List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know | Studying in New York can open doors to excellent universities, career opportunities, and valuable international experience. However, tuition fees, accommodation, transport, books, and daily expenses can make a degree expensive. For many students, the biggest challenge is not gaining admission but finding a realistic way to pay for it.

The good news is that several funding opportunities can help reduce these costs. New York offers scholarships through public universities, private colleges, charitable foundations, government programs, and individual donors.

This List of top scholarships in new york undergraduate students can explore for 2027 is designed to help applicants identify suitable awards, understand their eligibility requirements, and prepare stronger applications. It covers opportunities for New York residents, high school graduates, students attending public universities, and international applicants.

One important point: not every scholarship covers full tuition, and not every award is open to international students. Some require financial need, while others reward academic achievement, leadership, community service, or a particular field of study.

By understanding these differences, you can focus on scholarships that match your circumstances instead of wasting time on awards for which you do not qualify.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

What Are Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships?

A fully funded undergraduate scholarship is a financial award that covers most or all of the approved costs of completing a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the program, it may pay tuition, accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, and sometimes travel expenses.

However, scholarship providers define full funding differently. An award that covers tuition alone may leave students responsible for housing and other living costs.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

Scholarships generally fall into four categories:

• Merit-based scholarships: Reward strong academic performance, leadership, talent, or other achievements.
• Need-based scholarships: Help students whose families cannot afford the full cost of education.
• Tuition scholarships: Pay all or part of university tuition.
• Full-cost or comprehensive awards: May cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and other approved expenses.

For international students, the distinction is particularly important. A scholarship worth $10,000 may be helpful, but it may not be enough to cover the total cost of studying and living in New York City.

Before accepting an offer, compare the scholarship amount with the university’s estimated annual cost of attendance.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Can Apply For

The following opportunities are worth investigating for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic years. They differ in funding level, location, and eligibility.
The deadlines below are either published dates for a specific cycle or guidance to check the next application window. A deadline from an earlier cycle should never be treated as the deadline for 2027 entry.
All universities and programs listed below are in the United States or operate within the US scholarship system. Award amounts and eligibility can change from year to year.

1. Excelsior Scholarship

Country: United States
Study location: Participating SUNY and CUNY colleges across New York State
Benefit: Covers eligible tuition costs after other grants and scholarships are applied.

Eligibility: Generally, applicants must be eligible US citizens or noncitizens, meet New York State residency rules, have qualifying household income of $125,000 or less, study full-time, and complete at least 30 credits annually. Recipients must also meet post-study New York residency and work requirements.

Deadline: The 2026–2027 deadline was August 31, 2026. Check the official site for the next cycle.

The Excelsior Scholarship is one of the most important options for eligible New York residents who want to study at a public university. It can substantially reduce tuition costs, but it does not automatically cover accommodation, meals, books, or all university fees.

Applicants should also understand that the award has continuing academic and residency obligations. Read the official Excelsior Scholarship requirements before applying.

2. Macaulay Honors College Scholarship

Country: United States
Study location: Partner CUNY colleges in New York City
Benefit: A merit scholarship package, including tuition coverage for eligible New York State residents, plus access to academic opportunities and a Cultural Passport.
Eligibility: Competitive applicants must satisfy the college’s admissions requirements. The tuition scholarship depends on meeting CUNY’s New York State residency requirements.

Deadline: Check the current admissions calendar for the relevant entry year.

Macaulay Honors College is worth considering for academically strong high school students seeking an undergraduate education in New York City. Its tuition scholarship can fund eight semesters of full-time undergraduate tuition for eligible students, excluding fees and other living expenses.
International applicants should not assume that admission automatically provides full tuition funding. Check the current eligibility rules and the financial aid arrangements of the partner campus.
Visit the official Macaulay scholarship page.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

3. New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Country: United States
Study location: Participating colleges in New York State
Benefit: Eligible students can receive up to $5,665 annually toward tuition, subject to the program’s rules and award calculation.

Eligibility: Applicants generally need to meet state residency, citizenship or eligible immigration status, income, enrollment, and academic requirements. Some students may qualify through the New York State DREAM Act.

Deadline: June 30, 2027, for the 2026–2027 academic year, according to the published program information.
TAP is a state grant, not a loan, so recipients do not normally repay it. It can be particularly useful for eligible students attending CUNY, SUNY, or other participating institutions.

Students should check whether they need to submit a FAFSA, a TAP application, or a DREAM Act application. The correct route depends on their circumstances.
Learn more through the official TAP program page.

4. Cornell University Need-Based Financial Aid

Country: United States
Study location: Ithaca, New York

Benefit: Financial aid packages can cover up to 100% of an admitted student’s demonstrated financial need. Packages vary and may include university grants, work-study, and other components.

