Northeast Colleges with Scholarships for a 3.5 GPA
A 3.5 GPA is a strong academic profile — but in the Northeast, it does not always translate into predictable scholarships the way it does in other regions. This is one of the most holistic parts of the country, where outcomes often depend less on a simple GPA threshold and more on where your student applies, how the school uses aid, and whether the college is trying to recruit students like them.
Northeast strategy tip: In this region, success is less about hitting a number and more about choosing the right schools. Merit aid exists, but it is often limited, competitive, or used strategically rather than handed out through big automatic grids.
That is why Northeast results can feel confusing to families. A student with a 3.5 GPA may be only middle-of-the-pack at a well-known flagship, but a much stronger recruit at a private college trying to shape its class and manage enrollment. In this region, the biggest mistake is assuming every school will reward the same profile in the same way.
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What this means: In the Northeast, a 3.5 GPA can still lead to strong financial outcomes — but usually through targeted applications, merit-friendly private colleges, state aid, regional tuition programs, or smart in-state public options rather than broad automatic merit.
Important context: This page focuses on colleges in the Northeast where a 3.5 GPA may put your student in range for scholarship opportunities. Many awards in this region are competitive or limited, some schools prioritize need-based aid over merit, and others may use state or regional tuition programs that function more like a discount than a traditional scholarship.
Why a 3.5 GPA Matters in the Northeast
In the Northeast, a 3.5 GPA often places a student in a competitive middle tier. At some colleges, that may be strong enough for meaningful merit consideration. At others, it may simply make the student a solid applicant in a much deeper pool.
That is what makes this region different. The same GPA that triggers automatic scholarship charts in other parts of the country may lead to very different outcomes here depending on whether the school is public or private, merit-friendly or need-focused, test-optional or test-sensitive, and trying to recruit your student’s profile or simply evaluate them holistically.
CRP Insight: In the Northeast, a 3.5 GPA is less about guaranteed outcomes and more about positioning your student at the right schools.
That is why this region rewards strategy more than volume. A family that applies thoughtfully can do much better than a family that simply assumes “strong GPA = strong merit.”
What Changes at a 3.5 GPA
At this GPA range, families move into a zone where real opportunities exist — but the path is less predictable than it is in regions with more published merit grids. In the Northeast, the win often comes from understanding which type of school is most likely to reward the profile your student brings.
- Merit aid becomes possible — but not predictable. A 3.5 GPA may trigger real awards at some colleges and very little at others.
- Private colleges may become stronger scholarship targets. Many mid-sized private schools use merit strategically to compete for good students.
- Test-optional flexibility can help. In this region, many colleges will let a 3.5 GPA stand on its own if test scores do not help the application.
- State aid and tuition programs matter more. For some families, the biggest savings may come from state-funded aid or regional discounts rather than institutional merit.
- Application quality starts to matter more. Essays, rigor, activities, and fit can influence outcomes in a region where many colleges review applications more holistically.
Reality check: A 3.5 GPA alone rarely drives large automatic scholarships in the Northeast. Families should expect a more selective and school-specific process.
CRP Pro Tip: Many elite Northeast schools do not offer merit aid at all. They rely almost entirely on need-based financial aid, which means the right “financial fit” school may not be the same thing as the most selective school on your student’s list.
Merit Leverage in the Northeast
In the Northeast, merit leverage comes from targeting the right schools — not assuming every college will reward the same GPA in the same way. Families often do best here when they compare private-college merit, in-state public value, state-funded aid, and regional tuition programs side by side instead of chasing one kind of scholarship.
CRP Insight: In this region, the biggest mistake families make is assuming merit works the same everywhere. It does not — and that is where strategy makes the difference.
A 3.5 GPA student may be only average for a better-known flagship, but a very attractive applicant for a private college trying to boost enrollment or shape its incoming class. That is one of the biggest Northeast unlocks: sometimes the lower net price comes from a private college offering substantial merit, not a public university with a famous name.
- Target merit-friendly private colleges. This is often where a 3.5 GPA stretches the furthest in the Northeast.
- Compare need-based and merit outcomes. Some families will win more through aid formulas than scholarship charts.
- Use test-optional policies strategically. If test scores are not helping, this region often gives families more flexibility.
