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Scholarships
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Scholarships
New York scholarships: Free money for NY students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for New York
6 days left!
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
American Water Scholarship
Due: 3/25/26
$10,000
American Water is proud to provide equitable educational opportunities for students across our national footprint through the American Water Scholarship. This scholarship is part of American Water's continued commitment to being an inclusive, diverse, and equitable company and supports our future leaders of tomorrow. The American Water Scholarship is awarding scholarships to students in the states where American Water operates. The scholarship is designed to support the educational aspirations of students who represent lived experiences and backgrounds that are underrepresented in the utility industry and who value the advancement of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of society. Applicants must self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; or self-identity as having a disability; or self-identify as being an active member of the military services, a military spouse, or having a parent or guardian who is an active member; or self-identify as female; or self-identify as Black, African or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates, residing and/or attending college in one of the eligible states. Applicants must be pursuing a certificate or degree in a non-medical STEM or business-related field, at an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a sincere commitment to inclusion and diversity in their lives, community, or education in a non-medical STEM major or a business major. The scholarship may be renewable up to three additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. One online recommendation form must be submitted on the student's behalf no later than March 28, 2025. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
6 days left!
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SBS of New York Graduate Award
Due: 3/31/26
Varies
The SBS Graduate Award, formerly known as "Zimmermann Scholarship", may be awarded to the graduate students with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average. Applicants must be or have one of their parents be a Swiss national. Applicants must be U.S. Residents. Applicants must be permanently domiciled in either New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or Delaware for two years or more. Applicants must study at a graduate school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. On March 31, applicants must submit proof of their or their parent's Swiss citizenship; proof of applicant's U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency; and proof of cost for tuition, room and board (copy of bursar's bill). On April 30, applicants must also submit official transcripts of all college and graduate grades and two current letters of reference from professors in their major area of study. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Constellation Scholars Program
Due: 4/7/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$5,000
Constellation has established a scholarship program to assist high school seniors who plan to continue their education in college. Applicants must be pursuing a major in Engineering, specifically Mechanical, Electric, Computer, or Nuclear; Computer Science; Data Science; IT; Cybersecurity; and Finance or Business. Constellation employees and children of employees are not eligible. Awards may be renewed for up to four additional years or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and New York State Showpeople's Association Annual Scholarship
Due: 4/11/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The NYSAAF and NYSSA offer an annual scholarship program which is available to students who currently are (or have previously been) active in a fair that is a member of the NYSAAF or the NYSSA and who plan to attend (or already attend) college in pursuit of a degree. The fair where the student has been active or the NYSSA must endorse their application and will submit it for them. Students who have been active in their local fairs and who intend to pursue or who are pursuing a degree are eligible to apply. Application is open to all applicants regardless of your field of study. However, additional consideration may be given to those applicants pursuing a degree in a field related to agriculture, fair management or the outdoor amusement business. All are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be in their senior year of high school in New York State or be already attending college and planning to pursue or already pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher learning. Students must submit their complete application by the second Friday in April. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will award the Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship to high school seniors at any public or private secondary school who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
William C. Davini Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will award the William C. Davini Scholarship to high school seniors at any public or private secondary school who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship is open for application to a senior undergraduate at any public or private college or university or a graduate thereof who is initiating graduate studies in the United States. Students already attending grad school do not qualify. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science will be awarded to students currently pursuing a degree in the Physical Sciences including but not limited to Agro-Sciences, Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics; or in the Life Sciences including but not limited to Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$5,000
The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship is open for application to a senior at a campus based public or private college or university or hold a degree thereof who will be pursuing a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy degree, or is currently enrolled in an accredited medical school within the United States. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Key things to know about New York scholarships
- New York scholarships include both statewide programs and school-based aid. Students may qualify for support through New York State, colleges, local organizations, and private scholarships.
- Some of New York’s best-known programs are tied to SUNY and CUNY attendance. That makes school choice an important part of your scholarship strategy.
- Need-based aid matters in New York. Filing financial aid forms early can help you access grants and scholarships that depend on income information.
- Awards exist for strong academics, public service, and specific personal circumstances. New York students have a wide range of program types to review.
- You should search beyond just one state award. The strongest funding plan usually combines state aid, campus scholarships, and private opportunities.
If you’re trying to make college more affordable, New York scholarships can open up several different paths to funding. Students across the state may qualify for tuition-focused scholarships, merit awards, memorial scholarships, and institutional aid from public and private colleges.
That effort is worth it. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.
Whether you’re headed to a SUNY campus, a CUNY college, or a private school, or another type of program, scholarships for New York students can help reduce your total cost.
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What are New York scholarships?
New York scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college and other eligible postsecondary study. These awards may come from New York State, colleges, nonprofit organizations, employers, local foundations, and community groups.
Unlike student loans, scholarships are free money you don't need to repay. Some New York awards are merit-based, while others are based on financial need, public service commitments, family circumstances, or attendance at eligible New York schools.
- New York residency
- Enrollment at an eligible college or university
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or state aid application information
- GPA, rank, or academic achievement
- Financial need
- Intended field of study
- Special family, service, or memorial eligibility categories
Because there are so many different program types, students with different backgrounds and goals can often find more than one path to funding.
What scholarships are available for New York students?
New York students often get the best results when they combine statewide scholarships, institutional aid, and private opportunities. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you search and filter scholarships that match your state, background, major, and personal goals.
