Admissions & Aid
Aid, Scholarships and Grants
Manhattan University funds a variety of scholarship and grant programs that are awarded to eligible students. Please note that institutional aid is awarded based on full-time undergraduate resident status.
Students must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credits toward their degree. When a student changes residency status from resident to commuter, their budget will be updated, resulting in the loss of their need-based aid. The merit scholarship will remain the same. The Office of Financial Aid Administration strongly urges all students who are considering moving off campus to speak with a financial aid counselor prior to making a residency change to see if and/or how your financial aid could change.
All students are automatically considered for need-based grants and our merit-based scholarships, which are awarded for academic excellence. To apply for talent scholarships in athletics, performing arts, or another specialty, additional application materials are required.
In addition to institutional aid, we can help you find federal, state, and private aid programs that can help you manage the cost of attending Manhattan University. Scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back.
Federal Grants
The federal government offers several grants available to eligible students.
Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Pell Grants are based on financial need as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant program provides grants to students who intend to teach in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; students who receive Federal Pell Grants have priority. FSEOGs are awarded by a university's financial aid office based on information in the FAFSA.
Need-Based Grants
Manhattan University awards need-based aid to students who demonstrate financial need.
As with all types of need-based aid, these awards are renewed annually and adjusted in line with changes on the FAFSA. These awards are given for a maximum of four years (eight semesters). Need-based aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress, full-time enrollment, file FAFSA annually and on time, and comply with any verification requests. Overcredits, most study abroad courses, intersession, and/or summer courses are not included with these grants and/or awards.
Manhattan University Grants, which are mission-related, need-based awards for full-time undergraduate students, are given at the discretion of the Admissions & Financial Aid Committee.
Merit Scholarships
Non-need based scholarships are awarded to applicants who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments.
Eligibility for these scholarships is based on a variety of accomplishments such as exceptional SAT or ACT scores, grade point average, volunteer and community involvement, extra-curricular accomplishments and class rank. All students who are accepted into Manhattan University are automatically considered for these scholarships. No additional application is required.
If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Awards are subject to change if your residency status changes while attending Manhattan University.
Trustee Scholarship
The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to highly qualified students in the top 5% of the Manhattan University applicant pool.
Presidential Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are awarded to highly qualified students in the top 15% of the Manhattan University applicant pool. As a Presidential Scholar, you are invited to join the Honors Enrichment Program.
Dean’s Awards
Dean's Awards are granted to those in the top 25% of the Manhattan University applicant pool who have demonstrated outstanding extracurricular accomplishments throughout high school.
Chancellor’s Awards
Chancellor’s Awards will be awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. These are awarded to students with high academic performance, leadership ability and extracurricular involvement.
Provost Award
The Provost Award will be awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. These are awarded to students with high academic performance, leadership ability and extracurricular involvement. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Liberal Arts Award
This award is based on academic achievement and demonstrable financial need for students who intend to enroll in the School of Liberal Arts only. The award is granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee upon admission to the College. This award cannot be renewed/granted if a student chooses a major outside of the School of Liberal Arts after initial acceptance. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Business Scholar’s Award
This award is based on academic achievement and demonstrable financial need for students who intend to enroll in the School of Business only. The award is granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee upon admission to the University. This award cannot be renewed/granted if a student chooses a major outside of the School of Business after initial acceptance. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Engineering Award
This award is based on academic achievement and demonstrable financial need for students who intend to enroll in the School of Engineering only. The award is granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee upon admission to the College. This award cannot be renewed/granted if a student chooses a major outside of the School of Engineering after initial acceptance. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Education Award
This scholarship is based on academic achievement and demonstrable financial need for students who intend to enroll in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences only. The award is granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee upon admission to the University. This award cannot be renewed/granted if a student chooses a major outside of the School of Education and Health after initial acceptance. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Science Scholar’s Award
This award is based on academic achievement and demonstrable financial need for students who intend to enroll in the science-based program only. The award is granted at the discretion of the Admissions and Financial Aid Committee upon admission to the University. This award cannot be renewed/granted if a student chooses a major outside of the School of Science after initial acceptance. If you receive one of these scholarships, you will be eligible to receive the scholarship for four years of undergraduate study (eight semesters), as long as you are enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits at Manhattan University and maintain at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans
Manhattan University participates in the Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) to assist with funding tuition expenses for military veterans.