Eligibility: First-year and transfer applicants must meet Cornell’s admissions requirements and submit the required financial aid documents. International students are considered for need-based assistance, but admission is need-aware.
Deadline: Follow the financial aid deadline associated with the chosen admission plan.

Cornell is a strong option for international students who need substantial financial support. Its undergraduate aid is based on financial need rather than a general merit scholarship competition.

International applicants who need aid should request it when applying for admission. Cornell warns that students who do not apply for aid at the required stage may not be able to request it later as undergraduates.
Review the Cornell international financial aid guide.

5. Columbia University Undergraduate Financial Aid

Country: United States
Study location: New York City
Benefit: Eligible students may receive substantial need-based financial aid, depending on their assessed financial circumstances.
Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy Columbia’s admissions and financial aid requirements. International applicants should check the current rules for requesting aid during admission.

Deadline: Depends on the admission round and application category.
Columbia University is another option for students seeking a degree in New York City. However, applicants should distinguish between a scholarship awarded for merit and an institutional financial aid package based on family finances.
Because the actual cost of attendance can be high, students should compare the financial aid offer with tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses before accepting admission.

Visit Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and follow the official financial aid links for current international applicant policies.

6. New York University (NYU) Scholarships and Financial Aid

Country: United States
Study location: New York City
Benefit: Depending on eligibility, students may receive institutional scholarships or financial aid that reduces the cost of attendance.
Eligibility: Varies by school, degree program, admission status, financial need, and the particular award.

Deadline: Check the current admissions and financial aid calendar for your NYU school.
NYU is attractive to students interested in business, the arts, technology, health, and other professional fields. However, applicants should not assume that all NYU scholarships cover full tuition or are available to international students.
Research funding for the specific undergraduate school and degree you intend to pursue. Also check whether an award is renewable and whether you must maintain a particular academic standard.
Start with NYU’s official website and navigate to undergraduate admissions and financial aid.

7. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Country: United States
Study location: Accredited four-year colleges and universities in the US, including eligible institutions in New York
Benefit: Scholarship funding combined with mentoring, leadership development, and career support. Award amounts and terms should be checked in the current program information.

Eligibility: The foundation has specific academic, leadership, financial need, and applicant requirements. Applicants should review its current eligibility criteria carefully.

Deadline: The 2027–2028 application cycle opened September 1, 2026, with a published deadline of January 14, 2027.
This is a valuable option for eligible students who want more than financial support alone. The foundation also provides guidance and development opportunities to help scholars progress through college and prepare for their careers.
It is not limited to New York universities, so applicants can consider participating institutions across the country.
Read the official Jackie Robinson Foundation application information.

8. The Posse Foundation Scholarship

Country: United States
Study location: Participating partner colleges and universities, including eligible options in New York

Benefit: A full-tuition scholarship at a participating partner institution, along with a structured peer-support program.

Eligibility: High school students must be nominated through an eligible high school or community-based organization, demonstrate leadership and academic potential, and complete the selection process.

Deadline: Varies by recruitment city and program. Nomination and selection begin before the student’s final year of high school.
The Posse Foundation is especially relevant to students who have strong leadership skills and work well in teams. Its model selects groups of students, known as Posses, who attend college together and support one another.

Students cannot assume they can apply directly at any time. The nomination process is central to eligibility, so interested students should speak with their school counselor or a participating community organization early.
Check the official Posse nomination process.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

Scholarship comparison table

Use this table to shortlist programs before spending time on applications.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

Important: These awards are not interchangeable. Some are restricted to New York residents, while others can support students attending a participating institution anywhere in the United States. Always verify the official rules for your entry year.

Are there NYC scholarships for high school students?

Yes. High school students can explore several routes before entering college.

• Macaulay Honors College: Competitive applicants can apply for admission to its CUNY honors program and associated scholarship package.
• Posse Foundation: Eligible students can pursue nomination and selection during high school.
• Jackie Robinson Foundation: High school seniors who meet the foundation’s criteria can apply for college scholarship support.
• University-specific merit awards: Some colleges automatically consider eligible applicants for scholarships, while others require separate applications.
• Local community scholarships: Charities, employers, foundations, and community organizations may offer awards to students from particular schools, boroughs, or backgrounds.

Start researching during the junior year of high school, where possible. This allows time to build a strong academic record, demonstrate leadership, obtain recommendation letters, and meet nomination deadlines.

NYC scholarships for international students

International students face a different funding landscape from US citizens and eligible New York residents. Many state-funded programs have residency or immigration-status requirements, so students from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and other countries should check the rules carefully.

The most promising options may include:

1. University financial aid: Investigate institutions that offer need-based support to international undergraduates. Cornell is one example, although admission is need-aware for international applicants.

