Marist College Scholarships (2026–2027) — Merit Aid, Hidden Scholarships & Cost

Marist College Scholarships (2026–2027)

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Last Updated on January 6, 2026
This guide is especially helpful for:
  • Families comparing private colleges in New York or the Northeast
  • Students relying on automatic merit plus stackable institutional aid
  • Applicants trying to decide if Marist is financially realistic before applying
What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
  • Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
  • Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~60%
  • Middle 50% ACT: 25–30
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1345
  • Average GPA (HS): Not published

Source: Marist College Office of Admissions (2023–2024 data). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

Marist at a Glance

Average Net Price
$39,660
What families actually paid on average
Automatic Merit (OOS)
$10,000–$30,000 / yr
Admission-based; no extra app
Typical Qualifiers
GPA: Not published • ACT 25–30 / SAT 1210–1345
Based on recent recipient patterns*
Superscore Policy
ACT: Not stated • SAT: Not stated
Used for admission & scholarships
Key Deadlines
Scholarship priority: Nov 15 • Test score update: Feb 15 • FAFSA: Oct
Use earlier of admission/scholarship
Honors College
No • N/A • N/A
Perks: N/A
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Automatic: No • Competitive: No
Check stacking & fee exclusions
Residency & Waivers
N/A
Any OOS tuition match/waiver programs
– Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on award text + past recipient data + student profile stats. Numbers can shift with applicant pool and funding.

Sources:
https://www.marist.edu/documents/d/guest/cds_2023-2024-final
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?192819-Marist-University
https://www.marist.edu/admission/undergraduate/fin-aid-scholarships/freshman-cost-and-tuition
https://www.marist.edu/financial-aid/freshman/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://www.marist.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/first-year-student

💰 Cost of Attendance at Marist College (2026–2027)

These are the direct, billed costs you’ll usually pay to Marist as a full-time undergraduate living on campus. Marist is a private college, so tuition and required fees are the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $51,900 $51,900
Housing & Meals $20,130 $20,130
Total (Direct/Billed) $72,030 $72,030

Why only these items? We include the costs families most often pay directly to Marist — tuition/fees plus on-campus housing and meals. Marist’s published cost of attendance also includes indirect estimates like:

  • Books & supplies: ~$2,425
  • Transportation: ~$1,120
  • Personal/misc.: ~$1,200
  • Federal loan fees (if applicable): ~$90

📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)

The average net price is approximately $39,660 per year after grants and scholarships (federal average). That number is an all-students average — your student could pay less (or more) depending on need-based aid, merit scholarships, and housing choices.

📄 CSS Profile Required for Institutional Aid

Marist College requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to award most forms of institutional need-based aid, including Marist Grants and many endowed scholarships.

If your family does not submit the CSS Profile, your student may still receive federal aid but could miss out on thousands of dollars in Marist-funded assistance.

👉 New to the CSS Profile? Start here: What Is the CSS Profile? A Simple Guide for Parents

⚠️ Important clarification

Marist requires the CSS Profile to determine eligibility for many institutional grants. Common mistake: families file only the FAFSA and miss out on Marist-funded aid. If Marist is on your list, submit both forms by the priority deadline.

FAQ — Cost of Attendance at Marist College

Why do in-state and out-of-state costs look identical?
Marist is a private college, so it does not use residency-based tuition rates. Students generally pay the same tuition and required fees whether they live in New York or not.

What’s included in the “Tuition & Mandatory Fees” line?
Marist’s 2026–27 estimate includes tuition plus required fees (including items like activity and health services fees). Some fees (like orientation) may apply only once, but they still show up in the first-year cost estimate.

Is the $72,030 total what we’ll actually pay?
That number reflects the direct, billed costs for a first-year student living on campus before aid (tuition/fees + housing/meal plan). Your net cost depends on grants, scholarships (including Marist merit scholarships), and your housing choice.

What does the $39,660 average net price actually mean?
It’s a federal average of what students paid after grants and scholarships. Students with strong merit awards or significant need-based aid can land below that number, while families who don’t qualify for aid may pay closer to the published direct cost.

Does Marist offer regional tuition programs like WUE, MSEP, or Academic Common Market?
Usually no — those programs mainly apply to public universities that have in-state rates to discount. At Marist, the savings lever is typically institutional aid (merit + need-based grants), not residency programs.