Here are some of the top New York scholarships and state-administered aid programs to review.
Excelsior Scholarship Program
The Excelsior Scholarship Program is one of the most widely recognized New York aid programs. It's designed to help eligible students attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college with tuition support after other grants and scholarships are applied.
New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence
The Scholarships for Academic Excellence program is aimed at top-performing students from New York high schools. It can be a strong fit if you have a standout academic record and plan to attend college in New York State. You may also be able to stack it with college-based merit awards.
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
The World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship is a specialized New York program tied to families affected by the September 11 attacks and related rescue and recovery efforts. For eligible students, it can be one of the most important state scholarship programs to review.
STEM Incentive Program
The New York STEM Incentive Program is an important option for students planning to study in science, technology, engineering, or math fields. If you are pursuing a STEM major and plan to stay focused on an approved pathway, this is one of the most relevant New York awards to review.STEM-focused aid can be especially helpful if you want to reduce tuition costs while preparing for a high-demand field.
Local and community scholarships
Local New York scholarships may come from community foundations, borough or county organizations, civic groups, unions, faith-based groups, and local employers. These awards can be especially useful because they may have a smaller applicant pool than major statewide programs.
- Community foundation scholarships
- Borough-, city-, or county-based awards
- Employer and union scholarships
- Scholarships from cultural or community organizations
- High school senior and local donor scholarships
Institutional scholarships
Institutional scholarships can add a lot to your financial aid package, especially at schools with strong merit or donor-funded programs. Be sure to compare options at schools such as the University at Buffalo, CUNY Hunter College, and Stony Brook University.
- Merit scholarships for incoming students
- Departmental scholarships by major
- Need-based campus aid
- Foundation and alumni-funded scholarships
Additional financial aid resources
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is one of the largest need-based state aid programs in New York and can be a major part of your college funding plan. If you may qualify, complete the required financial aid applications as early as you can.
Scholly Scholarships
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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for New York scholarships
Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid. For step-by-step help, check out our FAFSA® guide.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? Try Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships, which lets you to apply to multiple scholarships with a single application. You can search for opportunities using Scholly Scholarships, which helps match you with scholarships based on your background and goals.
What are the eligibility requirements for New York scholarships?
Eligibility varies across New York scholarships, but these are some common requirements.
- New York residency
- Enrollment in an eligible college or university
- FAFSA® and, when needed, state aid application completion
- GPA or academic achievement requirements
- Financial need for need-based programs
- Meeting full-time or approved enrollment rules for certain awards
- Following renewal and deadline requirements
What can I do to win scholarships?
- Complete aid forms early. Many New York programs depend on FAFSA® and state aid application timing.
- Look at SUNY and CUNY options closely. Some of the best-known New York scholarships are tied to public college attendance.
- Apply to school-based scholarships too. Institutional scholarships can stack with some forms of state aid.
- Keep a deadline tracker. New York students often juggle state aid steps, school deadlines, and outside scholarship applications.
- Don’t stop with one big program. Even if you are aiming for Excelsior or TAP, add local and private scholarships to your list.
More scholarship resources
Use these resources to find scholarships that align with your major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
New York scholarships can make a major difference when you combine state programs, campus-based aid, and private awards. If you build a broad list and stay organized with deadlines, you’ll give yourself more ways to lower tuition and reduce what you need to borrow.
Keep your search moving by adding a mix of bigger state programs and easier-to-apply options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. Continue with local awards, institutional scholarships, and New York-specific aid programs that match your academic record, income, school choice, or major.
FAQs about New York scholarships
What scholarships are available for New York students?
New York students can explore statewide programs like the Excelsior Scholarship, Scholarships for Academic Excellence, the STEM Incentive Program, institutional scholarships from SUNY, CUNY, and private colleges, and local community scholarships. TAP should also be part of your broader aid search.
What is the Excelsior Scholarship in New York?
The Excelsior Scholarship is a New York program that helps eligible students attend a state-operated SUNY or CUNY college with tuition support after other grants and scholarships are applied.
What scholarships are available for low-income students in NY?
Low-income students in New York may qualify for need-based aid such as TAP, institutional grants, local scholarships, and some private awards that consider financial need.
Are there scholarships for students attending SUNY or CUNY schools?
Do New York scholarships require FAFSA®?
Not all of them do, but many state and need-based programs require FAFSA® information, and some also require a New York State aid application.
When should NY students start applying for scholarships?
You should start as early as possible, ideally by junior year or early senior year of high school, and continue applying throughout college.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for New York students?
Yes. Some scholarships have shorter applications, and students can also look at Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships and No Essay Scholarship opportunities.
What is TAP in New York?
TAP, or the Tuition Assistance Program, is a major need-based New York State aid program that helps eligible students pay for college.
What is the STEM Incentive Program in New York?
The STEM Incentive Program is a New York State award for eligible students pursuing approved STEM study pathways. Students should review the academic and service terms carefully.
Are there scholarships for top academic students in New York?
Yes. The Scholarships for Academic Excellence program is one of the main New York options for top-performing students.
Can private college students in New York get scholarships?
Yes. Students at private colleges can pursue institutional scholarships, private scholarships, and some forms of state aid depending on program rules.
Can adult learners in New York apply for scholarships?
Yes. Returning students and adult learners can find scholarships through colleges, employers, community organizations, and some broader scholarship databases.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.