognize leadership, academic achievement, and community service
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for a STAR Scholarship if she:
Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
Has a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Exhibits excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success
Plans to attend an accredited postsecondary education institution in the United States or Canada full time or part time in the fall of the academic year following her high school graduation
The applications of individuals who satisfy these eligibility criteria will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection.
Educational Loan Fund (ELF)
The Educational Loan Fund (ELF) is a revolving low-interest loan program helping women pay for higher education. Loans must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter. Loan amounts range from up to $12,000 for non-degree or associate programs; up to $15,000 for bachelor’s degrees; and up to $20,000–$25,000 for graduate or doctoral programs Interest rates are typically low and repayment terms are structured to make continuing education more affordable.
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for an ELF loan if she:
Is recommended by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood with a favorable vote on the amount of the loan
Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of and resides in the United States or Canada
Submits an application within six to 24 months prior to the stated graduation or course completion date
Has been accepted by or is enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited U.S. or Canadian post-secondary institution
Has a high school diploma or the equivalent
Demonstrates the academic ability to remain “in good standing”
Meets the minimum credit score of 625
Does not exceed the indebtedness limit for the degree level
Has a qualified cosigner for the loan
Does not have an outstanding ELF loan
Demonstrates financial need
Program for Continuing Education (PCE)
The Program for Continuing Education (PCE) is a need-based grant for women whose education was interrupted (for example, due to family or financial reasons) and who are returning to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their employment prospects.
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for an International Peace Scholarship if she:
is a woman outside the United States and Canada who is seeking an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada;
will return to her home country to utilize her education to make a positive impact and foster global peace; and
has a full year of formal coursework remaining and is enrolled and in residence in the U.S. or Canada for the entire school year; or
is an international student attending Cottey College
Please note:
Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.
A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible. A student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
Scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships or for practical training if not combined with formal coursework.
Applications will be accepted again starting September 15, 2026.
P.E.O. Scholar Awards
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards are substantial merit-based awards for women pursuing doctoral-level study (Ph.D. / equivalent) at accredited institutions in the U.S. or Canada. These awards focus on supporting advanced academic and research goals.
Eligibility Requirements
A woman is eligible for consideration for a P.E.O. Scholar Award if she:
is nominated by a local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at the time of her nomination
at a minimum, has a bachelor’s degree
is within two years of her graduation date and has at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete her doctoral-level degree as measured
from the time the first award payment is made (August 1). Those in a multiple-degree program (e.g., pursuing both an M.D. and a Ph.D.) must be within two years of completing the entire program from that date.
is enrolled in her program at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Study abroad is permitted provided the student is enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution.
The applications of individuals who satisfy these eligibility criteria will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, age, national origin, religious affiliation, disability or P.E.O. connection.