Need-based Scholarships
All current students seeking need-based scholarships must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive maximum consideration for need-based scholarships, you should file the FAFSA by January 1. The online form can be accessed at www.fafsa.gov. Submit your FAFSA online or by mail. The earlier the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processing System receives the application, the sooner the financial aid process can begin. The FAFSA becomes available October 1 of each calendar year. If you submit the FAFSA by January 1, you should receive your online planning letter in June. We strongly encourage you to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to submit the correct tax information on the FAFSA.
School-Based Merit Scholarships
School-based merit scholarships (e.g. Dean's Promise, Chancellor's Promise, Dean's Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, etc.) are subject to specific renewal and eligibility criteria from year to year. It is a student's obligation to review, understand, and meet the renewal and eligiblity criteria associated with merit-based scholarship awards. Students should review their own scholarship eligibility and renewal criteria via ScarletHub. You may submit a school-based merit scholarship question to the Honors College, and staff will direct you to the appropriate office.
Scholarships and School-to-School Transfers within Rutgers-New Brunswick
Be aware that transferring between schools may mean different Honors College requirements and major offerings as well as a different scholarship. Please contact your Honors College Academic Advisor to review options and to discuss your academic standing and the possibility of a school-to-school transfer.
Scholarships at Rutgers are school-based, and can be transferable. If you have maintained strong academic standing, most schools will attempt either to match the merit award they offered you prior to admission (if you applied to them initially) or to approximate the award you presently have in your current school.
Please note that these decisions are not automatic, and are made on a case-to-case basis by the schools.
Continuing Students with questions related to scholarships or school-to-school transfers must first speak with their Honors College Academic Advisor. In consultation with the Advisor, students may also be directed to contact the scholarship person for their specific school from the list below.
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Person to contact for scholarship information:
Joseph Ventola, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs
848-932-3000
School of Engineering
Contact for scholarship information:
Scholarship Admin
Rutgers Business School
Person to contact for scholarship information:
Alexandra Charles, Assistant Dean
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Person to contact for scholarship information:
Donald Woodward, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Services
848-445-6250
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Person to contact for scholarship information:
Scholarship Admin
848-932-5208
School of Arts and Sciences
Person to contact for scholarship information:
Michele Linder, Senior Program Coordinator
848-932-7683
Honors College Merit Scholarships and Grants
The following merit scholarships are available for current Honors College students in good standing who will be enrolled in coursework in the upcoming academic year. To be considered in good standing, students must be making progress towards completing their Honors College academic and service requirements. Priority will be given to students who have positively contributed to the Honors College community.
Scholarships will be awarded ranging from $500-$2000 for general support, but funds will be credited against any balance on a student’s account. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and a combination of merit and need for the following academic year and may not be used in a term after a student’s graduation. Scholarship recipients will be required to write a letter to the donor of their scholarship. The application process traditionally opens in December, but may vary from scholarship to scholarship.
Walker Family Scholarship
Funded by the Walker Family, this competitive scholarship provides added support to one or two full-time Honors College students per year. Based on academic merit and need, one-time scholarships are for up to $1,000.
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility & Application:
Honors College Changemaker Award
This annual award was established to recognize a student or students who have demonstrated exceptional awareness and commitment to service while at Rutgers. The award will be distributed with a value up to $500.
- Scholarship Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility & Application:
Honors College Deans’ Scholarship
This scholarship is reserved for helping continuing Honors College students in good standing who face long-term financial difficulties in finishing their undergraduate education at Rutgers–New Brunswick. Awards are based on demonstrated need. Renewable up to four years of undergraduate study.
- Scholarship Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility & Application:
Honors College Student Emergency Fund
This fund was established to provide a safety net to students who are confronted with an unexpected emergency that could hinder their academic success.
- Scholarship Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility & Application:
Honors College Forum Research Grant
This grant is intended to help students enrolled in the Honors College Forum pursue travel or research related to the Forum but not covered by current scholarship support.
- Scholarship Deadline: October 1st & February 15th
Eligibility & Application:
Scholarships for Study Abroad and Other International Experiences
The Honors College offers three different scholarships supporting study abroad (see below). Students need only submit one application to be considered for all three scholarships. Application should be completed at least 2 months before the study abroad experience begins.
James F Dougherty Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship
This study abroad scholarship was established to provide assistance to students with financial need, affording them the life-changing experience of study abroad. Primary consideration will be given to students studying in the area of Animal Science through the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences with preference to those with an interest in Pre-veterinary sciences. Secondary consideration will be given to students in the School of Arts and Sciences with a demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ issues and advocacy. One-time scholarships will range from $1,000-$2,000, given availability of funds.
- Scholarship Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility & Application:
Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship (anonymous donor)
This study abroad scholarship was established by an anonymous donor to provide assistance to Honors College students who have demonstrated academic merit and financial need. It is her hope that this scholarship will assist students with financial need, affording them the life-changing experience of study abroad. One-time scholarships will range from $1,000-$2,000, given availability of funds.
- Scholarship Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility & Application:
Honors College Scholarship for Alternative International Experiences
This scholarship serves to support students who wish to participate in a non-credit-bearing international experience, such as a service-learning trip. Priority for awards will be given to Honors College students who have demonstrated academic merit and financial need and who make the strongest case for the importance of this experience to their growth and development. One-time scholarships will range from $1,000-$2,000, given availability of funds.
- Scholarship Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility & Application:
School-Based and Department-Based Scholarships
Honors College students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities within their school of enrollment.
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Engineering
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
- Mason Gross School of Arts
- Rutgers Business School
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences