Syracuse University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the College Scholarships Hub • See New York state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit awards and need-based aid mix
- Competitive programs like Coronat, Leadership, and Maxwell Scholars
- Honors and departmental funding across SU’s colleges
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~50%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1280–1430
- Middle 50% ACT: 28–32
- Average GPA (HS): 3.7–4.0 (weighted)
Source: Syracuse University Common Data Set (2024–25) and College Board BigFuture.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Syracuse at a Glance
Last verified: October 17, 2025
Syracuse University combines generous institutional aid with competitive, merit-based scholarships that can dramatically reduce the sticker price. Nearly 90% of students receive some form of aid, and strong applicants often qualify for merit ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 annually.
The most prestigious programs—like the Coronat Scholars, Leadership Scholars, and Haudenosaunee Promise—can cover full tuition or more. For academically ambitious students, the Renée Crown University Honors Program offers access to funding, mentoring, and priority registration.
FAQ
Is Syracuse test-optional? Yes — through Fall 2026, SAT/ACT are optional for admission and scholarship consideration.
What’s the average net price? About $43,452/year after need-based and merit aid, per federal data.
Does Syracuse offer full-tuition scholarships? Yes — the Coronat Scholars Program and Haudenosaunee Promise cover full tuition; some awards include additional stipends.
When should students apply? Apply by Nov 15 for Early Decision I, Jan 5 for ED II or Regular Decision, and file the FAFSA & CSS Profile by Feb 1 for priority aid.
Syracuse Admissions — https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/
Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/
Coronat Scholars — https://artsandsciences.syracuse.edu/advising/coronation-program/
Leadership Scholars — https://falk.syr.edu/leadership-scholarships/
Renée Crown Honors — https://honors.syr.edu/
Haudenosaunee Promise — https://multicultural.syr.edu/programs/haudenosaunee-promise/
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://effectiveness.syr.edu/common-data-set/
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?196413-Syracuse-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Syracuse University
| Category (2025–2026 est.) | On-Campus | Living with Parents |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $66,580 | $66,580 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,756 | $9,586 |
| Total (before aid) | $86,336 | $76,166 |
Note: Other indirect costs—such as books & supplies (~$1,800), personal expenses (~$1,300), and transportation (up to $2,400)—are not billed directly by the university but are included in Syracuse’s financial aid estimates. Actual expenses will vary by major, travel distance, and living style.
That’s what families actually paid after scholarships and grants — no loans — according to the College Scorecard.
Like most private universities, Syracuse requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA to award need-based institutional aid. Tip: File both forms by February 1 for maximum aid eligibility. Gather both parent and noncustodial parent information if applicable.
Who qualifies for financial aid?
All U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can submit the FAFSA. Syracuse also requires the CSS Profile for institutional need-based grants and scholarships.
How much do most families actually pay?
The average net price is around $51K per year, but lower- and middle-income families often pay far less thanks to Syracuse’s strong need-based and merit aid programs.
Is Syracuse need-blind?
Syracuse is not fully need-blind. Admission decisions are primarily holistic, but financial need may be considered for some applicants.
Syracuse Cost of Attendance — https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/cost/
Financial Aid Overview — https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/
College Scorecard (Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?196413-Syracuse-University
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://effectiveness.syr.edu/common-data-set/
CSS Profile Guide — https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/financial-aid-applications/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Syracuse University automatically considers all admitted first-year students for merit scholarships awarded by the university and its colleges. No separate scholarship application is needed. Some colleges (like A&S | Maxwell and Falk) offer “leadership” scholarships, which are also awarded by automatic review—just apply for admission by the priority deadlines.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Stacking | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University Merit Scholarship | Varies (tuition-specific—amount listed in admission offer) | Holistic review: GPA, rigor, leadership, testing (optional); may stack with other tuition awards (but never exceeds full tuition); amounts fixed for all undergrad years | No (automatic with admission) | Yes—keep ≥2.75 GPA, up to 8 semesters (10 for select 5-year majors) | Strong academic record, graded activities/essays, test scores if submitted | Nov 15 (ED); Jan 5 (RD) |
| A&S | Maxwell Leadership Scholars | 50% tuition (4 years; tuition-specific) | Apply to A&S | Maxwell; high academics, leadership/service; stacks tuition-specific only (not > tuition) | No (automatic; selective) | Yes—2.75 GPA, stay in eligible major | A&S | Maxwell admits notified early; exceptional leaders win | Nov 15/Jan 5 |
| Falk College Leadership Scholars | Tuition-specific grant (amount varies) | Apply to Falk major; strong records/leadership; follows tuition-only stacking rule | No (automatic; selective) | Yes—standard merit rules | Leaders in health/social fields, strong early applicants | Nov 15/Jan 5 |
Note: Syracuse does not publish a fixed chart for merit levels. “Leadership” awards in A&S | Maxwell and Falk are both competitive and automatic—no extra app. All merit is tuition-specific and cannot exceed tuition, but can be stacked up to that limit.
Do I need a separate application? No—automatic consideration if you apply for admission by the posted deadlines. Competitive programs with interviews or essays are listed in the “🏆 Competitive” section.
Are test scores required? Does Syracuse superscore? No; test-optional through 2027. If you do submit, Syracuse will superscore (combine your highest test section scores). Self-reported scores accepted for review.
