New York Scholarships for College

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Are you a college student in New York searching for ways to cover costs? Whether you're a native New Yorker or new to the Empire State, these scholarships can help you throughout your academic journey. From the New York State Tuition Assistance Program to the prestigious Posse Foundation Scholarship, you've got options tailored to your background and aspirations. Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover scholarships specifically for New York college students!

List of New York Scholarships for College

SWE Mid-Hudson Section Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to female college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are studying engineering or computer science. Students who reside and attend school in New York (zip codes 124, 125, 126) are given preference.
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Carol Stephens SWE Region F Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. female college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are majoring in engineering or computer science and are members of SWE. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; first preference will be given to students who attend schools within SWE Region F, and second preference will be given to students with home addresses within SWE Region F.
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Betty Lou Bailey SWE Region F Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to female U.S. college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are members of SWE and majoring in engineering or computer science. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; first preference is given to students attending school within the Region F boundaries, while second preference is given to students with a home address within the Region F boundaries.
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Maureen and Stan Straub Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Roy C. Ketcham High School who demonstrate leadership through community service and participation.
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Steven G. King Play Environments Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are in their final two years of undergraduate study or are in graduate programs at a LAAB-accredited institution. Students must be studying landscape architecture with a demonstrated interest and aptitude in the design of play environments.
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Joseph Hagan Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Nov 1 Deadline

This scholarship is open to students who are or will be enrolled in an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program.
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New York Occupational Therapy Scholarship

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Award Amount
$787 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Nov 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of New York and who are currently attending a college/university in New York. Students must be members of both the New York Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
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John Lepping Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to students residing in NY, N J or PA seeking to further their education and who have a physical or psychological disability.
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Alfred State College International Merit Scholarship

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 15 Deadline

This award is for international students who meet two of the following four criteria: a 3.0 grade point average or higher; a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher; a TOEFL score of 195 or higher; a member of Phi Theta Kappa in good standing. The student must plan to attend Alfred State College in New York.
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Roothbert Fund Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate or graduate students who have a current or permanent address that is located in one of the following states or plan to move to one of these states prior to March 1 of the year in which the application is made: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina.
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UJA- Federation of New York Rose Biller Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
320 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

This award is for Jewish students living in and studying in the New York metropolitan area. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need. This program provides approximately $1 million to students in financial need each year. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 17 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who reside within 50 miles of a Simon® property. Students must plan to enroll full time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical school in the upcoming fall semester, and must demonstrate academic promise and financial need.
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New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence

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Award Amount
$3,000,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2,000 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to New York high school seniors who are planning to study in an approved undergraduate program of study in a New York State postsecondary institution. The student must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and be ranked among in the top percentiles of the graduating high school class.
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NY Veterans Tuition Award

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. students who are veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961. Students must be studying in an approved program at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
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NY Aid for Part-Time Study

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
19,000 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled part-time at eligible institutions in New York State. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet income eligibility limitations set by the New York Higher Education Commission.
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NY Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

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Award Amount
$5,665 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to New York resident undergraduate students who are attending an eligible postsecondary institution in New York. Students must demonstrate financial need and must meet the income and asset limits set by the NY State commission. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Dr. James L. Lawson Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 4 Deadline

This scholarship is offered to a licensed radio amateur with a general class or higher license who is majoring in electronics, communications, or a related field. The applicant must reside and attend school in New York or New England.
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Northrop Grumman Foundation Scholarship for Sophomores & Juniors

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Award Amount
$25,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

This award is available for female U.S. college sophomores and juniors who major in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, or systems engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and attend select institutions as listed on the SWE website.
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NY Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS) - Spouses/Dependents

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Award Amount
$24,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. Students must be attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in New York.
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NY Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$24,250 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of American Airlines Flight 587’s crash in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens, New York on the morning of November 12, 2001. Students must be attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in New York.
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KASF Northeastern Region Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This scholarship is offered to Korean-American undergraduate or graduate students who are attending college in the northeastern region of the U.S. as defined by the Korean American Scholarship Fund. The following states are eligible: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
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LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship in Library and Information Technology

