General Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid regularly receives information on fellowship and scholarship programs administered and managed by organizations and institutions external to William Paterson University. Scholarships listed on this page are offered to students regardless of program of study. However, they may still have specific eligibility requirements (e.g. scholarships for women, LGBTQ, age restrictions, minimum G.P.A., financial need, etc.) You must click on a link and read through the external website to find out if you are eligible to apply. 

Please note that a link to an external website does not constitute an endorsement by William Paterson University. The information is simply being provided as a resource for students and their families. We encourage you to carefully read through all instructions before providing information to an external scholarship website. You should never be asked to provide confidential information such as a social security number, or be asked to pay for a scholarship service.

For information on scholarships provided by William Paterson University, visit the following links: Institutional Scholarships, Departmental Scholarships and Foundation Scholarships

Please Note: While some deadlines may have passed, most scholarships renew annually. 

The Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: January 15
U.S. scholarship is open to non-Mensa members. International scholarships are open to Mensa members only.

American Sign Letters Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: January 31

Discover Scholarship Drawing
Award: $5,000
Application Deadline: January 31

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
Application Deadline: February 6

The Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program for Graduate Students
Award: $20,000
Application Deadline: February 14th

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships 
Application Deadline: February 15 for most

National Cellular Directory Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: March 1

MaverickLabel.com College Scholarship
Award: $750
Application deadline: March 1st

Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) Scholarships
Award: $500 and up
ANTSHE membership required.
Application Deadline: March 1st
Application Form

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Award: $1,500, $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000
Application Deadline: March 1st

Life Lessons Scholarship Program
Award(s): $5,000 - $15,000 each
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Scholarships for students have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP)
Award: up to $20,000 per academic year; renewable up to 4 years 
Application Deadline: March 15th

The UCT Heaston Scholarship (Guidelines & Application)
Award: $3,000 - $6,000 per year for 4 years
Application Deadline: March 15th

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship
Award: $500
Application Deadline: March 30th

Lighthouse International Scholarship
Award: up to $10,000
Application Deadline: March 31st 
Applicant must be a student who is blind or partially sighted. 

AAUW Medford (NJ) Branch Scholarship
Award: $1,000 
Application Deadline: March 31
For female nontraditional students; must be residents of Burlington County, NJ.

AAUW Mountain Lakes (NJ) Branch Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 1st

Female residents of Morris County, NJ.

AAUW Greater Wayne Area (NJ) Branch Scholarship
Application Deadline: April 10
Female residents (age 25+) of Northern NJ.
Must live in Bergen, Morris, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Hudson, Union or Warren County.

The Grand Plan Scholarship

Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: April 16th

Negative Population Growth (NPG) Scholarships
Award: $750-$2,000
Application Deadline: April 20th

Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) Graduate Merit Award Program
Application Deadline: April 30th

Healthline & NORD Stronger Scholarship
Award: $5,000 each
Application Deadline: May 1st

The Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund
Application Deadline: May 1st

LGBT students and children of LGBT parents.

B. Davis Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: May 22nd

Bubba Wallace Live to Be Different Scholarship:  The Live To Be Different Foundation, led by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, was formed in 2017 to lift up individuals seeking a means to fulfill their potential, no matter their age, skin color, disabilities, or ambitions.  Live To Be Different strives to empower and support disadvantaged individuals with educational, medical, social, or other types of assistance needed to help make their dreams reality. To enter, please share an experience of a time when you encountered adversity, and what you did to overcome it. The scholarship is open for high school seniors and undergraduate students. Application Deadline: May 31, 2021.

Leon Bradley Scholarship Program: The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) will annually award up to two scholarships to assist a minority candidate seeking his/her initial teaching certification endorsement from the as part of the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program. Each scholarship will be given in the amount of $3,500.00.  Candidates will be eligible for the award if they are in their final year of completing certification/endorsement requirements, including student teaching if applicable. Application Deadline: May 31, 2021.

Lighted Pathways ScholarshipLight a pathway to a successful future working as an investment, asset, or financial manager! This opportunity has been broken into two parts: a scholarship and an internship. You must be an African-American rising sophomore or rising junior, with a minimum 2.7 GPA or higher. Application Deadline: June 1, 2021.

The ABC Fundraising Volunteer Recognition College Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Application Deadline: June 30th

MyBioSource Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: June 30th

The Earnest Scholarship: To give back to the community, Earnest launched a scholarship fund that will help 50 students take on less debt. The Earnest Scholarship Fund awards $5,000 to 50 deserving students. There are no essays to write and no fees, to ensure every student has the opportunity to enter the scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled, or soon be enrolled, as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university in Fall 2021. There are no minimum GPA, residency, or major requirements. Applicants can be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including DACA students). Application Deadline: June 30, 2021.

