Scholarships and grants provide financial support to college students, helping to cover tuition and other educational expenses without requiring repayment.
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Villa Maria College is one of the most affordable, private educational institutions in Western New York. Our admissions and financial aid counselors are committed to working with each and every student to assist them in making their time with us as comfortable as possible, so that may devote their time and energies to their studies and toward earning a degree in their field of choice.
Attending college can be overwhelming, but paying for it shouldn’t be. The information that follows details the many scholarships available through Villa Maria College, as well as the many outside scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Our staff is ready to help you complete the financial aid process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call or text us at 716.350.2992.
Types of Scholarships
Every student has different financial needs and at Villa Maria College, your financial aid package will reflect that.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Villa Honors Scholarship
An award of up to $12,000 annually ($6,000 per semester) is given to full-time Villa Maria College students with a high school average of 90 and above who have earned an NYS Regents diploma or equivalent and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree. A GPA of 3.0 is required to maintain this award in subsequent years.
Presidential Scholarship
An annual award of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per semester) is given to full-time Villa Maria College students with a high school average between 85 and 89.
Villa Merit Scholarship
Up to $8,000 annually ($4,000 per semester) is awarded to full-time Villa Maria College students with a high school average between 80 and 84.
College Transfer Merit-Based Scholarships
Felician Grant Scholarship
An award of $10,000 per year is given to a full-time student who transferred to Villa Maria College. Recipients must have a transfer GPA of 3.0.
Franciscan Grant Scholarship
An award of $7,500 per year is given to a full-time student who transferred to Villa Maria College. Recipients must have a transfer GPA of 2.5.
Founders Grant Scholarship
An award of $6,000 per year is given to a full-time student who transferred to Villa Maria College. Recipients must have a transfer GPA of 2.0.
Need-based assistance may be available. If you have questions about Villa Maria College’s financial aid programs, please call or text the Financial Aid office at 716.350.2992.
Villa Scholarships
Alumni
Villa’s dedicated alumni support future Vikings by offering a graduate-funded scholarship
Athletics
Student-athletes may be eligible to apply for a Villa-funded scholarship.
Buffalo Prep Scholarship
Generous scholarships are available to Buffalo Prep program graduates. Learn more here: Buffalo Prep Scholarship.
BOCES
Scholarships are available for current high school students who complete a BOCES program
Blessed Mary Angela Mission & Service Scholarship
Students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and spiritual development through both curricular and co-curricular offerings, as well as to enhance the mission and core values of the College. Learn more here.
Cheerleading
Students who are active members of the College’s cheerleading team may be eligible for a Villa-funded scholarship. Learn more here.
Endowed
Funded by supporters of Villa Maria College, endowed scholarships are available to support future Vikings. Apply for an endowed scholarship here.
Esports
Learn more about scholarship esports here. Applications for the esports scholarship must be submitted before starting classes. The application can be found here.
Administrative Affairs Council / Faculty Senate Scholarship
Students must submit an essay discussing their service to the College and the community and why they feel they should be considered. Winners are selected based on the quality and content of their responses. Apply for the Faculty Senate Scholarship here.
Kathryn Piatek Memorial Scholarship
The Kathryn Piatek Memorial Scholarship will, preferably, be awarded to a relative of a Villa Maria College Alumnus. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership qualities and possess the potential to succeed at Villa Maria College. The minimum award is $500. Learn more about the Kathryn Piatek Memorial Scholarship here.
For information on applying for any scholarships listed above, contact Villa Maria’s Financial Aid Office at 716.350.2992.
Say Yes Buffalo
Students in the Say Yes Buffalo program from the Buffalo Public School system and all city charter schools may be eligible for a Say Yes scholarship. Say Yes scholarships will cover the remaining balance of a student’s tuition after state, federal, and/or institutional grants and scholarships have been applied. The award covers tuition only and excludes room and board costs, books, and other fees.
For more information on the Say Yes Scholarship, visit www.villa.edu/sayyes.
Federal Grants
Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are available to students who do not already have a bachelor’s degree, have not depleted their lifetime Pell Grant eligibility, and demonstrate high need. Eligibility for and the amount a student may receive depend upon the student’s expected family contribution, which is determined from information provided on the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is a federally-funded program administered by Villa Maria College. To qualify, students must have completed the FAFSA, be Pell eligible, exhibit exceptional need, and be registered for at least 6 credit hours as matriculated students.
State Grants
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in New York State. Depending on the academic year in which you begin your study, an annual TAP award can be up to $5,165. Because TAP is a grant, it does not have to be paid back. Undergraduate students enrolled in four-year programs may receive up to four years (eight payments) of assistance for full-time study. Although an estimate of a student’s eligibility may be included in their award letter, the state’s notification is their official approved award.
Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA)
The ETA program provides tuition awards to New York State residents attending a participating private college. Recipients will receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award, and a match from their private college.
