Navigating RIT Presidential Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers a variety of scholarships to recognize academic excellence, talent, and potential in its incoming students. Among these, the RIT Presidential Scholarship stands out as a prestigious award. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the RIT Presidential Scholarship, its requirements, and other related scholarship opportunities at RIT.

Merit-Based Scholarships at RIT

RIT automatically reviews all admitted incoming students for merit-based scholarships. No separate application is required. These scholarships recognize strong academic achievement, regardless of financial need. Consideration may also be given to outstanding leadership, service, entrepreneurship, citizenship, or creativity. For applicants to art, design, film, and photography programs, portfolio evaluations or other evidence of creative excellence will also be considered.

First-year merit scholarships range from $14,000 to $27,000 annually ($56,000 to $108,000 over the length of the undergraduate degree). Transfer merit scholarships range from $14,000 to $25,000 annually (total amount received is based on the time needed to complete the undergraduate degree). Merit scholarships are tuition specific.

RIT Presidential Scholarship Details

The RIT Presidential Scholarship is a significant award, offering $29,000 annually, totaling $116,000 over four years. Approved nominees who are accepted to an RIT BS/BFA program and enroll full-time in the Fall immediately following their high school graduation are eligible for this scholarship.

Nomination and Eligibility

Schools may nominate one student from the junior class who meets the award criteria. Nominators should include as much information as possible about nominees, and birthdates are mandatory. All nominations need to be submitted online to be considered for the award.

Criteria and Qualifications

The criteria for the RIT Presidential Scholarship often include:

Completion of a school or community project that demonstrates high-level knowledge or experience in computing.
Completion of a school or community project that demonstrates the use of innovation and technology to solve problems.

Recipients are also chosen on the strength of their overall application materials: grade-point average, SAT/ACT scores, activities, and recommendations.

Additional RIT Scholarships

In addition to merit-based and presidential scholarships, RIT offers 11 additional scholarships that can either be combined with a merit-based scholarship (stackable) or replace a lower-value merit-based scholarship. Some of these scholarships require a separate application and have specific deadlines.

Stackable Scholarships

Several RIT scholarships are "stackable," meaning they can be combined with an RIT merit-based scholarship to increase the total scholarship funding. Here are some examples:

RIT Alumni Referral Award: An alumnus/alumna must refer a student for this award.
Esports Scholarship: Recognizes individual achievement and talent in Esports. Offered to admitted first-year and transfer undergraduates who aspire to be an active player on at least one RIT Esports team.
Performing Arts Scholarship: Recognizes individual achievement and talent in the performing arts. Requires completion of the Performing Arts Scholarship Application with information and a link to an audition video.

Non-Stackable Scholarships

Some scholarships are not stackable and may replace a merit-based scholarship if they offer a higher award amount.

ROTC Scholarships and RIT Room and Board Scholarship

The Army, Air Force, and Navy each have ROTC programs that offer scholarships to cover some or all of the cost of a student's education. Students who receive a three-year or four-year ROTC Scholarship prior to starting college may also qualify for the RIT Room and Board Scholarship. The RIT Room and Board Scholarship starts in the Advanced Designee’s first year and covers the standard dorm room and default meal plan charges.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Founders Scholarship: Awarded to a select number of entering freshmen who are outstanding academically, are active and involved in their schools or community, or demonstrate special talents or abilities.
Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection Award: Awarded to admitted freshman students to recognize outstanding graduates of the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection program.

Scholarships for Specific Groups

Veterans and Dependents: Qualified Veterans and dependents generally receive military benefits.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: Deaf and hard-of-hearing and hearing NTID-supported students pay less than one-half of RIT's tuition due to federal government support for RIT/NTID.

Application Process and Deadlines

To receive full consideration for scholarships, applicants for fall entry must apply by applicable deadlines. Some scholarships require specific applications, while others, like merit-based scholarships, are automatically considered upon admission.

RIT's Commitment to Career Preparation and Academic Rigor

RIT offers a wide variety of rigorous academic programs, from STEM to design to business, and more. Career preparation is a first priority. RIT provides students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

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