Scholarships and Grants

“Gift aid” is any money you receive that does not have to be paid back. Scholarships and grants are the two major types of gift aid.

Scholarships

Fisher Scholarships

All full-time first-year applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships without regard to financial eligibility. Most merit scholarships range from $8,000 to $20,000 per year.

Scholarship eligibility is based on high school grade point average, strength of curriculum, and SAT or ACT scores. Eligible students are automatically notified by the Office of Admissions. Merit awards cannot be combined with the Service Scholars and First Generation Scholarships.

Note: Fisher is test-optional

All full-time new transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships without regard to financial eligibility. Transfer Achievement Scholarships and Awards range from $8,000 to $16,000 per year.

First-time college students who enroll at Fisher and matriculate in the Wegmans School of Pharmacy after completing no more than two full-time undergraduate years at Fisher may be eligible for a White Coat Award of $10,000 a year applied toward tuition charges over the fall and spring semesters of their P1 & P2 years.

Restricted and Endowed Scholarships

Fisher awards numerous restricted and endowed scholarships, made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations. All applicants for financial aid are automatically considered for scholarships for which they meet the established criteria.

Tuition Scholarships for Employees of Fisher and Immediate Dependents

Information on these scholarships is available in the Employee Handbook [pdf].

Outside Scholarships

Private organizations and foundations also offer scholarship funds. Student Financial Services maintains a growing list of outside scholarships you may apply for.

Federal Grants

Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree and have demonstrated the highest calculated need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated from the FAFSA, cost of attendance, and enrollment status determine this award. A student can only receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application, and meet eligibility requirements.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have demonstrated the highest calculated need. The FAFSA must be completed. The average award is $1,500. Funds are limited and subject to availability. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application, and meet eligibility requirements.

TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant is a federal program that awards up to $4,000 per year for eligible undergraduate and graduate students who intend to teach and fulfill a required service agreement. Learn more about each program:

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

A student may be eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if they are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their EFC/SAI, but they do meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and their parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. The student must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of their parent's or guardian's death. The student must complete the FAFSA application. To receive the grant in successive years, the student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree, complete the FAFSA application, and meet eligibility requirements.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 included an amendment to Section 473(b) of the Higher Education Act, authorizing the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Beginning with the 2018-2019 award year, a Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC, and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent or guardian’s death. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student. The student must annually file the FAFSA and contact the Office of Student Financial Services to request review of their eligibility for the scholarship.

For purposes of the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship, a public safety officer is:

  • As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
  • A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.

Fisher is required to determine and document, in collaboration with the student, that the student was less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian’s death. Some documents that may be considered:

  • A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice;
  • A written letter of attestation or determination made by a state or local government official with supervisory or other relevant oversight authority of an individual who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer as defined above;
  • Documentation of the student qualifying for a state tuition or other state benefit accorded to the children or other family members of a public safety officer consistent with the definition in 42 U.S.C. 3796b, or as a fire police officer as noted above; or
  • Other documentation the school determines to be from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

U.S. Bureau of Indian Education: Higher Education Grant Program

The grant application is available from the education officer of the tribe in which the student is affiliated with or possesses membership. The student must be a member of, or at least one-quarter degree Indian blood descendent of a member of an American Indian tribe which is eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States through the Bureau of Indian Affairs because of their status as Indians. More information can be found from the Bureau of Indian Education.

State Grants & Scholarships

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Undergraduate students who are residents of New York state may be eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). To apply for the grant, students must complete the FAFSA application and TAP application. This grant amount currently depends upon the student's level of study, the family's taxable income, and state funding. Qualifying income is determined by the state. The state notifies the student and the Office of Student Financial Services of the official grant amounts. Our undergraduate school code is 0735. A student may receive 8 full-time semesters of the TAP Grant.

New York State Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PT TAP)

The Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PT-TAP) award is awarded to matriculated students who were incoming freshmen undergraduate students enrolled in 3-11 credits. In addition, students must have been a full-time student, earning 12 credits or more in each of two consecutive terms, and having a C (2.0) cumulative GPA before being considered eligible for this grant. Students must meet the income requirement of New York State Net Taxable Income limit of $80,000 (dependent students) or $10,000 (independent students). Annual award amount is based on the individual student's eligibility and prorated based on the number of credits they are enrolled in. Students must fill out the TAP application in addition to the FAFSA application.

New York State Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program is awarded to matriculated undergraduate students enrolled in 3-11 credits, meeting the income requirements of New York State Net Taxable Income limit of $50,500 (dependent students) or $34,500 (independent students). The annual award amount is $500-$2,000 and is determined by the Office of Student Financial Services. Download the APTS Application [pdf] or pick up the form in the Office of Student Financial Services.

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocation Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)

This program assists individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment and to support independent living through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development. Any resident of New York State who has a substantial emotional, mental, or physical disability who can become employable may apply for assistance. More information is available through the New York State Education Department website.

New York State Scholarships

For eligibility requirements, application process, and award information on the following New York State scholarships, visit the Higher Education Services Corporation website.

  • Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
  • Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
  • Military Service Recognition Incentive and Tribute - MERIT Scholarship (MSRS)
  • NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship
  • NYS Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Workers
  • NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program
  • NYS Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)
  • NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
  • NYS Aid to Native Americans
  • NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Fisher Grants

Fisher grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, to a lesser extent, the academic achievement of the application. These grants require full-time undergraduate enrollment. Awards are made on a funds-available basis. All financial aid applicants are automatically considered for Fisher grants. The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is January 15.