SUNY Diversity Honors Scholarship

The SUNY Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship program is designed to direct aid to undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates will contribute to the diversity of the student body by demonstrating their commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and activities. Additional essays are required.

To participate in the Diversity Honors Scholarship program, applicants are required to
• be New York State residents;
• be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status;
• be on the Dean’s List with a 3.75 or higher GPA;
• demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education;
• demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus communities.

Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility, and submission of a FAFSA is required.

Preference will be given to candidates who are from a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible), first-generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree), have overcome adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and are consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law.  All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

(Awards in the 2024-25 academic year will begin in spring 2025, and are contingent on passage of the state budget and notification of the anticipated allocation from SUNY.)