Merit-Based Awards
College is an expensive investment in your future. That’s why we offer substantial scholarships and grants to students likely to thrive on our campus. Committed students are celebrated for the good work and dedication leading up to their application to Hobart and William Smith. Qualification for merit-based awards is determined through a holistic admissions review process and at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions. Standardized test scores are not required for any scholarship. Students may qualify for more than one award.
Certain merit-based awards require an additional application. Those instances are detailed in the descriptions below.
Merit-based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and can be as much as $40,500 per year. These scholarships are good for the time the student is enrolled at HWS as an undergraduate provided the scholarship recipient meets satisfactory academic progress, upholds community standards and maintains a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Any student who is placed on academic or social probation will have their scholarship eligibility reviewed.
TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP
The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to students who display academic excellence and possess the potential to complete honors level work, pursue top internship opportunities, and/or engage in research on campus.
ELIZABETH BLACKWELL ’49 SCHOLARSHIP
The Blackwell Scholarship is awarded in honor of alumna Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910), from the Class of 1849, the first woman in America to receive the Doctor of Medicine degree. The scholarship is given to students who exemplify academic excellence and achievement.
Bicentennial Scholarship
HWS awards the Bicentennial Scholarship to students who demonstrate strong commitment and exceptional potential to uphold the tradition of academic excellence that HWS has maintained for more than 200 years.
Faculty Scholarship
In recognition of the transformative experiences HWS faculty offer to our students, the Faculty Scholarship is awarded to individuals with a commitment to learning across multiple areas of study and who, like HWS faculty, have a demonstrated capacity for empathy and for helping others reach their potential.
Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to striving for excellence.
FINGER LAKES SCHOLARSHIP
Finger Lakes Scholarships are designated for students from the Finger Lakes Region of New York State who have at least a 3.0 GPA and who have displayed a demonstrated interest in HWS.
CENTENNIAL CENTER LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Requires an additional application
Awarded to academically high-achieving students who are leaders in their communities, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and may be great candidates for leadership programs in the Centennial Center at HWS. Qualification is determined through a separate application process at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions.
* To access the Centennial Center Leadership Scholarship application, you must have already applied for admission to Hobart and William Smith. The due date for the scholarship application aligns with your admissions deadline (December 1 for Early Action/Early Decision, February 1 for Regular Decision).
EDWARD E. RIGNEY ’31 DEBATE SCHOLARSHIP
Requires an additional application
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 Committee on Admissions with guidance from the Faculty Advisor for the Debate Team.
* To access the Edward E. Rigney ’31 Debate Scholarship application, you must have already applied for admission to Hobart and William Smith. The due date for the scholarship application aligns with your admissions deadline (December 1 for Early Action/Early Decision, February 1 for Regular Decision).
THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Requires an additional application
Awarded to students who demonstrate a heightened awareness of issues that impact the greater good and who have a sustained commitment to community. Civic Engagement Scholars will serve in and with organizations that support Geneva and the Finger Lakes region. Qualification is determined through a separate application process at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions.
* To access The Civic Engagement Scholarship application, you must have already applied for admission to Hobart and William Smith. The due date for the scholarship application aligns with your admissions deadline (December 1 for Early Action/Early Decision, February 1 for Regular Decision).
ARTS SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Requires an additional application
Awarded to five students annually, 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 HWS. Scholarships are awarded on the recommendation of the fine and performing arts faculty.