Discover the top 10 best scholarships in New York for college students in 2026. Learn about requirements, costs, eligibility, deadlines, and official application portals to secure financial aid for your studies.
New York is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Columbia University, NYU, Cornell, and many more. However, the cost of higher education in the state can be overwhelming for both local and international students. Thankfully, New York offers a wide range of scholarships that help reduce the financial burden while providing opportunities for talented students to pursue their academic dreams.
In this guide, we will explore the Top 10 Best Scholarships in New York for College Students in 2026, highlighting the requirements, eligibility criteria, costs covered, application guidelines, and official portals. Whether you are a high school graduate, a current undergraduate, or an international student planning to study in New York, this guide will help you navigate through the best funding opportunities available.
Key Takeaways
- New York offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships for domestic and international students.
- Award amounts range from $1,000 grants to full-ride scholarships.
- Eligibility requirements vary: some scholarships are open only to New York residents, while others are available to international students.
- The Excelsior Scholarship remains one of the most popular programs for SUNY and CUNY students.
- Ivy League schools like Columbia and Cornell provide generous financial aid packages based on family income.
Best Scholarships in New York for College Students
1. Excelsior Scholarship (SUNY & CUNY)
The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible New York residents to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Families must have an income of $125,000 or less to qualify. Students must also agree to live and work in New York for a specified number of years after graduation.
- Award Amount: Covers full tuition
- Eligibility: NY residents, income ≤ $125,000, enrolled in SUNY/CUNY
- Costs Covered: Tuition only (does not cover housing or fees)
- Application Portal: HESC Excelsior Portal
2. NYU Scholarships & Grants
New York University offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based awards and need-based grants. International students are also eligible for consideration. Some scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission.
- Award Amount: Varies, up to full tuition
- Eligibility: Admitted NYU students, both undergraduate and graduate
- Costs Covered: Tuition, partial housing in some cases
- Application Portal: NYU Financial Aid
3. Columbia University Scholarships
Columbia meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, making it one of the most generous Ivy League institutions in terms of financial aid. Both U.S. and international students are eligible.
- Award Amount: Full tuition + stipends for living expenses
- Eligibility: Undergraduates with demonstrated financial need
- Costs Covered: Tuition, living stipends, books
- Application Portal: Columbia Financial Aid
4. Cornell University Grants & Aid
Cornell provides grants and scholarships that cover tuition and other expenses. Aid is need-based, and international students can apply.
- Award Amount: Up to full tuition
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students (domestic & international)
- Costs Covered: Tuition, living costs
- Application Portal: Cornell Financial Aid
5. The City College of New York (CCNY) Scholarships
CCNY offers institutional scholarships to support students with financial need and outstanding academic records.
- Award Amount: $1,000 – full tuition
- Eligibility: Merit & need-based criteria
- Costs Covered: Tuition, partial fees
- Application Portal: CCNY Scholarships
6. Hofstra University Scholarships
Hofstra automatically considers admitted students for merit-based scholarships based on GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and academic achievements.
- Award Amount: $7,000 – $30,000 annually
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students, merit-based
- Costs Covered: Tuition only
- Application Portal: Hofstra Scholarships
7. Fordham University Scholarships
Fordham offers both need-based and merit-based aid to incoming students. Prestigious awards include the Presidential Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship.
- Award Amount: Up to full tuition
- Eligibility: High-achieving undergraduates
- Costs Covered: Tuition and partial housing (varies)
- Application Portal: Fordham Financial Aid
8. SUNY Empire State College Scholarships
SUNY Empire supports students through need-based and academic scholarships. Awards are smaller but can help cover fees and books.
- Award Amount: $1,000 – $5,000
- Eligibility: Undergraduate & graduate students
- Costs Covered: Tuition, fees, books
- Application Portal: SUNY Empire Aid
9. Pace University Scholarships
Pace University awards substantial scholarships to admitted students based on academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
- Award Amount: $5,000 – $30,000 annually
- Eligibility: Domestic & international undergraduates
- Costs Covered: Tuition, partial housing in some cases
- Application Portal: Pace Scholarships
10. Barnard College Scholarships
Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University, provides generous aid packages to admitted students based on demonstrated financial need.
- Award Amount: Full tuition (need-based)
- Eligibility: Female students admitted to Barnard
- Costs Covered: Tuition, housing, books
- Application Portal: Barnard Financial Aid
How to Apply
The application process varies by institution, but here are general steps students should follow:
- Research Each Scholarship: Visit the official portals linked in this guide to confirm eligibility and deadlines.
- Prepare Academic Documents: High school transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), and recommendation letters.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership, and community service.
- Complete the FAFSA or CSS Profile: For need-based scholarships, U.S. students must complete FAFSA, while international students may need to submit the CSS Profile.
- Apply Early: Many scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis or have strict deadlines.
Comparison Table of the Top 10 Scholarships in New York
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior Scholarship (SUNY & CUNY) | Covers full tuition | NY residents, family income ≤ $125,000 | HESC Excelsior Portal |
| NYU Scholarships & Grants | Varies (up to full tuition) | Admitted NYU students, merit & need-based | NYU Financial Aid |
| Columbia University Scholarships | Full tuition + stipends | Undergraduates, demonstrated financial need | Columbia Financial Aid |
| Cornell University Grants & Aid | Need-based, up to full tuition | Undergraduate students, domestic & international | Cornell Financial Aid |
| The City College of New York (CCNY) Scholarships | $1,000 – full tuition | Academic merit, financial need | CCNY Scholarships |
| Hofstra University Scholarships | $7,000 – $30,000 annually | Undergraduate students, merit-based | Hofstra Scholarships |
| Fordham University Scholarships | Up to full tuition | High-achieving undergraduates | Fordham Financial Aid |
| SUNY Empire State College Scholarships | $1,000 – $5,000 | Undergraduate & graduate students | SUNY Empire Aid |
| Pace University Scholarships | $5,000 – $30,000 | Domestic & international students | Pace Scholarships |
| Barnard College Scholarships | Full tuition (need-based) | Female students admitted to Barnard | Barnard Financial Aid |
Conclusion
New York is one of the best states in the U.S. for students seeking quality education and scholarship opportunities. From the Excelsior Scholarship for SUNY and CUNY students to Ivy League institutions like Columbia and Cornell offering full tuition aid, students can access a wide range of financial support to make their studies more affordable.
By understanding the requirements, eligibility criteria, costs covered, and application guidelines, students can strategically apply to scholarships that best fit their financial needs and academic goals.
FAQs
1. Can international students apply for scholarships in New York?
Yes, many scholarships in New York, including those from NYU, Columbia, Cornell, and Pace University, are open to international students.
2. What is the Excelsior Scholarship?
It is a tuition-free program for New York residents attending SUNY or CUNY colleges whose families earn less than $125,000 annually.
3. Do Ivy League schools in New York provide full scholarships?
Yes, Columbia and Cornell provide full tuition coverage based on demonstrated financial need.
4. Are there merit-based scholarships in New York?
Yes, universities like Hofstra, Pace, and Fordham offer generous merit-based awards to high-achieving students.
5. How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship in New York?
Maintain a strong academic record, write compelling personal statements, engage in extracurricular activities, and apply before deadlines.
