In 1993, a program called “The Quality Enhancement Strategic Initiative Program” was launched by the Graduate School as a mechanism to support colleges in their efforts to recruit top quality graduate students. Beginning in 2000, the program was renamed the Fund for Excellence in Graduate Recruitment (FEGR), but its mission has not changed. The purpose of the fund continues to be to enhance the competitiveness of Penn State’s graduate student support. FEGR provides colleges with some resources and incentives to use their funds strategically to enhance offers to highly qualified students.

Selection of FEGR fund recipients is made at the college level. Interested prospective students should contact their graduate programs for details about the college's awarding deadline, requirements, and procedures.