This tuition-benefit program includes both undergraduate and graduate study and either full- or part-time enrollment.
Benefit at Manhattan University
- The Department of Veterans Affairs will match at the same amount up to 50% of the difference between the student’s tuition benefit and the total cost of tuition and fees.
- Including GI Bill-based assistance, admitted Yellow Ribbon Program-qualified undergraduate veterans can attend Manhattan University at no out-of-pocket cost.
- Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program precludes the student from being eligible for any other institutional awards.
- Yellow Ribbon Program award amounts are based on per-credit-hour tuition and allowable fees.
- Once eligible, a student remains so throughout their education as long as they remain in good academic standing and have remaining entitlement with the VA.
- Visit the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program page for additional information and other benefits.
How To Apply
If eligible, students should apply for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill with the Department of Veterans Affairs upon acceptance. Obtain your Yellow Ribbon Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. You can do this by contacting them at 1-888-GIBILL1 (1-888-442-4551) or online at the VA website. Upon completion of the application, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility advising you if your service meets the requirements for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
After proceeding with an application for admission to Manhattan University, please forward your Certificate of Eligibility to Adeline Newman at anewman01@manhattan.edu. The University will receive direct payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the amount of both the GI Bill Benefit (Ch. 33) as well as the Yellow Ribbon Program matching portion.
Talent & Special Scholarships
Special scholarships are offered to students who have demonstrated exceptional talents and/or leadership in their high school or community.
Due to the competitive nature of these scholarships, you will have to interview or audition, and submit additional application materials. Once awarded, these scholarships are offered for four years, as long as you maintain academic eligibility, in addition to the specific conditions of the scholarship.
Athletic Scholarships
For students recruited to participate on one of Manhattan University’s Division I athletic teams, there is the possibility of an athletic scholarship.
- These students must be deemed admissible by our traditional academic standards.
- Athletic scholarships and their amounts are determined exclusively by the Athletic Department.
- These scholarships are renewable, subject to a student remaining academically eligible, and in accordance with specific conditions determined by the Athletic Department.
Performing Arts Scholarship
The Performing Arts Scholarship is available to talented students who have been accepted into the freshman class and demonstrate exceptional ability in the area of instrumental or vocal music. Auditions are required to be considered for a Performing Arts Scholarship.
Consideration and Continued Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be able to read music and have experience in choir, orchestral, band or chamber music settings.
- Applicants must appear for an audition conducted by a panel of performing arts faculty.
- Applicants must submit the application form below.
- Scholarship awards are contingent upon holding membership in a minimum of two performing arts ensembles. Awards are dispensed each semester, and are renewable upon satisfactory evaluation by the ensemble director. Criteria such as punctuality, attendance, leadership skills, and progressive musical development, as well as remaining in good academic standing, are critical to successful evaluation.
- The award is $2,000 per year and will be renewed each year (for a maximum of four years), so long as the student maintains satisfactory participation in the University ensembles.
Audition Guidelines:
- Applicants must prepare two musical selections of contrasting styles and/or periods.
- Instrumental students will be required to play a two-octave major and minor scale chosen by the panel.
- Vocalists should be prepared to sing one of the musical selections in a language other than English.
- Both vocalists and instrumentalists will be given a short selection to sight-read.
Each applicant is required to appear for an in-person audition. After completing the application for the Performing Arts Scholarship, the Director of Performing Arts will reach out to you to schedule an audition appointment. Under certain circumstances, a virtual audition may be considered. Please contact Andrew Bauer at andrew.bauer@manhattan.edu for more information.
