First-Year Student Scholarships

Earning a college degree is one of the best investments you and your family can make for your future.

We want to make a Nazareth University education as affordable as possible for you, and that's why we offer the following Merit Scholarships based on academic achievement.

Scholarships for transfer students »
Scholarships for international students »

2024-25 Academic Year Merit Scholarships

For first-time undergraduate students starting in fall 2024: Merit scholarships are based on your cumulative weighted high school grade point average (GPA) at the time an admission decision is made. Merit scholarship levels are established annually. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years at the same level. These scholarships are a base award. 

Award Name Award Amount GPA Band
Presidential $19,000 96+
Dean $18,000 95.99 to 94
Founders $17,000 93.99 to 92
Trustees $16,000 91.99 to 89
Class of 1928 $14,000 88.99 to 85
Flyers $12,000 Below 85

ACT/SAT Test Scores

Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are not required for admission to Nazareth University, regardless of a student's cumulative high school grade point average, and are not factored into your merit scholarship eligibility.

Disbursement of Scholarships

Scholarship awards are offered in annual amounts, divided by each semester's enrollment (fall and spring). If you are only enrolled for one semester during an academic year, only half of the scholarship or award will be credited.

Renewal Criteria

  • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

2024-25 Additional Nazareth Scholarships

Stackable Scholarship Awards

Stackable awards can be added to merit scholarships. These "stackable" awards are subject to a $2,000 annual limit and only one of the below awards will be applied to base merit award. No additional application is necessary unless otherwise noted. Full-time enrollment is required.

Name Award Criteria
Hometown Advantage Grant $2,000 per year For students who live and have a permanent address within a 30-mile radius of campus. Submit your Admissions application by February 1.
Changemaker Leadership Award $2,000 per year For incoming first-year students who have demonstrated leadership in their community (through service, volunteering, social justice, etc.) and are interested in continued leadership at Nazareth. Submit your Admissions application by February 1.
Visual and Performing Arts $2,000 per year For admitted visual and performing arts majors. Submit your Admissions application by February 1 and audition (if required) by March 15.

Merit Replacement Scholarship Awards

The following scholarships, if awarded, replace merit scholarships (are not "stackable" with merit awards). Full-time enrollment is required.

Name Award Criteria
RCSD Graduates Award $19,000 per year For students who graduated from the Rochester (NY) City School District.
Bonner Leader Half of tuition The Bonner Leader scholarship supports 15 new students each year who want to make a difference in the world by providing a scholarship (recipients won't pay more than 50% of Nazareth's tuition each year), training, and paid community engagement work.
Young Scholars Full tuition Young Scholars provides access to an unparalleled private education for high-achieving, first-generation students with financial need.