- Apply early when possible. At some colleges, earlier applicants may get stronger scholarship consideration.
- Look at state programs before assuming merit is the answer. For qualifying families, state-funded aid can sometimes matter more than institutional scholarships.
- Compare public vs private net price, not sticker price. In the Northeast, the “cheaper-looking” option on paper is not always the cheaper one after aid.
The New England Tuition Break: If your student lives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, they may qualify for reduced tuition at certain out-of-state public colleges through a regional program if they choose an approved major not offered by their home-state public options.
CRP Pro Tip: In the Northeast, state aid is often more powerful than merit aid. For some families, programs tied to income, residency, enrollment status, or public college attendance may reduce tuition more than a modest merit scholarship ever would.
Student Scenarios: What This Looks Like in Real Life
A 3.5 GPA can lead to very different outcomes in the Northeast depending on whether the student is aiming at private colleges, state universities, income-based aid, or test-optional schools that let the GPA carry more of the weight.
The Private College Play
3.5 GPA + merit-friendly private colleges: This student may look only average at a flagship but become a stronger scholarship target at private colleges using merit to compete for applicants.
The State School Strategist
3.5 GPA + in-state public option: For this family, the best result may come from lower baseline tuition plus state aid rather than a bigger merit award somewhere else.
The Test-Optional Advantage
3.5 GPA + weaker test scores: In the Northeast, this student may benefit from colleges that allow the GPA, course rigor, and overall application to stand on their own.
The Missed Strategy
3.5 GPA + prestige-only list: This family may end up paying more than necessary by focusing only on selective schools that offer little or no merit aid.
Scholarship Matches
Based on a 3.5 GPA | Northeast Region
Showing Merit Scholarship Opportunities
These are colleges in the Northeast where a 3.5 GPA may put your student in range for scholarship opportunities. Some schools below may offer merit aid, while others may make more sense because of state aid, regional tuition breaks, or better overall value.
Regional strategy note: In the Northeast, families should not evaluate scholarship offers in isolation. Merit, state aid, tuition breaks, and private-college discounts can all change the final math.
Important: Some colleges in this region offer little or no merit aid, even for strong students. Always click through to the college page and verify whether the real opportunity is merit, need-based aid, state aid, or a regional tuition program.
Scholarship Matches
Based on a GPA 3.5 | Northeast profile. Institutions with actionable merit aid identified.
Colleges Listed
54
175 matching awards across these institutions.
These results cover awards where the college publishes a specific GPA cutoff. Many colleges award merit money without publishing one, so open a college guide to see everything it offers.
These are colleges where your numbers put you in range for real scholarship money. Important: some awards listed as automatic still depend on application timing, funding limits, or test scores for the highest tiers. Use each college guide to see how predictable the offer really is.
🏛️ Quinnipiac University
$32,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Transfer Student Academic Scholarship
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Rolling; recommended application by April 1 for full scholarship consideration
Strategic Note: Quinnipiac's transfer floor of 2.5 cumulative GPA is genuinely generous, which is why this award has the highest minimum of any of their automatics. Students transferring with a B average tend to land at the lower end of the range, while transfers with strong A-minus or better records — especially those bringing an associate's degree from a Connecticut community college — typically land near the $32,000 ceiling.
🏛️ Rider University
$28,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Rider Merit Scholarships (First-Year)
GPA: 2.70 | Ends: Rolling; Jan 15 priority for full scholarship consideration; Nov 15 for Musical Theatre and Acting applicants
Strategic Note: Nearly every admitted first-year student receives a merit award. Higher GPAs and stronger course rigor land closer to the $28,000 ceiling, while solid-but-mid-range applicants typically receive awards in the lower part of the range.
🏛️ Siena College
$27,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 25 | SAT: 1160 | Ends: Rolling
Strategic Note: Students bringing a strong academic story to the table — roughly a 90+ high school average (about a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale), honors and AP coursework on the transcript, and real community involvement. Testing is optional at Siena, but if your scores are sitting at 1160+ SAT or 25+ ACT (superscored), submit them — that profile lines up with typical Presidential recipients.
🏛️ Saint Peter's University
$27,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Dean's Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Rolling — apply early for full consideration
Strategic Note: Strong students sitting in the A-/A range — roughly a 3.5 to 3.99 unweighted GPA — who hit submit on their application and don't fall into the 4.0 Academic Excellence bracket.