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. and Canadian citizens who will have earned no more than 12 hours towards a Master of Library Science degree by June of the award year are eligible for this award. Students must be members of a principal minority group; attend an ALA-accredited school; and plan to enter the library automation field.
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Albert E. Wischmeyer Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This award is for U.S. and international students who are residents of western New York State (west of Interstate 81) attending a college or university in New York State. The applicant must have a 2.5 grade point average or higher to be eligible.
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NYLA Dewey Scholarship Award

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
7 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Sep 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. students pursuing a master's degree in library science at one of the ALA-accredited schools located in New York state. Students must have a grade point average of 'B' (3.0) or higher. Both the student and the library school must be members of the New York Library Association.
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New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$25,620 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available to U.S. undergraduate students who are families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts. Students must be attending or planning to attend an eligible postsecondary institution in New York.
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EXPERT INSIGHT New York is home to some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, like Columbia University, NYU, and Cornell. Programs like the Excelsior Scholarship show the state’s deep commitment to making college affordable and accessible, by subsidizing tuition at SUNY and CUNY campuses, for eligible families that make less than $ 125,000. Additionally, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides grants to help cover education expenses for lower and middle-income families. Often, families still have significant education expenses, especially for students attending private institutions and/or not living at home. This is why I always encourage New York families to seek out private scholarships to supplement their financial aid and reduce the need to take out student loans.
-John Hall (BA, MBA, EdD) Expert Quote from John Hall
Choosing to pursue higher education in the vibrant state of New York isn’t just about attending college – it’s about embarking on a journey of personal growth, discovery, and achievement. However, for many aspiring scholars, the road to college can seem daunting, especially when it comes to navigating finances, room and board, tuition costs, and bills. That’s where scholarships come in! Financial aid can truly make or break your college experience; you just need to know where to look. In this guide to New York scholarships for college, we’ll explore a wealth of scholarship opportunities that speak to your unique aspirations, interests, and dreams. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or have dreams to make the state your home, let’s discover how you can turn your collegiate dreams into a reality!

Understanding Scholarships in New York

Brooklyn Bridge with its iconic arches against the NYC skyline and clear skies.
Whether you’re a New York native looking for local scholarship opportunities or an aspiring out-of-state student looking to lower the cost of college in the big city, it’s vital to understand the scholarships available to you in New York. The state of New York is home to a wide variety of colleges and universities, many of which are some of the top in the nation. Given the high caliber of schools and attractive nature of living in one of the most famous American states in the world, higher education costs can be exorbitant, to say the least. Fortunately, New York state and NYC scholarships can help you mitigate your education costs and thrive as a university student in New York. Gaining clarity about your options is a key first step in this process to saving money on your college or university expenses. From government-funded grants to institution-specific scholarships, you have a wealth of financial aid options available to you as a student intending to study in New York. By understanding your unique attributes and standing as a student, you’ll be able to explore the right New York scholarship options to help your educational aspirations come true.

How Do You Find New York Scholarships?

Spectacular view of Niagara Falls with visitors enjoying the vista.
Though the process of seeking out and finding New York scholarships may seem overwhelming, taking the right approach can significantly simplify the process. Here are a few effective ways to find the perfect New York scholarships for your unique needs:

Tip #1: Utilize Scholarship Search Engines:

Scholarship search engines allow you to streamline the process of finding amazing financial aid resources ranging from local scholarship opportunities to nationwide grants. By taking advantage of online scholarship search engines such as our Scholarship Match Tool, you can easily filter scholarships and find the perfect ones for your unique situation in a matter of seconds.

Tip #2: Check with Educational Institutions:

Whether you have your sights set on a top-notch Ivy League institution or a New York state school off the beaten path, your current or aspirational school can be an amazing resource for finding scholarships. Professionals in financial aid departments have the experience, tools, and resources to connect you with a variety of scholarships tailored to your specific needs.

Tip #3: Research State and Local Scholarships:

New York State and New York City have a variety of financial aid resources available for students to put toward their higher education pursuits. These include scholarships such as the NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program. Depending on a variety of factors such as your area of study and residency status, you could be eligible for a myriad of meaningful scholarships.

Tip #4: Review Professional Associations and Organizations:

If you’re like many students who pursue higher education in New York State, you probably have aspirations of working in the Big City. Lucky for you, many organizations in New York provide scholarships to students just like yourself. In some cases, these scholarships are provided based on academic accomplishments while other times they’re based on factors such as area of study. By exploring the financial aid resources offered by associations and private companies, you could drastically lower the cost of your university degree.

