RESOURCES
EDCAP’s Scholarship Guide
A curated list for students in New York State.
The Importance of Pursuing Scholarships and Free Money for College
Investing time in applying for scholarships and other forms of free financial aid can significantly reduce the financial burden of college. Scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment, can cover a substantial portion of your educational expenses, from tuition and fees to books and living costs. By diligently seeking out and applying for these opportunities, you can minimize student loan debt, allowing you to start your post-college life with greater financial freedom. Every bit of free money you secure is an investment in your future, making the effort well worth it.
Since this guide is not exhaustive, we encourage students to also utilize other scholarship resources.
Explore the Different Types of Scholarships
| Scholarship Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full-Ride Scholarships | Covers all college expenses, including tuition, room, board, and more. |
| Full-Tuition Scholarships | Covers tuition costs only, excluding other expenses. |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Awarded for academic, artistic, or athletic achievements. |
| Need-Based Scholarships | Based on financial need, determined by FAFSA or CSS Profile. |
| Athletic Scholarships | For students with exceptional athletic abilities; may cover all or part of college costs. |
| Academic Scholarships | Focused on academic excellence, such as high GPA or test scores. |
| Minority Scholarships | For underrepresented groups, including racial minorities, women, LGBTQ+, or disabled students. |
| Community Service Scholarships | For students with significant volunteer or community service involvement. |
| First-Generation Scholarships | For students who are the first in their family to attend college. |
| Field of Study Scholarships | For students pursuing specific majors or fields, like STEM or education. |
| Corporate Scholarships | Provided by companies, often for employees’ children or specific fields. |
| Creative/Artistic Scholarships | For excellence in the arts, requiring portfolios or auditions. |
| Transfer Student Scholarships | For students transferring from one college to another. |
| International Student Scholarships | For non-citizen students studying in a different country. |
| Essay Scholarships | Based on the quality of an essay submitted on a specific topic. |
Browse Scholarships by Category*
New York State Scholarships for Students
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Leopold Schepp Foundation | Up to $8,500 | Rolling | Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for this scholarship. To qualify, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 and be enrolled full-time in your program. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. All candidates are required to undergo an interview in New York City. Learn more. |
| World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship | Up to $13,415 per semester | Rolling | Children, spouses, and financial dependents of the victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. are eligible. Learn more. |
| State Aid to Native Americans | Up to $2,000 | Spring Semester: January 4 Summer Semester: May 20 Fall Semester: July 16 | Enrolled members of a New York State tribe or children of enrolled members may qualify for an award through the Aid to Native Americans Program. This award is available to those attending or planning to attend a college in New York State, provided they are New York State residents. Eligible applicants receive awards without a qualifying examination. The program offers awards for 2, 4, or 5-year programs. Learn more. |
| Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship | $2,500 – $20,000 | February 5 | This scholarship supports high school seniors from New York City’s five boroughs who are either first- or second-generation immigrants. Eligibility requires being born outside the U.S. or having two parents born internationally. Recipients must enroll full time at an accredited college or university. Learn more. |
| New York Grace LeGendre Fellowships | $2,000 | February 28 | To be eligible for the New York Grace LeGendre Fellowship, applicants must be female U.S. citizens and residents of New York State, hold a Bachelor’s degree, be currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program in New York State, with at least one semester completed, and demonstrate both academic merit and financial need. Learn more. |
| UNCF Edna Blum Scholarship | $5,000 | February 29 | Applicants for this scholarship must: reside in one of the five boroughs; attend a full-time accredited 4-year college or university; enroll as either an incoming undergraduate or master’s-level student; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Learn more. |
| Central New York STEM Scholarship | $20,000 | March 1 | Applicants for the scholarship must: reside in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, or Tompkins counties; attend New York State higher education institutions (preference given); maintain a minimum GPA of 85 or higher; and be U.S. Citizens or Green Card holders/Permanent residents (verify individual scholarship criteria for eligibility). Learn more. |
| Horatio Alger State Scholarship | $10,000 | March 15 | High school juniors eligible for the scholarship must attend an accredited institution, demonstrate critical financial need (defined as under $55,000 in adjusted gross family income), maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and exhibit a record of community service. Learn more. |
| New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence | $1,500 | March 27 | The Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) reward top-performing high school juniors with scholarships for higher education in New York State. Candidates must be eligible to graduate from a New York State high school by the end of the current school year. Learn more. |
| Joseph H. and Mildred C. McManus Scholarship | Varies | April 1 | The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is delighted to provide scholarship opportunities to students across the region. These scholarships, managed by the Community Foundations, are funded by individuals, families, corporations, and organizations. They aim to support high school and other students in their pursuit of educational opportunities, empowering them to achieve and surpass their goals. Learn more. |