+ 8 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Robert Morris University
$26,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ RMU Freshman Merit Scholarship — Tier 2
GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Rolling — awarded at time of admission
Strategic Note: Strong academic freshmen with a weighted GPA between 3.40 and 3.79.
+ 5 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Niagara University
$24,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Merit Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Rolling
Strategic Note: Community college transfer students who are active PTK members, walk in with at least a 3.00 GPA, and submit membership documentation. This is one of Niagara's most generous transfer awards and beats the top standard transfer tier.
+ 5 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Providence College
$23,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ RI
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ St. Rose of Lima Transfer Tuition Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Transfer priority: Apr 1; final: Jun 1 for fall entry
Strategic Note: Admitted transfer students entering in the fall with a college GPA of 3.5 or higher and a strong academic record from their prior institution.
🏛️ Saint Francis University
$22,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Bell Tower Scholarship
GPA: 3.45 | Ends: Rolling with admission — no separate scholarship deadline.
Strategic Note: Incoming freshmen whose weighted GPA lands at or above 3.45 on SFU's 5.0 scale. SFU uses a straightforward grid — you don't compete for this, you earn it by meeting the cutoff, so calculate honestly and apply early.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Maine
$20,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ ME
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ International Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 3.20 | Ends: March 31 (priority)
Strategic Note: Top non-US international applicants (except Canadians), strong academic records
+ 7 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Seton Hall University
$18,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Rolling — Seton Hall reviews transfers on an ongoing basis for both fall and spring entry.
Strategic Note: Incoming transfers with a competitive academic record from their prior institution — the higher your transfer GPA and the stronger your coursework, the larger your award within the published $5,000–$18,000 band.
🏛️ University of Rhode Island
$17,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ RI
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ University & Presidential Merit
GPA: 3.20 | Ends: Dec 1 priority; applications after this date are still reviewed as merit funds remain available.
Strategic Note: Students landing in the $8K–$17K tier tend to bring a 3.6+ GPA with a genuinely rigorous transcript (honors, AP, dual-enrollment), plus leadership or service that shows up in recommendations. The floor of $2K goes to solid 3.2 GPA admits without the same rigor stack. Test scores don't factor in — URI reviews merit test-optional.
🏛️ University of Massachusetts Boston
$17,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ UMass Boston Freshman Merit Scholarship
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: November 1 (early action); February 15 (regular)
Strategic Note: First-year students with a recalculated 3.3+ GPA. The actual dollar amount is tiered by where you live: Massachusetts residents land in one range, Northeast Regional (NEBHE) students another, and out-of-state students the highest tier — final amount is set by holistic review of rigor, GPA, scores, and service.
🏛️ Rowan University
$12,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Rowan University Scholars Program
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Apply for admission by January 31 for full scholarship consideration
Strategic Note: Strong in-state first-years with a rigorous course load and a solid GPA (3.3+ unweighted is a useful benchmark, though Rowan doesn't publish a hard cutoff). Test-optional applicants are reviewed the same way; awards stretch into low five figures for the top tier.
🏛️ University of New Hampshire
$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NH
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Dean's Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Nov 15 (Early Action) / Feb 1 (Regular)
Strategic Note: Steady, well-prepared admits with a recalculated weighted GPA between 3.50 and 3.69 — strong coursework, consistent grades, often with a meaningful mix of college-prep rigor.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Delaware
$7,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ DE
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Blue Hen / Delaware Scholar Award
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Jan 15 (priority)
Strategic Note: Mid 50% of strong admits (esp. Delaware residents)
🏛️ Coppin State University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MD
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Gold First-Year Student Merit Award
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: December 1
Strategic Note: Strong first-year admits sitting comfortably above the 3.0 GPA line — solid college-prep students who apply on time. This is the second-tier institutional merit award, so it tends to land for students who are above admissions minimums but not quite at the Fanny Jackson Coppin (3.3) threshold.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Delaware State University
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ DE
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ DSU GAP Scholarship (Out-of-State)
GPA: 2.75 | ACT: 17 | SAT: 920 | Ends: Rolling — enroll the fall right after high school graduation; awarded first-come, first-served while funds remain.
