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Merit Scholarships

These institutional scholarships are extremely competitive and awarded to SUNY Cortland’s top applicants.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum scholarship criteria listed below does not guarantee students will earn an award, but that they will be considered for review.

Students must meet the unweighted grade point average and demonstrate rigor in their coursework as well as strong performance in main subject areas such as English, social studies, math, science and foreign language.

There is no separate application for merit scholarships; students are considered for these awards after they apply and all materials are received. Students who earn a merit scholarship are notified at the time of admission in their acceptance letter.

Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and live on campus to receive the award. Special circumstances are considered.

President’s Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 per year
Minimum criteria: 95 unweighted GPA plus rigorous coursework and strong performance in main subject areas

Renewability: Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and live on campus to receive the award.

Dean’s Scholarship

Amount: $2,500 per year
Minimum criteria: 93 unweighted GPA plus rigorous coursework and strong performance in main subject areas

Renewability: Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and live on campus to receive the award.

Merit Scholarship

Amount: $3,300 per year
Minimum criteria: 93 unweighted GPA plus rigorous coursework and strong performance in main subject areas

Renewability: Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and live on campus to receive the award.

Cortland College Foundation 21st Century Fund

Amount: $1,000 per year
Minimum criteria: 90 - 93 unweighted GPA plus rigorous coursework and strong performance in main subject areas

Renewability: This scholarship is renewable for up to four years and may remain with the same student as long as they continue to meet the criteria. Recipients must remain a full-time student and maintain a 2.8 grade point average.