2. Institutional scholarships: Ask whether the specific undergraduate school offers merit awards to non-US citizens.

3. External foundations: Look for awards based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, or nationality.

4. Education sponsorships: Explore legitimate scholarships and sponsorships offered by employers, charitable organizations, and educational foundations in your home country.

What about fully funded scholarships in New York for international students?
Fully funded undergraduate places are competitive and should never be assumed to be available at every university. Some institutions may meet demonstrated financial need for admitted students, but that is not necessarily the same as receiving a guaranteed full scholarship.
For example, Cornell states that it meets 100% of admitted international undergraduates’ demonstrated financial need through its aid arrangements. Applicants must request aid at the required stage and meet the institution’s rules.

Before applying, ask the financial aid office these questions:

• Does the award cover full tuition or the full cost of attendance?
• Can international students apply?
• Are accommodation, meals, health insurance, and travel covered?
• Is the award renewable for all four years?
• What grades must students maintain?

Must applicants submit financial documents alongside their admission applications?
These questions can help you avoid an unexpected funding gap after receiving an offer.

Benefits of the top undergraduate scholarships in New York

The right scholarship can provide more than a reduction in tuition.

• Lower education costs: Grants and scholarships reduce the amount families must pay.
• Less student debt: Awards that do not need to be repaid can reduce reliance on loans.
• Access to better opportunities: Students can consider suitable programs without focusing only on the cheapest option.
• Academic concentration: Less financial pressure can allow more time for coursework and research.
• Career development: Some programs offer mentoring, internships, leadership training, or professional networks.
• International exposure: Studying in New York can provide access to a diverse academic and professional environment.

Nevertheless, even a generous scholarship requires careful budgeting. Students should calculate the amount they will still need to pay each year.

Eligibility requirements for undergraduate scholarships

Every provider has its own conditions. The most common requirements include the following.

Academic performance
Some awards require strong grades, competitive examination results, or evidence of academic progress. Others consider the student’s full background rather than grades alone.

Financial need
Need-based programs may assess family income, assets, household size, and other financial information. Provide accurate figures and the requested supporting documents.

Residency and citizenship
New York State scholarships often have specific residency requirements. International students should not assume that living in New York temporarily makes them eligible for resident funding.

Leadership and community service
Some foundations look for applicants who have helped their communities, led student groups, started projects, or overcome challenges.

Course and institution
Certain awards are limited to particular colleges, academic disciplines, or degree levels. Confirm that your intended course and university qualify.

English proficiency and admission
International applicants may need to meet the university’s English-language and academic admission requirements. A scholarship application does not replace an admission application unless the program explicitly says otherwise.

How to apply for undergraduate scholarships in New York

Step 1: Identify suitable scholarships

Select programs that match your nationality, academic level, intended university, financial circumstances, and field of study.

Step 2: Record deadlines

Create a calendar for admission applications, scholarship forms, recommendation letters, and financial aid documents.

Step 3: Prepare your documents

Gather transcripts, certificates, identification documents, financial records where required, a résumé, and recommendation letters.

Step 4: Write a focused personal statement

Explain your academic goals, achievements, leadership, community contribution, and how the scholarship will help you complete your degree.

Step 5: Submit and verify

Complete the official application, upload the correct documents, and check that your submission has been received.

Step 6: Compare funding offers

Calculate the remaining tuition and living costs before accepting an offer. Confirm renewal conditions and any restrictions attached to the award.

Common scholarship application mistakes to avoid

Even qualified students can miss funding opportunities because of preventable errors.

• Applying too late: Some scholarships close before university admission decisions are released.
• Ignoring residency rules: A scholarship may be restricted to New York residents or eligible US citizens and noncitizens.
• Using one essay for every award: Generic statements rarely explain why a particular scholarship fits your goals.
• Submitting incomplete documents: Missing transcripts, signatures, financial information, or recommendations can make an application ineligible.
• Confusing tuition funding with full funding: A tuition award may leave substantial living costs unpaid.
• Ignoring renewal conditions: Some scholarships require full-time enrolment, satisfactory grades, or a minimum annual credit load.
• Trusting guaranteed-award claims: No genuine adviser can guarantee that a competitive scholarship will be awarded.

Always use the official scholarship provider’s website as your final source of information.

Tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship

A strong application is not simply a collection of good grades. Scholarship committees may want to understand your character, goals, leadership, and potential contribution.

1. Apply to several suitable awards. Choose a balanced list of ambitious, realistic, and more accessible opportunities rather than relying on one scholarship.

2. Show evidence of achievement. Explain what you accomplished in school, volunteering, sports, research, or community projects.

3. Make your personal statement specific. Connect your educational goals to the scholarship’s mission and explain how the funding will make a difference.

