World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
Covers college costs up to SUNY rates for 9/11 victims' dependents and severely disabled survivors
- How much
- Covers cost of attendance up to the average SUNY state-operated resident undergraduate cost of attendance
- Who qualifies
- 9/11 victim's child, spouse or financial dependent, or a severely and permanently disabled survivor (including rescue/recovery workers)
- Full-time (12+ credits) at an approved SUNY, CUNY or private NYS college.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; non-residents (incl. undocumented) apply via NYS DREAM Act first
- When to apply
- Apply any time Open year-round
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA and TAP application each year, and submit the NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship web application
- 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 survivors severely and permanently disabled, and children, spouses and financial dependents of those who died or were severely and permanently disabled, in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks (WTC, Pentagon, Shanksville, including rescue and recovery). Full-time (12+ credits) at SUNY, CUNY or a private NYS degree-granting college; up to 4 years (5 in approved 5-year programs). Other grants may reduce the award.
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.