New York Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of New York Scholarships & Grants

New York offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in New York more affordable.

TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship are central to New York’s aid landscape.

How Can You Get a Scholarship in New York?

New York offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive systems of scholarships and grants for both residents and out-of-state students. To qualify for most programs, students should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. Scholarships and grants are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, career goals, and other factors. In addition to state-funded programs, students can explore institutional awards through CUNY and SUNY schools, as well as private and community-based scholarships offered by local organizations and foundations.

What Is the Top 10 Scholarship for NYS?

The New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence—often called the “Top 10 Scholarship”—recognizes outstanding high school students based on performance on New York State Regents exams. Each year, the program awards:

• $1,500 annually to up to 256 of the highest-scoring students statewide.
• $500 annually to additional top-performing students across all high schools.

These awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study at approved colleges in New York State, provided recipients maintain satisfactory academic progress.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in New York?

International students studying in New York have access to several scholarship opportunities offered by universities and private organizations. The CUNY International Student Scholarship and the SUNY International Student Grant provide merit-based financial support to non-U.S. citizens demonstrating academic excellence. Additionally, private programs such as the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship and institutional awards at universities like NYU and Columbia offer funding to international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Many colleges also provide partial tuition waivers or on-campus employment opportunities to help international students offset educational costs.

What Is the New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence?

The New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence is a prestigious state-funded award that recognizes outstanding academic performance by high school seniors. Recipients are selected based on Regents exam scores and class ranking. The scholarship provides $500 to $1,500 per year for up to four years of full-time undergraduate study at approved colleges and universities within New York State. Students must maintain good academic standing and full-time enrollment to renew the award each year.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in New York?

High school seniors in New York can apply for numerous scholarships that reward academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Major programs include:

• Excelsior Scholarship: Covers full tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools for families earning up to $125,000 annually.
• New York State STEM Incentive Program: Provides full tuition for students in the top 10% of their class who pursue STEM degrees and agree to work in a STEM field in New York for five years after graduation.
• New York Community Trust Scholarships: Offers local and regional awards based on academic performance and financial need.

National awards such as the Gates Scholarship and the Coca-Cola Scholars Program also accept New York applicants with strong academic and leadership backgrounds.

What Scholarships Are Available for NYC High School Students?

New York City students have access to unique local scholarship opportunities tailored to urban learners. Notable programs include:

• Posse Foundation Scholarship: Provides full-tuition scholarships and leadership training to students attending partner colleges nationwide.
• NYC Department of Education (DOE) Scholarships: Offers various awards for graduating seniors, including the Albert Shanker College Scholarship for children of union members.
• TheDream.US National Scholarship: Supports undocumented students pursuing degrees at participating colleges in New York.

Students can also access private scholarships through local nonprofits, borough foundations, and community-based organizations serving New York City residents.

What Is the NYS Merit Scholarship?

The New York State Merit Scholarship recognizes high-achieving students who excel academically during high school. Recipients are selected based on Regents exam results, GPA, and academic distinction. Awards are typically used toward tuition and educational expenses at approved New York colleges. Some institutions automatically consider applicants for additional merit scholarships upon admission, further expanding aid opportunities for top-performing students.

What Scholarships Are Offered by CUNY?

The City University of New York (CUNY) provides an array of scholarships for students across its campuses. The Macaulay Honors College Scholarship covers full tuition and provides a technology stipend and cultural enrichment opportunities for high-achieving students. The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program supports economically disadvantaged students through financial aid, tutoring, and counseling services. In addition, individual CUNY colleges—such as Hunter, Baruch, and City College—offer departmental, merit, and private donor-funded scholarships to help students meet educational costs.

What Scholarships Are Offered by SUNY?

The State University of New York (SUNY) system awards numerous scholarships to recognize excellence and promote diversity. Programs include:

• Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship: Encourages academic achievement and campus diversity across SUNY institutions.
• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence: Honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic, leadership, and community service achievements.
• SUNY Community College Transfer Scholarship: Provides funding for students transferring from a SUNY community college to a four-year SUNY campus.

Each SUNY campus may also offer additional institutional and alumni-funded scholarships for students with high academic performance or financial need.

How Do You Qualify for Free Tuition in New York?

New York’s Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students to attend SUNY and CUNY schools tuition-free. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be New York State residents for at least 12 months before applying.
• Have a combined household income of $125,000 or less.
• Enroll full-time at a SUNY or CUNY institution and complete 30 credits per year.
• Agree to live and work in New York for the same number of years they received the award.

The Excelsior Scholarship helps make higher education more accessible by covering tuition costs not met by TAP, Pell, or other grants—ensuring that eligible students can earn a college degree without incurring significant debt.