For students planning to transfer into or within the State University of New York system, scholarships offered by our campuses, foundations, national programs, and mission-driven organizations can play an important role in making a degree more affordable. These opportunities are designed to support students who have already demonstrated success in college and are continuing their academic journey. Many of these scholarships recognize strong academic performance, leadership, community engagement, or commitment to specific fields of study.
Scholarships can complement institutional financial aid, and generally may be used across SUNY campuses, giving students flexibility as they consider transfer options. In addition, each SUNY campus may also offer transfer scholarship opportunities, including merit-based awards, program-specific funding, and need-based support. Because these offerings vary by institution, students should explore both organizational scholarship programs and campus-specific resources as part of a comprehensive strategy.
By taking advantage of foundation awards, national scholarship programs, and campus-based opportunities, transfer students can receive financial support that can further ease the transition to a four-year degree. Starting the search early, paying close attention to eligibility criteria and deadlines, and working with transfer advisors can help students maximize available resources and stay focused on achieving their academic and career goals within the SUNY system.
Explore funding opportunities designed specifically for transfer students. These scholarships recognize the unique strengths transfer students bring.
A highly competitive national scholarship program that supports high-achieving community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution, including SUNY campuses. The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides generous support to cover tuition, living expenses, and educational costs, along with comprehensive advising and access to career development opportunities.
Scholarships offered through Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students, provide access to millions of dollars in transfer funding. PTK's scholarship model is structured as a national network connected to partner institutions, rather than a single standalone award. Through PTK membership, students gain access to both centrally administered national scholarships and a broad system of institutional transfer scholarships.
Eligibility Requirement: You must be a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Learn More About the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Scholarships
Tau Sigma offers scholarships for students who have transferred to a four‑year institution and been inducted into its national honor society. These awards recognize academic achievement, leadership, and successful transition to a new institution, providing a dedicated source of funding specifically for transfer students who continue to excel after matriculation.
Eligibility Requirement: You must be a member of the Tau Sigma honor society.
Learn More About the Tau Sigma National Honor Society Scholarships
NYSTAA offers scholarships specifically for students transferring from participating two‑year colleges to four‑year institutions within New York State. These awards are designed to support successful transfer and recognize academic achievement, highlighting a collaborative model in which member institutions jointly invest in transfer student success.
Learn More About the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association (NYSTAA) Scholarships
Transfer students have access to many other scholarship opportunities, since most scholarships are not limited by how you started your college journey. Many SUNY scholarships are open to all undergraduate students, meaning you can be considered whether you entered as a first-year student or transferred from another institution. In addition, many national and statewide programs explicitly welcome transfer students along with other undergraduates, reinforcing that transfer pathways are fully included in the broader scholarship landscape.
If you already know your major, be sure to explore departmental, program or major-based scholarships on your SUNY campus as well as those offered by national professional organizations. These awards are tied to your field of study, and are typically open to all students in associated programs, including transfers. Because transfer students often enter with a declared major and completed coursework, they are often especially competitive for these opportunities.
Within SUNY, you may also be considered for transfer merit scholarships offered by our campuses. These awards can often be combined with other scholarships and financial aid to help reduce your total college costs. Take a look at options and resources available via your campus financial aid office for more information. Most campuses offer searchable databases of scholarships available to students.
When searching for scholarships, start with trusted SUNY resources, including your campus financial aid office, SUNY's SmartTrack, and workshops we frequently offer. You can also connect with your financial aid counselor or academic advisor for personalized guidance. Remember, you should never have to pay to search, apply for, or receive scholarships.