Richard and Elizabeth Dean Scholarship
Award: $5,000 (renewable)
Application Deadline: July 1st

Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship: While entrepreneurship is one of the most impactful ways to move communities and the country forward, the pipeline of funded entrepreneurs does not reflect the diversity of our country. The Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Black undergraduate or graduate school entrepreneur who is currently building or who aspires to build a new business. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. There is no GPA minimum requirement and students of all majors are encouraged to apply. Application is submitted through the scholarship platform, Bold.orgApplication Deadline: July 31, 2021.

John W. Hairston Jr., Memorial Scholarship ProgramThis nonrenewable scholarship program selects high school seniors and current college students who plan to be enrolled full-time for the 2021-2022 academic year. Must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen, with a minimum GPA of 2.6. Submission must include completed linked application, high school or college transcript, 2020 Federal Income Tax Return (or other Official Income Verification), and required essay submission. Application Deadline: August 6, 2021.

Cancer Horizons College ScholarshipCancer Horizons strives to empower cancer patients, and an extension of their work is providing financial aid to students that have been affected by cancer in their lives. This scholarship is for current or recovered cancer patients, or someone actively performing a role to help those affected by cancer in their personal or academic life. Must be accepted to, or currently enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. This scholarship is for both Undergraduate and Graduate students. Application Deadline: September 15, 2021.

X-Medics Tantalum Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: September 30th

2020 NY Trolley Scholarship
Award: $500
Application Deadline: October 1st 

The UCT Scholarship Program
Award: up to $2,500
Application Deadline: November 15th
For students and teachers seeking college degrees or certification to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Guidelines / Application

Worthy Women's Professional Studies Scholarship
Award: $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 for first, second, and third place
Application Deadline: November 26th
Applicants must be women over the age of 30.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program
Award: up to $9,500 per year for two years of study, and a full-time paid internship
Application Deadline: TBA

Redfin Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Application Deadline: January 31st & July 31st

GoSkills: A Scholarship for Women Who Want to Be the Boss
Award: $2,000
Application
 Deadline: September 15th and March 15th
Scholarship for female high school seniors and college students who want to start their own online businesses.

The OurMilitary.com Bi-Annual Veteran Recognition Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Application Deadline: November 1st and May 1st 
Scholarship for students affiliated with the military community in some way - active service member, veteran, and children/spouses of a service member/veteran. 

American Casting & Manufacturing Scholarship
Award: $500
Application Deadline: February 1st & July 1st 
Open to undergraduate and graduate students with any major. 

AAUW Greater Wayne Area (NJ) Branch ScholarshipsAnnual scholarships for women returning to college to complete their first undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must be female NJ residents, living in Bergen, Morris, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Hudson, Union, or Warren County, at least twenty-five years old, and enrolled at an accredited college or university seeking an initial undergraduate degree. Application Deadline: April 9, 2022.

AAUW Medford (NJ) Branch ScholarshipsThe AAUW Medford Branch Scholarship Committee will award a $1,000 scholarship for a non-traditional female college student. Applicants must be residents of Burlington County, NJ, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.  Application Deadline: March 31, 2021.

Bubba Wallace Live to Be Different Scholarship:  The Live To Be Different Foundation, led by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, was formed in 2017 to lift up individuals seeking a means to fulfill their potential, no matter their age, skin color, disabilities, or ambitions. Live To Be Different strives to empower and support disadvantaged individuals with educational, medical, social, or other types of assistance needed to help make their dreams reality. To enter, please share an experience of a time when you encountered adversity, and what you did to overcome it. The scholarship is open for high school seniors and undergraduate students. Application Deadline: May 31, 2021.

The Earnest Scholarship: To give back to the community, Earnest launched a scholarship fund that will help 50 students take on less debt. The Earnest Scholarship Fund awards $5,000 to 50 deserving students. There are no essays to write and no fees, to ensure every student has the opportunity to enter the scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled, or soon be enrolled, as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university in Fall 2021. There are no minimum GPA, residency, or major requirements. Applicants can be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (including DACA students). Application Deadline: June 30, 2021.

Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship: While entrepreneurship is one of the most impactful ways to move communities and the country forward, the pipeline of funded entrepreneurs does not reflect the diversity of our country. The Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Black undergraduate or graduate school entrepreneur who is currently building or who aspires to build a new business. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. There is no GPA minimum requirement and students of all majors are encouraged to apply. Application is submitted through the scholarship platform, Bold.orgApplication Deadline: July 31, 2021.

The Governor’s STEM Scholars: The program selects student leaders who are interested in STEM. Through a series of four conferences held during the school year, as well as trips to STEM organizations across the state, the Governor’s STEM Scholars provides students with opportunities to closely interact with New Jersey STEM professionals, research organizations, and state policymakers. Application Deadline: June 11, 2021.

The Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship: Hyundai is offering five scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each for high school seniors and college undergraduates who identify as female, reside in the United States, and wish to pursue a STEM-related field of education. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or more on how your achievements, both present and future, in your chosen STEM-related field will improve people’s journeys. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021.

The Land Conservatory of New Jersey Scholarship Program: The Land Conservatory of New Jersey will award four scholarships of $7,500 to students pursuing degrees in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, park administration, and related fields. Student must be a New Jersey resident, currently enrolled in (and in good standing at) an accredited college or university, with at least 15 credits completed and must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Application Deadline: April 1, 2021.

Leon Bradley Scholarship Program: The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) will annually award up to two scholarships to assist a minority candidate seeking his/her initial teaching certification endorsement from the as part of the Leon Bradley Scholarship Program. Each scholarship will be in the amount of $3,500. Candidates will be eligible for the award if they are in their final year of completing certification/endorsement requirements, including student teaching if applicable. Application Deadline: May 31, 2021.

New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Caddie Scholarship Foundation: Caddie scholars are selected based on their academic performance, financial need, and length and quality of service as a caddie. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.  Application Deadline: March 1, 2021.

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) Scholarship FundThe NJCPA Scholarship Fund provides scholarship funds for high school seniors, college juniors and seniors, and minority college students. Awards range from $6,000 to $7,000 and are based on academic achievement. Applicants must be enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, an accounting program. Application Deadline: March 1, 2021.

The OZY Genius Awards: The OZY Genius Awards can help you launch your dream. Life’s too short not to dream big. OZY is selecting ten college students to receive grants of up to $10,000 to help them pursue their dreams. Your application requires a project proposal of your genius idea. Your proposal must fall into these categories: Social Justice, Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Science, Health & Wellness; Innovative Technology; Government Policy; Media, Communications & Film; Education; Fine Arts, Music & Culture; New Business or Not-for-Profit; Climate Change or Sustainability; Finance & Investing; Interdisciplinary or Multiple Categories (Specify). Application Deadline: April 30, 2021.

PATH Scholarship Program: The Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. As COVID-19 disrupted the education journey of students globally, the PATH Scholarship was created to help higher education institutions support students experiencing economic hardship. Application Deadline: July 14, 2021.

UNICO National Scholarships: UNICO National offers a variety of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. The Rutherford chapter of UNICO is now accepting applications. Applicant must be a high school student of Italian descent, who is a resident of Rutherford. Click for a letter from the Rutherford Chapter, or view their scholarship webpage here.  Application Deadline: April 15, 2022.

Institute for Nursing Scholarship & Grant Program 2023:  The Institute for Nursing Scholarships Application is available by clicking here for a fillable PDF document.  Type your information, save and either print and mail application to The Institute for Nursing, 1479 Pennington Rd, Trenton, NJ 08618, or send via email to Jennifer Chanti, jennifer@njsna.org with “IFN Scholarship Application” in the subject line.  Eligibility:  All applicants must be New Jersey residents and must be enrolled (not waiting to hear) in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or masters nursing program located in the State of New Jersey or in a nursing doctoral program or a related field, preferably located in the State of New Jersey.  RN’s must be members of the New Jersey State Nurses Association (please provide your member number).  Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, grade point average, and leadership potential. The Institute awards scholarships ranging $500-$1000 annually.  Scholarships may be applied toward tuition, books and academic fees only.  Application Deadline:  February 1, 2023.

The Honorable Nicholas G. Mandak Memorial ScholarshipAnnual scholarships to assist young people to further their education in the law and allied fields.  The scholarship provides grants of $500.00 to $1,000.00, and is open to any student residing in Passaic County, aspiring to attend a university, college or other post-secondary education program to undertake a course of study in the law, criminal justice, paralegal education, and courses for Police or Sheriff's officers.  Complete and mail the application in the link above.  Application Deadline:  February 17, 2023.