All recipients of need-based financial aid must demonstrate eligibility as determined by institutional policy. For the purpose of Ithaca College need-based programs, the calculation of financial need will not include parents attending college or other family members attending graduate school. In awarding institutional need-based grants or scholarships, Ithaca College uses the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) definition to determine whether a student has independent status. Applicants who have received a prior undergraduate degree will not be considered for institutional need-based financial aid.

Further information about application procedures as well as greater detail on aid sources is found on the Tuition & Financial Aid website under “Types of Aid.”

Dana Internship Program

The Dana program provides educationally relevant work opportunities for highly qualified students with a CGPA of 3.0 or better and financial need. The Dana student work experience takes place during the academic year and/or over the summer. Students may work during the academic year with faculty on special projects or in the local community at nonprofit organizations. A summer program may also include corporate settings outside the area. Applicants may be current first-year, sophomore, or junior students who demonstrate financial need. Application must be made annually through the Office of the Provost.

Awards range from $4,740 during the academic year to as much as $6,520 for full-time summer internships. A portion of the award is paid directly to the student over the course of the summer or academic year, with the remainder applied to the student’s College account. Created through a grant from the Charles A. Dana Foundation, this program is intended to help students discover new academic directions while reducing their loan burden.

President's and Ithaca College Scholarships

These scholarships are given to select entering undergraduate students of exceptional academic ability, regardless of their financial need. The awards are in recognition of superior academic achievement with the expectation of continuing pursuit of academic excellence. All incoming undergraduate students are automatically considered for the scholarships; no special application is necessary. Admitted transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members are eligible to receive an academic scholarship. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a high school diploma are required. Part-time students, second BA/BS degree students, and transfer applicants in the School of Music or Department of Theatre are not eligible for this award.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the date attendance began. 

All scholarships in this group may be renewed annually for the duration of the student’s undergraduate study, as long as the student maintains full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress toward a degree. A review of each student’s academic performance is conducted by the student financial services office before approval for renewal.

Ithaca College Merit Scholarship

Ithaca College is a sponsor in the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) program, which provides scholarships of up to $2,000 to students who list Ithaca College as their first-choice institution to NMSC in accordance with NMSC guidelines. These awards are renewable on an annual basis for up to eight semesters. Full-time enrollment and good academic standing are required.

Ithaca College National Merit Recognition Award

Students who list Ithaca College as their first choice to NMSC in accordance with NMSC guidelines but do not meet NMSC criteria for the Ithaca College Merit Scholarship, or receive less than the maximum award, are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in an Ithaca College National Merit Recognition Award. These awards are renewable on an annual basis. Full-time enrollment and good academic standing are required.

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Scholar Award

First year undergraduate students can apply for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar program.  A separate application, from the Office of Admission, is required.  The MLK Scholar Program develops academically talented students from historically underrepresented ethnic and racial backgrounds into future leaders and global citizens.  MLK scholars travel to follow the path of civil rights leaders and engage with communities through service.

Award amounts vary, depending on the date enrollment began. MLK scholars may also be eligible for MLK grants based on financial need. The combination of the MLK scholarship and the MLK need-based award cannot exceed tuition. Full-time enrollment is required.