Scholarships, grants and fellowships are called gift aid because they do not have to be paid back. They may come from governments, colleges and private organizations. Scholarships may be awarded for academic or athletic ability, interest in a certain subject, or volunteer work. Some scholarships may be given based on membership in an ethnic or religious group. Companies may also award scholarships to you or your child. Most grants are need-based, which means they are usually given based on you or your family’s financial circumstances.
Columbia University offers the New York State Tuition Assistance Program to legal residents of New York State who are enrolled in a full-time degree program of at least 12 points a term, or the equivalent. The amount of the award depends on program, family income, financial status (dependent or independent) and number of family members enrolled in college.