Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~93%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 11120
- Average GPA: 3.6
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📌 Fairleigh Dickinson University at a Glance
FDU is one of those private schools where the sticker price looks high—but the real price is much lower once merit kicks in. Most students receive automatic scholarships (up to about $22,000 per year), which makes this more of a “discounted private” than a full-pay situation.
Where families win here is by stacking: FDU merit + FAFSA aid + New Jersey TAG grants. That combination is what brings the cost into a manageable range. This is a strong option for students with solid (not perfect) academics who want a flexible admissions process, smaller class sizes, and a campus experience that feels more personal than a big state school.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Fairleigh Dickinson University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 11120.
Average net price? About $19,841/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Undergraduate Scholarships page: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
FDU Knights athletics site: https://www.fduknights.com/sports/
Sammartino Scholarship page: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/sammartino/
Global Education travel grants page: https://www.fdu.edu/academics/global-education/travel-grants/
Francis J. & Gail W. Mertz Scholarship page: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/mertz/
FDU Grants page: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate/fdu-grants/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Fairleigh Dickinson University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $43,360 | $43,360 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $17,750 | $17,750 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $61,110 | $61,110 |
Average Federal Net Price: $19,841 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
No reciprocity or WUE programs apply. Fairleigh Dickinson is a private university, so tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. New Jersey residents should instead focus on state-based aid like TAG and EOF, which can substantially lower the cost.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for the lower net price?
Families who qualify for federal, state (NJ TAG/EOF), or institutional aid. Most students receive a mix of these, reducing the sticker price.
How much can New Jersey grants help?
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) can be worth up to around $13,000 at private colleges like FDU, depending on financial need. EOF adds additional grant support for eligible students.
Do out-of-state students pay more?
No — FDU is private, so all U.S. students face the same sticker price. The real difference comes from aid packages.
University COA page (Florham & Metro): https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/
FDU Financial Aid Overview: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate/
College Scorecard — Florham Campus: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184694-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Florham-Campus=
College Scorecard — Metropolitan Campus: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184603-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Metropolitan-Campus=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
FDU automatically considers every admitted first-year applicant for institutional merit. Scholarships are awarded in three broad annual tiers, with amounts and renewal standards varying by campus and applicant profile. Test-optional applicants are eligible for all bands if other academics match.
*GPA bands and award levels above are estimates—FDU does not publish fixed public cutoffs. Confirm details with each student’s offer letter.
- Merit scholarships can be combined with NJ TAG and EOF state/federal aid or outside awards, up to total cost of attendance.
- Renewal requirements and minimum GPA differ by scholarship tier and may change by major/campus.
Automatic Merit FAQs
How do I get considered?
Applicants are considered automatically—just submit an FDU application. Awards are packaged with admission.
Is FDU test-optional, and do they superscore?
FDU is test-optional for most programs. If you submit more than one SAT/ACT, ask admissions about superscoring policy for the current year.
Can FDU merit stack with state or outside awards?
Yes, in most cases. Institutional merit can combine with NJ TAG/EOF or private scholarships (total aid cannot exceed Cost of Attendance).
How do I keep my scholarship?
Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits/semester) and the minimum cumulative GPA shown in your specific award letter.
Are there deadlines?
Merit aid is awarded on a rolling basis; apply by Jan 15 for maximum consideration, particularly for state and institutional grant funding.
Undergraduate Scholarships – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
FDU Grants – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/fdu-grants/
Financial Aid [PDF] – https://www.fdu.edu/accounting-billing/tuition-fees/financial-aid-scholarships/
College Raptor – https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Florham-Campus-NJ–185353
Scholarships Future – https://scholarshipsfuture.com/fairleigh-dickinson-university-scholarships-2025/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive)
These are Fairleigh Dickinson’s most competitive, flagship-level awards. They require more than just good grades—essays, recommendations, interviews, or special eligibility are usually part of the process. Because they are limited in number, they function as FDU’s “competitive scholarships.”
Flagship/Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes these scholarships competitive?
They are limited in number, require essays, recommendations, and/or interviews, and may be restricted to specific majors or schools. Not all admitted students are eligible or considered automatically.
Can I stack these with automatic merit?
In most cases, yes—though the total of all aid cannot exceed Cost of Attendance.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. Separate applications and fixed deadlines (usually February) are mandatory for both flagship scholarships listed.
Who typically wins?
Students with strong GPAs, leadership roles, proven service, and compelling essays. Sammartino requires clear dedication to teaching.
Francis J. & Gail W. Mertz Scholarship – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/mertz/
Sammartino Scholarship – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/sammartino/
FDU Scholarships Overview – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
FDU School of Education – https://www.fdu.edu/academics/colleges-schools/school-of-education/
🎖️ Honors College at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson doesn’t have a single “Honors College” across all campuses. Instead, it runs Honors Programs at both the Florham and Metropolitan campuses, each designed to give motivated students smaller classes, close faculty mentorship, and chances to stand out for graduate school or competitive careers.
High school GPA in the A-range (3.5+), a challenging curriculum (AP/IB/honors), strong writing skills for the required essays, and clear involvement in leadership or service. SAT/ACT scores may be considered if submitted but are not required.
- Priority registration for classes
- Honors housing options (e.g., Twombly Hall at Florham)
- Small seminar-style classes and faculty mentoring
- Special lecture series, cultural trips, and research support
- Dedicated lounges and academic communities
- Transcript and diploma notation, access to additional scholarship and travel programs
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. You must apply separately with essays. Invitation may be offered to top admits, but most students apply and are reviewed holistically (no rec letter required).
When are the deadlines?
Priority deadline is December 1 (decision by February 1). The regular deadline is March 1 (decision by May 1).
Does being in Honors add time to graduation?
No. Honors requirements overlap with the degree plan, allowing for on-time graduation and flexibility for research or study abroad.
Are there extra scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Yes. Admitted Honors Academy students receive up to $5,000/year, renewable if program requirements and GPA thresholds are met each year (rising to 3.3/3.4/3.5 by graduation).
FDU Honors Programs – https://www.fdu.edu/academics/honors/
FDU Honors Academy Award – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships/
Honors Admissions Deadlines – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/honors-deadlines/
Honors Perks and GPA Standards – https://www.fdu.edu/academics/honors/benefits/
Transfer Scholarships [Honors Award listed] – https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfer-scholarships/
⭐ College Specialties at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairleigh Dickinson University is known for combining real-world career preparation with value, innovation, and strong student support. It excels in health sciences, hospitality, education, and psychology. Students often benefit from small-class attention, strong undergraduate teaching, and robust programs that connect to industry and service in New Jersey and beyond.
- Business (Silberman College of Business): National recognition in MBA, part-time MBA, and graduate business programs.
- Hospitality, Sports & Tourism Management: FDU’s International School of Hospitality etc. ranks #5 in best value for Hospitality Management programs (2025) and is a member of Hotel Schools of Distinction.
- Psychology & Clinical Psychology: Graduate programs in psychology and clinical psychology are nationally ranked in U.S. News & World Report.
- Education (Peter Sammartino School of Education / QUEST): Recognized among top programs in education nationally; strong teacher-preparation pathways.
- Computer Science & Engineering: Among the noted undergraduate offerings, including growing reputation in engineering fields.