| Posse Scholarship | Full-tuition | April 30 | Posse, supported by various political figures including Barack Obama, has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships. Established in 1989, the program collaborates with 10 cities nationwide (Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York) to offer financial assistance to academically accomplished students. Posse Scholarship recipients are often leaders in school organizations with high GPAs. Learn more. |
| First Responders Children’s Foundation General Scholarship | Varies | May 31 | The foundation grants multiple scholarships each year. To qualify, you must be the child of a police officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, or 911 dispatcher. Additionally, a minimum 2.7 GPA is required, and you must attend an accredited program in the U.S. Successful applicants can reapply for up to four years after receiving the scholarship. Learn more. |
| New York Senate Graduate Fellowships | $50,000 | June 24 | The New York State Senate Legislative Fellowship, established in 1965, provides graduate and post-graduate students with firsthand exposure to state government and the legislative process. All fellowships are located in Albany, New York. Applicants must have finished graduate studies at an accredited university before the fellowship commences. Fellows work full-time as regular staff members and receive a stipend tailored to the living and working costs in Albany, NY. This stipend is not intended for academic expenses, on-campus study, or classroom study. Typically, fellows are placed in the office of an elected Member of the Senate. Learn more. |
| Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) from New York State (NYS) Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) | $5,665 | June 30 | New York residents enrolled full-time in a New York college qualify for this scholarship. They must maintain good academic standing and spend a minimum of $200 annually on tuition. Dependent undergraduates with incomes below $80,000 also qualify. Learn more. |
| NYS Aid for Part-Time Study | $2,000 | June 30 | This scholarship is unique as it supports part-time students enrolled in New York colleges, unlike many others that require full-time status. To qualify, you must be a legal resident of New York and maintain good academic standing. Additionally, income eligibility limitations are set by the program. Learn more. |
| Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship | Varies | June 30 | The Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship offers financial assistance to children, spouses, and financial dependents of individuals who lost their lives in the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York, on February 12, 2009. This scholarship program aims to support families affected by the tragedy in covering the expenses associated with attending college in New York State. Learn more. |
| Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships | Up to $26,830 | June 30 | The Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships offer financial aid to children, spouses, and financial dependents of individuals who lost their lives in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in the Belle Harbor neighborhood of Queens, New York, on November 12, 2001. This scholarship program aims to assist the 266 families affected by the tragedy in covering the expenses associated with attending college in New York State. Learn more. |
| Memorial Scholarships (Police Officers, Peace Officers, Firefighters) | Varies | June 30 | The Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Firefighters, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), offer financial assistance to children and spouses of deceased police officers, peace officers, firefighters, and volunteer firefighters in New York State who died due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. Learn more. |
| Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute – MERIT Scholarship, also known as Military Service Recognition Scholarship – MSRS | Tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation | June 30 | The Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship, also referred to as the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS), offers financial assistance to children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia. This aid is extended to those who, while New York State residents, either died or sustained severe and permanent disabilities on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. Learn more. |
| Veterans Tuition Award | Varies | June 30 | The Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) provide financial support for eligible veterans enrolled full-time or part-time in approved undergraduate or graduate degree programs at institutions in New York State. This assistance also extends to veterans enrolled in approved vocational training programs. Learn more. |
| Regents Award for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans | $450 | June 30 | Students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency may qualify for financial assistance if, as a result of their service, the parent died, suffered a disability of 40% or more, was classified as missing in action, or was a prisoner of war. The veteran must either be a current New York State resident or have been a New York State resident at the time of death. Learn more. |
| The Gates Scholarship | Full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation as well as personal costs. | Sept 15 | Established in 2017, The Gates Scholarship is spearheaded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This scholarship aims to offer financial support to minority students from low-income families by covering tuition expenses not covered by family contributions and financial aid. Eligible applicants must be minorities in their final year of high school. The Gates Scholarship is awarded to 300 students annually. Learn more. |
| Coca-Cola Scholarship | $20,000 | October 2 | The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based award presented to high school seniors. Recipients are chosen for their leadership potential, dedication to service, and efforts to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities. Each year, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected to receive this prestigious $20,000 scholarship. Learn more. |
| The National Merit Scholarship | $2,500 | October 11 | The National Merit Scholarship Program, initiated in 1955, is an annual academic competition for high school students to receive recognition and college scholarships. It is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a non-profit organization operating independently of government assistance. To enter the program, United States high school students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which acts as the initial screening process for over 1.3 million entrants annually. Entrants must also meet published program entry and participation criteria. Learn more. |