Tip #5: Tap into Ethnic, Cultural Resources, and Minority Resources:

One of the main types of financial aid for university students is scholarships and grants awarded to students based on their background or status. These forms of financial aid are awarded to students based on factors such as ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and minority status. By exploring the organizations, institutions, and government agencies that offer these types of scholarships, chances are you’ll be connected with a swath of amazing financial aid resources you’re eligible to receive.=

How do I Apply for Scholarships In New York

Bustling Times Square at dusk, lit by vibrant digital billboards.
Whether you’re looking for NYC scholarships or local scholarship opportunities in other parts of New York State, there are some key strategies you can utilize to make your scholarship application process more streamlined and effective. It’s important to understand that each scholarship application process is different and requirements vary based on organization and type of award. If you’re looking to apply for as many scholarships as possible in an efficient manner, applying to no-essay and sweepstakes scholarships may be your best bet. While it’s never a bad idea to apply directly on government and organization websites, tools such as UNIGO’s Scholarship Match Tool allow you to apply for a variety of scholarships in a quick, easy, and accessible way.

Merit-Based Scholarships In New York

Lively Central Park in autumn with colorful trees and urban backdrop.
Unlike grants, most scholarships are awarded to students on a merit basis for their academic, athletic, and extracurricular accomplishments. Like the rest of the country, New York has many merit-based scholarships that you might be eligible to receive. If you attended a New York State high school and displayed academic excellence, you might be eligible to receive the NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence which can come in the form of $500 or $1,500. Beyond this amazing financial resource, a variety of individual institutions and private companies offer scholarships to students who have an impressive resume of accomplishments. This being the case, it’s important to take advantage of your previous accomplishments and explore the New York Scholarships they qualify you to receive.

Scholarships for High School Students In New York

If you’re a high school student in New York, you have access to a wide variety of residence-based scholarships. What’s more is that no matter what grade you’re in, it’s never too early to start applying for local scholarship opportunities as a high school student. Some amazing resources to look into include the Enhanced Tuition Awards Program and the Excelsior Scholarship Program. Beyond these, there are numerous other scholarships geared toward New York State residents and New York high school students. Some key resources you should take advantage of to find scholarships for high school students in New York include:
  • High school counselors: Your high school counselor has specialized knowledge about scholarships particularly tailored to New York high school students like yourself. By making an appointment, you’ll likely be connected with both the resources and the guidance to save big on your higher education costs.
  • Scholarship search engines: Websites like UNIGO are an amazing resource for you to be connected with the unique scholarships that are perfect for you. So, whether you’re looking for scholarships for New York high school students or scholarships for aspiring engineers from minority backgrounds, scholarship search engines are an amazing way to streamline your search and increase your chances of saving money.

Scholarships for High School Seniors In New York

If you’re a high school senior in New York getting ready to set off for college or university, you can rest assured that you have a plethora of scholarships available to you. Knowing where to look and being proactive about scholarship application processes can make a beneficial impact on your higher education costs. Much like all other high school students, you should be making it a priority to meet with your high school counselor, explore government websites, and take advantage of scholarship search engines. However, given the fact that you’re at the end of your high school career, you may have an advantage over younger students. Specifically, by knowing what area of study you want to pursue in college or university, you can start applying for specialized scholarships. These can include New York-specific scholarships such as the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program and the Meredith Corporation Scholarship. Ultimately, adding these amazing scholarships to your application efforts can increase your chances of receiving meaningful scholarships in a big way.

Scholarships for College Students In New York

A common misconception among students is that they’re not eligible for scholarships once they begin their college or university career. The truth, however, is that this is anything but the case. No matter what stage of your university education you’re in, you’re probably eligible to apply for a wide variety of scholarships to lower your cost of education. From local scholarship opportunities to institutional scholarships, it’s important that you’re aware of your options to receive financial aid. As a current college or university student, your institution’s financial aid office is one of the most valuable resources you can take advantage of. Professionals in these departments have a wealth of information related to scholarships and other forms of financial aid, meaning they can help you save a significant sum on your degree program.

