Merit-Based Awards

HWS funded scholarships recognize outstanding academic and personal achievement gained through hard-work and commitment.

In order to be considered for any of the following scholarships, applicants must fill out a Scholarship Application. A few scholarships require additional materials, and you can find all of the information below as you explore which scholarship is best for you. Standardized test scores are not required for any scholarship, though can prove helpful in the scholarship committee’s deliberations. Students will be considered for all scholarships that they apply, but will only be awarded one.

Annual Scholarship Requirements while at HWS: Recipients must meet satisfactory academic progress, uphold community standards and maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Any student who is placed on academic or social probation will have their scholarship eligibility reviewed.

Seneca Scholarship

Full Tuition Scholarship
Awarded to three students each year, the Seneca Scholarship recognizes academic excellence, creative endeavors, and/or a student’s commitment to civic engagement. In order to be considered, students must first be a named scholar from the listing below and attend one of our Scholar Dinners in the spring. Full Tuition does not include Room and Board.

Presidential Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence

$35,000/year
Awarded to academically high achieving students of any background who have become leaders through their commitment to service in diverse communities, or substantial activism in areas that celebrate and promote communities that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, or those with disabilities. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff to applicants who complete a scholarship application and an admissions interview. Last year, a typical Presidential Scholar was above a 3.6 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1370 SAT or 30 ACT or above.

William Scandling ’49 Trustee Scholarship

$30,000/year
Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, completed interview and Scholarship Application

Awarded to students who display academic excellence and the potential to complete honors level work, pursue top internship opportunities, and/or complete research on campus. Scholarship will be automatically granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and submit standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. The scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff to applicants who meet the requirements above and do not submit test scores.

Elizabeth Blackwell ’49 Pioneer in Science Scholarship

$30,000/year
Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, completed interview and Scholarship Application

Awarded to students who have completed advanced science coursework, research, or pursued serious STEM or pre-health experiences. The Blackwell Scholarship will be automatically granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and submit standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. The scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff to applicants who meet the requirements above and do not submit test scores.

Trustee Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability

$30,000/year
Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, completed interview and Scholarship Application

Awarded for significant contribution in the areas of sustainability, energy use, climate change or other significant commitments to the environment. The Trustee Scholarship for Sustainability will be automatically granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and submit standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. The scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff to applicants who meet the requirements above and do not submit test scores.

Finger Lakes Scholarship

$30,000/year
Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, completed interview

Finger Lakes Scholars must also graduate in the top 10% of their high school class and receive a special nomination from their high school in the Finger Lakes, N.Y.

Dean’s Scholarship

$25,000/year
Awarded to academically high achieving students who display a commitment to community engagement, civic responsibility, or creative endeavors. The Dean’s scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical Dean’s scholarship awarded student was above a 3.5 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above. Students are required to complete a scholarship application.