University-Specific Scholarships for Students in New York
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Time Has Come Scholarship | Varies | January 21 | Syracuse University administers various scholarships via the Our Time Has Come Program. Applicants are required to demonstrate a keen interest in volunteering and leadership training, along with maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA. Financial need is determined through the FAFSA for scholarship consideration. Learn more. |
| Kaye Scholars Program | $7,340 | March 15 | City College offers scholarships in New York for full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Kaye Scholars program specifically requires students to major in the Division of Humanities and Arts, encompassing fields such as art, history, English, communication, and related disciplines. Learn more. |
| September 11 Scholarships | Full cost of tuition, fees, room, and board | June 30 | New York University offers five scholarships for the children and spouses of first responders killed during the September 11th attacks. You don’t need to be a New York resident to qualify, but you must be admitted to an undergraduate program at NYU and enroll full time to receive funds. Transfer students are also eligible. Learn more. |
| The Excelsior Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | August 31 | SUNY and CUNY college students are eligible to apply for this scholarship. To qualify, you must be a New York resident with a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less. The scholarship supports undergraduates, including those at community colleges, but requires full-time enrollment for eligibility. Learn more. |
| Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship | Up to $20,000 | All admitted students considered | Fordham University provides a merit-based scholarship that can be renewed for up to four years. It is awarded to the top 20-25 admitted students. Recipients are selected based on their admission applications, so the deadline aligns with the regular application deadline. Learn more. |
| SUNY Potsdam Merit Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | All admitted students considered | SUNY Potsdam provides merit scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis, which are also available to online students. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and can receive the scholarship for up to eight semesters of full-time study. Learn more. |
| Jesse Moore Urban League Scholarship | Varies | All admitted students considered | The University of Rochester provides a merit scholarship for students demonstrating exceptional academic and personal accomplishments. All admitted students are automatically considered for this scholarship, eliminating the need for a separate application process. Learn more. |
| Clifford and Siegfried Upton Scholarship | $1,000 | Varies | Columbia University grants the Clifford and Siegfried Upton Scholarship to children of Houghton-Mifflin employees, open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants must provide a letter from the employer confirming eligibility. Learn more. |
Subject-Specific Scholarships for Students in New York
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABA Academic Merit Scholarship | $5,000 | Rolling | The ABA Academic Merit Scholarship is open to second-year university or college students majoring in transportation or the travel/tourism industry. Applicants must demonstrate a high GPA and strong academic performance. Preference is given to those with memberships in the American Bus Association (ABA). Learn more. |
| AMS Scholarships and Fellowships | $1,000 – $26,000 | January 26 | The American Meteorological Society (AMS) oversees a variety of graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships, sponsored by its members, corporations, and government agencies across the country. These awards, assist exceptional graduate and undergraduate students in pursuing careers in atmospheric and related oceanic or hydrologic sciences, thereby advancing their education. Learn more. |
| The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation | Up to $7,500 | February 23 | Established in 1986, The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation pays tribute to Senator Barry Goldwater’s 56-year service to the United States. For more than three decades, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship has supported college sophomores and juniors interested in conducting research in mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. The foundation has assisted thousands of scholars, many of whom have garnered prestigious accolades like the Churchill Scholarship. Learn more. |
| Courage to Grow Scholarship | Up to $500 | February 29 | The Courage to Grow Scholarship was established to support students in achieving their dreams of higher education. This scholarship, which can be up to $500, is awarded to determined students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also demonstrate courage and passion in pursuing their aspirations. Learn more. |
| New York Water Environment Association Scholarships | Up to $6,000 | February 29 | The New York Water Environment Association provides several scholarships totaling over $50,000 in funding, including multiyear awards. Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship. For instance, the $6,000 Nicholas J. Bartilucci Environmental Scholarship requires applicants to be high school seniors, New York residents, and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a focus on public service. Learn more. |
| New York Farm Bureau AG Youth Scholarship | $1,500 | March 1 | The New York Farm Bureau encourages high school seniors with a background in agriculture who intend to pursue further studies in this field to apply for the New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors in the scholarship year and have plans to continue their education to prepare for a career related to the diverse agricultural industry. Additionally, applicants must either reside or work on a farm or be involved in agriculture through other avenues. Family Farm Bureau membership or student Farm Bureau membership is required and may accompany the application. Learn more. |
| NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships | $3,500 | March 12 | The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation grants scholarships in New York. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with exceptional academic achievements and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. Learn more. |
