Undergraduate Scholarships & Grants
We believe that a Roberts education is an investment in your future. Because we have confidence in the transformative experience students have here, we offer many grants and scholarships to help them afford college. We want to make private college accessible and affordable for families.
*Roberts Wesleyan University reserves the right to change awards, amounts and eligibility criteria without prior notice. For detailed information, please view the financial aid section of the catalog.
Academic (Merit) Scholarships
Academic (also known as merit) scholarships are based on a combination of High School GPA and SAT/ACT scores at the time of admittance; only average qualifications are listed below. Recipients will be granted the single highest award for which they qualify and will be notified of their award with their acceptance packet along with their financial aid letter.
Award amounts listed are for freshmen students enrolling for the first time at Roberts Wesleyan University in Fall 2023 and after. Please refer to previous catalogs for scholarship/grant awarding information for enrollment that began prior to Fall 2023.
Freshmen Academic Scholarships
These scholarships are for incoming first-year students beginning Fall 2025.
Recipients should reflect the character Roberts values and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to renew each year.
B.T. Roberts Scholarship - Full Tuition
Three students will earn a full-tuition award, reduced by any other Roberts, federal, or state aid. Eligibility requires attending the Academic Scholarship Celebration.
Selection is based on an interview at the event, an essay, and high school performance. Recipients will be notified within three weeks of the event.
Trustee Scholarship - $22,000/year
Presidential Scholarship - $20,000/year
Dean's Scholarship - $18,000/year
Founder's Scholarship - $14,000/year
Roberts Opportunity Grant - $10,000/year
Awarded to students who do not qualify for any Academic Scholarships
Transfer Academic Scholarships
Roberts Wesleyan University welcomes transfer students with generous scholarships. These scholarships are for transfer students beginning Fall 2025.
Each scholarship requires a cumulative GPA at the time of entry. To renew the scholarship each year, recipients should reflect the character Roberts values and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at Roberts.
Accelerated programs, such as R.N. to B.S., do not qualify for these scholarships. Instead, please visit our Graduate and Professional Financial Aid page.
Dean's Scholarship - $18,000
Enter with a cumulative GPA of 3.60 or higher at the most recent college attended full-time
Director's Scholarship - $16,000
Enter with a cumulative GPA between 3.30 - 3.59 at the most recent college attended full-time
Founder's Scholarship - $14,000
Enter with a cumulative GPA between 3.00 - 3.29 at the most recent college attended full-time
Phi Theta Kappa Award - $2,000
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members receive their academic merit award plus an extra $2,000, which is stackable and renewable.
Just share your PTK membership certificate with Admissions.
Other Scholarships & Grants
Art Scholarships
Award
- Annual awards for talented art students
- Renewable with satisfactory progress and good standing
Eligibility
- Satisfactory academic records and unusual proficiency in art
- Art portfolio review with faculty
- Majoring in one of the following:
Find out more at the art department website.
Music Scholarships
Full Tuition Guarantees Available
Award
- $1,000 - $6,000 per year
- 2 full-tuition scholarships awarded annually to the most skilled musicians who audition
- Renewable with satisfactory academic and musical achievements along with good standing within the University
Eligibility
- Strong musical performance
- High potential for success in the Music Department
- Audition required
Athletic Scholarships
Award
- As an NCAA Division II member, we offer special athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes.
- Coaches decide who receives a scholarship and what it will cover.
Eligibility
- NCAA Division II student-athletes
- All incoming athletes must be registered with the NCAA eligibility center.
In addition to athletic scholarships, athletes are eligible for merit (GPA-based) and athletic aid. Athletes are not eligible for need-based institutional grants.
For questions, please go to the staff directory on Redhawks Athletics Website to find the contact information for the Athletic Director and coaches.
Involvement-based Awards
These grants are provided out of the Roberts Fund for students with demonstrated financial need.