What are the “extra” costs families forget to budget for?
Books/supplies, travel, and personal expenses can add a few thousand dollars per year. If your student borrows federal loans, loan fees can also show up in the official cost of attendance.

Sources:
https://www.marist.edu/admission/undergraduate/fin-aid-scholarships/freshman-cost-and-tuition
https://www.marist.edu/admission/undergraduate/fin-aid/tuition-fees
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?192819-Marist-University

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships at Marist College

Marist College awards automatic merit scholarships to incoming freshmen based on the admission application alone. There is no separate scholarship application for these awards, and students are notified at or shortly after admission.

⚠️ Test Score Policy Note

Marist is test-optional. If you choose to submit scores, the college does not clearly publish a superscore policy for the ACT or SAT. Submitting your strongest single test sitting is typically the safest approach for merit consideration.

If your student looks like this:
  • High academic stats + early applicant: Focus on maximizing automatic merit and confirming CSS Profile submission.
  • Solid A/A- student comparing private colleges: Merit may not cover everything — stacking alumni, program-based, or endowed aid becomes important.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility / Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Presidential Scholarship ~$23,000–$30,000 per year Strong academic profile; typically ACT ~28–30* or SAT ~1300–1400*; competitive high school record No Yes — up to 4 years (min. ~2.85 GPA) Top portion of admitted students; academically strong applicants admitted early Nov 15 (Early Action priority) / Feb 15 (final)
Marist Scholarship ~$10,000–$20,000 per year Solid academic record; typically ACT ~24–27* or SAT ~1180–1290*; test-optional applicants considered No Yes — up to 4 years (min. ~2.85 GPA) Most merit recipients at Marist; students with consistent grades and coursework strength Nov 15 (Early Action priority) / Feb 15 (final)

*GPA/test ranges are estimates based on past recipients and published student profiles; actual thresholds can change by year.

Who actually wins these awards: At Marist, higher-dollar merit awards tend to go to students who apply early and show consistent academic strength. Students in the solid A-range often land the Marist Scholarship, while Presidential-level awards usually combine strong academics with an early application and a competitive overall profile.

FAQ — Automatic Merit at Marist College

Do I need to apply separately for Marist merit scholarships?
No. All first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission.

Does applying Early Action help with merit aid?
Yes. While Marist does not publish strict quotas, higher-value awards like the Presidential Scholarship are more commonly awarded during the Early Action round (Nov 15).

Can test-optional students still receive merit scholarships?
Yes. Marist is test-optional, and students who do not submit ACT or SAT scores are still considered for merit. Strong grades, course rigor, and the overall application matter more in those cases.

Are these scholarships stackable?
These academic merit scholarships generally serve as the primary Marist merit award. Some students may also qualify for additional institutional or “hidden gem” scholarships, but total institutional aid is typically capped.

What GPA is required to keep the scholarship?
Both the Presidential and Marist Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains at least a ~2.85 cumulative GPA and meets enrollment requirements.

Does Marist superscore ACT or SAT results?
Marist does not clearly state a superscore policy. If you submit scores, assume they will evaluate individual test sittings rather than combining section highs.

Sources:
https://www.marist.edu/financial-aid/freshman/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://library.marist.edu/web/guest/admission/financial-aid/marist-scholarships
https://www.marist.edu/admission/undergraduate/apply/first-year-student

🏆 Competitive & Flagship Scholarships at Marist College

Marist College does not offer a separate, campus-wide “flagship” scholarship program with its own application, interview, or scholar cohort (such as Stamps or full-ride honors programs found at some universities).

Instead, Marist structures its aid in two main ways:

  • High-value academic awards (including the Presidential Scholarship) that are automatically awarded at admission and covered in the Automatic Merit section.
  • Smaller, targeted scholarships tied to specific programs, talents, or backgrounds (e.g., music, theatre, athletics, alumni or service-based awards), which are best understood as “hidden gem” scholarships rather than traditional flagship awards.
⚠️ Important Clarification for Families

If you’re searching for a single, competitive, full-tuition or full-ride scholarship with a separate application, Marist does not currently offer one. The largest institutional awards are determined through the admissions review itself, not a standalone scholarship competition.

