New York is densely populated with a wide array of nationalities and ample opportunities at its multifaceted institutions. The state welcomes its residents and those from abroad to study and work in The Empire State. New York offers several monetary awards, including scholarships for state residents, to assist in their academic endeavors.
The NYS Higher Education Services Corporation provides grants, scholarships, and loan information for residents seeking higher education in New York. Their NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible residents pay for their education at public or private colleges and universities. TAP is grant assistance awarded annually without requiring repayment. To qualify, you must be a New York resident for a full 12 months.
Another excellent opportunity in New York is the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS), which provides financial relief to children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces or state-organized militia. Be sure to review the eligibility criteria for the Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute Scholarship Program before applying.
There are also numerous scholarships for New York students to help alleviate the financial costs of post-secondary education. These exclusive scholarships offer a variety of opportunities for students to pursue higher education without the burden of excessive debt.
Top 10 Scholarships for New York Students
- Manny and Sylvia Weiner Medical Scholarship
- In memory of Manny and Sylvia Weiner, this scholarship supports undergraduates in a pre-med track or current medical students from New York or New Jersey who have financial need and want to become an M.D.
- HM Family Scholarship
- This scholarship supports ambitious BIPOC students exploring educational and professional STEM opportunities. Eligible applicants are high school seniors or undergraduates living in New York.
- NY Law Scholarship
- This scholarship supports Black law students in New York, with a preference for first-generation students who are members of the Black Law Student Association.
- Thomas J. Kilcullen Memorial Scholarship
- For students in New York pursuing criminal justice, social work, or similar fields. Preference is given to those with volunteer experience within the special needs community.
- Kenny Tan Test Prep Scholarship
- This scholarship supports a New York City public high school student who discusses the current admission system for NYC’s top public schools thoughtfully and factually.
- Cardel Love Scholarship
- This scholarship honors Cardel’s life by supporting first-generation, BIPOC high school seniors from New York in their pursuit of higher education.
- Robert Wechman Mental Health Scholarship
- Supports New York students passionate about mental health awareness and advocacy.
- Whitworth University Mind & Heart Scholarship
- New York high school seniors committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
- Informed Consumer Scholarship
- Aims to support New York students who demonstrate a strong understanding of consumer rights and financial literacy.
- Paige’s Promise Scholarship
- This scholarship supports New York students who have shown resilience and determination in overcoming personal challenges to pursue their education.
New York Students and Student Debt
Student loan debt is soaring nationwide, and New York students alone have an outstanding balance of $90.3 billion in student loan debt. Graduate students represent about 15% of total college enrollment, holding 43% of student loan debt. For undergraduates, roughly one-third of their financial aid package is made up of student loans. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that student loan debt now represents a greater proportion of total consumer debt in New York State than at any time in the past 10 years.
About 59% of students in New York graduate with debt, making scholarships more critical than ever. On average, tuition and fees at private two-year colleges cost $5,367 for in-state attendees, while out-of-state attendees pay an estimated $9,197. Private four-year institutions charge an average of $56,958 in tuition costs.
Scholarships play a key role in alleviating some of the financial burdens of tuition costs and education-related expenses. Maximize your scholarship earnings to alleviate financial expenses by applying to as many scholarships as possible.
Colleges in New York
New York State earns exemplary marks for both public and private colleges! The state has more than 300 public and private colleges and universities. Vocational or technical schools offer various certificates, diplomas, and degrees to prepare graduates for entry-level positions across multiple industries. Community colleges in New York have an open-door admissions policy, accepting all students regardless of academic record.
Public and private four-year colleges and universities offer a large number of majors, providing students with diverse options for their studies.
Private Universities in New York
Private schools in New York are generally more expensive but tend to be smaller and often more academically rigorous. They are rich in history and provide academic excellence seldom found elsewhere.
- Columbia University: An Ivy League school that does not offer academic, athletic, or talent-based institutional scholarships; all institutional financial funding is need-based.
- New York University (NYU): Offers scholarships in honor of fire, police, and emergency workers who were killed in the September 11, 2001, attacks. NYU considers a family’s demonstrated need, extracurricular impact, community service, and more.
Public Universities in New York
State colleges and universities are usually less expensive than private institutions. Approximately 97% of enrolled students attend public institutions. Notable public institutions include:
- The United States Military Academy at West Point: Offers scholarships for graduates interested in serving as highly-educated commissioned officers.
- The State University of New York (SUNY) and The City University of New York (CUNY): Offer the Excelsior Scholarship, which helps cover tuition for eligible students in combination with other financial aid programs.
New York Student Demographics
New York has the third-highest college enrollment of any state in the nation, with more than a million college students. Approximately 77.5% of students enrolled in New York colleges are state residents, while roughly 22.5% are non-residents. Nearly 45% of English Language Learners were born outside the United States, and they make up almost 10% of the NYS public school student population. The metropolitan area is the most linguistically diverse urban center in the world, with over 200 languages spoken.
Additional Scholarships for New York Students
In addition to New York college scholarships, there are numerous other opportunities to consider. Here are a few scholarships available to New York students:
- Melaninwhitecoats Podcast Annual Scholarship
- Pro-Life Advocates Scholarship
- Coding for Minorities Scholarship
- Surya Education Assistance Scholarship
- Cyndy Cervantes Scholarship for Oncology Social Work
Scholarships for High School Students in New York
High school students in New York have many scholarship opportunities to get financial aid. High school seniors have the most opportunities, but students of all high school grades are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances. Scholarships include:
- Robert Wechman Mental Health Scholarship
- Whitworth University Mind & Heart Scholarship
- Informed Consumer Scholarship
- Paige’s Promise Scholarship
- Grandmaster Nam K Hyong Scholarship
Scholarships for Current College Students in New York
College students should apply for scholarships to reduce their tuition and related expenses. Scholarships are available for students of any educational level:
- Pool Family LGBT+ Scholarship
- International Studies Scholarship
- Debra Victoria Scholarship
- Sports in Action Scholarship
- Taylor Coleman’s “More than a Conqueror” Scholarship Award
Scholarships for Hispanic Students in New York
Hispanic and Latinx students are encouraged to apply for scholarships tailored specifically to them. These scholarships aim to diversify campuses and support underrepresented minorities:
- “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
- Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
- Latinas in STEM Scholarship
- Hispanic Empowerment No-Essay Scholarship
- College Showdown Scholarship
Scholarships for Out-of-State Students in New York
Out-of-state students can also find scholarships to support their education in New York:
- Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
- Nina L. Coleman Memorial Scholarship
- Marissa Collections Scholarship
- Noah Jon Markstrom Student Debt Paydown Grant
- Bold Generosity Matters Scholarship
Scholarships in New York for International Students
International students should start financial planning early and seek external funding, including scholarships:
- Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
- I Am the Third Scholarship
- Pettable Life Transitions Pet Lovers Scholarship
- WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship
- Bold Nature Matters Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in New York
How to get a scholarship to the New York Film Academy
- The New York Film Academy offers need-based and merit-based tuition awards, as well as financial aid. Contact their financial aid office for more information on funding resources.
How can I use a scholarship?
- Scholarships can be used for any educational expense, including tuition and books. Funds are typically sent directly to your school’s financial aid office.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA to receive a scholarship?
- While some scholarships require a completed FAFSA form, many do not. Check with your college’s financial aid office for specific requirements.
Are scholarships taxable in New York State?
- Generally, scholarship money used for tuition and education-related expenses is not taxable. Scholarships won through Bold.org are sent directly to your school’s financial aid office, minimizing tax obligations.
By exploring these scholarships and applying early, New York students can significantly reduce the financial burden of college and focus on their academic and