When people think of New York, a glittering city is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, the state of New York is much more than the home of the largest city in America. Packed with natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, quaint villages and small farm towns, the state additionally prides itself on the many great institutions of higher learning located within its borders.
According to US News, “more than 130 four-year, degree-granting institutions are located in New York, the most of any state in the U.S.” In such a competitive learning environment, New Yorkers should seek every edge they can. Here are just a few scholarships for those living in New York:
Excelsior Scholarship Program
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: TBD for Fall 2021
The Excelsior Scholarship Program, combined with other scholarships, covers the full tuition of a SUNY or CUNY school. This means that students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship can attend college for no cost. To qualify, students must have New York residency and also agree to work in New York post-graduation for the number of years they received the scholarship.
Regents Award For Children of Veterans
Amount: $450 (renewable)
Deadline: June 30
New York State has a long history of military service that continues to this day, highlighted with the United States Military Academy, based in the Hudson Valley region. To continue this tradition of respecting the armed forces, this scholarship, sponsored by the NYS Regents program, honors the children of New York veterans disabled or killed in action. The grant offers $450 per year towards college tuition and is also renewable.
Carey Gabay Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: File the FAFSA
New York’s SUNY (State University of New York) system is often rated among the best in the country, spread across 64 campuses around the state. The SUNY system prides itself on affordability and value as well as providing means of education to underprivileged students.
The Carey Gabay Scholarship, named for an attorney tragically killed by gunfire, was just established in 2015 to honor Gabay’s legacy as a public servant who grew up underprivileged. The scholarship offers a full ride to five students who plan to attend a SUNY school, covering tuition, books, fees, and room+board.
To be eligible, students must be New York residents who are determined to have “significant financial need” after the completion of their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Applicants must also have at least a high school average of 90 and submit an essay and two letters of recommendation.
Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship
Amount: SUNY tuition fees (renewable)
Deadline: TBD for 2021-2022
New York places a great emphasis on the importance of raising educators for future generations. The Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship provides another reason for students thinking about the education major to pursue their desired path. This scholarship offers students who plan to major in education, specifically in science and math education, encouragement to go forward with their plans at a SUNY school.
The award grants four years of SUNY tuition fees, which max out at around $6,495 annually. In order to be eligible for the award, students must be attending a SUNY school, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and sign a contract agreeing to work at least five years as a science or math teacher in the state of New York.
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 30
The devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, obviously continue to resonate to this day nationwide, but especially in the state of New York, which lost over 2,000 parents, spouses, friends, and other community members in the World Trade Center. As the children of the deceased continue to enter college lacking the support of a parent at a vital time in their life, the WTC Memorial Scholarship aims to provide a shoulder to lean on.
To be eligible, a student who lost a parent in 9/11 must be in good academic standing and be enrolled as a full-time student at a college in New York. Students that receive the renewable scholarship can get as much as $24,250, the average annual full-ride cost of a SUNY school.
Regents Scholarships For Academic Excellence
Amount: $1,500 (renewable)
Deadline: Talk to your high school guidance counselor
Awarded to up to 8,000 students who meet certain academic standards, these scholarships, in particular, are based on the scores students receive on the Regents Examinations, a statewide achievement test administered each year. The 8,000 students who score the highest on the exam are eligible for the award, and students who want to throw their name in the hat need to speak to their school counselor to apply.
The scholarship offers $1,500 to the highest scoring student of each graduating class in the state, making up 2,000 scholarships in total. The program also gives out an additional 6,000 awards of $500 per year to other top scorers.
Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships
Amount: Varies, highest is $20,000 (renewable)
Deadline: TBD for 2020
Named after the late state senator who battled to help New Yorkers combat drug abuse and other health issues, this scholarship provides an incentive for young medical students to pursue majoring in nursing.
To be eligible, students must be New York residents enrolled in a master’s program, working towards qualifying to work at a nursing facility. Recipients must also agree to work for at least four years at a nursing facility following their graduation. The amount of money awarded varies, but the top prize is around $20,000, the average cost of one year of study at a SUNY school.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