That doesn’t mean competitive opportunities don’t exist — they’re just distributed differently. Students with special talents, service records, or affiliations should focus next on the Hidden Gem Scholarships section, where Marist’s program-based and identity-based awards are listed in detail.

FAQ — Competitive & Flagship Aid at Marist

Is the Presidential Scholarship considered a flagship award?
It is Marist’s highest academic award, but it is not a traditional flagship scholarship. It is awarded automatically at admission without a separate application or interview.

Are there any full-ride scholarships at Marist?
Marist does not advertise a guaranteed full-ride institutional scholarship. Some students approach full coverage by combining automatic merit, institutional grants, and outside scholarships.

Where should students with special talents or backgrounds look instead?
Those opportunities live in the Hidden Gem Scholarships section, which includes program-based awards (music, theatre, athletics) and targeted institutional scholarships.

Does applying early improve access to Marist’s highest awards?
Yes. While there is no separate flagship competition, higher-value merit awards are more commonly seen in the Early Action pool.


💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at Marist College

These scholarships don’t always show up in headline marketing—but for the right students, they can significantly reduce cost. Most are targeted by background, program, or enrollment path and often require extra verification, auditions, or applications beyond admission.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility / Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Alumni Children Scholarship $5,000 per year Full-time undergraduates who are children of Marist alumni (effective Fall 2021) No (status verified) Yes — up to 4 years Legacy students who confirm alumni parent/guardian status With admission / enrollment
Marist Brothers Scholarship $5,000 per year Graduates of Marist Brothers high schools (U.S. or abroad); full-time enrollment required No (school verification) Yes — up to 4 years Students from Marist-affiliated secondary schools; stacking rules apply With admission / enrollment
PTK (Phi Theta Kappa) Scholarship $5,000 per year Transfer students with Phi Theta Kappa membership; renewable with ~2.85 GPA and full-time enrollment No (membership proof) Yes — with criteria High-achieving community college transfers With transfer admission
Music Scholarship ~$2,000–$4,000 per year* Audition required; instrumental or vocal performance; continued participation expected Yes — audition Varies Students with strong musical ability who fit Marist ensemble needs Varies by audition schedule
Theatre Scholarship ~$2,000–$5,000 per year* Audition or portfolio required; performance or technical theatre participation Yes — audition / portfolio Varies Applicants with demonstrated theatre experience and strong auditions Varies by department timeline
Dollars for Scholars Match Up to $500 (institutional match) Students receiving eligible Dollars for Scholars awards; subject to annual cap Yes (documentation) No Students already earning outside local scholarships Varies
Otto Sussman Trust Scholarship Amount varies (need-based) Final-year undergraduates from NY, NJ, PA, or OK; ~3.0 GPA; documented financial hardship Yes No Seniors facing unexpected financial barriers to graduation As needed
NCAA Athletic Scholarships Varies by sport and coach NCAA Division I eligibility; recruited student-athletes; aid levels differ widely by sport Yes — coach selection Varies Recruited athletes whose skills meet roster and scholarship needs Recruiting cycle
Marist Endowed Scholarships Varies (donor-funded) Awarded based on donor criteria; many are need-based and require FAFSA (and often CSS Profile) Yes — internal scholarship portal Varies Students who complete profiles carefully and apply broadly Varies (often spring cycle)

*Estimated award ranges are based on prior recipient reports, departmental examples, and third-party summaries. Marist does not publish fixed dollar amounts for all program-based or donor-funded scholarships; actual awards may be higher or lower.

Timeline to maximize aid at Marist
  • Aug–Nov: Apply Early Action if possible; submit FAFSA and CSS Profile.
  • Nov–Feb: Complete any auditions or program-specific applications.
  • Spring after enrollment: Watch for endowed scholarship opportunities through Marist’s internal portal.

FAQ — Hidden Gem Scholarships at Marist

Which hidden scholarships are the easiest to qualify for?
The Alumni Children and Marist Brothers Scholarships are the quickest wins if your student qualifies, since they’re based on verification rather than competition.

Do students need to keep applying for scholarships after admission?
Yes. Many endowed and donor-funded awards are awarded through Marist’s internal portal and may open after enrollment.

