Fairleigh Dickinson University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and international awards
- Honors and Global programs that add extra value
- How to layer FDU aid with New Jersey TAG and federal grants
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1010–1230
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–26
- Average HS GPA: ~3.3
Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall. FDU is test-optional for most majors.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
FDU at a Glance
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) automatically awards academic scholarships at admission—typically up to $22,000 per year. These awards renew annually for students who maintain good academic standing. FDU is test-optional, with GPA and coursework driving most decisions, and additional Global or Honors programs add special perks for high-achieving students.
With an average net price that ranges by campus (roughly $15k–$24k on federal Scorecard data), FDU can be among New Jersey’s more affordable private options once institutional, state (TAG), and federal aid are stacked together.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. Most programs at FDU are test-optional; SAT/ACT scores are reviewed only if submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? SAT 1010–1230; ACT 20–26 among those who submit scores.
What’s the average net price? About $19,841 depending on campus (Metropolitan vs. Florham) based on U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Does FDU offer full-tuition or full-ride scholarships? No standard full-ride is listed. The top automatic merit awards reduce tuition substantially, and students can stack them with NJ state grants and need-based aid.
Scholarships page: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/fdu-scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/
FDU grants & merit amounts: https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate/fdu-grants/
Freshman admissions (test-optional; rolling): https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/freshman/
FAFSA priority dates (new/returning): https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/undergraduate/
College Scorecard — Metropolitan Campus (avg net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184603-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Metropolitan-Campus=
College Scorecard — Florham Campus (avg net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?184694-Fairleigh-Dickinson-University-Florham-Campus=
Common Data Set (score bands reference): https://www.fdu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-25-Common-Data-Set-University.pdf
💰 Cost of Attendance at Fairleigh Dickinson University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $43,360 | $43,360 |
| Housing & Meals (standard on-campus) | $17,750 | $17,750 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $61,110 | $61,110 |
Note: Books & supplies, transportation, and personal expenses are not included above because families don’t pay these charges directly to FDU. These indirect costs typically add $3,000–$5,000 depending on course materials, travel distance, and individual spending.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDU Merit Scholarship — High Tier | $18,000–$22,000/year | Automatic for admits with ~3.7+ GPA (A- or better), strong rigor in academic record; strong SAT/ACT (if submitted), test-optional considered | No | Yes—renewable up to 4 years with full-time status and minimum GPA (typically ≥3.0; see award letter) | Top admits with most rigorous records (approx. top 10–15% overall) | Rolling; Jan 15 priority for merit |
| FDU Merit Scholarship — Mid Tier | $12,000–$17,000/year | Automatic for admits with ~3.3–3.69 GPA (B+/A-); solid coursework; test-optional or average test scores | No | Yes—renewable with minimum cumulative GPA (≥2.5–3.0 full-time; see letter) | Most above-average admits; not quite highest academic band | Rolling; Jan 15 priority |
| FDU Merit Scholarship — Low Tier | $5,000–$11,000/year | Automatic for admits with ~2.8–3.29 GPA (B/B+); meets minimum prep | No | Yes—renewable if full time, meet minimum GPA (≥2.0–2.5) | Admits just over university minimum; typically includes many test-optional | Rolling; Jan 15 priority |
*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.”
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francis J. & Gail W. Mertz Scholarship | Up to $10,000/yr | NJ seniors at select Catholic/independent high schools; strong GPA, leadership, service; full-time attendance at Florham/Metro campus | Yes — separate app, essay, résumé, 2 recommendations, FAFSA. Requires interview if selected as finalist | Yes—maintain 3.0 GPA, 24 credits per year, continued service/involvement; annual review | High-achieving seniors from eligible NJ high schools with leadership, service, and strong essay/application | February 21 |
| Peter & Sylvia Sammartino Scholarship (QUEST Education majors) | Average $5,000/year (renewable up to 5 years in QUEST BS/MAT) | Incoming QUEST program admits demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, service, and strong commitment to teaching | Yes — Sammartino application, essay, activities résumé, FAFSA, financial aid form | Yes—full-time QUEST enrollment, maintain ≥3.0 GPA; reviewed yearly, may increase based on academic performance | Future teachers enrolling in the QUEST 5-year MAT program with academic and service credentials | February 23 |
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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Academy Award | Up to $5,000/year | 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, including GPA progression to 3.3, 3.4, then 3.5) | High-achieving freshmen selected for the Honors Academy who maintain GPA and program engagement | Priority: Dec 1 Final: Mar 1 |
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.