Strategic Note: Out-of-state U.S. citizen freshmen sitting in the C+/B- academic range — a 2.75 GPA with a 17 ACT or 920 SAT clears the bar — who get their admission file complete early and enroll the fall after high school.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Central Connecticut State University
$2,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Central Merit Scholarship - Tier 2
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Rolling (with admission)
Strategic Note: Incoming first-year students with a solid academic record — generally a high school GPA between 3.30 and 3.79. No essay, no test scores, no separate application: admissions pulls the GPA right off the transcript.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Montclair State University
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Before first semester at Montclair
Strategic Note: Community college transfer students who earned Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society membership (typically a 3.5+ at their two-year college) and arrive at Montclair with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
🏛️ University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ MA
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Admissions Award
GPA: 2.70 | ACT: 20 | SAT: 1000 | Ends: Rolling — follows the general freshman admission deadline.
Strategic Note: Solid admits who clear either a 2.7 GPA OR a 1000 SAT / 20 ACT — UMassD only needs one of the two, which is parent-friendly news for kids whose transcript and test score don't line up perfectly. Award amounts here run smaller than the Dean's or Chancellor's tiers.
🏛️ Monmouth University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Monmouth Academic Excellence Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1 (Regular Decision and scholarship priority date)
Strategic Note: This is Monmouth's top automatic merit award, so it goes to the strongest admitted students academically — typically those with high cumulative GPAs and rigorous coursework. There is no separate competition; the Admission office determines tier placement based on what is already in the application file.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Saint Joseph's University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ PA
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ Jesuit Preparatory Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Follows general first-year admission timelines.
Strategic Note: First-year students coming straight from a Jesuit high school with at least a 3.00 unweighted GPA on a 4.00 scale.
🏛️ Eastern Connecticut State University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ CT
●Automatic
Predictable tier-based criteria
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How This Is Awarded
→ CAAP Scholar Merit Scholarship
GPA: 2.75
Strategic Note: Every Connecticut resident admitted through CAAP — if you graduate from an in-state high school and meet the GPA threshold, the merit scholarship is guaranteed.
Strategic Note: Based on these numbers, you also qualify to compete for the Competitive & Hidden Gem awards below. These require holistic review or a separate application.
🏛️ University of Hartford
$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Hartford Promise + Greater Futures Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1 (recommended FAFSA and program completion date)
Strategic Note: Hartford residents graduating from Hartford Public Schools who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, 93%+ attendance, and full-time enrollment at UHart while meeting program and FAFSA requirements.
+ 6 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Maryland Eastern Shore
$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MD
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ David A. Scott Scholarship Program (formerly UMES Land-Grant Scholarship)
GPA: 2.80 | Ends: Spring application cycle (dates set annually by UMES SANS)
Strategic Note: Students majoring in one of UMES SANS's approved food, agricultural, natural science, or human ecology fields with at least a 2.8 unweighted GPA, U.S. citizenship, and a clearly articulated career interest in agriculture, food systems, or related sciences. Cohort size shifts year to year based on USDA NIFA funding.
+ 6 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Saint Francis University
$25,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Accounting Scholarship
GPA: 3.30 | ACT: 21 | SAT: 1060 | Ends: Follows admission and program review timeline; apply for admission and FAFSA as early as possible.
Strategic Note: Incoming Accounting or Accounting-to-MBA students with at least a 3.30 GPA and 1060 SAT or 21 ACT, or a 3.5 GPA if test-optional, who commit to the Accounting program.
🏛️ University of Maryland, Baltimore County
$22,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MD
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Meyerhoff Scholars Program
GPA: 3.00 | ACT: 24 | SAT: 600 | Ends: January 15 (priority)
Strategic Note: High-achieving, research-focused STEM students planning to pursue graduate study, typically with strong GPAs, rigorous coursework, and demonstrated commitment to the advancement of minorities in the sciences.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Delaware State University
$20,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ DE
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Verizon STEM/eSports Women’s Scholarships
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Varies by Verizon and DSU program cycle — watch DSU announcements for current dates.
Strategic Note: Upper-level women in STEM at DSU with strong GPAs and a genuine track record in eSports, gaming clubs, or related leadership — not weekend players, but students who have built or led something visible on campus.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ New York University
$20,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP) Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: CCTOP transfer application deadlines as specified by NYU.