| Ontario County Casella Scholarship | $2,500 | March 24 | The Casella Environmental Waste Management scholarships are available to students majoring in environmental studies, agriculture, or agricultural business. Applicants must submit an acceptance letter from a recognized college program and be residents of Ontario County. Learn more. |
| The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program | Up to $20,000 | March 30 | This scholarship in New York targets education majors specifically. It is available to full-time college students from Long Island. Eligibility criteria include a minimum 3.5 GPA and completion of at least 80 hours of volunteer work in special education. Learn more. |
| Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program | Up to $20,000 | July 1 | The Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program aims to boost the number of nursing educators and adjunct clinical faculty members, crucial in shaping the next generation of nurses in New York State. Scholarships are awarded competitively to registered professional nurses pursuing graduate programs that qualify them for roles as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty. Learn more. |
| NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program | Up to $7,070 | August 15 | These New York State scholarships offer tuition support to residents attending a public college in the state. Eligibility requires being in the top 10% of your high school class and enrolled in a STEM program. Recipients are obligated to work in a STEM field in New York for five years post-graduation. Learn more. |
| SMART Scholarship | Up to $30,000 – $46,000 | December 1 | The SMART Scholarship aims to support STEM students. Recipients must be pursuing technical degrees in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The scholarship covers full tuition and related fees, provides summer internships, health insurance, mentoring, supply allowances, and offers DoD employment placement after graduation. Learn more. |
| Google Scholarships | Varies | Varies | Google, renowned for its technological innovation, provides funding opportunities for students aspiring to enter the tech industry. Among its offerings are the Women Techmakers Scholars Program, Google Europe Students with Disabilities Scholarship, and Google Lime Scholarship. Additionally, Google extends support to students attending technology conferences nationwide through travel and conference grants. Learn more. |
| The Gates Millennium Scholars Program | Varies, average award of $12,785 | Sept 15 | The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to remove financial barriers for minority students nationwide by providing tuition assistance. This program is open to undergraduate students in any discipline and graduate students studying fields such as science, public health, computer science, education, library science, or mathematics. Since 2010, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program has awarded a total of $934,092,630 in scholarships, with an average award of $12,785. Learn more. |
| The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | December 4 | The National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students who are pursuing careers and higher education in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). Learn more. |
Scholarships for Women in New York
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Deadline | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dawna J Colbert & John Fitzpatrick Scholarship | $10,000 | February 29 | The Technology Concept Groups International (TCGi) Foundation is committed to bridging black women and girls with significant opportunities in technology and computing. Our mission is to foster diversity within the upcoming cohort of technology leaders. The TCGi Foundation Scholarship Fund serves as a conduit for collaborations with essential partners, aiming to amplify the presence and participation of black women pursuing degrees in computing. Learn more. |
| ATHENA Adult Scholarship | Up to $2,000 | April 1 | Women over the age of 25 living in Seneca, Yates, or Eastern Ontario counties can qualify for this scholarship. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program and can utilize the award to cover education-related costs, including childcare and transportation. Learn more. |
| Young Women in Public Affairs Award | $5,000 | April 1 | Female students aged 16 to 19 are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must showcase a dedication to volunteering, possess experience in government or leadership roles, and demonstrate volunteer leadership. Learn more. |
| New York Women in Communications (NYWICI) Scholarship | $2,500-$10,000 | April 8 | New York residents who are full-time undergraduates or graduate students are eligible. Applicants must pursue a degree in communication or a related field at an accredited college and maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA. Recipients are selected through interviews conducted by NYWICI. Learn more. |
| Young Women in STEM Scholarship | $5,000 | May 23 | Tailored for young women advancing in STEM education, this scholarship grants funds to high school seniors and undergraduate students. Eligibility mandates enrollment in a STEM major and adherence to specified income requirements. Learn more. |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | $5,000 | August 15 (Varies by region) | This scholarship is open to women pursuing a major in business or a related field, including online students enrolled at accredited colleges. Applicants must be at least in their second year of undergraduate studies, and graduate students are also eligible to apply. Learn more. |
Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ community?
Visit Human Rights Campaign’s scholarship database to browse scholarships and find help to fund your higher education.
Seeking personalized, expert guidance on college financing?
Make a plan to get a degree with less debt and understand financial aid offers with a free, one-on-one counseling session. Contact EDCAP today!
Related Articles
*This information was compiled from the sources listed below. Dates are subject to change. Interested individuals should do further research and vet the information.
- https://www.cuny.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/new-york-state-scholarships/
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-state/new-york-scholarships
- https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/united-states/new-york/scholarships/
Topics: Future Students Topics
