Earning a college degree is one of the best investments you and your family can make for your future.
We want to make a Nazareth University education as affordable as possible for you, and that's why we offer the following tuition-specific merit scholarships based on academic achievement, for both United States students and international students. You must be enrolled full-time to receive merit scholarships.
For first-time, full-time undergraduate students starting in fall 2026: Merit scholarships are tuition-specific and based on your cumulative weighted high school grade point average (GPA) at the time an admission decision is made. Merit scholarship levels are established annually. Scholarships are renewable at the same level for up to four years (six years for the doctor of physical therapy program). These scholarships are a base award.
| Award Name | Award Amount | GPA Band |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential | $25,000 | 93 – 100 |
| Dean | $22,000 | 88 – 92.99 |
| Founders | $20,000 | 87.99 and below |
Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are not required for admission to Nazareth University, regardless of a student's cumulative high school grade point average, and are not factored into your merit scholarship eligibility.
Scholarship awards are offered in annual amounts, divided by each semester's enrollment (fall and spring). If you are only enrolled for one semester during an academic year, only half of the scholarship or award will be credited.
These tuition-specific "stackable" awards can be added to a merit scholarship. These scholarships are determined at the time of admission.
| Name | Award | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Visual & Performing Arts | Up to $5,000 per year for VPA majors, or $1,000 for non-majors | Tuition-specific award for admitted students with visual arts or performing arts talent who complete the audition or portfolio review process. Awards are considered based on the audition or portfolio. Submit your admissions application by February 1 and complete an audition or portfolio review by March 15. |
| Heritage Award | $1,000 per year | Awarded to students with a parent, grandparent, or sibling who has graduated from or is currently attending Nazareth. |
| Visit Grant | $1,000 for your first year only | Sign up through Admissions and visit campus June 1-December 20, 2025, for this grant. Details: Early visit earns you a $1,000 grant » |
The following tuition-specific scholarships, if awarded, replace merit scholarships (are not "stackable" with merit awards). Full-time enrollment is required.
| Name | Award | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| RCSD Graduates Award | $25,000 per year | This tuition-specific scholarship is for students who will graduate from the Rochester (NY) City School District. Learn more: Rochester City School District to Nazareth University » |
| Chicago Scholars | $25,000 | Awarded to students from the Chicago Scholars program who apply and are admitted. |
| Bonner Leader | $27,000 | This tuition-specific scholarship supports 15 new students each year who want to make a difference in the world by providing a scholarship, training, and paid community engagement work. Learn more: Bonner Leader » |
| Young Scholars | Full tuition | Young Scholars is a competitive tuition-specific scholarship that provides three students with access to an unparalleled private education. Learn more about the Young Scholars selection criteria » |
| Honors Scholarship | $27,000 | Students with a GPA of 93 or higher who apply early decision or early action can complete a separate Honors Scholarship application. To be eligible, you must deposit by April 15. |
How much financial aid will I get total? What does Naz cost?
Our affordability webpage walks you through costs and how academic merit, grants, and loans reduce your actual bill. And the page summarizes what you'll get for your investment.