Merit Scholarships and Awards for Incoming Students 

Syracuse University’s Office of Admissions offers several merit scholarships and awards, all of which recognize academic, personal, and creative achievements.

All students who apply for admission to Syracuse University are considered for merit-based scholarships, regardless of citizenship or country of birth.

All awards are determined at the time of admission.

Signature Scholarships and Awards

The Syracuse University 1870 Scholarship is a prestigious award for incoming first-year students. Named for the university's founding year, it recognizes exceptional academic talent, innovation, leadership, and community service, often covering full tuition for the program's duration. It is awarded to students who embody values of innovation, discovery, and courage, similar to the university's pioneering alumni.

The highly competitive Coronat Scholars Program offers a full-tuition scholarship to select students admitted to undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs who demonstrate exceptional academics, leadership and service. It also elevates an already robust undergraduate experience at Arts and Sciences | Maxwell through tailored benefits and special opportunities.

Syracuse University Merit Scholarship recognizes incoming first-year students who have demonstrated exceptional academic and personal achievement, strong leadership, outstanding character, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom—students whose talents and values will strengthen our community.

The Syracuse University Orange Award celebrates incoming first-year students whose contributions to their communities and personal character reflect the drive and spirit that will enrich the Syracuse community.

In addition to these awards, there are scholarship programs within some schools and colleges to recognize exceptional qualifications and achievements aligned with programs of study. Applicants are considered for these scholarships during the admission process and, if there is an application or interview required, contacted for further information.

Talent and Program Specific Awards

Architecture Scholarship: This prestigious full-tuition scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students who have demonstrated strong artistic and academic ability.

ACE Mentor Scholarship: ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor scholarships are offered to select students who are involved with an ACE Mentor Program affiliate and are admitted to the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the School of Architecture, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The following scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students admitted to the Setnor School of Music who have demonstrated exceptional musical talent and academic achievement. These awards include:

  • Music Director’s Award
  • Music Orchestral Award
  • Setnor Music Award

      The following scholarships are awarded to qualifying incoming first-year students who are admitted to the College of Engineering and Computer Science:

      ACE Mentor Scholarship: ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor scholarships are offered to select students who are involved with an ACE Mentor Program affiliate and are admitted to the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the School of Architecture, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

      America On Tech Scholarship: Founded by two Syracuse University alumni, this scholarship is offered to selected students who have participated in an America On Tech program during high school.

      FIRST Scholarship: Offered to selected students who are admitted to the College of Engineering and Computer Science and have participated on a FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge team during high school.

      Project Lead the Way: Project Lead the Way (PLTW) scholarships are offered to select students who have taken at least two PLTW courses during high school, are admitted to the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

      Syracuse University Vex Robotics  (REC Foundation) Scholarship: Offered to selected students who have participated in an REC Foundation program during high school.

      If you have questions about these scholarships, please contact the Office of Admission or call 315-443-3611.

      Note on Tuition-Specific Aid with Merit-Based Scholarships: Syracuse University scholarships are tuition-specific and may be combined with other tuition-specific awards (including those outside of Syracuse University), not to exceed the amount of tuition for each year. Tuition Exchange is the only outside scholarship that cannot be combined with merit funding. If you are a Syracuse University Dependent Tuition Benefit (DTB) eligible student receiving less than 100 percent benefit, your SU merit-based scholarship may be combined with your Dependent Tuition Benefit, up to the cost of full tuition. If you receive 100 percent tuition benefit from the SU DTB program, you will receive a merit-based scholarship in name only, as your scholarship is already included in your Dependent Benefit funding.

      Renewal Requirements: Please refer to your aid offer in MySlice for the requirements to maintain your scholarship or award.