Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Covers college costs up to SUNY rates for dependents of NY service members killed, MIA or severely disabled on duty, and for disabled service members
- How much
- Covers cost of attendance up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate cost of attendance
- Who qualifies
- Dependent (child, spouse, financial dependent) of a U.S. Armed Forces or NY state militia member who died or is MIA from duty, or a member severely and permanently disabled on duty
- The service member must have been a NYS resident when they died or became disabled (the page does not state a separate residency rule for the student). Full-time, matriculated in an approved program.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- When to apply
- Apply any time Open year-round
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA and TAP application, then submit the MERIT Scholarship application (web supplement) with required documentation
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (hesc.ny.gov)
The details
Covers cost of attendance up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate cost of attendance (or actual cost if less). For children, spouses and financial dependents of service members who died or are MIA from military duty, and for service members severely and permanently disabled on duty. Full-time, matriculated. Up to 2 years (associate), 4 years (bachelor's), 5 years (approved 5-year programs).
More money from New York
- Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA)Up to $6,000 for tuition expenses
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)$1,000 to $5,665
- NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence$500 or $1,500 per year
- Excelsior ScholarshipCovers tuition at SUNY/CUNY (last-dollar, after other aid)
- Non-degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)Prorated TAP award based on credits and actual tuition
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.