Scholarships for Graduate Students In New York

One of the biggest deterrents to students pursuing advanced degrees is the cost of graduate programs. Fortunately, if you’re thinking about going to grad school in New York, you have a variety of scholarships and financial aid resources you may be eligible to receive. For example, if you’re a New York resident looking to earn an advanced degree, you may be eligible to receive awards of up to $20,000 per year through the Senator Patricia G. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program. This highlights the fact that New York graduate students have access to a wide variety of financial aid resources that can help make the process of obtaining an advanced degree more feasible and accessible. As such, if you’re interested in furthering your education beyond the undergraduate level, it’s vital to explore scholarships for graduate students in New York.

Grants for Students In New York

While scholarships are typically awarded to students based on merit and never have to be repaid, grants differ in key ways. Grants are typically awarded to students based on financial need, background, and minority status and may have to be repaid if recipients don’t meet specific requirements. In addition to seeking out scholarships, you can make your time as a student in New York significantly cheaper by exploring grant opportunities. The FAFSA portal is a great way to start your grant search and be connected with a wide variety of financial aid options. Beyond more general grants available to virtually all college and university students in the US, you can also take advantage of some New York-specific grants. These include grants such as the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the NYS Aid for Part-Time Study. By applying for these grants for students in New York, you can potentially save thousands of dollars on your university education.

New York Scholarships for Out-of-State Students

Despite the fact that there are a plethora of New York scholarships meant for New York residents, out-of-state students also have opportunities to receive financial awards to put toward their higher education. These scholarships can be awarded for a variety of reasons and based on numerous factors such as your area of study, gender, financial background, and many others. Visiting your institution’s financial aid office will help you get a better understanding of which New York scholarships for out-of-state students you should be applying for. Beyond this, you can save a significant amount of money and be connected with amazing resources through federal government resources such as the FAFSA portal. Ultimately, while you may not have as many scholarship options as a student who’s a New York resident, you still have a myriad of financial aid resources you may be eligible to take advantage of.

What New York Colleges Provide Full-Ride Scholarships?

If you’ve worked diligently through your high school years to achieve academic success, thrive in athletics, and stack extracurricular accomplishments, you’re probably wondering which New York colleges, if any, provide full-ride scholarships. Thankfully, a variety of New York colleges and universities offer full-ride scholarships to students who have excelled in their previous pursuits. Some universities that offer full-ride scholarships include:
  • Columbia University provides the prestigious Hamilton Scholars Program, offering full-tuition scholarships to outstanding students based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of the Hamilton Scholars Program also receive additional funding for room, board, books, and other expenses.
  • New York University (NYU) offers the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program, providing full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to social justice, diversity, and community service. Recipients of the MLK Scholars Program receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition, fees, room, and board, and a stipend for personal expenses.
  • Cornell University offers the Cornell Tradition Fellowship, which provides full-tuition scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service, work, and leadership. In addition to covering tuition costs, the Cornell Tradition Fellowship offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of service and leadership activities.

10 Scholarships In New York You Should Apply For

Let’s take a look at 10 scholarships specific to New York that you should consider applying for if you meet the criteria:
  1. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program provides financial aid to eligible New York residents attending approved colleges. TAP awards are based on income and can cover tuition costs up to the full amount charged by the college.
  2. The Excelsior Scholarship is available to New York residents attending a SUNY or CUNY college. This scholarship provides tuition coverage for eligible students from families with income up to a certain threshold.
  3. The Posse Foundation selects high-achieving students from New York City public high schools to receive full-tuition scholarships to partner colleges and universities. Recipients are chosen based on leadership potential, academic achievement, and community involvement.
  4. The New York State STEM Incentive Program provides full-tuition scholarships to the top 10% of high school graduates in each New York county who pursue STEM majors at SUNY or CUNY colleges.
  5. The Regents Scholarship at the University at Buffalo offers full-tuition scholarships to incoming freshmen who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
  6. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to minority students from underserved backgrounds in New York who demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community service. Recipients receive generous scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
  7. The New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship supports female students in New York pursuing careers in communications. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities related to communications.
  8. The New York Times College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to high-achieving students from low-income families in New York. Recipients receive funding for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
  9. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program offers full scholarships to minority students in New York with financial need who demonstrate leadership potential and academic achievement. Recipients receive funding for undergraduate and graduate studies in any field of their choice.
  10. The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) offers scholarships to talented artists and performers in New York pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in the arts. Recipients are selected based on artistic merit and potential.