Christian Ministries Dependent Grant
Award
$1,000 per year (renewable up to four years)
Eligibility
- Demonstrated financial need
- Legal dependent of a parent employed full-time in Christian ministry
Alumni Scholarship
Award
$1,000 per year (renewable up to four years)
Eligibility
- Demonstrated financial need
- At least one parent is a Roberts Wesleyan University alum
- Must note this on the application
Young Life
Award
- $1,000 for the first year
- $1,000 per year for up to 3 additional years after completing the leadership course and holding a leadership position
Eligibility
Full-time traditional undergraduate students who are active members in Young Life are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship for their first year (transfer students not eligible).
Any active member of Young Life who enrolls and completes the Young Life Leadership Training Course (a non-credit class during the fall semester), and after completion of the class, holds a leadership position either through Young Life or on Roberts' campus will receive $1,000 each year after their freshmen year. This can be renewable each year for up to three (3) academic years and can total $4,000 over four years.
The Young Life Leadership Training Course is open to both active members in Young Life and anyone else interested in the training course. Students must take the class during their first-year freshman or during a transfer student's first fall semester at Roberts.
Black Scholars Scholarships
Award
- $1,000 per year
Eligibility
This award is only for incoming freshmen.
The Black Scholars program is offered through the Urban League of Rochester. The program identifies Black Scholars from school districts in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties.
Eligible students should mention in their application that they are a Black Scholar recipient.
Homeschool Scholarship
Award:
- $1,500/year (renewable up to 4 years)
Eligibility:
- Students starting at Roberts in 2026 or later, enrolling full-time as first-year undergraduates, who completed high school via homeschooling (with or without dual enrollment)
Christian High School Scholarship
Award
- $1,500/year (renewable up to 4 years)
- This scholarship recognizes students formed through Christ-centered education who want to continue integrating faith and learning in college.
Eligibility
- Students starting at Roberts in 2026 or later, enrolling full-time as first-year undergraduates, who attended a Christian high school for at least two years.
- The high school must be accredited by one of the following (or equivalent):
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
- Christian Schools International (CSI)
- National Christian School Association (NCSA)
- Other regional or denominational bodies, such as NACCAP
Pillar Awards
Award
Pillar Grants are awarded to students based on the work, accomplishments, and characteristics demonstrated in their application for admission and essay.
The student will receive an award corresponding to one of our four pillars:
- Courageous Character
- Ready to Lead
- Flourishing Communities
- Anchored in Christ
Eligibility
- Demonstrate one or more of the characteristics of deep faith, character, leadership, and service
- Demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours)
New York Promise
Award
- Tuition-free Roberts Wesleyan University education
Eligibility
- High-achieving New York State students who may not otherwise have the resources to attend a private institution
- Must meet academic and FAFSA-based criteria
Micro-Scholarships
Award
Tuition discounts based on accrued SAGE points
Points function like “frequent flyer miles” for college tuition
Eligibility
Participation in the SAGE Tuition Rewards program
Families earn points through recognized financial habits and planning, including:
- Saving or investing in a 529 plan (PA only)
- Contributing to a 401K or 403B
- Purchasing cash-value life insurance through a participating organization
- Maintaining membership in affiliated fraternal organizations
- Working with an affiliated financial professional (individual or organization) who provides asset management, qualified product sales, annual financial reviews, seminars or workshops
- Having a college funding plan created by an affiliated organization or individual
Learn more about how SAGE works
How to Start
- Go to www.tuitionrewards.com/studentdirect
- Register for your Student Direct account
- Complete your online profile
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
There are millions of dollars of scholarship funds available, but how do you find them?
- Use a reputable scholarship search site like the ones listed below.
- Never pay for scholarship access.
- If something feels off, check Fastweb Scholarship Scam Tip Sheet.
- Apply, Apply, Apply! Don’t limit yourself.
Local Opportunities
- Community Foundation of Rochester
- Hispanic Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Scholarship America (Click the link to find your local chapter)
- Urban League of Rochester (Black Scholars)
- Women Helping Girls
State Opportunities
National Opportunities
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Financial Services
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