Merit-Based Awards
College is an expensive investment in your future. That’s why we offer substantial scholarships and grants to students who are 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. Each student is typically awarded only one scholarship. The Arts Scholarships require additional materials, and you can read about the specifics below. Standardized test scores are not required for any scholarship, though can prove helpful in the scholarship committee’s deliberations. Likewise, interviews (in-person or virtual) are not required but are encouraged for all applicants.
Merit scholarship amounts range from $3,000 - $40,000 in addition to the three Seneca Scholarships, which provide full tuition. Scholarship 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.
Some Highlights of Merit Scholarships:
SENECA SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to no more than three students each year, the Seneca Scholarship is a full tuition award that recognizes academic excellence, creative endeavors, and/or a student’s commitment to civic engagement. In order to be considered, students must attend one of our admitted student events in the spring. Full tuition does not include Room and Board.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Awarded to academically high achieving students 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. A typical Presidential Scholar has a 3.6 GPA (or better) and/or scored a 1370 SAT or 30 ACT or above.
WILLIAM SCANDLING ’49 TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP
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. Applicants must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. If the student does not submit test scores, the scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions.
ELIZABETH BLACKWELL ’49 PIONEER IN SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to students who have completed advanced science coursework, research, or pursued serious STEM or pre-health experiences. Applicants must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. If the student does not submit test scores, the scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions.
TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Awarded for significant involvement in the areas of sustainability, energy use, climate change or other substantial commitments to the environment. Applicants must have standardized test scores of 1370 SAT/30 ACT or better. If the student does not submit test scores, the scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Committee on Admissions.
FINGER LAKES SCHOLARSHIP
Finger Lakes Scholarships are designated for students in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State who are in the top 10% of their high school class and are nominated by their high school. Applicants should have a 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent.
DEAN’S SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to academically high achieving students who display a commitment to community engagement, civic responsibility, or creative endeavors, a typical Dean’s Scholar has a GPA of 3.5 (or better) and/or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above.
Centennial Center Leadership Scholarship
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. A typical Centennial Center Leadership Scholar has a GPA of 3.5 GPA (or better) and/or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above.
EDWARD E. RIGNEY ’31 DEBATE SCHOLARSHIP
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. A typical Debate scholar has a GPA of 3.5 (or better) and/or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above.
THE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
Awarded to students who demonstrate a heightened awareness of issues that impact the greater good and who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to community. Civic Engagement Scholars will serve in and with organizations that support the Finger Lakes region. Recognizing that service is a privilege, the Committee on Admissions considers applicants who have a record of serving others.
ARTS SCHOLARS PROGRAM
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, students are not required to major in a fine or performing art but it is the expectation that the scholar will participate every year for four years in the art for which they were designated a scholar. All arts scholars require a completed arts application.
Follow the links below to view specific requirements for each scholarship: