The Office of Student Financial Services monitors and advises students of opportunities to obtain scholarships given by outside entities, such as private agencies, civic groups, companies, and other independent organizations.
Institutional Scholarships
Merit and Talent Awards
No application required—we evaluate all candidates for scholarships during the admissions review process and award as many qualified candidates as funds allow.
Last year, Purchase College offered approximately $2.2 million in merit and talent scholarships to academically qualified new and returning students. Institutional scholarships are made available directly from the college by the Purchase College Foundation and come from the generous contributions of donors to Purchase College, including individuals, families, foundations, and corporations.
Incoming freshmen are eligible for several different annual scholarships with awards ranging from $200 to full tuition based on availability of funds.
We select scholarship recipients pursuing:
BA/BS programs based on academic achievement
BFA and MusB based on talent demonstrated during the application process
Criteria vary for students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the School of the Arts. Variables that may impact eligibility include:
Changing majors
Residency
Programs of interest
Time of admission
Institutional scholarships awards are funded for four years (eight semesters) only and are not automatically renewed. Each year we review continuing students to determine ongoing eligibility.
Logistical
Admissions deposits must be paid by May 1 (applicable to new students only)
US citizens and eligible non-citizens must complete the FAFSA every year.
Undergraduate students must be working on their first BA/BS/BFA degree in order to be considered for an institutional scholarship.
Service
Students may be asked to write a donor thank you letter.
Community service—students are expected to attend scholarship receptions and some donor events
Academics
All student must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Students should be registered at full-time status (12 or more credits for undergraduates; nine or more credits for graduates). Students who are studying part-time with exceptional academic performance will also be considered.
Other Contingencies
Institutional scholarships (including room waivers) are contingent upon the completion of each semester they are awarded. Should you fail to complete the semester due to a leave of absence, dismissal or suspension, disciplinary probation, and/or withdrawal from the college, the scholarship will be withdrawn in full and must be reimbursed to the college.
Institutional scholarships for students who are residentially suspended, or suspended from campus but allowed to complete coursework remotely, during the semester will be withdrawn in full and must be reimbursed to the college.
SUNY Top 10% Purchase Promise Scholarship
Students offered the Purchase Promise award and meet the criteria outlined below are eligible for a full housing scholarship, which covers the full cost of a double occupancy room in an approved building. Meals (including the required meal plan for students living in traditional campus housing) are not covered by the award.
In addition to the Requirements for Institutuonal Scholarships listed above, students must:
Be admitted to Purchase College, SUNY though the SUNY Top 10% Program.
Major in a program in the Liberal Arts and Sciences (with the exception of Creative Writing and Film) or in the Theatre and Performance major.
Applicants admitted to programs with additional talent assessment by faculty are not eligible.
Reside in a double occupancy room in one of the following:
Central
Farside
Crossroads
Fort Awesome
Outback
The Commons
The Olde
Maintain good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Adhere to the college’s code of conduct
Submit your FAFSA and TAP applications annually
The SUNY Top 10% Purchase Promise Scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships offered by Purchase College. If a student receives another scholarship from the college, they may still be eligible for a partial housing award to cover the difference between the other scholarship amount and the full housing cost. This policy ensures equitable distribution of funding while maintaining the full housing benefit for eligible students.
For any questions or concerns regarding institutional scholarships, email our scholarship committee: scholarships@purchase.edu
Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship (ESDHS)
The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship (ESDHS) Program is a scholarship of direct aid to attract undergraduate students to State University of New York campuses, specifically students from a broad range of backgrounds who demonstrate high academic achievement and will contribute to the diversity of the student body in their chosen program or school.
Completed applications can be emailed to sfs@purchase.edu. The deadline for the 2024–25 academic year is September 18, 2024. Awards will be determined by November 4, 2024.
Application for the Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program
Private/Corporate Scholarships
Private and corporate scholarships are provided from many independent sources outside of the college. Many students overlook the opportunity to receive private scholarships as a source of financial assistance. Check with your employer, a parent’s employer, or a community organization that assists its local residents. Do not overlook your high school guidance counselor for scholarships assistance. There are scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of study.
Thomas J. Kilcullen was a beloved father and husband who served as a police officer and chief at several SUNY schools before his passing.
One of Thomas’s favorite parts of his job was interacting with students on campus and he loved connecting with the communities he served. Thomas particularly enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics torch run and helping the special needs community.
This scholarship aims to honor Thomas J. Kilcullen’s life by supporting a criminal justice or social work student who demonstrates leadership, kindness, and respect for all.
Any student in New York who is pursuing criminal justice, social work, or a similar field may apply for this scholarship. Students who have volunteering experience within the special needs community are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, tell us how you plan to use your degree to connect with the communities you serve.
Helping further SUNY’s inclusion of DREAMers
The State University of New York (SUNY) System has made a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson stated in remarks to Congress on October 25, 2017 “…we removed tuition as a barrier, now we need to remove the barrier for more than 800,000 DACA enrollees…” In keeping with the spirit of inclusion and the principle of access to higher education, SUNYFAP created the first annual SUNYFAP Aspirations Scholarship in 2018.
While few of these students come through our offices as they are not eligible for Federal Student Aid, please share with any colleague or campus offices that may be working with eligible students.
Eligibility criteria:
Graduation from a U.S. High School, completion of a GED Certificate, or status as an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
Intention to be enrolled full-time at a SUNY College or University for the fall 2020 semester;
The UUP College Scholarship Fund (PDF) was created by the union to celebrate its members’ commitment to academic excellence and the life of the mind, and to their endeavors in the promotion of social justice.