4. Request recommendations early. Give your teachers or mentors enough time to write meaningful letters.

5. Demonstrate leadership through action. Describe a problem you helped solve, a project you organised, or a measurable improvement you made.

6. Keep documents organised. Maintain accurate copies of transcripts, certificates, essays, and application confirmations.

7. Check funding requirements annually. Renewal rules, eligibility, award values, and deadlines may change.

8. Start early for international applications. Allow time for university admission, financial aid documents, English-language requirements where applicable, and visa arrangements.

What about Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, and DAAD?

These are well-known international funding programs, but they should not be confused with the scholarships listed specifically for undergraduate study in New York.

• Chevening: Primarily supports eligible students pursuing master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: Supports eligible master’s-level study through participating European programs.
• Fulbright: Offers different programs by country and purpose. Many well-known Fulbright awards are for postgraduate study, research, or exchanges.
• DAAD: Offers a range of German academic funding opportunities, many focused on postgraduate study or research.

These programs may be useful if you are also considering scholarships abroad 2027, postgraduate education, or study abroad scholarships. However, always check the exact program, country, and degree level before applying.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the best undergraduate scholarships in New York?

The best option depends on your circumstances. Excelsior and TAP are important for eligible New York residents. Macaulay Honors College is worth investigating for high-achieving applicants, while Cornell’s need-based financial aid may be relevant to international students who qualify.

2. Can international students get full scholarships in New York?

Yes, some universities offer substantial financial aid to eligible international undergraduates. However, opportunities are competitive, and eligibility varies. Confirm whether an award covers tuition only or the full cost of attendance.

3. Are there NYC scholarships for high school students?

Yes. Programs such as Macaulay Honors College, the Posse Foundation, and the Jackie Robinson Foundation may be relevant to eligible students preparing for college. Some require early nomination or a separate application.

4. Can Ghanaian students apply for scholarships in New York?

Ghanaian students can investigate university-specific international financial aid, institutional scholarships, and eligible private foundation awards. They should carefully check nationality requirements and whether financial assistance is available to applicants who are not US residents.

5. What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?

Both can provide financial assistance that generally does not need to be repaid. Scholarships may consider merit, leadership, financial need, or other criteria. Grants are often need-based or provided through government and institutional funding programs.

6. Can I get a scholarship at CUNY or SUNY?

Yes, eligible students may qualify for institutional scholarships, merit awards, and certain state aid programs. However, eligibility for individual awards depends on residency, citizenship or immigration status, academic performance, and other conditions.

7. When should I apply for undergraduate scholarships for 2027?

Start researching as early as possible. Some awards have deadlines in late 2026 or early 2027, while others follow university admission calendars. Check the official dates for your intended entry term rather than relying on last year’s deadlines.

8. Do undergraduate scholarships cover accommodation and food?

Not always. Many awards cover only tuition. Some comprehensive financial aid packages may also contribute to housing, meals, insurance, and other approved expenses. Read the award terms and calculate any remaining costs.

9. Can I apply for several scholarships at the same time?

Usually, yes. However, some awards restrict combining funding or reduce their contribution when other scholarships are received. Disclose other awards when required and check the rules for each program.

10. Are scholarships available for graduate students in New York?

Yes. Graduate students can investigate university funding, research assistantships, fellowships, and relevant external awards. NYS scholarships for graduate students have different eligibility rules from undergraduate programs, so check the degree-level restrictions carefully.

Start your scholarship search today

This List of top scholarships in new york undergraduate students can explore shows that funding a bachelor’s degree may be possible through state grants, university financial aid, merit awards, and private foundations. The right opportunity depends on your academic record, financial circumstances, nationality, intended institution, and course of study.

For eligible New York residents, programs such as Excelsior and TAP can help reduce tuition costs. Students considering CUNY may investigate Macaulay Honors College, while international applicants should pay particular attention to institutional financial aid policies and award-specific eligibility rules.

Remember that a scholarship is not automatically fully funded, and admission does not always guarantee financial assistance. Verify deadlines, prepare strong documents, and compare the total funding offered with the actual cost of studying and living in New York.

Your next step: Choose three to five scholarships that match your circumstances, visit their official websites, and record their application deadlines. Start preparing your personal statement and supporting documents now. A well-planned application can bring you closer to your undergraduate education goals.

List of Top Scholarships in New York Undergraduate Students Should Know

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Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
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– How to Apply to Universities in the USA
– Scholarships Abroad 2027: Application Guide

References and Sources

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation — State scholarships and grants.

Macaulay Honors College — CUNY honors admissions and scholarship information.

Cornell University Financial Aid — Undergraduate financial aid, including international applicants.

Jackie Robinson Foundation — Scholarship and mentoring opportunities.

The Posse Foundation — Leadership-based college scholarships.