Are arts scholarships worth pursuing even if amounts vary?
If your student already plans to participate, yes. These awards can stack with merit aid and reward skills the admission office values.

How should families think about athletic scholarships?
Athletic aid depends heavily on the sport and coaching needs. Families should have direct conversations with coaches early to understand what’s realistic.

Sources:
https://www.marist.edu/financial-aid/freshman/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://library.marist.edu/web/guest/admission/financial-aid/marist-scholarships
https://marist.scholarshipuniverse.com/public/home
https://www.marist.edu/documents/d/guest/otto-sussman-trust-scholarship-letter

🎖 Honors Program at Marist College

Marist College does not operate a centralized Honors College with automatic admission-based perks or guaranteed scholarships. Instead, academic enrichment opportunities are offered through selective programs, faculty mentorship, and departmental pathways.

⚠️ Important for Families

There is no automatic Honors-based tuition discount or scholarship at Marist. High academic achievers are primarily rewarded through automatic merit scholarships awarded at admission, not through a separate Honors aid structure.

What “Honors” Looks Like at Marist

  • Smaller, discussion-based courses within select programs or majors
  • Faculty-directed research or capstone projects, often in upper-level coursework
  • Priority access to certain academic experiences, depending on department
  • Transcript or program distinctions rather than a standalone Honors College label

Who This Works Best For

  • Students who value close faculty relationships over formal Honors branding
  • High-achieving students who already received strong merit aid at admission
  • Students planning to pursue graduate school and who want research or capstone depth
  • Students comfortable seeking out opportunities rather than enrolling in a preset Honors track

FAQ — Honors & Academic Enrichment at Marist

Is there an Honors College application?
No. Marist does not have a standalone Honors College or a separate Honors admission process.

Do Honors students receive extra scholarships?
No guaranteed Honors-only scholarships are published. Academic scholarships at Marist are awarded primarily through the automatic merit process at admission.

How do strong students access advanced coursework?
Through departmental advising, selective courses, faculty research opportunities, and capstone projects, rather than a centralized Honors curriculum.

Does Marist Honors carry weight for graduate school?
Yes—graduate schools typically care more about research experience, faculty recommendations, and academic rigor than whether a college uses an “Honors College” label.

Sources:
https://www.marist.edu/financial-aid/freshman/types-of-aid/scholarships
https://library.marist.edu/web/guest/admission/financial-aid/marist-scholarships
https://www.marist.edu/academics

⭐ College Specialty

Marist College is best known for combining a traditional liberal arts foundation with career-oriented programs that connect directly to employers—especially in the Northeast. Families often discover Marist through its strong business outcomes, but the college has also built a national reputation in areas like fashion, communication, and applied technology.

Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Marist focuses on programs where internships, applied learning, and industry connections are built into the student experience.

  • Business: Marist’s business programs are widely recognized for strong placement in finance, accounting, marketing, and management—especially with employers in New York and the Hudson Valley. Internships and professional networking are a core part of the curriculum.
  • Communication & Media: The college has a long-standing strength in communication, journalism, and media studies, with hands-on coursework that emphasizes writing, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and public relations.
  • Fashion (Merchandising & Design-Adjacent Fields): Marist is nationally known for fashion merchandising programs that blend business, marketing, and design thinking—appealing to students interested in the fashion industry without pursuing a traditional art-school path.
  • Computer Science & Applied Technology: Marist has invested heavily in applied computing, data-driven coursework, and technology-focused programs that align with real-world problem solving rather than purely theoretical study.

✨ Wrapping It Up

Marist College is a private university where merit scholarships do real work, but affordability usually depends on understanding the full picture — not just the headline award. Most students receive one primary merit scholarship through admission, while additional support comes from need-based grants, select stackable programs, and department- or donor-funded awards.

Because Marist charges a single tuition rate for all students, the biggest cost differences come down to which scholarships apply, whether the CSS Profile is filed on time, and whether families pursue the smaller awards that often get overlooked. Missing one step — especially the CSS Profile — is one of the most common reasons families see a higher net price than expected.

If Marist is on your list, the smartest move isn’t guessing what aid might come through — it’s comparing Marist side-by-side with similar private colleges and identifying where your student’s academic profile, timing, and eligibility unlock the most value.

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