New York students may have their pick of excellent state and private schools, but that doesn’t make paying for them any easier. Luckily, we have your go-to guide for finding the best New York Scholarship for you. With over 700,000 New York students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2019, scholarships are more competitive than ever. The average price in-state tuition is over $18,000, and New York is home to some of the most expensive schools in the country. Considering the high sticker price, it is more than likely that New York students will be in need of financial aid to fund their education. Scholarships are crucial for tackling these high costs of tuition. Take a look at our list of scholarships for New York students to find the perfect scholarship for you.
The best way to receive a scholarship as a New York student is to find scholarships that are a great fit. This list not only tells you about the best state scholarships for successful students such as the famed Excelsior Scholarship or the New York City Council Merit Scholarship, but also New York State Education Grants such as the Tuition Assistance Program. You can also find scholarships for minority students in New York, as well as Scholarships for SUNY and CUNY schools. Whichever excellent New York School you choose to attend, you can find help for funding your education. Read on for the best scholarships New York has to offer.
Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.
This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.
The Best Scholarships in New York for High Achieving Students
1. New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Description: New York State offers a set of scholarships for students who demonstrate academic achievement and plan to attend a New York State college or university. Up to 2,000 Scholarships for Academic Excellence are awarded each year to New York students.
- Amount: $1,500, renewable up to 8 semesters
- Requirements: Students must be a New York resident entering or attending a New York higher educational institution. Students must have graduated from a New York state high school/ Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress to be eligible for scholarship renewal.
- How to Apply: Students must be nominated by their high school counselor by the March deadline, and submit application for payment by June 30th. More details can be found on the Higher Education Services Corporation website.
2. New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit
- Description: The New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit scholarship supports New York State high school graduates who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to attend a New York State college or university. Participating colleges and universities can be public or private institutions of higher learning.
- Amount: $2,500
- Requirements: Students must be a New York resident entering or attending a New York State public or private college or university. Students must have achieved a 3.3 cumulative GPA in high school and demonstrate financial need.
- How to Apply: Students must submit an application, including high school transcripts and any available AP test scores when they submit their FAFSA. Funds are dispersed directly to their college or university. More information can be found on the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.
3. Carey Gabay Memorial Scholarship
- Description: The Carey Gabay Memorial Scholarship provides full four-year scholarships for New York students attending a State University of New York. The scholarship honors public service and covers not only the cost of tuition, but also personal expenses such as rent, book fees, and transportation.
- Amount: Cost of tuition and estimated personal expenses
- Requirements: To apply, students must be accepted to and entering a State University of New York. Student must demonstrate an excellent high school academic record and financial need. Preference will be given to those who have overcome challenging personal circumstances.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the application package, including letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and personal essays by June 30th More information can be found on the Scholarships section of the SUNY website.
4. Linda and Richard Gelfond Scholarship
- Description: The Gelfond Scholarship is a renewable award for Stony Brook students from New York who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in high school and college. Students can apply for this scholarship prior to or after matriculation into Stony Brook.
- Amount: Award varies
- Requirements: Students must be a New York resident attending Stony Brook University. Students must have achieved a cumulative high school GPA of 92, and maintain an excellent academic record to renew the award each year.
- How to Apply: Applications must be submitted by June 30th, including high school transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Students may be required to participate in an interview with the selection committee. More information can be found on the Undergraduate Financial Aid section of the Stony Brook website.
5. William Siegel Scholarship Award
- Description: Managed by Financial Services Center of New York, the William Siegel Award supports New York students who demonstrate excellence and commitment to the New York community. Student recipients have the opportunity to participate in leadership development and other program activities.
- Amount: $5,000
- Requirements: Students must be a New York resident attending a public New York high school. While there are no GPA or test score requirements, students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academics, community, and leadership.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the application package, documentation of community service, and 250-word essay by the early March deadline. More information can be found on the Financial Services Center of New York website.
6. New York City Council Merit Scholarship
- Description: Created by the New York City Council to reward top New York City students, this scholarship is intended to encourage New York City students to attend a New York educational institution of their choice
- Amount: $800
- Requirements: Students must be a New York City resident who graduated from a NYC high school and are planning to attend a New York School. Students must demonstrate academic excellence and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and will be notified of their award by their institution of choice. More information can be found on the University Student Senate website.
The Best Scholarships in North Carolina for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups
1. Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship
- Description: The Ascend Educational Fund’s mission is to provide opportunities for immigrant students and children of immigrants. The fund seeks to increase educational access for this increasingly vulnerable population, empowering them to pursue their dreams.
- Amount: $2,500-$20,000
- Requirements: Students must be an immigrant to the United States or child of two immigrants, and have graduated from a New York City high school. Students must intend to enroll full time at an institution of higher learning
- How to Apply: Applications including letters of recommendation, transcript, and test scores are due February 1st. Application and more information can be found on the New York Ascend Fund website.
2. Jewish Foundation for Education of Women Scholarship
- Description: The Jewish Foundation for Education of Women is an organization dedicated to increasing access to educational opportunities for low-income women. Awards are provided to New York State students who demonstrate financial need.
- Amount: Award varies
- Requirements: Female-identifying students must provide documentation of financial need and plan to attend an eligible New York State educational institution.
