Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships

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

The students who have been awarded these scholarships in the past have gone on to graduate with distinction and are now leading lives of consequence as scholars at the finest graduate schools, employed at not-for-profit organizations, and leading businesses across the globe.

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 attend Scholar Recognition Day 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.

Elizabeth Blackwell Class of 1849 Pioneer in Science Scholarship - $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, 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 granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application. 

William Scandling ’49 Trustee Scholarship for Academic Excellence - $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, 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. The Trustee Scholarship will be granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application. 

Environmental Sustainability Trustee Scholarship - $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, 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 granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application. 

Centennial Center for Leadership Scholarship for Leadership Development - $25,000/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 CCL scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical CCL 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 and interview.

Hobart and William Smith 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 and interview. 

Edward E. Rigney ’31 Scholarship in Debate - $25,000/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 a scholarship application and interview. 

Arts Scholarship - $3,000-$20,000/year

Please click each scholarship to view specific requirements:

Deborah Tall Scholarship for Creative Writing

Arthur Dove '03 Scholarship for Studio, Fine Art, and Architecture

Edward E. Griffith Scholarship for Theatre and Theatre Tech

Janet Seeley Performing Arts Scholarship for Dance

Lindsay Lafford Scholarship for Musical Performance

All arts scholarships require a completed arts application.

The Founders’ Grant

$5,000 – $15,000 annual award recognizing significant academic or co-curricular achievement. The Founders’ grant is awarded by the admissions staff upon application review.

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. 

Federally Funded Need Based Aid

• The Federal Pell Grant is available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program on a full- or part-time basis. Students must also make satisfactory academic progress, must not be in default on a Federal Family Education Loan, nor owe a refund on a federal grant. Students must also show compliance with Selective Service requirements. Up to $5,645/year can be awarded.

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program on a full- or part-time basis. Students must also make satisfactory academic progress, must not be in default on a Federal Family Education Loan, nor owe a refund on a federal grant. Students must also show compliance with Selective Service requirements. Up to $4,000/year can be awarded.

Other States' Grant Programs

States other than New York may also provide grants for student residents of their respective states who engage in out-of-state study. Vermont, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia, for example, offer assistance that can be used at Hobart and William Smith. Students should contact their state agencies for more information.

New York State Funded Need Based Aid

• The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is for U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and New York residents enrolled full time at a New York college or university. Students must demonstrate good academic standing. Awards for first-time recipients range from $500 - $5,000. Candidates with an $80,000 New York State net taxable income or less who are dependent or who are financially independent and married or have tax dependent may qualify. Students eligible for New York State Academic Excellence and New York Lottery must complete the TAP application even if they are not eligible for New York State TAP due to their New York State net taxable income.

• The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is for New York residents attending a New York college. The student must demonstrate financial need and meet the economic and educational eligibility criteria of the program. The program provides up to $3.363/year, as determined by the institution and state funding levels.

HWS Funded Need-Based Aid

• Rectory Grants are awarded to the son or daughter of a member of the clergy. The amount is variable.

• HWS Grants are for students who demonstrate need beyond federal, state and private assistance. Awards vary.

• The HWS Academic Opportunity Program (HWSAOP) is geared toward Hobart and William Smith students.The student must demonstrate financial need and meet the economic and educational eligibility criteria of the program. The awards are variable.