Private & State Scholarships

In addition to the list of private and state scholarships below, please see the Geneseo scholarships page for information about Geneseo scholarships for new and returning students.

Scholarships for Underrepresented Students

New York State Scholarships & Awards

  • Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarships* - For children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009.
  • Military Service Recognition Scholarship* - For children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while New York State residents, died or is severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities.
  • NYS Aid to Native Americans - For students who are an enrolled member of a New York State tribe or the child of an enrolled member of a New York State tribe. $2000/yr. Deadlines vary. Must apply each semester.
  • NYS Excelsior Scholarship - This scholarship will help to cover the cost of tuition for qualifying students. For more information or to apply, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website (link above). You may also sign up to be notified when the application does become available. Overview of Excelsior (PDF).
  • NYS Math & Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship - The award amount is an annual award for full-time study equal to the annual tuition charged to NYS resident students attending an undergraduate program at the State University of New York, or actual tuition charged, whichever is less. The maximum annual award for the 2013-14 academic year is $5,895.00. This scholarship is offered to encourage students to pursue careers as secondary math and science teachers (grades 7-12). This program provides awards to students attending school at the undergraduate and/or graduate degree level in exchange for five years of full-time employment as secondary education math or science teachers.
  • NYS Memorial Scholarships* - For Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers. (Peace Officers are defined in the criminal procedures law and include many categories including New York State Correction Officers.)
  • NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans - For students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified times of national emergency (please see website for list of conflicts and applicable periods of service). $450/yr.
  • NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship* - For the families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.

* The scholarship amount covers up to four years of full-time undergraduate study (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor's degree program) and includes the following components:

  • Tuition: An amount equal to your actual tuition or the State University of New York's (SUNY) in-state tuition, whichever is less.
  • Non-tuition Costs: These include room and board and allowances for books, supplies and transportation up to the average cost at SUNY Colleges. The Commissioner of Education sets the non-tuition cost allowances each year.
  • Residence: A student living on campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than a commuter student. If housing is not available for students on campus they will receive the same allowance as students living on campus.

General Private Scholarships

  • American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Adirondack branch serving the Warren County/Lake George region, Washington County and northern Saratoga County residents. Award amount is $1000. March 1st deadline.
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Robert G. Porter Scholars Program
  • The program offers four $2000/yr. college scholarships to students who are dependents of AFT members. Open to graduating high school seniors who have at least one parent or legal guardian who is an AFT member. Deadline is March 31st.
  • Americorps Education Award - Students interested in performing community service activities in exchange for an education award equal to the maximum Pell grant for the year(s) of service. These are high quality opportunities in community service activities. Deadlines vary. Please see website for more information.
  • AXA Foundation - Has two scholarship programs: AXA Achievement (awards of $10000 or $25000) and AXA Achievers ($2000 awards).
  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (for students doing study abroad) - Must be eligible for the Pell Grant to qualify. No GPA minimum to be met. Deadlines vary throughout the year depending on when you are going to study abroad. Average award is $4000.
  • Cancer Scholarships - A list of scholarships available to cancer survivors or who have family members who are or had been affected by cancer.
  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program - Available to high school seniors. Application is available starting in August.
  • Community Service and Volunteering Scholarships - A list of several scholarships, service awards, and prizes. Awards given in recognition of volunteering and community service work that was done.
  • Dream Award - Must be an enrolled college student. Awards range from $5000 to $15000 and are renewable. Financial need is a consideration. Applications open in October.
  • Dollars for Scholars
  • Elizabeth Rizzo Scholarship - For a student going into the field of nursing, health/human services, or education. Apply through the Rochester Area Community Foundation.
  • Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship - Renewable scholarship available to any graduating high school senior. Do not need to be a member. Awards vary.
  • Elks National Foundation Legacy Award - Must be child or grandchild of an Elk's member in good standing. $1000/year.
  • Families of Freedom - Must have financial need and be a dependent of those killed or permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Renewable award.
  • Federated Garden Club - $1000 NYS scholarship (freshman or sophomore) or $3500 national scholarship (must be junior, senior, or grad student). Likely candidates are Biology majors or environmental studies minors. Deadline is March 1st.
  • Finaid.org - provides links to lists of scholarships, advice about searching and applying for scholarships, and other information.
  • Geico Achievement Award - Must be sophomore or junior majoring in business, mathematics, or related field. $1000 award.
  • Government Finance Officers Association - A list of scholarships available to those interested in pursuing government finance.
  • Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation - Total of $100,000 in scholarships issued per year to deserving students. Candidates must be high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - Available to children of active duty, reserve, or veteran Marine Corps or Navy Corpsman.
  • Nationally Prestigious Scholarships and Fellowships - A list of national scholarships with substantial awards. Includes the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholarship, Gates Millenium, Buick Achievers, etc.
  • Say Yes to Education (Buffalo) - Available to City of Buffalo public school district and charter school graduates. Awards vary.
  • Scholarship America - Provides a list of several scholarships that are open to all applicants.
  • Talbots Women's Scholarship Program - Available to non-traditional aged female college students.
  • United Federation of Teachers (UFT) - Albert Shanker College Scholarship Fund - Available to New York City public high school seniors. Must demonstrate financial need.
  • UUP College Scholarship Fund - Provides funding aid to both undergraduate and post baccalaureate students attending SUNY campuses. $3000 one-time award. Deadline is 2/28.
  • Veterans Tuition Awards - Students must be eligible veterans matriculated in an approved program at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or an approved vocational training program in New York State. Awards are for full or part time study. Must apply no later than June 30th of the academic year for which an award is sought.