UUP College Scholarship Fund undergraduate applicants should:
Be full-time undergraduate students at a state-operated campus of SUNY who have completed at least 18 credits and have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.75;
Exhibit dedication to the goals of the trade and labor union movements. In addition, applicants must demonstrate high integrity, a tireless quest for excellence in both academic and personal endeavors, and service to the community;
Submit a copy of your official transcript(s) from each college/university attended;
Be in active, full-time attendance carrying a current load of at least 12 credits; and
Demonstrate dedication to labor union values and social justice.
The UUP College Scholarship Fund (PDF) was created by the union to celebrate its members’ commitment to academic excellence and the life of the mind, and to their endeavors in the promotion of social justice.
UUP College Scholarship Fund post-baccalaureate applicants should:
Be registered, full-time graduate students at a SUNY state-operated campus;
Possess the qualities and values represented by UUP: A dedication to the goals of the trade and labor union movements; integrity; a quest for academic and personal excellence; and service to the community; and
Have completed at least nine credits and hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.95.
Forty lucky high school seniors/college undergraduates will win a $1,000 U. S. Bank scholarship. Purchase College undergraduates are encouraged to apply. Winners will be selected at a random drawing.
Note: the application period for the 2021-2022 school year deadline: December 15, 2020.
Scholarship grants range from $1,000 to $50,000 and are intended to help students offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. Recipients are selected based on their grade point average (GPA), work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service.
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2021 competition.
Male and female students compete separately.
Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours) in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
Taco Bell Foundation Live Mas Scholarship is for the innovators, creators, and dreamers who want to share his/her passion and receive support to pursue this passion through a higher educational outlet. This is not needs- or obstacle-based; it is a passion-based scholarship program.
You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, at least 16 years of age and no older than 24 years of age, located in the United States or D.C. and on track to apply for or currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary educational programs located in the United States or D.C. (including accredited two-and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical, and trade schools).
You’ll have to identify the specific secondary education program, college or certificate/degree option you want to get into, or for which you which you need funds. You may be looking to enroll or already enrolled in this secondary educational program
“Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are historically scarce in the mental health workforce. This under-representation is one of the key drivers of mental health disparities among marginalized populations. Providers from under-represented groups are more likely to have the experience and cultural competence necessary to understand and effectively meet the needs of these underserved populations. A diverse workforce has proven to result in greater patient/client satisfaction, engagement, and retention in care. To address this diversity issue, the Office of Mental Health, in partnership with the SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and SUNY schools, have created the SUNY/OMH Mental Health Scholarship Program for Underrepresented and/or Multilingual Students, a seamless pipeline that will attract, retain, and graduate underrepresented students, and students that are multilingual, in the various mental health professions.
Components of the program include:
Scholarships
Paid Internships
Professional/Career Development Workshops
Advising and Mentoring
Fee waivers for students applying to professional programs
Additional Resources
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. Some scholarship applications will ask you for information or the organization will request certification from the school requiring information that is found on the FAFSA.
Beware of any services that require payment for finding scholarships - most don’t offer you anything that you cannot do on your own. For more information on scholarship scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission website.
Look early. Start looking for scholarships a year before you anticipate needing them.
Be prepared to meet the deadlines for letters of recommendation, transcripts, essays, etc. Start thinking about and getting to know teachers or professors whom you can ask to write a letter of recommendation for you. You may also want to write a few goal-oriented essays in advance.
Application deadlines can occur any time of the year, so be sure to look for the date listed for the scholarship and prepare at least two or three months before the deadline to get essays, letters of recommendation, and other material together to submit for the application. Most, but not all, scholarship applications have deadlines between October and June.
If you meet the basic criteria for the scholarship, do not assume you won’t win the scholarship just because you feel your GPA is not high enough. Several factors besides the GPA may be a part of the evaluation that the scholarship committee uses such as extracurricular activities, leadership, recommendations, how well you articulate your goals in your essay, participation in community service, mood of the committee, etc.
Applying for scholarships and grants doesn’t cost you anything except a few hours of work and, if applicable, the price of postage. After all, scholarships are free money for college so the time and effort you put in is worth it.
To prepare yourself for completing scholarship applications, evaluate yourself in relation to the following:
What career do you hope to pursue?
How do your goals and ambitions relate to the implied goals of the scholarship?
How will the scholarship help you meet your goals?
How do your qualifications compare to the requirements of the scholarship?
What are your past successes, achievements, honors received and positions of leadership held?
What are your abilities and potential?
Where do you want to see yourself in five years? Ten years?
For what accomplishments and in what way would you like to be remembered?
Apply only if you are eligible. Seek opinions from others if you are not sure of your eligibility.
Be aware of and meet all deadlines. Allow enough time to acquire letters of recommendation or transcripts.
Read and follow all instructions.
Complete the application. Don’t assume a question can be left blank unless you are specifically instructed.
Seek assistance if you feel you need it.
Submit a clean and neat application.
If an essay(s) is required, submit a well-composed essay that makes a definite impression. Have a teacher, professor, similar professional, or a parent look it over and give you feedback.
Give your application materials a final review. Have a parent or relative review it as well.
Make sure you’re proud of and satisfied with your application submission.
Send your application to the proper address. If using postal mail, be sure to have the proper postage affixed. Follow up with the organization a week later to insure they have received it.
Note: to the best of our knowledge, these sites provide their services free of charge.
We encourage you to be cautious of scholarship search organizations which charge a fee. There are many free scholarship search sites available. The scholarship search sites listed here may provide useful information.
Be wary of companies that require you to provide payment (deposit) to simply gain access to their site or to apply for a scholarship. Neither the Office of Admissions nor the Office of Student Financial Services at Purchase College endorse or recommend any scholarship service or private scholarship website.