Strategic Note: Community college students from NYU partner schools with at least a 3.0 GPA, sufficient transferable credits, nomination, and a strong transfer application.
🏛️ Saint Peter's University
$15,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ INVEST Scholars Program
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Program application deadlines apply (previously April 1)
Strategic Note: Upper-division STEM majors with at least a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.3 major GPA who commit to teaching in high-need school districts after graduation.
🏛️ University of Massachusetts Lowell
$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Nov 5 (EA I); Jan 5 (EA II); Feb 5 (RD) for nominations
Strategic Note: Incoming STEM majors with PLTW coursework in their high school transcript, a 3.000+ GPA, and a nomination letter in hand from a STEM teacher, counselor, or principal. Students with three or more PLTW courses get explicit preference.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Worcester Polytechnic Institute
$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Dearborn Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Stage 1 (online app + Mechanical Aptitude Test): February 1. Stage 2 (transcript, faculty letter, career assessment): March 15.
Strategic Note: Students with high mechanical aptitude (as proven on the MAT) and strong physics or engineering academic records who can be described as inventors, innovators, or designers with a vision for the future.
🏛️ Montclair State University
$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Talent Scholarships (Arts)
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: January–March (varies by department)
Strategic Note: Strong auditions or portfolio submissions in arts degree programs.
🏛️ Syracuse University
$10,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Our Time Has Come Scholarship
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: May 23
Strategic Note: Full-time students of color (U.S. citizen/perm. resident) with service and academic merit.
🏛️ Stonehill College
$7,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Brockton Scholarship
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Transfer application deadlines for Massasoit–Stonehill Transfer Guarantee; typically by published transfer term deadlines
Strategic Note: Massasoit Community College transfer students who are residents of Brockton or graduates of Brockton High School, New Heights Charter School, or Southeastern Regional High School and who meet Massasoit–Stonehill Transfer Guarantee criteria.
🏛️ Monmouth University
$6,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Great Lawn Grant
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: Oct 1 for fall/spring aid; March 1 for spring-only applicants (per catalog funding-sources deadlines)
Strategic Note: First-time and transfer undergraduates with unmet financial need and satisfactory academic performance, particularly those completing the FAFSA by priority deadlines; not offered to newly enrolling first-year students beginning in Fall 2025, but still available for new transfers.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Niagara University
$6,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Niagara University Science Training and Research (NUSTAR) Fellowship
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Applications reviewed starting February 1
Strategic Note: Self-motivated, academically strong science majors who want early, hands-on research experience with Niagara's Ph.D.-prepared faculty. Successful applicants come in with B-or-better grades in high school biology, chemistry, or environmental science, ideally paired with math and additional AP science coursework.
🏛️ Seton Hall University
$6,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Joseph & Carmen Unanue Endowed Scholarship (Latino Institute)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Jan 15
Strategic Note: Incoming freshmen and international freshmen with at least a 3.0 unweighted GPA, demonstrated financial need, and clear appreciation and engagement with Latino culture and history.
+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Howard University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ DC
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Departmental & College-Based Scholarships
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: Usually spring each year after enrollment
Strategic Note: Enrolled students in specific colleges or majors (Business, Fine Arts, Engineering, etc.) with solid GPAs and faculty or departmental support.
+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Rider University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Study Abroad Scholarships (Aberger, Madison Miller, Doris DeYoung, Bush International Immersion)
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Varies by award and term; most internal scholarship deadlines fall in late spring for the following academic year.
Strategic Note: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing with compelling study abroad plans and, for some funds, demonstrated financial need or prior language study.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Morgan State University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MD
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ School of Architecture & Planning Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Department-set deadlines; some awards list specific term-based timelines.
Strategic Note: Upper-division Architecture, Planning, or built-environment majors who show academic achievement and financial need and complete required departmental application steps.
🏛️ La Salle University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Maguire Service Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: June 1
Strategic Note: Full-time freshmen with a deep, long-term community service track record and a genuine intention to keep serving in college. Priority goes to graduates of 37 Philadelphia-area partner high schools, but strong service candidates from outside that list are still considered.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Lehigh University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Cutler–Sametz Choral Arts Scholarships
GPA: 2.80 | Ends: Initial application typically due in mid-January; follow Lehigh Choral Arts scholarship timeline.
