Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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
If you’re looking at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), you’re not alone—many New Jersey families wonder what it really costs and how the scholarships work. The good news: FDU automatically considers every admitted student for merit aid, and there are also state programs like TAG and EOF that can make a big difference. This page breaks it all down so first-gen parents can see the full picture in plain English. For more help with local grants, don’t miss our New Jersey State Aid Guide along with the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Fairleigh Dickinson University
| Expense Category | Florham Campus | Metropolitan Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $44,010 | $42,710 |
| Housing & Meals | $17,972 | $17,528 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Travel | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,267 | $2,081 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $62,349 | $61,419 |
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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
FDU automatically considers every admitted first-year applicant for institutional merit. Award names and amounts can vary by campus and admit profile; the university publicizes a top-end ceiling rather than fixed GPA/test tiers.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDU Merit Scholarship (automatic) | Up to ~$22,000/yr (4 years) | All admitted first-year students are reviewed automatically. Amount depends on HS GPA, course rigor, and overall application; test scores considered if submitted (test-optional available). | No | Yes—maintain the required cumulative GPA and full-time status (exact GPA/credits listed in award letter/aid terms). | Higher awards typically go to A-/A GPA students with solid rigor; mid-range awards to strong B+/A- students. Exact cutoffs are not published. *Estimate |
Note: Ranges reflect the university’s published ceiling and real-world awarding patterns; because FDU does not publish a public GPA/test grid for domestic freshmen, the “Who Actually Wins?” bands are marked with *Estimate and should be confirmed against the official award letter.
Note: FDU does not publish a formal award grid, but in practice students are packaged into tiers:
- High tier (≈$18,000–$22,000/yr) — typically strong A-/A GPA students with rigorous coursework and/or strong submitted test scores.
- Mid tier (≈$12,000–$17,000/yr) — usually B+/A- GPA students with solid coursework; test-optional students often fall here.
- Low tier (≈$5,000–$11,000/yr) — admitted students with lower GPA or less rigorous course loads, but still eligible for some merit recognition.
*These tiers are estimates based on student-reported awards and typical private-university packaging patterns; FDU does not publish official cutoffs. Confirm with your student’s award letter.
Automatic Merit FAQs
How do I get considered?
Just apply for admission—no separate scholarship application is needed. Awards are packaged with the admit decision.
Is FDU test-optional, and do they superscore?
FDU is test-optional for most programs; submitted SAT/ACT scores may be considered for scholarships. The university does not publicly post a superscore policy; if you plan to send scores, ask Admissions whether they will consider your highest section scores across test dates this cycle.
Can automatic merit stack with NJ TAG/EOF or outside scholarships?
Typically yes—institutional merit can combine with state/federal aid and outside awards, but total aid cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance. Some adjustments may occur to stay within federal/state limits.
What GPA/credit load do I need to renew?
Renewal requirements (minimum cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment, usually 12+ credits/term) appear in your award letter and the university’s financial aid terms. Keep an eye on those standards each semester.
Are there priority dates?
Applying by the university’s priority deadlines can help ensure timely merit consideration and earlier financial aid packaging.
🏆 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.”
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francis J. & Gail W. Mertz Scholarship | Up to $10,000/yr | Admitted freshmen from select NJ Catholic/independent high schools; strong GPA, leadership, service | Yes – Essay, résumé, recommendations; February deadline | Yes (conditions apply) | High-achieving seniors at the named NJ schools with strong academics and service |
| Peter & Sylvia Sammartino Scholarship (QUEST Education majors) | Renewable for 5-year BS/MAT program | First-year QUEST admits committed to teaching; essay and activities résumé required | Yes – Dedicated Sammartino application; February deadline | Yes (for duration of program) | Future teachers with strong GPA, service, and leadership who commit to QUEST |
Flagship/Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes these scholarships competitive?
They are limited in number, require essays or recommendations, and may be tied to specific majors or high schools. Unlike automatic merit, not every admitted student is considered.
Can I stack these with automatic merit?
In most cases, yes—though FDU may adjust packages so that total aid does not exceed the Cost of Attendance.
Do I need to apply separately?
Yes. Both flagship scholarships listed here have separate applications and fixed deadlines (usually February). Missing the deadline means you won’t be considered.
Who typically wins?
Students with strong GPAs, leadership roles, and meaningful service who can also stand out in essays or recommendations. For the Sammartino award, a clear commitment to teaching is key.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Academy Award | Up to $5,000/yr | Incoming freshmen admitted to and enrolled in the Honors Academy; award supplements existing merit aid | No – granted automatically upon Honors Academy acceptance | Yes – up to 4 years (must remain in Honors and meet all requirements) | High-achieving freshmen selected for the Honors Academy who maintain GPA and program involvement |
Honors Program FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately with essays and, in some cases, recommendations. Invitations may be extended to high-achieving applicants, but it’s not guaranteed.
When are the deadlines?
Priority deadline is usually December 1, with a later deadline around March 1. Decisions are released after mid-January.
Does being in Honors add time to graduation?
No. Honors requirements are built into the regular degree plan, so students can still graduate on time.
Are there extra scholarships tied directly to Honors?
Yes. Students admitted to the Honors Academy receive up to $5,000 per year in additional scholarship funding, renewable as long as program requirements are met.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Fairleigh Dickinson might not carry the R1 research label, but it offers something just as valuable for many families: a mix of personal attention, generous merit awards, and strong state support programs like TAG and EOF. For first-gen or budget-conscious parents, this combination means your student can access respected programs in nursing, business, hospitality, and education without paying the full sticker price. When paired with honors opportunities and travel-abroad perks, FDU becomes a private option that feels within reach.
✅ Last updated: September 21, 2025