- How to Apply: The application package and additional information can be found on the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women website.
3. Veterans Tuition Award
- Description: The Veteran’s Tuition Award supports New York State veterans who have resided in New York for at least twelve (12) consecutive months. The award funds education for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students who have been discharged from the United States military.
- Amount: Award varies
- Requirements: Students must be United States veterans and New York State residents attending an institution of higher learning. Students must have received a high school diploma or equivalent certification. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by their institution to renew the award each year.
- How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA, New York State Aid Application, and Veteran’s Tuition Award Application by June 30th. The application and additional information can be found on the Veteran’s Tuition Award section of the Higher Education Services Corporation website.
4. New York State Aid to Native Americans
- Description: Students registered in a New York State Native American Tribe may be eligible for the Aid to Native Americans Award. This fund encourages students of tribal status to pursue educational opportunities in New York State.
- Amount: $2,000 renewable up to five years
- Requirements: Students must be part of a New York State tribe and attend or plan to attend a New York State institution of higher learning. Students must maintain full-time status or receive a prorated scholarship for part-time participation.
- How to Apply: Students must submit certification of tribal status, high school transcripts, and their college letter of acceptance to the New York State Education Department by July 16th. More information can be found on the New York State Education Department website.
The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for New York Colleges
1. Enhanced Tuition Award Program
- Description: The Enhanced Tuition Award Program supports New York State students attending a New York State private college or university. The Award Program serves both U.S. citizens and DREAM act recipients,
- Amount: Up to $6,000
- Requirements: Students must be a New York State resident who graduated high school or completed a high school equivalency program. Students must demonstrate a household income of less than $125,000. To renew the award, students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress as determined by their college or university.
- How to Apply: Students must submit a FAFSA and a New York State Aid Application; and will be notified of their eligibility by their institution’s financial aid office. More information can be found on the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.
2. New York State Tuition Assistance Program
- Description: The Tuition Assistance Program was developed to encourage New York State students to attend New York State schools and other participating non-profit schools in New York. Students have the opportunity to receive this scholarship annually.
- Amount: $5,000
- Requirements: Students must be New York State residents and United States citizens or eligible noncitizens. Students must have graduated high school or received an equivalent diploma, and attend or plan to attend a non-profit institution in the State of New York. Students must maintain a “C” average at their institution to continue to receive the award
- How to Apply: Students apply through the FAFSA and are notified of award status through their institution. More information can be found on the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.
3. Excelsior Scholarship Awards
- Description: As part of their initiative to make college accessible to low and middle socioeconomic status families, New York State established the Excelsior Award, which provides full tuition for New York students attending two (2) or four (4) year programs at SUNY or CUNY schools.
- Amount: Up to cost of tuition
- Requirements: Students must be New York state residents planning to attend a SUNY or CUNY school. Students must demonstrate financial need and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as determined by their institution of choice. Students must plan to reside in New York following graduation.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the Excelsior Scholarship application package by August 15th. Students must also complete a FAFSA. More information and application can be found on the New York State Government website.
4. Aid for Part-time Study
- Description: The Aid for Part-time Study Award was created by the State of New York to encourage non-traditional students to pursue educational opportunities in New York. Many New York students are eligible regardless of school site, but program of study must be approved by administrators.
- Amount: Award varies
- Requirements: Students must be New York State residents enrolled in at least three (3) but no more than twelve (12) credit hours per semester, or at least four (4) but no more than eight (8) credit hours per trimester. Students must have graduated high school or completed equivalent diploma. Award recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal.
- How to Apply: Student must complete FAFSA and submit Aid for Part Time Study application to their college or university office of financial aid as early as they are able to, prior to the start of the semester. More information can be found on the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.
5. New York State STEM Incentive
- Description: The New York State STEM Incentive supports New York students intending to pursue a career in STEM. The fund exists to encourage students to engage in STEM fields in their home state of New York
- Amount: Up to cost of tuition, for up to eight (8) semesters
- Requirements: Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and New York residents. Students must be attending an eligible New York institution. To be considered for scholarship renewal, students must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the online application along with their FAFSA by June 30th. Students will be notified of their award status by their institution of choice.
6. New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program
- Description: Awarded to first year college students invested in pursuing a teaching career in STEM serving junior and high school students, the New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program provides full tuition for New York Students attending a New York State School. The program supports secondary Math and Science teachers through various enrichment opportunities.
- Amount: Cost of tuition up to 8 semesters
- Requirements: Students must be graduates of a New York State high school currently attending a New York college or university with the intention to teach STEM in a secondary educational setting. Students must have achieved at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the online application by June of their first year of college. More information can be found on the New York State Higher Education Services Website
Now that you have had a chance to consider some of the best New York scholarships available, it’s time to get those application materials together, write those essays, and apply! No matter your educational goals, there is a New York scholarship for you. Whether you are applying for one of the New York Education Grants, a scholarship for your academic achievement like the Excelsior Scholarship, or a scholarship to fund your New York City education such as the NYC Council Merit Scholarship, you can start to fund your education. Scholarships for New York students may be competitive, but with a little work and the right fit, you can find the scholarship that is right for you.
Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.
Make sure to read our post on the top scholarship sites to use here as well.
