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MERIT-BASED AWARDS

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MERIT-BASED AWARDS

We understand that college is an expensive endeavor. That’s why we offer substantial scholarships and grants to students who are likely to thrive on our campus. Activists, artists, community leaders, innovators, performers, scientists and academic all-stars are celebrated for the good work and dedication leading up to their application to Hobart and William Smith. Upon enrollment, scholar recipients receive priority placement in their first semester classes.

In order to be considered for any of the following scholarships, applicants must indicate interest by selecting "yes" to merit scholarship interest in your Common Application questions. Qualification is determined through your admissions review process. Each student can only be awarded one scholarship. 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.

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.

Contact

Office of Admissions
Phone: (315) 781-3622 or (800) 852-2256
Fax: (315) 781-3914
E-mail: admissions@hws.edu

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 admitted student events 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 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

$35,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent and completed interview

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.

Upon enrollment, Trustee Scholars will be placed in a cohort with an alum mentor. Throughout the first year, scholars and mentors will meet at least once per month. You’ll have the opportunity to build shared experience with a group of your classmates and gain the insight needed to be successful at HWS from your alum mentor.

ELIZABETH BLACKWELL ’49 PIONEER IN SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP

$35,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent and completed interview

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.

Upon enrollment, Blackwell Scholars will be placed in a cohort with an alum mentor. Throughout the first year, scholars and mentors will meet at least once per month. You’ll have the opportunity to build shared experience with a group of your classmates and gain the insight needed to be successful at HWS from your alum mentor.

TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

$35,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, and a completed interview

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.

Upon enrollment, Trustee Scholars will be placed in a cohort with an alum mentor. Throughout the first year, scholars and mentors will meet at least once per month. You’ll have the opportunity to build shared experience with a group of your classmates and gain the insight needed to be successful at HWS from your alum mentor.

FINGER LAKES SCHOLARSHIP

$35,000/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 Region of N.Y.

Upon enrollment, Finger Lakes Scholars will be placed in a cohort with an alum mentor. Throughout the first year, scholars and mentors will meet at least once per month. You’ll have the opportunity to build shared experience with a group of your classmates and gain the insight needed to be successful at HWS from your alum mentor.

DEAN’S SCHOLARSHIP

$30,000/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.

Dean’s Scholars will be invited to a celebratory dinner hosted by the First-Year Deans in both the fall and spring semesters of their first-year at HWS. You’ll have the opportunity to build community with other Dean’s Scholars and get-to-know the Deans that you’ll be working with throughout your HWS experience.

CENTENNIAL CENTER SCHOLARSHIP

$30,000/year

Awarded to academically high achieving students that are leaders in their communities, demonstrate strong problem solving skills, and may be great candidates for leadership programs in the Centennial Center at HWS. The Centennial Center scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical Centennial Center 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 an interview.

EDWARD E. RIGNEY ’31 DEBATE SCHOLARSHIP

$30,000/year

Awarded to students who have contributed significantly to debate programs, Model U.N., Mock trial, or other similarly relevant pursuits. The Debate scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical Debate 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 an interview.

THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

$25,000/year

Awarded to students who demonstrate a heightened awareness of issues that impact the greater good and who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to community. The award can be renewed annually by displaying an interest and related investment in the Geneva community. Civic Engagement Scholars will work in a cohort along with other recipients to serve in and with organizations that support the Finger Lakes region. Recognizing that service is a privilege, the review committee welcomes applicants who have a record of innovative approaches—whether modest, earnest or exhaustive—to serving others.

ARTS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

$3,000 – $25,000/year

The Arts Scholars Program is designed for talented first year applicants who would like to continue their work in the fine or performing arts while pursuing a rigorous program of study in any of the liberal arts and sciences programs offered by the Colleges. Scholarships are awarded on the recommendation of the fine and performing arts faculty.

If chosen as an Arts Scholar, you will not be required to major in a fine or performing art—the entire range of departmental and interdisciplinary majors and programs is available to you. However, it is our expectation that you will participate every year for four years in the art for which you were designated a scholar.

Please click each scholarship to view specific requirements:

All arts scholarships require a completed arts application.