-
Colleges
-
Graduate School
- Graduate School
- Scout Grad School Search Find and compare grad schools based on your preferences, goals and academic interests.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
- Graduate Degrees Explore graduate degree options that fit your goals.
- Paying for Graduate School Understand costs and explore ways to pay for grad school.
-
Scholarships
- Scholarships
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our no essay $2,000 college scholarship in 2 minutes or less.
- Scholly Scholarships Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships for free.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors Explore scholarships for high school seniors and get tips on how to apply.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships Apply for up to $0 in scholarships each month with just one form.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
-
Financial aid
- Financial Aid Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package.
- FAFSA® Guide Learn how to answer the 2026-27 FAFSA® questions like a pro.
- Financial Aid Offers Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable schools for you and your family.
- College Grants Learn more about federal and state grants and how to apply.
- Federal Pell Grants Discover what a Pell Grant is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
- Financial Aid Resources Get expert guidance on maximizing your financial aid options to make education more affordable.
-
Pay for School
- Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- Private Student Loans Find a private student loan designed to fit your needs.
- Undergrad Student Loan For college students earning a bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Graduate Student Loans Choose the right loan for your graduate degree or post-graduate studies.
- Career Training Loan For students taking professional training or certificate courses.
- Student Loan Resources Everything you need to navigate student loans with confidence.
Scholarships
New York scholarships: Free money for NY students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for New York
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
3 days left!
Apply now
Preferred Bank Scholarship Program
Due: 4/20/26
|No essay
$2,000
Preferred Bank is committed to supporting economically-challenged youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Applicants must be high school seniors who reside in eligible counties in California, New York, New Jersey and Texas. Students must plan to attend a U.S.-accredited four-year college/university or a community college as a first-year student in the Fall of 2026. If selected, students must submit a college acceptance letter for verification. Applicants must also have a household income at or below the low-income level. If selected, they must provide 2024 or 2025 tax return for verification. The scholarship is open to all majors and there is no ethnicity requirement. Employees of Preferred Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Asian Pacific Community Fund for more information.
3 days left!
Apply now
Royal Business Bank Scholarship Program
Due: 4/20/26
|No essay
$1,000
The Royal Business Bank is committed to supporting economically-challenged youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Scholarships are available for high school seniors planning to attend college as a full-time, degree-seeking student in the Fall of 2026. Students must plan to attend a U.S.-accredited four-year college/university or a community college. If selected, they must provide a college acceptance letter for verification. Students must have a household income at or below the low-income level for the county of residence. If selected, they must provide 2024 or 2025 tax return for verification. The scholarship is open to all majors and there is no ethnicity requirement. Employees of Royal Business Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Asian Pacific Community Fund for more information.
3 days left!
Apply now
Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship Program
Due: 4/20/26
|No essay
$2,500
Cathay Bank Foundation is committed to supporting youth residing in its business service territories to fulfill their dreams of obtaining a higher education. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to attend a U.S.-accredited four-year college/university or community college as a first-year student in the Fall of 2026. If selected, they must provide a college acceptance letter for verification. Students must have a household income at or below the low-income level for the county of residence. If selected, they must provide 2024 or 2025 tax return for verification. The scholarship is open to all majors. Employees of Cathay Bank and their immediate family members are not eligible. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Asian Pacific Community Fund for more information.
10 days left!
Apply now
J. Russell Thorne Scholarship
Due: 4/27/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The J. Russell Thorne Scholarship is open to a student who is a New York State resident and intends to enter the business community upon graduation. A review of qualified students is done based on donor terms. The recipients are selected in the Spring for the following academic year.
10 days left!
Apply now
Roger and Mary F. Kresge CCPA Scholarship
Due: 4/27/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Roger and Mary F. Kresge CCPA Scholarship is available to undergraduate students in the College of Community and Public Affairs who are residents of Broome County, demonstrate good academic standing and financial need, and are seeking a degree in studies affecting children and young adults. A review of qualified students is done based on donor terms. The recipients are selected in the Spring for the following academic year.
John Lepping Memorial Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$5,000
The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to qualified students seeking to further their education by attending college. John Lepping was extremely proud of disabled students who mustered the courage and determination to finish their college education despite their setbacks. This scholarship will help to deter the costs of college for disabled individuals who may not have the resources due to overwhelming medical costs. eligibility includes, but not limited to physical conditions (spinal cord injury, loss of limb, birth defects, etc.) and psychological conditions (autism, post- traumatic stress etc.). Scholarship recipients must be able to provide proof of disability with a letter of confirmation by a physician. Proof is required after award notification. Please do not submit it with the application. Three letters of recommendation from non-family members are required. Applications may be sent through mail or email but email is preferred. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Lep Foundation for Youth education for more information.
Associated General Contractors NYS Scholarship Program
Due: 5/2/26
|No Recommendations Required
$5,000
The Associated General Contractors NYS Scholarship Program will award scholarships to students who must be New York State residents. They may be attending a school outside of New York. Applicants must be seriously intent upon a career in the building, highway or utility construction industry. Applicants must pursue a Bachelor or Associate degree in construction or construction-related engineering. Students must reapply each year for up to three years of undergraduate study. Graduate students (Master's) are also eligible for a one-year scholarship if they are studying full-time for an advanced construction-related field and are intent upon a career in the industry. Three evaluation forms must be submitted: any combination of college faculty or college academic advisors, employers or adults not related to the applicant and preferably in the industry. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity
Due: 5/15/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$5,000
The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is a four-year renewable scholarship open to exceptionally Innovative and Creative high school seniors and first-time college freshmen. This scholarship is not a traditional scholarship focused on rewarding academic achievement and financial need. Its specific goal is to reward and encourage innovative and creative problem solving. This scholarship seeks students who have developed a new or unusual solution to an artistic, scientific or technical problem faced by their family, school or community. High school seniors and first-time college freshmen are eligible to apply. Applicants must either be (A) a Connecticut or New York City metropolitan area resident planning to attend or attending an institution of higher education anywhere in the United States, or (B) a resident of any part of the U.S. planning to attend or attending an institution of higher education in CT or NYC. The Selection Committee will select the applicants who show the most promise as innovative, creative problem solvers, on the basis of their essays, letters of recommendation, and other information included with the application. Two recommendations must be submitted. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Renee B. Fisher Foundation for more information.
Incoming Student Scholarships
Due: 5/31/26
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The Incoming Student Scholarships are available to incoming DCC students. Applicants must graduate in June from a New York state-approved high school in Dutchess County (or a high school designated by New York for Dutchess County residents) and be a Dutchess County resident. They must be advised into college-level math and English based on placement test results, review of high school transcript and/or SAT/ACT results. Scholarships greater than $500 will be paid out over two or more semesters. Recipients must write a thank-you note to the scholarship donor. Please visit the scholarship's website 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.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
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
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
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.