Pay it Forward Scholarship | Berkeley College

Since 1931, Berkeley College has been changing lives—one student, one family at a time. Now, alumni and current students can invite family members and friends to walk in their footsteps and begin a Berkeley College journey of their own with a scholarship of up to $7,500 per year for those who qualify.

Open to: New high school, adult, and transfer students, and New VA Benefit recipients beginning with the fall 2026 semester (September 8, 2026).

How the Referral Process Works

1 Refer a Family Member or Friend

Alumni and current students can can refer someone they know who is interested in starting a degree program.

2 Referred Student Applies to Berkeley College

The referred student must apply, be accepted, submit the FAFSA, and enroll full time.

3 Eligible Students May Receive a Scholarship

Qualified students may receive up to $7,500 per calendar year toward tuition.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility

Scholarship Amount

Up to $2,500 per term ($7,500 per calendar year) off tuition after all federal and state grants and other resources are considered.*

Who Can Qualify

The scholarship is open to: New high school, adult, and transfer students, and New VA Benefit recipients beginning with the fall 2026 semester (September 8, 2026).

Eligibility Requirements

Must apply and be accepted to Berkeley College.
Must be enrolled full time in a degree or certificate program.
Must be a family member or friend of a graduate or a currently enrolled Berkeley College student. The name of the Berkeley College student/graduate must be provided.
Must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Renewability Requirements

Must maintain Berkeley College cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at the end of each standard academic year.
Must maintain full-time continuous, consecutive term enrollment. May be considered for eligibility upon readmission after one full semester out.

Restrictions

*May be combined with the Berkeley College Grant and Berkeley TAP/TAG Grant. Cannot be combined with any other Berkeley College grants or scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pay It Forward Referral Scholarship allows current and former Berkeley College students to refer a family member or friend who is interested in attending Berkeley College. Eligible new students may receive a scholarship of up to $7,500 per calendar year toward tuition.

New high school, adult, and transfer students, as well as new VA benefit recipients, may qualify. The applicant must be a family member or friend of a current or former Berkeley College student, and the Berkeley College student’s name must be provided.

Alumni and Student Testimonials: Paying It Forward

“I am truly grateful for the start that Berkeley gave me, which was instrumental to my law school success. Your support, as a college and as genuine people who care about my future and success, does not go unnoticed.”

Lachanee Scott

Justice Studies - Criminal Justice - Berkeley College Alumna
“Berkeley College has been a blessing to me! I looked at other schools, and I liked that the LPN to BSN was a hybrid program, and the Financial Aid staff were very helpful. I loved my clinical rotation in the ER; it’s where I hope to work. I also plan to continue my education to be a nurse practitioner.”

Jessica Viglianti

LPN to BSN - Berkeley College Alumna
“Choosing Berkeley was a no-brainer. In the LPN to BSN program, the education I was receiving was far superior than at my previous school. The faculty are very mentoring and respond in a very timely fashion. You’re not just a number, and they really want you to succeed. As an MSN student, I’m expanding my skills and really preparing for a future in a nurse practitioner role. I’d like to continue in cardiothoracic care.”

Wanetta Vita

MSN - Berkeley College Alumna
“What we’re learning transitions to what we’re doing on a day-to-day basis. We’re talking about strategic objectives, leadership, and cultures.”

Sergio Tavares

MBA - Berkeley College Alumnus
“I chose Berkeley College because they treated me like family - not just a random student. I realized they had a very good Criminal Justice program, and I thought, this is where I belong.”

Jazmin Peralta

Criminal Justice - Berkeley College Alumna
“The classes were challenging, but the instruction was excellent. The hands-on clinical experiences we had were very helpful. Working in the Emergency Room during clinicals made a big impression on me and I knew I wanted to work there. Shortly after graduation, I got my first job in the ER at St. Joseph’s Medical Center! Everyone in the Career Services department was so helpful.”

Renuka Rupee

Health Sciences, Patient Care Technician – Berkeley College Alumna