Siena College 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
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Siena College, a private school in New York, offers automatic merit scholarships, competitive awards, and even ROTC funding that can make a real difference for families. If you’re from New York, you’ll also want to check our New York state aid guide to see what extra help may be available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Siena College
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–17 credits) | $46,690 | $46,690 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,205 | $2,205 |
| Housing & Meals (standard plans) | $17,070–$25,750 | $17,070–$25,750 |
| Books & Supplies (allowance) | $1,345 | $1,345 |
| Travel (allowance) | $1,041 | $1,041 |
| Personal Expenses (allowance) | $1,945 | $1,945 |
| Total (before aid) | $70,213 (official 2025–26 resident estimate) | $70,213 (same — private college) |
Notes: Siena publishes tuition of $46,690 and standard fees of $2,205. Housing & meal costs vary by residence and plan ($17,070–$25,750). The official total ($70,213) reflects Siena’s resident budget using typical housing/meal and standard allowances; line items above are representative and may not sum exactly to that estimate.
Academic reciprocity: Siena participates in the Hudson/Mohawk Association cross-registration program—expanded course access at partner campuses, no tuition discount.
Quick FAQ
Why are in-state and out-of-state the same? Siena is a private college with one tuition rate.
Will my total match $70,213? Not exactly—your residence hall, meal plan, and personal spending will move your total up or down.
What’s “average net price”? It’s the average families paid after grants/scholarships in that federal year—helpful for ballpark budgeting.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $25,000–$27,000 per year | Highest-tier automatic merit; typically for GPAs ≥ 3.5 with strong rigor; test-optional considered | No | Yes — maintain good academic standing (see award letter for exact renewal GPA) | A–/A averages (3.5+), AP/IB/Honors; ACT 28+/SAT 1300+ can strengthen but not required* |
| Franciscan Scholarship | $23,500 per year | Automatic consideration for students with solid academics and community/service involvement | No | Yes — standard academic progress | B+/A– students (~3.3–3.6*), evidence of involvement/service |
| Siena Guarantee (floor) | Minimum $57,000 over 4 years | All admitted students receive at least this amount in Siena scholarships | No | Yes — packaged as institutional merit | Sets a baseline (~$14,250/yr); stronger profiles earn Franciscan or Presidential |
*GPA/test bands marked with * are estimates for parent guidance based on published thresholds and recent award patterns. Actual cutoffs can vary by applicant pool and year.
FAQ
Do I need a separate application? No. All admitted students are automatically considered for Siena’s merit scholarships.
Is Siena test-optional and do they superscore? Yes — Siena is test-optional, and if you submit scores, they will superscore across test dates.
Can awards stack? Siena generally applies your single highest institutional merit award; need-based aid and outside scholarships may still stack (subject to COA and packaging rules).
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
Beyond Siena’s automatic merit awards, the college also offers a limited number of competitive flagship scholarships. These are not guaranteed with admission — students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, or service, and in some cases complete a separate application or interview.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|
No flagship competitive scholarships are currently listed separately from Siena’s automatic merit awards. Students should focus on the Presidential and Franciscan levels as the college’s top institutional awards.
FAQ
What makes a scholarship “competitive” at Siena? Unlike automatic merit, competitive scholarships usually require an extra step such as an interview, essay, or special review. Siena does not currently list additional competitive flagship awards beyond its automatic tiers.
Are national flagship awards like National Merit or STAMPS offered here? No — Siena is not a partner with National Merit, STAMPS, or QuestBridge.
Should students still apply for outside competitive scholarships? Yes. Many Siena students combine institutional merit with competitive national or regional awards to reduce their net cost.
⭐ College Specialty
Siena College is a private Franciscan liberal arts college in New York that has built a reputation for blending small-school attention with strong professional preparation. Families often choose Siena for its accredited business programs, growing data science offerings, and research opportunities that rival larger institutions — all while keeping a close-knit campus feel.
- Data Science: Siena offers one of the first liberal arts–focused data science degrees in the region, integrating technical skills with applied problem-solving.
- Accounting: Consistently ranked among the top accounting programs in New York State for CPA pass rates and job placement.
- Siena Research Institute (SRI): Nationally cited polling center that provides paid undergraduate research positions and media visibility.
- Political Science & Pre-Law: Siena students benefit from internship pipelines to New York State government and law schools, with recognition across the Northeast.
🎖️ Honors College
Siena’s J. Spencer & Patricia Standish Honors Program is designed for high-achieving students who want an academic experience that goes deeper than the standard curriculum. It offers small, discussion-driven seminars, faculty mentorship, and flexibility to integrate study abroad or internships without delaying graduation.
GPA in the 3.7+ range, strong writing and critical thinking, AP/IB/Honors coursework in high school, and a clear record of leadership or service.
- Priority course registration
- Small Honors seminars and faculty mentorship
- Option to contract courses for Honors credit
- Capstone thesis or research project support
- Flexibility to study abroad or intern without adding time to degree
FAQ
Is admission automatic with Siena admission? No — students are invited after admission review or may signal interest; final acceptance is selective.
Does Honors add extra time to graduate? No — the program is designed to fit within a standard four-year plan, even with study abroad or internships.
Are there extra scholarships tied to Honors? Siena does not publish separate Honors scholarships; most Honors students also hold top-tier merit or endowed awards.
What’s the deadline? Students should indicate interest during the admissions process or by Siena’s priority deadlines to be considered for invitation.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Siena College blends the feel of a small liberal arts campus with real scholarship value. Every admitted student is guaranteed aid, and top performers can secure flagship merit awards that dramatically reduce the sticker price. Add in hidden gems like Bonner, ROTC, and endowed scholarships, and families have multiple paths to make Siena affordable. If your student thrives in close-knit communities and values both service and academic rigor, Siena is worth a serious look.
✅ Last updated: September 20, 2025