The Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program (GDFP) is designed to direct aid to graduate students who have demonstrated academic achievement and overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates will contribute to the diversity of the student body by demonstrating their commitment to facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and activities.

Program Eligibility

To participate in the GDFP, candidates are required to:

1. Applicants must have earned, by the time of enrollment, a baccalaureate degree granted by an accredited U.S. College or university, or an international university of recognized standing.

2. Accepted and registered as a matriculated in a graduate (master's degree) student.

3. Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status.

4. Demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education.

5. Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities.

Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility.

Preference will be given to candidates who are:

From a low-income background (e.g., Pell-eligible as undergraduates), were first-generation college students (students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree), have overcome adversity, are AmeriCorps alumni, or are veterans.

The Graduate Diversity Fellowship Program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

All campus distributions are pending annual state budget approval. While we have been awarding campuses scholarships for many years, funding may not be guaranteed every year.

Awards

Students who are awarded a SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship for the 2024 – 2025 academic year may receive a tuition scholarship and/or a stipend during their continuous registration as a master's degree candidate.

Up to twelve (12) graduate credit hours of tuition may be funded each fall and spring semester for the 2024-2025 school year. The tuition amount will be adjusted for in-state tuition. It is the student's responsibility to pay all university fees.

Applying for other financial aid programs that may be available to them through other sources. This allows the university to maximize funds available under the fellowship program.

Fellows must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester to receive funding.

Students who have been awarded a Fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year must complete a Tuition Scholarship Award Application to apply for the tuition scholarship each semester funding is needed.

Application Deadlines:

July 1st for Fall Semester
November 1st for Spring Semester