HWS Scholarships

HWS provides the following merit based scholarships:

Seneca Scholarship – Full Tuition Scholarship

Awarded to three students each year, the Seneca Scholarship recognizes academic excellence, creative endeavors, and/or a student’s commitment to civic engagement. In order to be considered, students must first be a named scholar from the listing below and attend one of our Scholar Dinners in the spring. Full Tuition does not include Room and Board.

Presidential Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence – $35,000/year

Awarded to academically high achieving students of any background who have become leaders through their commitment to service in diverse communities, or substantial activism in areas that celebrate and promote communities that have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, or those with disabilities. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff to applicants who complete a scholarship application and an admissions interview. Last year, a typical Presidential Scholar was above a 3.6 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1370 SAT or 30 ACT or above.

William Scandling ’49 Trustee Scholarship – $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, completed interview

Awarded to students who display academic excellence and the potential to complete honors level work, pursue top internship opportunities, and/or complete research on campus. The Trustee Scholarship will be granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application.

Elizabeth Blackwell ’49 Pioneer in Science Scholarship – $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, completed interview

Awarded to students who have completed advanced science coursework, research, or pursued serious STEM or pre-health experiences. The Blackwell Scholarship will be granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application.

Trustee Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability – $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, 1370 SAT or 30 ACT, completed interview

Awarded for significant contribution in the areas of sustainability, energy use, climate change or other significant commitments to the environment. The Trustee Scholarship for Sustainability will be granted to applicants who fulfill all requirements listed above and complete a scholarship application.

Finger Lakes Scholarship – $30,000/year

Requirements: 3.7 GPA minimum or equivalent, completed interview

Finger Lakes Scholars must also graduate in the top 10% of their high school class and receive a special nomination from their high school in the Finger Lakes, N.Y.

Dean’s Scholarship – $25,000/year

Awarded to academically high achieving students who display a commitment to community engagement, civic responsibility, or creative endeavors. The Dean’s scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical Dean’s scholarship awarded student was above a 3.5 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above. Students are required to complete a scholarship application and interview.

Centennial Center Scholarship – $25,000/year

Awarded to academically high achieving students that are leaders in their communities, demonstrate strong problem solving skills, and may be great candidates for leadership programs in the Centennial Center at HWS. The CCL scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical CCL scholarship awarded student was above a 3.5 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above. Students are required to complete a scholarship application and interview.


Edward E. Rigney ’31 Debate Scholarship
 – $25,000/year

Awarded to students who have contributed significantly to debate programs, Model U.N., Mock trial, or other similarly relevant pursuits. The Debate scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Admissions staff. Last year, a typical Debate scholarship awarded student was above a 3.5 GPA or equivalent without test scores submitted, or scored a 1320 SAT or 29 ACT or above. Students are required to complete a scholarship application and interview.

Arts Scholars Program – $3,000 – $20,000/year

Please click each scholarship to view specific requirements:

Deborah Tall Scholarship for Creative Writing

Arthur Dove ’03 Scholarship for Studio, Fine Art, and Architecture

Edward E. Griffith Scholarship for Theatre and Theatre Tech

Janet Seeley Performing Arts Scholarship for Dance

Lindsay Lafford Scholarship for Musical Performance

All arts scholarships require a completed arts application.