State Grants in New York
One of the best ways to obtain an affordable education in New York State is through state-wide grants. Here are some of the most prominent state-wide grants in New York:
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is a need-based grant for New York students attending a college in New York state. As of 2023, the award could be up to $5,665 every year. The program has specific requirements for fields of study and approved schools, so be sure to check in with your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify. Both part-time and full-time students can take advantage of this program.
New York State Excelsior Scholarship
The Excelsior Scholarship is a need-based program that allows New York students to attend CUNY or SUNY schools for free. Be sure to check in with your school’s financial aid office for eligibility information; as of 2023, the income cap for a family was $125,000 per year.
How to win New York scholarships
New York is home to countless prestigious universities and colleges, such as Columbia University and New York University. Many New York colleges, both public and private, offer scholarships for stellar academics, outstanding creativity, and financial need. Additionally, private institutions offer scholarships that cater to the diverse interests and backgrounds of New York students.
In order to win New York scholarships, residents should connect their passions to the uniqueness of New York. For example, highlighting your ability to adapt to the fast-paced city life of NYC while also valuing New York’s scenic landscapes and deep cultural heritage can create a well-rounded scholarship application.
Writing resources for applying to New York scholarships
New York scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself. Therefore, be sure to check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay and how to write a 500 word essay as well. Additionally, be sure to read over the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Florida scholarships.
New York college loan debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, New York residents owe $92.7 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $37,678 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 56.4% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35.
As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for! Keep on reading to learn more about top scholarships in New York, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in New York!
Take note that the scholarships below are connected to the application process of the specific colleges listed. Make sure that you apply sooner than later to be in the running for scholarships!
New York scholarship spotlight
Excelsior Scholarship Program
The Excelsior Scholarship Program is open to New York residents who are or will be pursuing undergraduate degrees at community colleges, SUNY or CUNY colleges, as well as Cornell University and Alfred University. Scholarships worth as much as $5,500 are awarded to rising and current college students.
New York State STEM Incentive Program
The NYS STEM Incentive Program awards scholarships to New York State residents attending public colleges and universities in New York State. Award winners must be in the top 10 percent of their senior high school class and pursue a two or four-year STEM degree program. They must also agree to work in a STEM field while living in the state of New York for five years after graduating.
Merit scholarships at New York colleges and universities
Take note that the scholarships below are connected to the application process of the specific colleges listed. Make sure that you apply sooner than later to be in the running for scholarships!
Fashion Institute of Technology
- Eligibility: All students admitted to FIT’s honor program receive an annual merit stipend
- Amount: $1,000 up to $10,000
- Deadline: Varies
Fordham University
- Eligibility: All Fordham University undergraduate students admitted to the university
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Deadline: Varies
Hofstra University
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic achieving incoming Hofstra University students
- Amount: $5,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, Binghamton University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students with a required minimum grade point average based on scholarship amount
- Amount: $10,000 up to $30,000
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, New Paltz
- Eligibility: New SUNY New Paltz students are awarded merit scholarships based on academic performance and are highly competitive
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, Oneonta
- Eligibility: Awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated academic achievement or excellence
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000 a year
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, Oswego
- Eligibility: First-year students with a strong record of achievement in a challenging college preparatory curriculum
- Amount: $2,000 up to $6,450
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, Stony Brook University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshman who are academically qualified
- Amount: Up to $3,000
- Deadline: Varies
SUNY, University at Albany
- Eligibility: Select incoming first-year students based on their academic achievement
- Amount: $2,000 up to $6,000
- Deadline: Varies
St. John’s University
- Eligibility: First-year full-time undergraduate students who enroll in a bachelor’s level degree program
- Amount: $250 up to $3,000
- Deadline: Varies
Also see: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition provides students with a lower cost compared to out-of-state tuition rates. Many universities reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known New York universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
Albany University
- In-state tuition: $7,070
- Out-of-state tuition: $24,910
Binghamton University
- In-state tuition: $7,070
- Out-of-state tuition: $24,910
Stony Brook University
- In-state tuition: $7,720
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,290
How do you get in-state tuition?
It is clear that in-state tuition is a cheaper option when compared to out-of-state tuition for New York public universities. So, how do you become a New York resident to unlock in-state tuition rates?
Students are considered New York State residents if they have established their domicile in New York State for at least 12 months prior to the last day of the registration period of a particular term.
Campuses rely on documents and circumstances such as the following to determine if an individual’s domicile is in New York State:
- State of residency of the student’s family
- NY State voter registration
- NY State driver’s license
- NY State motor vehicle registration
- NY State real property ownership
- NY State income tax returns
It is important to note that different colleges and universities in New York may have different eligibility requirements, therefore you should check with your intended university to determine if you match their requirements.
Does New York have tuition reciprocity?
New York is not a member of any regional tuition reciprocity agreements.
Additional New York resources
New York State Tuition Assistance Program
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to help eligible New York residents attending in-state colleges and universities pay for tuition. Annual TAP awards can be as high as $5,665.
NYS STEM Incentive Program
The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides tuition awards for eligible New York residents pursuing a degree in STEM. To qualify, candidates must be high school seniors or recent high school graduates ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class at a NYS high school and enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a degree in STEM at a NYS college. Award amounts can be as high as $7,070.
New York Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
A valuable online resource for New York residents looking into continuing their education. HESC offers step-by-step planning tips including how to take the right classes, find the right college and submit applications on time. Additionally, HESC has financial aid information to help New York students finance their education.
Keep reading
Looking for more ways to save? Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of these demographic scholarship opportunities. In need of some help with applying for scholarships? Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making the application process easier. Remember, Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable resources and access to scholarships for all students in all states!
Frequently asked questions about New York scholarships
Does NYU award a lot of scholarships?
How do you qualify for free tuition in New York?
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