Jasper Dancers and Cheerleaders
The Manhattan University Jasper Dancers are a Division 1 University Dance Team that compete both locally and nationally in the styles of Jazz and Hip Hop. The Jasper Dancers are 2019 National Champions in the NDA Division 1 Hip Hop category. Additionally, the team performs at all home men’s and women’s basketball games, and are active members of the Jasper community. For tryout information, please email their Head Coach - jasperdancers@manhattan.edu.
The Manhattan Cheer team performs at all home men's and women's basketball games, along with a number of ancillary events, both on and off campus, throughout the year. They also travel annually to the MAAC basketball championships in Atlantic City. For tryout information, please email their Head Coach - cheerleading@manhattan.edu.
Quadrangle Scholarship
See what it’s like to work in a real newsroom at The Quadrangle, where students can take on a number of roles related to the production of the university's newspaper. The Quadrangle is Manhattan University’s weekly student-run newspaper, published by our students for the campus community since 1924.
To apply, incoming first-year students for fall 2024 should submit a letter, via email, expressing your interest in the award and outlining your skills and qualifications, along with no more than two samples of your journalistic work. Application materials should be sent to Dr. Thom Gencarelli, professor in the Communication department, at thom.gencarelli@manhattan.edu.
Please submit your application no later than May 1, 2024. Also, please make sure you include your complete contact information, including a phone number and e-mail address, so that we can contact you if you are a finalist. The scholarship committee will review all applications and schedule an interview with the finalists in early June. Scholarship recipients will then be notified of the decision once the review is completed.
ROTC Scholarship
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offers a range of scholarships tailored to different durations and educational stages. These esteemed scholarships cover tuition, authorized fees, a monthly stipend, and a textbook allowance.
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed and special category scholarships are awarded to students based on specific eligibility requirements, which vary per scholarship. These awards are given for a maximum of four years (eight semesters).
The Department of English, World Languages, and Literatures sponsors two new memorial scholarships—each thoughtfully designed to reflect the passions, values, and teaching philosophies of Professors Rodney Rodríguez and Brother Patrick Horner.
The Rodney Rodríguez Memorial Scholarship is a restricted fund that supports a Spanish major or minor studying in a Spanish-speaking country. The award carries forward Rodney's belief that transformative learning happens through cultural exchange and global engagement.
Support the Rodney Rodríguez Memorial Scholarship
The Brother Patrick Horner Memorial Scholarship celebrates the legacy of this cherished English professor known for his love of literature and his gift for helping students discover their voice. The scholarship supports English majors pursuing the discipline he treasured. Beginning as a restricted fund—with the long-term goal of becoming endowed—the award reflects Brother Horner’s commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the written word.
New York State Grant & Aid Programs
Residents of New York State who attend university in New York State may be eligible for financial aid funded by the State. Information about specific programs is listed below. Additionally, visit the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website for further information about paying for university in New York State.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. You can view the documents needed as well as the filing instructions for the TAP Program. NYS TAP for Dream Act Students should fill out a separate application here.
Other Scholarships & Grants
New York State also offers many other assistance programs for qualified state residents who meet specific eligibility requirements.
Available NYS Scholarships & Grants
Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
HEOP provides supportive services and financial aid to New York state residents who meet specific academic and financial criteria, and attend independent universities and universities in New York state. HEOP at Manhattan University enables motivated students who lack adequate preparation and financial resources to attend university to pursue a degree and includes a range of support services to help students succeed academically and socially.
Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)
CSTEP seeks to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who are pursuing professional licensure and careers in mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. The program offers state-funded assistance for students who meet specific academic and financial criteria and who major in a STEM-related field. The CSTEP program at Manhattan University provides support services to help students succeed academically and socially.
Private Scholarships
Outside, private scholarships are available through a number of outside, third-party organizations. These awards are considered part of your financial aid package and federal regulations require this information be reported to the University. Substantial funding from outside scholarships may impact your awards. Award adjustments can vary from the reduction of loan offers to a decrease in other institutional aid offered. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid Administration if you anticipate getting an outside scholarship.
To assist students who want to apply for outside scholarships, we maintain a blog with new scholarship posted on a routine basis.