• When should I apply?
• I completed an application last year. Do I need to do it again?
• How do I know if I’m qualified for a scholarship?
• My supporting documents won’t upload. What should I do?
• When do I need to upload my supporting documents?
• My reference request has not been fulfilled, what should I do?
• How do I show financial need?
• Will a scholarship affect my other financial aid?
• What is the maximum amount of financial aid and scholarships I can receive?
• I’m an international student. Can I receive a scholarship?
• How are recipients chosen?
• When will I receive my scholarship award?
• How will I know if I received a scholarship?
• What do I need to do after I am awarded a scholarship?
• Who should I address my thank you note to? How can I thank my donor?

When should I apply?

The majority of scholarships open for applications in mid-August and close in mid-October. Applications close at 11:59 pm on the deadline date. Some scholarships are nominated by faculty and will stay open until a recipient is chosen.

IMPORTANT: You should check the website, social media and Daily Digest often for updates and new scholarship opportunities.

I completed an application last year. Do I need to do it again?

Yes, a new application will need to be completed each academic year.

How do I know if I’m qualified for a scholarship?

By completing the General Application, you will be automatically considered for all scholarships for which you meet the criteria. Some scholarships require additional information like an essay, letter of recommendation or other qualifying questions. You will be prompted about how to apply for these additional scholarships.

My supporting documents won’t upload. What should I do?

Using punctuation of any kind may cause an error. Rename your document without any punctuation and re-upload.

When do I need to upload my supporting documents?

All supporting documents must be uploaded by the application deadline. Requests for letters of recommendation can be emailed to your references directly from your general application, so be sure to request it in enough time for your references to complete them.

My reference request has not been fulfilled, what should I do?

First, check to see if you entered the correct email address for your reference. Second, you can “Add a New Reference” to resend the request. Finally, you can also send a new request to a different reference. Be sure to do this in enough time to meet the deadline.

How do I show financial need?

Financial need is determined by the FAFSA form. If you are not able to file a FAFSA form but you feel you have financial need, please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@ramapo.edu) or call 201-684-7549 to discuss your situation and the documents required to prove financial need.

Will a scholarship affect my other financial aid?

A scholarship award may affect your financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid will review your account at the time of awarding and will make any necessary adjustments or changes.

What is the maximum amount of financial aid and scholarships I can receive?

Your financial aid and scholarships cannot exceed the cost of attendance for the year. Receiving additional scholarships may result in adjustments to your financial aid package upon review by the Office of Financial Aid.

I’m an international student. Can I receive a scholarship?

Yes, international students are eligible for any scholarship for which they meet the criteria.

How are recipients chosen?

Once it is determined that you meet the criteria, there are several different scholarship committees that review and choose recipient(s).

When will I receive my scholarship award?

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis throughout both semesters.

How will I know if I received a scholarship?

The Academic Works student portal where you applied will continuously update your application status and notify you of awards. You will also receive an email notification if you have been selected for a scholarship.

In general, the scholarship award will be applied as a credit to your student account. In some cases the scholarship may result in a reduction to certain loans if you have reached your cost of attendance budget. If the scholarship creates a credit balance or excess financial aid on your account, a refund may be issued for the difference. The fastest way to receive a refund is through direct deposit. If you have questions regarding your refund please contact the Office of Student Accounts.

What do I need to do after I am awarded a scholarship?

Your award notification will contain a link to your offer letter, where you must accept the offer and complete the required steps (ie. a thank you note or video to your donor, a bio). Please note that your award may be rescinded if you do not provide the required documents.

Who should I address my thank you note to? How can I thank my donor?

If there is no specific donor listed, please address your letter to “Dear Donor.” Include the academic year in which you received your award in your letter. All Foundation scholarship recipients are invited to a spring reception where you will have the opportunity to meet all donors and thank them in person.