Exploring Merit Scholarship Opportunities at Binghamton University

Binghamton University provides numerous avenues for students to finance their education through a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. These opportunities are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, recognizing academic achievements, community involvement, and financial needs. This article delves into the various merit scholarship programs available at Binghamton University, offering a comprehensive overview for prospective and current students.

Scholarships Awarded During the Admissions Process

Binghamton University automatically considers all students for scholarships during the admissions process. This means that no additional application is required for these merit-based scholarships, making it easier for prospective students to be considered for financial aid.

Binghamton University Foundation Scholarships

The Binghamton University Foundation, in partnership with Financial Aid and Student Records, administers over 440 named scholarships. These scholarships are funded by generous donors and awarded based on criteria established in the scholarship gift agreement.

Selection criteria may include:

Matriculation status
School and department affiliation
Financial need
Academic achievement
Community service
County residency
Grade level
Expected graduation date

All need-based scholarships require the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Read also: UCF Application Strategies

Achievement-Based Awards

The Binghamton University Foundation awards program administers more than 140 achievement-based awards. Consideration for these awards is given to students who have been nominated by faculty, staff, or fellow students. Award recipients are selected by representatives of the various academic departments or organizations that sponsor the award to recognize excellence and to honor students for exemplary service.

Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships

A number of benefactors have established fellowships or assistantships for graduate students at Binghamton University. These opportunities provide financial support, allowing graduate students to focus on their studies and research.

Fellowships

Graduate students supported by a fellowship have few or no work requirements, allowing them to devote their time exclusively to the pursuit of their graduate degrees. Some fellowships include a partial or full-tuition scholarship.

Assistantships

Teaching and Graduate Assistants work approximately 10-20 hours per week and receive an academic year stipend. Most teaching and graduate assistants also receive a tuition scholarship.

Research Grants

In addition, donors have established several research grants to provide reimbursement of expenses related to student research activities.

Application Process for Graduate Funding

All applicants to the Graduate School are evaluated and considered for fellowships and assistantships. To be considered for University funding, students must submit completed applications by the published application deadline. Application and funding deadlines vary by program. International applicants should generally apply at least one month before these deadlines. Decisions on the awarding of assistantships and fellowships are made by the department or school/college to which the applicant is seeking admission. Applicants for fellowship and assistantship support are notified by the department or school/college as soon as possible after decisions have been made.

Terms and Conditions for Assistantships and Fellowships

Assistantship and fellowship awards to new and continuing students are made on a competitive basis, normally for a period of one academic year. Recipients of assistantships and fellowships must pursue a full-time program of study. The recipient’s obligation to provide service in exchange for the stipend and/or tuition scholarship is clearly described in the letter of appointment, as is the stipend/tuition scholarship amount and other important terms and conditions of the appointment. Tuition scholarship recipients who are eligible must establish New York state residency before classes begin. In the second year, and before classes begin, the student must then apply for residency using the Application for New York State Residency Status for Tuition Billing Purposes, which is available from and must be filed with Student Accounts. Tuition scholarship support is used to establish financial aid loan eligibility. Students who withdraw or reduce enrollment from full-time to part-time prior to the last day of the semester forfeit the tuition scholarship award. Tuition scholarship awards provide for remission of tuition only. Individual departments are required to ensure that students meet the above terms and conditions. By signing the form, the student agrees to meet them.

A student holding a fellowship, assistantship or traineeship appointment must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the period of the award. Since the award of an assistantship or fellowship carries the expectation that the recipient is a full-time student, students receiving these stipends may not concurrently be otherwise employed without special permission from their school/college dean’s office.

Types of Assistantship Roles

A significant number of master’s and doctoral students hold assistantships or traineeships awarded by the University to enable them to pursue study toward their degrees.

Research assistants help faculty members in their research work.
Graduate assistants and trainees usually assist faculty in research efforts and may also assist in the teaching of undergraduate courses.
Teaching assistants focus on helping faculty in the teaching of courses.
Research Foundation appointments for full-time graduate students performing duties related to their educational requirements may carry the title of research project assistant.

These research and teaching assignments are in accordance with the requirement stipulated in guidelines issued by the chancellor of the State University of New York to the effect that all graduate degree candidates are required to demonstrate mastery both of research capability and of teaching competence. In every instance, the research or teaching service performed by assistants is conducted under the supervision and evaluation of a faculty mentor. This service is apprenticeship training in partial fulfillment of the requirements of their master’s or doctoral degree programs, as stipulated by the chancellor of the State University of New York; these requirements must be fulfilled in an equivalent manner by all degree candidates. Assignments as assistants or trainees, therefore, are intrinsic to the teaching and research apprenticeships required for the completion of degree requirements.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Binghamton University encourages students to explore outside sources for scholarships. Many organizations and foundations offer scholarships to students based on various criteria, such as academic merit, field of study, or background.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to scholarships, Binghamton University offers other forms of financial aid to help students cover the cost of attendance.

Grants

TAP Grant/SUNY Tuition Credit: These grants are available for eligible New York State residents.
NYS Excelsior Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition costs for eligible New York residents. A separate application is required for the Excelsior Scholarship, and the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) will send the Excelsior Scholarship contract to eligible students.

Loans

Subsidized Loans: These are need-based loans for which the government pays the interest while the student is in school.
Unsubsidized Loans: These are non-need-based loans, and interest accrues while the student is in school.

Parent PLUS Loans are available for parents/stepparents of eligible students, with interest accruing while the student is in school. Private loans are also an option for students with a co-signer, but interest accrues while in school.

Work-Study Programs

Federal Work-Study jobs will be posted on the HireBING site beginning in August. These jobs are on- and off-campus administrative, technical, and food service positions. These positions do not guarantee a job.

Special Circumstances

Students who have experienced a change in their financial situation can submit a Special Circumstances Appeal.

Paying Your Balance

Students can pay their balance in full using a credit card through the student account system.

Cost of Attendance

Scholarships can help offset various costs associated with attending Binghamton University, including:

Tuition and fees
Housing and food
Books, supplies, travel, personal, and miscellaneous expenses

New York State Residents

For families with New York state net taxable income below $125,000, the Excelsior Scholarship varies, up to the cost of tuition.

Federal Adjusted Gross Income

For families with a federal Adjusted Gross Income of $125,000 or below, the Excelsior Scholarship varies, up to the cost of tuition.

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