Strategic Note: Talented incoming singers who successfully audition and participate in University Choir plus at least one additional choral ensemble.
+ 3 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Rowan University
$5,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Rowan University Foundation Scholarships
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: Varies by scholarship; most close in February or March
Strategic Note: Students who actually log in to Scholarship Universe, answer every matching question, and apply to multiple donor awards — not just one. Many are decided on the matching answers alone; the rest reward students who take the essay seriously and submit early.
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Temple University
$4,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Diamond Research Scholars
GPA: 3.25 | Ends: Feb 1 (for summer programs)
Strategic Note: Research-active undergrads with faculty-mentored summer project.
🏛️ University of Pittsburgh
$4,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ PA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ TRIO McNair Scholars
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Winter–early spring
Strategic Note: First-gen, low-income, URM, research-focused with plan/mentor
🏛️ University of Massachusetts Boston
$4,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ College & Department Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: November 1 (most)
Strategic Note: Active, academically strong students in their program
🏛️ Binghamton University
$3,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Foundation & Alumni Awards
GPA: 2.75 | Ends: Feb 1–Mar 1 (most cycles)
Strategic Note: Current students with solid GPAs and meaningful involvement or service who complete the internal scholarship application each year
+ 2 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ SUNY Maritime College
$2,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society Scholarship
GPA: 3.30 | Ends: April 15
Strategic Note: Upper-class Maritime students from PA, NJ, or DE who have maintained at least a 3.3 GPA. An active connection to the regional maritime industry helps.
🏛️ Long Island University
$2,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ High School Scholars Award
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Award applied automatically upon LIU enrollment after earning required High School Scholars credits.
Strategic Note: Students who completed at least six LIU credits in high school through the High School Scholars Program and maintained a strong GPA in those courses.
+ 5 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ Fairfield University
$2,500 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Global Fairfield Study Abroad Scholarships
GPA: 2.80 | Ends: April 1 (summer/fall programs); October 1 (winter/spring programs)
Strategic Note: Fairfield undergraduates with at least a 2.8 GPA who are approved for Global Fairfield programs and demonstrate financial need and/or strong academic purpose for studying abroad.
🏛️ University of Delaware
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ DE
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Study Abroad / Zipser / Global Grants
GPA: 2.80 | Ends: Semester before experience
Strategic Note: Students in approved programs with strong interest and financial need
🏛️ Fairleigh Dickinson University
$2,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ NJ
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Rolling; tied to transfer admission timeline
Strategic Note: PTK Honor Society members from regionally accredited two-year institutions who arrive at FDU with their associate degree already in hand and a 3.0+ college GPA.
🏛️ Charter Oak State College
$1,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Charter Oak State College Transfer Scholarship for Community College Graduates
GPA: 2.70
Strategic Note: Adult community-college graduates with demonstrated interest and success in online learning, nominated by their institution.
+ 4 more qualifying scholarships available.
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🏛️ University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
$1,000 / YRGPA 3.5+ MA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Oct 15 (fall); Mar 1 (spring)
Strategic Note: Top transfer students active in PTK honor society
🏛️ Eastern Connecticut State University
$500 / YRGPA 3.5+ CT
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ VSEI Award for Disadvantaged Students
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: March 1 (FAFSA priority)
Strategic Note: Students with diagnosed disabilities from underrepresented populations who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher; undocumented students are included.
🏛️ Southern Connecticut State University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ CT
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ SCSU Foundation Scholarships (General Application)
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: February 28
Strategic Note: Realistically, continuing SCSU students - not incoming freshmen. Because you need 12 completed SCSU credits to qualify, a brand-new freshman can't tap this for year one. Your first shot is applying in the spring of freshman year, and that money is for sophomore year. It rewards students who already have a semester or two of solid SCSU grades behind them.
🏛️ Marist College
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Otto Sussman Trust Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: As needed
Strategic Note: Final-year undergraduates from NY, NJ, PA, or OK with at least a 3.0 GPA who face documented, unusual financial hardship that threatens their ability to graduate.
🏛️ American University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ DC
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Carl G. Anthon Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | Ends: Varies by year; typically spring for the following academic year.
