Siena College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1225
- Average GPA: 3.53
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📌 Siena College at a Glance
Average Net Price
$32,697/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$3,000–$57,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
10 opportunities
5 automatic · 5 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.3+; ACT 24+ / SAT 1120+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: TBD
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Siena is a classic small private college where merit aid is part of the pricing strategy—not a bonus. Most admitted students will see some level of scholarship, which helps bring the sticker price down to something more realistic. But this isn’t a “huge discount” school—think steady, predictable merit rather than life-changing offers.
Where Siena works best is for students who want a smaller, structured environment with strong support and a clear path to graduation. If your student is organized, engages with faculty, and takes advantage of internships early, the value can absolutely be there. Just go in understanding this is about controlled cost—not chasing big, competitive payouts.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Siena College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30; SAT: 1225.
Average net price? About $32,697/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Siena College 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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) |
$48,895 |
$48,895 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$17,260 |
$17,260 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$66,155 |
$66,155 |
Average Federal Net Price: $32,697 — 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.
Reciprocity / WUE / Regional Programs: Siena does not offer state reciprocity or WUE pricing (same tuition for all undergrads).
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 $66,155? 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.
Sources:
University COA page: https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
Tuition & Fees / Room & Board: https://www.siena.edu/offices/business-services/student-accounts/tuition-fees-room-board/
Housing costs: https://www.siena.edu/offices/community-living/general-housing-information/housing-costs/
College Catalog: https://catalog.siena.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=733
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?195474=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$25,000–$27,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~25 ACT✎ ~1160 SATAutomatic consideration for admitted full-time freshmen. SAT/ACT are optional under Siena's test-optional policy — if you submit, superscoring is allowed on both. The 90 GPA / 1160 SAT / 25 ACT markers are guideposts shared by Siena, not hard cutoffs.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Siena gives each student one academic/merit scholarship — so Presidential will not stack with Franciscan or other Siena merit awards. The good news: it does layer cleanly on top of need-based grants, the Siena Grant, and outside private scholarships, all the way up to your cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Top tier of Siena's automatic freshman merit grid. Siena no longer publishes exact dollar amounts publicly and instead points families to its online Merit Scholarship Calculator for a personalized estimate. Range here reflects historically verified award amounts at this academic tier.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students bringing a strong academic story to the table — roughly a 90+ high school average (about a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale), honors and AP coursework on the transcript, and real community involvement. Testing is optional at Siena, but if your scores are sitting at 1160+ SAT or 25+ ACT (superscored), submit them — that profile lines up with typical Presidential recipients.
Automatic
Franciscan Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~24 ACT✎ ~1120 SATAutomatic for admitted full-time freshmen. Test-optional — if submitted, ACT/SAT can be superscored. GPA and test thresholds are guideposts, not hard cutoffs.
✚
Stacking & Combining
One Siena merit scholarship per student, so Franciscan does not stack with Presidential or other Siena academic awards. It does layer with the Siena Grant, federal/state aid, and outside private scholarships up to your cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Second tier of Siena's automatic freshman merit grid. Siena no longer publishes specific dollar figures publicly — families are pointed to the online Merit Scholarship Calculator for a personalized estimate.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid B+/A- students sitting around an 87+ high school average (roughly a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale) with a strong record of involvement — clubs, service, leadership, athletics, the works. Testing is optional, but a 1120+ SAT or 24+ ACT lines up with typical recipients if you choose to submit.
Automaticgeographicfaith_based
Bishops Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
⚠ Only for graduates of seven specific Diocese of Albany Catholic high schools.
Must be admitted to Siena as a full-time freshman from one of the seven named Diocese of Albany high schools. Renewable for four years.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Bishops is a smaller named award and is generally added on top of your main Siena merit scholarship (Presidential, Franciscan, etc.) since it rewards a specific pipeline rather than competing as a standalone merit tier. Always confirm with financial aid at award time.
💡
Strategic Detail
Pipeline award tied to seven Diocese of Albany Catholic high schools. Modest in size but truly automatic — no extra application — and renewable across four years for qualifying students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of seven specific Roman Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Albany — Bishop Maginn, Catholic Central, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, Saratoga Central Catholic, The Academy of the Holy Names, Christian Brothers Academy, and La Salle Institute. If your student is at one of these schools, this $3,000 is essentially built into their Siena cost picture.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransfer
Mission Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews
⚠ Transfer students only.