How does stacking/renewal work? Awards cover tuition (never more). Most renew for 8 semesters (10 for certain 5-year degrees), given a 2.75+ GPA and full-time status.
https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/scholarships/
https://admissions.syr.edu/falk-college/scholarships/
https://thecollege.syr.edu/news-all/news-stories/2022/leadership-scholars-program-supports-top-students/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Syracuse’s most prestigious scholarships go beyond automatic academic merit. They are highly selective, often involving interviews or extra portfolios, and can cover up to full tuition (or more for certain cohort programs). Most competitive scholarships are offered either by automatic consideration or require a short, separate application and align with the main admission deadlines (Nov 15 Early Decision, Jan 5 Regular Decision).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Competitive Factors | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coronat Scholars Program (A&S | Maxwell) | Full tuition + study abroad + research funding | A&S | Maxwell applicants; academic excellence, leadership, service. Interview required for finalists. | No—auto consideration with admission | Yes—8 semesters | Historic average ~4.1+ GPA, ~1480+ SAT, major leadership/service; few chosen each year | Nov 15 (ED), Jan 5 (RD) |
| Leadership Scholars Program | ~50% tuition (varies by college) | A&S | Maxwell, iSchool, Whitman applicants; high GPA/leadership; auto consideration | No—automatic review | Yes—2.75+ GPA, up to 8 semesters | Top admits with exceptional leadership/service distinction | Nov 15 / Jan 5 |
| FIRST Robotics Scholarship (Engineering & Computer Science) | Up to $25,000/year | Engineering or CS applicants; participated in FRC/FTC; U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Must submit FIRST application to SU. | Yes—separate FIRST app required | Yes—maintain GPA/enrollment | Competitive FRC/FTC robotics students admitted to SU ECS | Jan 15 (FIRST app), Jan 5 (admission) |
| Bandier Scholarship (Music & Entertainment Industries) | ~Half tuition (1 awarded per year) | Bandier Program (Newhouse School); holistic: essays, portfolio, interview; highly selective | Yes—separate Bandier app by Jan 5 | Yes—maintain GPA/major | One student each year; creative achievers with top music/entertainment resumes | Jan 5 |
Note: GPA/test numbers above reflect historical winners (not cutoffs). All scholarships are highly selective, holistic, and numbers are limited every cycle. Bandier and FIRST require brief extra applications, while Coronat and Leadership Scholars are automatic (by college/major) with invitations to interview as needed.
Do I need to apply separately? Not for Coronat or Leadership Scholars (auto with admission), but you must submit the FIRST or Bandier separate applications by Jan 5–15 if you wish to be considered.
How competitive are these scholarships? Extremely: Coronat selects only a handful of winners per year; Leadership is limited to a set number for each major/college; Bandier is one per year; FIRST is capped by department allocation.
Stacking and renewal? All are tuition-specific; may combine with outside/state or need-based aid up to full tuition. Renewable for up to 8 semesters (Bandier, Coronat, etc.) given progress and GPA.
https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/scholarships/
https://admissions.syr.edu/falk-college/scholarships/
https://thecollege.syr.edu/news-all/news-stories/2022/leadership-scholars-program-supports-top-students/
https://soe.syr.edu/admissions/cost-financial-aid/scholarships/first-robotics/
https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/admissions/info/music-courses-bandier/
🎖️ Honors College
The Renée Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse is for students seeking a rich, challenging experience beyond the typical curriculum. Admission is by separate application after SU admission; deadlines align with university rounds (ED: Nov 15, RD: Jan 5). Admission is competitive and involves review of essays and recommendations, but selected students access unique research, mentoring, and leadership experiences.
High school GPA around 3.8+ (honors/AP/IB strength)
SAT/ACT: 1350+ SAT or 29+ ACT*
Strong in leadership, writing, and engagement/service.
*No fixed cutoffs; these are competitive cohort estimates.
- Priority registration; small, seminar Honors courses
- Honors housing communities
- Faculty-mentored research and funding for projects or study abroad
- Special graduation recognition, including Honors diploma distinction
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Competitive Aspects | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renée Crown Honors Scholarship | Partial tuition (varies by year/cohort) | Admitted to Honors; high academic, service, and research/creative strengths | Automatic with Honors app | Yes—maintain ≥3.2 GPA, FT status | Honors students with leadership, academics, and creative or research ambition | Honors app: Nov 15 (ED), Jan 5 (RD) |
Notes: Scholarship numbers are not published, but recent honors cohorts report about 30–40 competitive scholarship recipients per year. Renée Crown scholars also have access to research and experiential funding.
Is Honors admission automatic? No—Honors is a separate, selective application with a holistic review process.
Does Honors add extra graduation time? No—requirements (courses, project) fit within a 4-year plan.
Can Honors scholarships stack? Yes—Honors, university, and external awards may all be combined up to tuition/COA caps.
https://honors.syr.edu/
https://financialaid.syr.edu/scholarships/
https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions/cost-and-aid/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialties
Syracuse is more than basketball and snow. It’s a nationally recognized private R1 research university that blends professional schools with strong liberal arts. From communications to public policy, Orange students often step straight into high-profile industries thanks to Syracuse’s deep alumni network and hands-on programs.
Consistently ranked among the top 5 communications schools nationwide, Newhouse is a powerhouse for journalism, advertising, public relations, and digital media. Its alumni network includes anchors, executives, and media innovators across the country.
Sources: U.S. News rankings for journalism/communications; Syracuse Newhouse highlights.
- Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs — Ranked #1 in the U.S. for public affairs (U.S. News, 2024). Known as the nation’s first school of citizenship and public affairs.
- School of Information Studies (iSchool) — Consistently top 10 in information science and library science programs nationwide. Recognized for data analytics, cybersecurity, and library leadership.
- College of Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) — Nationally ranked for design and drama; graduates perform on Broadway and lead major design firms.
- Whitman School of Management — Known for entrepreneurship and supply chain management; consistently ranked among the best undergraduate business schools (Bloomberg Businessweek, Poets&Quants).
- Falk College of Sport & Human Dynamics — Home to one of the first academic programs in sport management, often ranked top 10 in the U.S. for sport industry education.