Strategic Note: Strong College of Arts and Sciences students with at least a 3.5 GPA and substantial credits completed in their major fields.
🏛️ Lafayette College
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ PA
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Paid Research / Internship Funding (EXCEL + Intern Scholar Programs)
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Varies by specific EXCEL or internship funding cycle
Strategic Note: Students selected to conduct faculty-mentored research or funded internships who want to offset summer or term-time living and opportunity costs.
🏛️ Coppin State University
FULL RIDEGPA 3.5+ MD
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Presidential Scholarship
GPA: 3.50 | ACT: 25 | SAT: 1200 | Ends: December 1
Strategic Note: Students at the very top of the admitted pool — typically weighted GPAs at or near 4.0, SATs in the 1200+ range or ACTs at 25+ (when submitted), and a serious track record of leadership and service. Awards are limited, by invitation only, and highly competitive.
🏛️ Canisius University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Hassett Creative Writing Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: January 19, 2026 (Hassett Family Creative Writing Scholarship application deadline).
Strategic Note: A very small number of incoming students who declare Creative Writing, submit outstanding creative work, and meet the academic and application requirements.
🏛️ Loyola University Maryland
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ MD
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Maguire Scholars Program Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: April 15.
Strategic Note: Students graduating from one of the Maguire Foundation's approved Philadelphia-area high schools who carry at least a 3.0 GPA, can document financial need on the FAFSA, and are active in community service or extracurriculars. The Foundation values consistent service and leadership alongside academics.
🏛️ Hofstra University
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ NY
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Amsterdam Exchange Scholarships
GPA: 3.40 | Ends: Late February (for full-year or semester scholarship in the following academic year)
Strategic Note: High-achieving juniors and seniors accepted to the Amsterdam exchange, with at least a 3.4 GPA; three of six awards typically go to Zarb School of Business majors.
🏛️ Drexel University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ PA
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ The Drexel Promise
GPA: 2.00 | Ends: Follows Drexel's transfer admission cycle; applications for each entry term are reviewed on a rolling basis and deadlines vary by term.
Strategic Note: Transfer students nationwide who finish an associate degree at an accredited U.S. community college, land admission to a full-time on-campus bachelor's program at Drexel, and hold at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. This isn't a competitive scholarship — meet the eligibility criteria and it's yours.
🏛️ Saint Joseph's University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ PA
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Maguire Scholarship
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Aligned with SJU's first-year admission timeline.
Strategic Note: Students from Maguire Foundation partner high schools with a 3.00+ cumulative GPA, meaningful community service or extracurricular engagement, and demonstrated financial need. Prior High School Maguire Scholars get preference.
🏛️ Towson University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ MD
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Biology Department Scholarships
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Departmental (varies; usually late winter or early spring)
Strategic Note: Upper-level Biology majors with at least 12 Biology credits at Towson and GPAs of 3.0 or higher, often with strong faculty support.
🏛️ Providence College
FULL TUITIONGPA 3.5+ RI
●Hidden Gem
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Army ROTC — National Scholarship
GPA: 2.50 | Ends: Jan 10 (national high school scholarship board); campus-based awards offered on a rolling basis after enrollment
Strategic Note: High school seniors with around a 3.0+ GPA, solid standardized scores if submitted, strong leadership and physical fitness, and commitment to commissioning as Army officers.
🏛️ Georgetown University
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ DC
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Maguire Scholars Program
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Feb 1 (Georgetown financial aid priority deadline); separate Maguire Foundation college scholars application submitted in spring
Strategic Note: A small cohort of graduates from Philadelphia-area high schools (or from Maguire Foundation partner high schools) who show real financial need alongside solid academics, service, and leadership. Selection is joint — you need both a strong Georgetown application AND a competitive Maguire Foundation application, so treat these as two connected efforts.
🏛️ Manhattan College
AWARD VARIESGPA 3.5+ NY
●Competitive
Holistic review / Not guaranteed
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How This Is Awarded
→ Resident Assistant (RA) Grant
GPA: 3.00 | Ends: Spring semester prior to the academic year of RA service — exact dates are set annually by Residence Life.
Strategic Note: Upper-division students selected as Resident Assistants — strong GPAs, prior residential experience, and clear evidence of leadership, reliability, and community-building on campus.
