READ Credits offer all users the ability to conduct important HPC-powered research on the Roar system at no cost to them. READ Credits can be used to run jobs with all types of compute hardware, including GPUs.

READ Credit Basics

• Each Roar account holder will receive an allotment of READ Credits automatically each month, fully subsidized by OSVPR.  
• Your monthly allotment of READ Credits expires at the end of each month- use them or lose them!
• READ Credits are deposited into your personal open account and cannot be shared with other users. 

Are You a Faculty Member In Need of Additional READ Credits?

Only Penn State faculty with an RC account may apply for additional READ Credits. Before applying:

• Contact your Associate Dean for Research and/or Department Head; your college or department may have purchased blocks of Roar compute Credits that you may be able to access for your project. 
• Consider the duration of your project and the number of credits you’ll need. Visit our Service Details and Rates page for tools to help you estimate your Credit needs, or contact us at icds@psu.edu for a consultation.

Apply for Additional READ Credits here.

Additional Details on READ Credits

• During the initial rollout of this system in 2026, users will receive 10 READ Credits in January, 8 in February, and 5 in March, before settling at a constant (TBD) monthly number in April 2026.
• Unlike your monthly allotment of READ credits which are not transferrable to other users, Credits distributed under the application process are intended for use by PI groups and as such may be accessed by multiple users. 
• Smaller requests have minimal application requirements and can be processed quickly. Applications for larger numbers of Credits require additional information and will take longer to process.