🎓 TransferTransfer students with cumulative college GPA below 3.0 per Siena's transfer scholarship grid.
✚
Stacking & Combining
One Siena transfer merit award per student. Can stack with the Siena Grant, federal/state aid, and outside private scholarships within cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry-level tier of the Siena transfer scholarship ladder. Siena does not publish specific dollar amounts for this tier publicly — applicants receive their personalized figure with their admission decision.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students whose cumulative college GPA is below 3.0 but who still bring a thoughtful application and alignment with Siena's mission and community values. It functions as the entry-level tier of Siena's transfer merit ladder, below St. Claire (3.0 to 3.19) and the Franciscan Transfer Scholarship (3.2+).
Automatic
Siena Guarantee
📅 Deadline: FAFSA and admission deadlines apply
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Requires admission as a full-time freshman plus a submitted FAFSA — the FAFSA is what 'unlocks' the Guarantee per Siena's own messaging.
✚
Stacking & Combining
The Guarantee is a floor, not a ceiling. Siena promises a minimum of $14,250 per year (at least $57,000 over four years) for any admitted, full-time FAFSA filer — and stronger academic profiles receive more through the named scholarships like Presidential or Franciscan. It is the same dollars, just packaged as a promise.
💡
Strategic Detail
Officially branded as the $57,000 Guarantee — at least $14,250 per year for each undergraduate year enrolled full-time. Functions as a four-year merit floor rather than a separate award; interacts with the named scholarships and need-based grants rather than stacking on top of them.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Every admitted, full-time freshman who files the FAFSA. Think of it as Siena's safety net — even families who do not land a top merit award still walk away with a meaningful scholarship floor.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*GPA/test bands marked with * are estimates for parent guidance based on published thresholds and recent award patterns. Actual cutoffs may 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 applies your highest institutional merit scholarship; need-based aid and outside scholarships can still be stacked up to the cost of attendance.
Sources:
Siena Merit Scholarships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Siena Affordability – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/afford/
Cost of Attendance & Calculator – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/cost-attendance/
Siena College St. Clare Scholarship – https://www.scholarships360.org/scholarship/siena-college-st-claire-scholarship/
🏆 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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
No flagship competitive scholarships are currently listed separately from Siena’s automatic merit awards. Students should focus on Presidential, Franciscan, and other automatic scholarships as the college’s top institutionally funded 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 any additional competitive flagship awards beyond its automatic merit 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.
Sources:
Siena Merit & Competitive Scholarships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Siena College Scholarships – https://collegereadyparent.org/siena-college-scholarships/
Siena College Endowed Scholarships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/endowed/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Outside of the big automatic and flagship merit scholarships, Siena students can uncover a handful of hidden opportunities. These awards are tied to service, special programs, ROTC, or study abroad, and can meaningfully reduce out-of-pocket costs when stacked with other aid.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Endowed Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Rolling (after FAFSA)
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Generally stackable with institutional merit and other aid, subject to each fund’s rules and overall cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Over 300 individual donor-funded awards; first-generation and underrepresented students often receive priority for need-based funds.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students whose profiles match specific donor criteria such as major, location, identity, or financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 7 (spring/fall cycle)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with Siena merit and need-based aid; treated as an external scholarship and may adjust need-based aid depending on total aid and cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the national Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship application for an approved study abroad program while receiving a Pell Grant.
Selection criteria: National review emphasizes financial need, quality of essays, and fit of program with academic and career goals.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
National scholarship administered outside Siena; amounts depend on program length and funding.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: U.S. citizen Pell Grant recipients with compelling study abroad plans and strong essays connecting their goals, finances, and program choice.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
KLC Pep Band Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling
✓ Renews
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship is in addition to institutional merit and can stack with other aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the KLC Pep Band scholarship process via the music and financial aid offices; must be an active Pep Band member.
Selection criteria: Selection considers Pep Band participation, musicianship, and financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award recognizes musical contribution to the Siena community; preference for students from larger families per some donor descriptions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active Siena Pep Band members with prior band experience and demonstrated financial need.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC (Mohawk Battalion)
📅 Deadline: High school: rolling; college: consult ROTC Office
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
tuition and fees or room and board plus stipend and books
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and fees or room and board at student’s election, plus book allowance and monthly stipend; institutional tuition scholarships may be reduced or replaced, but other aid may stack subject to cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Submit Army ROTC scholarship application and complete required evaluations through the Mohawk Battalion/Army ROTC office.
