Scholarships

Each year, St. Lawrence awards tens of millions of dollars in scholarships and need-based financial aid. Each student can only be awarded one scholarship, either merit or specialty. If a student qualifies for more than one, the scholarship with the highest monetary value will be awarded. 

Students attending high school in Canada may wish to consider the Augsbury/North Country Scholarship (if they attend a designated high school). More information on that program is available below. Other international students can learn more about merit scholarship opportunities through our International Admissions website.

St. Lawrence Visit Award

We know this place is special, and we bet you’ll feel it too once you’re here. 

We offer a $1,000 Visit Award to any prospective student who completes an official visit to our campus by no later than December 1 (Early Action applicants) or February 2 (Early Decision or Regular Decision applicants) of their senior year. Transfer applicants who complete an official visit before their application deadline (November 3 for spring and March 2 for fall) are also eligible for this award.

Like most St. Lawrence scholarships, this award is renewable annually for four years, totaling $4,000. 

Academic Merit Scholarships

The Kirk Douglas Scholarship (by invitation only) is for students from under-represented and low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership skills, ambition, and potential to contribute to our campus community. This scholarship covers the full comprehensive fee and program expenses. The Office of Admissions selects candidates to apply for the Kirk Douglas Scholarship.

The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to the top first-year students in each year's class. The scholarship is based on academic excellence, character and leadership, and the amount covers full tuition for up to four years or eight semesters.

The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship (by nomination only) is for students from New York's North Country and the Toronto and Montreal metropolitan areas whose high schools participate in our program. The program provides scholarships valued up to $200,000 (up to $50,000 per year) to selected nominees for up to four years or eight semesters.

The Dean's Incentive Award is provided to students who demonstrate promise for being successful in their college work. Students are selected for this award at the time of admission and will receive the award each year regardless of financial circumstances or academic record, provided that the student is making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. Students receiving tuition benefits or scholarships are not eligible for the Dean's Incentive Award.

In addition, we offer hundreds of other merit scholarships ranging up to $40,000 per year for four years. Students are automatically considered for them during the application review process. No separate application, essay, nor interview is required to qualify.

Canadian Scholarships

The Augsbury/North Country Scholarship (by nomination only) is for students from New York's North Country and the Toronto and Montreal metropolitan areas whose high schools participate in our program. The program provides scholarships valued up to $200,000 (up to $50,000 per year) to selected nominees for up to four years or eight semesters.

Specialty Scholarships 

U.S. citizens and permanent residents interested in the following scholarships must submit their Common Application or St. Lawrence Application to St. Lawrence by February 2 for Early Decision or Regular Decision, or by December 1 for Early Action. Students interested in PDS or Vilas must also complete the Specialty Scholarship Application Form. Please note that the required materials must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission: 

The Presidential Distinction Scholarship (PDS) is awarded to students who have demonstrated impactful leadership, service work, or other meaningful engagement with the goal of furthering the support and recognition of all members of their community. This scholarship is worth up to $200,000 ($50,000 per year) and is awarded for up to four years or eight semesters.

The Vilas Scholarship supports students interested in entrepreneurship or a career in business. The selected scholars are awarded up to $200,000 ($50,000 per year) for up to four years or eight semesters.

The Environmental Scholars Program recognizes domestic first-year students who have a strong commitment to some aspect of sustainability, conservation, climate change, or a related topic and have completed activities and/or academic work that demonstrates that interest. The award is worth up to $200,000, or $50,000 per year for up to four years or eight semesters. Information will be gathered from the submitted Common Application or St. Lawrence Application, so students should provide all aspects of their environmental work and advocacy within the application. 

Reminder: St. Lawrence does not “stack” scholarships. You can be awarded only one merit or specialty scholarship. If you qualify for both a merit and specialty scholarship or for multiple specialty scholarships, the scholarship with the highest monetary value will be awarded to you.

For High School Juniors

The Book Award Scholarship honors students who have distinguished themselves in their commitment to community service. Students must be nominated by a high school teacher or counselor. Recipients receive a select book, plus a $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 each year for four years) to attend St. Lawrence University.