Scholarships and Grants

Some of Fordham's merit-based scholarships and grants are offered by the Office of Undergraduate Admission’s scholarship committees. In addition, the Office of Financial Services may award other merit and/or need-based awards depending on a student's eligibility. Further information about those scholarships and grants is available at Undergraduate Financial Aid and Learn More About Financial Aid.

Merit-Based Scholarships

All candidates for undergraduate admission will be considered for the following scholarships. The student's application for admission is also the application for these awards. In keeping with our test-optional policy, applicants are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score to be considered for scholarships.

Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship
The award covers tuition, room, board, and fees and is renewable for four years. Recipients are also eligible for a maximum of $20,000 over four years to use for academic enrichment experiences. Awarded to the top 20-25 admitted students each year Cunniffe Presidential Scholars are generally ranked in the top 1-2% of their high school class and represent our most talented students as demonstrated by their outstanding academic performance, personal characteristics, as well as their commitment, leadership, and service. April 1 notification.

Semifinalist and National Recognition Program Scholarships
The full-tuition award renewable for four years. All students who are designated as Semifinalists by the National Merit Recognition Program or Scholars by the National Hispanic Recognition Program, African American Recognition Program, or Indigenous Recognition Program (new in 2021) will be considered for this scholarship. Of this pool of candidates last year, 71% of designees received the award. This scholarship augments gift aid from all sources to cover the full tuition cost each year (fees not included) for courses taken as a traditional undergraduate student at Fordham. Other sources may include the Federal Pell Grant, state assistance, and other resources. The scholarship will be adjusted for only one-half of other non-tuition-specific outside resources or scholarships. The remaining half may be used for additional educational expenses.

Dean's Scholarship
Awards begin at $20,000 and increase based on a student’s financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile. Typically, 10% of our admitted students are recipients of this award. To be considered for this award, students exhibit strong academic performance in a rigorous curriculum; as well as present exceptional personal characteristics, commitment, leadership, and/or service. Notification is made at the time of admission.

Rev. George McMahon, S.J. Scholarship
Recipients are among the most talented students admitted to Fordham. McMahon Scholars are generally ranked at or near the top of their high school class and demonstrate excellent academic achievement in high school, strong test scores, extracurricular involvement, personal characteristics such as leadership and orientation to service as well as financial need. Award amounts will vary depending on the student’s need.

Other Scholarships

We also offer a range of additional scholarships that are based on merit and/or need. Scholarship awards and amounts vary based on specified criteria.

The Maguire Scholars Higher Education Program
Fordham University participates in the Maguire Scholars Program. The scholarship is available to incoming first-year students who are graduates of specific Pennsylvania high schools. Fordham will select recipients based on the student's financial need, academic merit, and participation in school and/or community-based extracurricular activities. To be considered for the Maguire Scholars Program, please review the high school list to confirm your school is eligible. In addition, each applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by November 15, for Early Action/Early Decision applicants, or by February 10, for Priority Performance and Regular Decision applicants. Please make sure Fordham University's school code (002722) is listed on your FAFSA.

The National Catholic College Admission Association Scholarship
Fordham is a member institution in The National Catholic College Admission Association (The National CCAA). Each year, they offer scholarships to students who will be attending a member institution. The National CCAA Scholarships are 16 one-time, $1,000 awards. The deadline is typically in March. Award recipients will be selected by late-April. Further details regarding the scholarship and application procedures can be found on the National CCAA website.

Other Grants

Metro Grant
$10,000 per year. This grant is awarded to entering students (U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) who commute to Fordham from their permanent residence in New York City or the surrounding areas. Please note that the Metro Grant cannot be combined with the Presidential or Semifinalist scholarships.