Selection criteria: Selection considers academics, physical fitness, leadership, and potential for military service.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
$420 monthly stipend and approximately $1,200 per year book allowance; multi-year awards available.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who meet Army academic, physical, and medical standards and commit to military service after graduation; leadership and fitness are key.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bonner Service Leaders
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Paid through work-study and institutional funds; can stack with institutional merit and outside scholarships subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Siena’s Academic Community Engagement (ACE) office; selection based on sustained record of service and Federal Work-Study eligibility.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes prior community service, leadership, and commitment to sustained engagement.
💡
Strategic Detail
Funding is disbursed as paid service hours rather than a traditional lump-sum scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted undergraduates with a strong, sustained community service record and leadership, who qualify for Federal Work-Study.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Boren Scholarship (language focus)
📅 Deadline: Jan–Feb (annual)
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
National scholarship that can stack with Siena aid; may affect need-based aid packaging depending on total aid and cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the national Boren Scholarship application for approved study abroad in critical language regions and commit to federal service after graduation.
Selection criteria: National review focuses on language commitment, program relevance to national security, academic preparation, and service plans.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes a federal service requirement after graduation.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: High-achieving U.S. citizens focused on critical languages and regions with strong service-oriented goals aligned with U.S. national security.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Ranges and criteria are Siena’s most recent published bands; verify in your official award offer. Bonner and ROTC require separate selection; study abroad aid is national-level and highly competitive.
- First-generation and underrepresented students get priority consideration on Siena Grants and many endowed awards.
- Majors or departmental scholarships are matched automatically after FAFSA and admissions; no extra application needed for most.
FAQ
Can these hidden scholarships stack with Siena merit? Yes — most awards stack, except that ROTC tuition/fee scholarships may replace institutional tuition scholarships.
Are these opportunities automatic? No. Bonner, ROTC, and national scholarships require applications and selection.
Do many Siena students win national fellowships? Yes — Siena faculty advise and support students applying for Gilman, Boren, and similar awards.
Is participation guaranteed if I apply? No. Bonner and ROTC are selective programs; study abroad fellowships are competitive.
Sources:
Bonner Service Leaders – https://www.siena.edu/offices/academic-community-engagement/bonner/
Army ROTC Mohawk Battalion – https://www.siena.edu/academics/schools-departments/school-of-science/military-science-army-rotc/
Study Abroad/National Fellowships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/international-programs/undergraduate-fellowships/
Siena Grants & Endowed Awards – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Boren Scholarships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/international-programs/boren/
KLC Pep Band – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/klc-pep-band-scholarship/
🎖️ 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 features small, discussion-driven seminars, close faculty mentorship, and flexibility to integrate study abroad or internships without delaying graduation.
What a Typical Siena Honors Student Looks Like:
GPA usually 3.7+, strong writing/critical thinking, AP/IB/Honors coursework, plus a clear record of service or leadership. Admission is by invitation or selective application review; approximately 50 students enter each year.
Perks That Matter:
- 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
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
FAQ
Is admission automatic with Siena admission? No — students are invited after admission review or may signal interest; final acceptance is selective (application, essay, recommendations).
Does Honors add extra time to graduate? No — the curriculum fits a standard four-year plan, even when combining study abroad or internships.
Are there dedicated scholarships tied to Honors? No separate Honors scholarships are published; Standish Honors students typically hold the highest Siena merit or donor-endowed awards offered via FAFSA/academic review.
What’s the deadline? Indicate interest during the admissions process or by Siena’s priority deadline to be considered. Returning students may apply after 30 credits with a GPA of 3.3+.
Sources:
Standish Honors Program – https://www.siena.edu/academics/standish-honors-program/
Catalog: Standish Honors – https://catalog.siena.edu/arts-sciences/students/honors/
Admissions Requirements – https://www.siena.edu/admissions/
Siena Scholarships – https://www.siena.edu/offices/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/
Financial Aid Terms – https://www.siena.edu/academics/financial-aid/terms/
⭐ 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.
Business (AACSB-Accredited) — Siena’s School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction earned by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. This recognition signals strong quality and opens doors for graduate programs and employers nationwide.
- 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.
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.
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