Academic Scholarships and Financial Aid Programs

Sage awards over $19 million in financial assistance to students based on financial need and/or specific characteristics. In addition, Sage awards merit scholarships to its most academically competitive applicants ranging from $13,000 to $20,000 a year. Upon applying for admission to Sage, students are automatically considered for merit scholarship; there is no additional application. Awards are renewable, provided the student remains enrolled full-time and maintains good academic standing as discussed in the undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Conditions of Institutional Financial Aid

New Student entering as a First-Time Freshman

Sage Merit Scholarships and Sage Grants for first-time freshman students are given for a maximum of 8 terms of full-time study (fall and spring semesters)

To qualify, students must be registered for a minimum of 12 required credits per term (fall and spring semesters). Completion of 15 credits per term or 30 credits per year is recommended to graduate in four years.

The Sage Grant is need-based and is calculated based on current FAFSA data, the cost of attendance, and other aid received. The grant amount can fluctuate each year as these factors change.

New Student entering as a Transfer Student with credits from a previous institution

Sage Merit Scholarships and Sage Grants for transfer students completing their first bachelor’s degree are given for a maximum of 6 terms of full-time study (fall and spring semesters).

To qualify, students must be registered for a minimum of 12 required credits per term (fall and spring semesters). Completion of 15 credits per term or 30 credits per year recommended.

The Sage Grant is need-based and is calculated based on current FAFSA data, the cost of attendance and other aid received.The grant amount can fluctuate each year as these factors change.

Additional Notes

  • Students seeking a second Bachelor’s degree have additional criteria to meet and are limited in the amount of institutional aid awarded by the college. They should speak with a financial aid representative if they have questions
  • Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree from The Sage Colleges have additional limits to their funding, since they may have previously received up to 8 semesters of aid from the college.
  • “Required credits” is defined as courses or credits required for degree completion.
  • Endowed Scholarships – specific eligibility criteria applies. Students cannot apply for these scholarships. They are awarded by the assigning department or the financial aid office.
  • To qualify for institutional aid at Sage, students are required to meet all financial aid deadlines (including verification deadline, if applicable) each year.

Specialty Scholarships

Alumnae/Alumni Award
The Sage Colleges’ Alumnae/Alumni Award is valued at $2,000/year, is given to first-time, full-time freshmen or transfer students (accepted to Russell Sage College or Sage College of Albany) whose parents or grandparents graduated from one of The Sage Colleges. This award is renewable for up to 3 additional years for first-time freshmen or up to 2 additional years for Transfer students. Students must remain in good academic standing and maintain full-time status to receive the award.

Barbara Gural-Steinmetz RSC 1972 Endowed Scholarship
These scholarships are given to four students annually with first priority to those students majoring in the arts, education or humanities. The scholarships are renewable for four years as long as the student maintains full time status and a B- average or above. The scholarships may be used for tuition, room, board, fees or other associated costs of attendance and may be combined with other merit scholarships and financial aid.

Opalka Family Scholarship
This Scholarship is annually funded by Trustee Chet Opalka and Karen Opalka for RSC elementary education and SCA art students entering Sage that have graduated from Averill Park High School.

Upton Scholarship
Students who enter Russell Sage College that are 25 or older are eligible to receive the Upton Scholarships of $3000. This scholarship is renewable as long as the student maintains full time status and remains in good academic standing This scholarship can be combined with other merit scholarships.