Scholarships for Seniors
Scholarships for Seniors
Important Scholarship Information
Scholarships will be posted below as they become available and emails will be sent periodically via Naviance indicating the scholarship list has been updated. Click on the scholarship name for instructions. Students are responsible for meeting the deadlines of the scholarships. Scholarship applications are also available through the Naviance. After signing in to Naviance, click on the "Colleges" tab, then scroll down and select "Scholarships." All of the available scholarships are listed with links to their applications. When supplemental materials such as transcripts and/or letters of recommendations are required, please submit these requests to the counseling office well in advance of the deadline to allow for processing.
Questions and/or concerns about scholarships can be directed to the Counseling Office or email scholarships@pearlriver.org.
New York State College Tuition Programs
Excelsior Scholarship Program
The Excelsior Scholarship provides free tuition to New York State students whose families earn up to $110,000 annually, to attend a SUNY or CUNY two-year or four-year college. It will extend to families making up to $125,000 annually. Apply or learn more at Excelsior. To find additional information on the benefits of the scholarship and how to apply, students and their families can visit Higher Education Services Corporation or Tuition-Free Degree Program: The Excelsior Scholarship, and text COLLEGE to 81336 for updates.
To apply, students must meet eligibility requirements, including:
- Be residents of New York State
- Plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college
- Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study
- Graduate with an Associate's Degree in two years or a Bachelor's Degree in four years
Family income requirements: This program is open to students whose annual household federal adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less.
To complete the application, you will need: IT-201 NYS Income Tax Return(s) for you and your parent(s), as applicable. The Excelsior Scholarship Program will open in late spring. Students eligible to apply through the NYS DREAM Act can apply at Account Login.
More information can be found at the the Excelsior Scholarship.
NYS Enhanced Tuition Award
Are you a high school graduate attending one of these private colleges or universities located in New York State next fall? If so, you may be eligible for the NYS Enhanced Tuition Award.
To apply, students must meet eligibility requirements, including:
- Be residents of New York State
- Be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a participating private colleges or universities located in New York State
- Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study
- Graduate with an Associate's Degree in two years or a Bachelor's Degree in four years
Family income requirements: This program is open to students whose annual household federal adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less.
To complete the application, you will need: 2019 IT-201 NYS Income Tax Return(s) for you and your parent(s), as applicable.
The Enhanced Tuition Awards Application is available here. Students eligible to apply through the NYS DREAM Act can apply at Account Login.
More information can be found at Enhanced Tuition Awards.
Scholarships for Academic Excellence
The New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence program provides scholarship assistance to outstanding New York State high school graduates. Each year, 8,000 scholarships are awarded - up to 2,000 scholarships of $1,500 and 6,000 scholarships of $500 to top scholars from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on certain academic criteria. Recipients can also receive other non-loan student aid, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Selection Criteria: The high school shall selet winners by computing a weighted average of the scores on the Regents examinations taken by students prior to their senior year in English, Algebra II, Global Studies & Geography, United States History & Government and two (2) Science examinations.
Please click on the links below for more information on each scholarship.
(Links to additional scholarship resources are available below this list.)
ELKS MVS Scholarship: The Elks National Foundation awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year. These scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours) at a U.S. college or university starting in 2027-2028. Please visit the ELKS Website for complete details and requirements. The deadline is November 12, 2026 at 11:59 PST.
Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship (University of Miami): The Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship is one of the University of Miami’s most prestigious scholarships, honoring the legacy of the University’s first director of minority affairs. The Hammond Scholarship includes the full cost of tuition for the completion of one undergraduate degree, which is up to eight semesters, or ten semesters for students in the School of Architecture. To be considered for the Hammond Scholarship, you must apply and be admitted through either the Early Decision I or Early Action admission plans. There is no separate application outside of the Common Application to be considered. The Hammond Scholarship is open only to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Please visit the University of Miami website for full criteria and how to apply. Deadline is November 1, 2026.
SOCIAL (Society of Irish-American Lawyers) Annual Scholarship: The Society of Irish American Lawyers offers a $2,500.00 scholarship to a junior or senior of Irish-American heritage from an accredited high school, as well as a $500 runner-up prize. Each student will be evaluated based upon the submitted scholarship essay, evidence of leadership and service to school and community, and the letter of recommendation. The applicant’s demonstrated academic ability, as well as any factors relating to the applicant’s character, may be considered by the scholarship selection committee. The deadline for the scholarship is by midnight on December 1, 2026, via email to SocialStudentScholarship@gmail.com.