Institutional Scholarships
Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship
Private/Corporate Scholarships
Additional Resources


In addition to need-based financial aid, we offer merit and talent scholarships to eligible students.

All candidates for admission are evaluated for scholarship at the time of review. We seek to award as many qualified candidates as our funds will allow. Last year, Purchase College offered approximately $2.2 million in merit and talent scholarships to academically qualified new and returning students.

Incoming freshmen are eligible for several different annual scholarships with awards ranging from $200 to full tuition. Scholarship recipients pursuing BA/BS programs are selected based on academic achievement. BFA and MusB candidates are awarded scholarships based on talent demonstrated during the application process.

The Office of Student Financial Services monitors and advises students of opportunities to obtain scholarships given by outside entities, such as private agencies, civic groups, companies, and other independent organizations.


Institutional Scholarships 

Institutional scholarships are made available directly from the college by the Purchase College Foundation and come from the generous contributions of donors to Purchase College. The donor community is comprised of individuals, families, foundations, and corporations.

There is no formal application process at Purchase College for institutional scholarships. Scholarship criteria vary for students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences and in the School of the Arts. Some are major-specific, so changing majors may impact scholarship eligibility. All scholarships are based upon the availability of funds. Other variables may include residency, programs of interest, and time of admission.

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewed for continuing students. Once awarded, students are reviewed each year to determine ongoing eligibility. Institutional scholarships are funded for four years (eight semesters) only.

For any questions or concerns regarding institutional scholarships, email our scholarship committee: scholarships@purchase.edu


Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship (ESDHS) 

The Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship (ESDHS) Program is a scholarship of direct aid to attract and retain undergraduate students to State University of New York campuses who have demonstrated high academic achievement and can demonstrate that they will contribute to the diversity of the student body. The program is for students from a broad range of backgrounds who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in their chosen program or school. 

Completed applications can be emailed to sfs@purchase.edu. The deadline for the 2024/25 academic year is September 18, 2024. Awards will be determined by November 4 th  2024.


Private/Corporate Scholarships 

Private and corporate scholarships are provided from many independent sources outside of the college. Many students overlook the opportunity to receive private scholarships as a source of financial assistance. Check with your employer, a parent’s employer, or a community organization that assists its local residents. Do not overlook your high school guidance counselor for scholarships assistance. There are scholarship opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in all areas of study.