Presidential Merit-Based Scholarships

NOTE: Pratt is test-optional for fall 2023.  As a result, merit scholarships for high school applicants are based on GPA and portfolio only for all programs including architecture.  Construction Management is based on GPA only as the program does not require a portfolio.

What is the purpose of the program?

To attract academically and visually gifted students and help them defray some of the costs of attendance through institutional funds.

How much are the awards?

The awards range from $9,000 to $26,000 for each academic year.

How much do I have to pay back?

No repayment is required.

When do I need to apply?

No application is needed. Freshmen and transfer applicants who submit completed admissions applications by the deadline are automatically considered for these awards.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

There is no application. All incoming students will be considered for a merit-based scholarship. We encourage all students to submit a financial aid application to ensure that they receive all the need-based aid (both outside and institutional) to which they are entitled. Students who qualify for a Presidential Merit-Based Scholarship and also file a FAFSA and demonstrate need may receive institutional funds in addition to the merit-based scholarship awards. The awards are continued for four years (five for architecture) as long as the student remains enrolled full-time and maintains a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for any students who enrolled fall 2005 or earlier. Incoming freshmen and transfer students receiving a Presidential Merit-Based Scholarship after fall 2006 are subject to the following requirements.

Students must:

1. maintain continuous full-time student status at the Institute;
2. achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 by the end of their first year of studies at Pratt; and
3. maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 during the remainder of their studies at the Institute.

Students failing to meet these requirements will have their Presidential Merit-Based Scholarship automatically withdrawn for the remainder of their studies at Pratt.

Entering international students are eligible for our international merit-based scholarships. International students do not qualify for need-based aid. There is no application for the merit-based scholarships awarded to incoming students, and all accepted applicants are considered automatically. To qualify for merit-based scholarships, you are not required to submit a FAFSA. These scholarships are based on your portfolio (if required by your major), your high school or college GPA, and test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS) to some extent. The scholarships range from $9,000 to $26,000 each year for four years (five for architecture). The criteria for renewal are identical to the criteria for the Presidential Merit-Based Scholarships.

National Scholastic Scholarships

Pratt Institute recognizes The Scholastic Art Awards program of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers as an appropriate and effective way for students interested in art and design to develop successful portfolios for college admission.

Pratt reserves scholarships for qualified national awards recipients who independently and successfully apply to Pratt. These awards are in addition to any other merit scholarships the student has received from Pratt and are awarded for Scholastic awards in the senior year only. Pratt will award the following:

• Portfolio Gold Award Recipients in General Art or Photography: $1500 a year for four years
• Portfolio Silver Award Recipients in General Art or Photography: $1000 a year for four years
• Gold Award Recipients Individual works: $500 a year for four years

The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers will officially notify us of your National Award. For more information on the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, visit the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers at www.artandwriting.org. (Please note that this award will not appear in your initial financial aid package since we usually do not receive official notification from the Alliance until after financial aid packages are determined.)

Pratt Grant Programs

What is the purpose of the program?

To provide funds from institutional sources to help meet a student’s tuition costs.

How much are the awards?

The awards vary based on need for the academic year.

When do I need to apply?

Before February 1.

Who can receive this money?

Students who have applied for aid in a timely fashion and have demonstrated financial need and are making satisfactory academic progress.

How much do I have to pay back?

No repayment is required.

How do I apply?

All students must submit the FAFSA. Other documents may be required based on a student’s particular situation. Please read the instructions in the introductory section on financial assistance.

Pratt Restricted and Endowed Awards and Scholarships

What is the purpose of the program?

To provide funds derived from Institute endowments and restricted gifts granted to students according to the wishes of the donor and on the recommendation of the appropriate dean or department chair. These awards are made for one year only.

How much are the awards?

The awards start at $1,000 for the academic year and are based on the availability of funds in any given year.

Who can receive this money?

Full-time students meeting donor specifications who have applied for aid, have demonstrated financial need, and are making satisfactory academic progress. Some awards are based on academic merit only, and all are based on departmental recommendations.

How much do I have to pay back?

No repayment is required.

How do I apply?

All students applying for financial aid with the FAFSA are considered. There are no special application forms for restricted and endowed scholarships. Recipients are selected by the dean or department chair based on criteria established by the donors. These awards are made for one year only and are based on the availability of funds in any given year.

Pratt Student Employment Program

Student employment is funded entirely by Pratt Institute and offers an opportunity for qualified students to work part-time on campus to help pay for educational expenses. Applicants for student employment assistance must complete registration online and submit all required documents in order to qualify. These funds are paid directly to students for campus job assignments and are not deducted from the student tuition bill. Students are responsible for submitting signed timesheets using our online system. Timesheets are managed online by students and supervisors, with support from the Payroll office. Employment forms such as the W4 and the I-9 must be completed prior to working. More information may be found at https://www.pratt.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/finance-your-education/.