Donor-Based Scholarships

Donor-based scholarships have specific and limiting criteria. In addition, all scholarships are awarded based upon the availability of funding. Please read the descriptions and requirements for each scholarship below and apply to those for which you meet the criteria. More information can be found in our GSE Donor Based Scholarships GSE Donor-Based Scholarship FAQ's.

  • Students will be notified by the GSE Financial Aid Office when applications for GSE donor-based scholarships become available for the fall and spring semesters.
  • All students can be considered for GSE donor-based scholarships in addition to any other GSE aid award that they may have received within an academic year.
  • Incoming students may apply for donor-based scholarships only after being admitted into a program; these scholarships are awarded on a per-semester basis unless otherwise noted.
  • The GSE Scholarship Committee will select a limited number of student scholarship award recipients from the total pool of applicants.

Students selected by the GSE Scholarship Committee will receive an award letter once decisions have been finalized.

Listed below are the GSE Donor-Based Scholarships descriptions and requirements for each scholarship. Students who meet the requirements will be able to apply for donor-based scholarships once applications become available.

Timeline of donor-based scholarship applications and decisions

Academic Year 2024-2025

  • Applications will be available by early October for spring awards
  • Spring semester applications are due by midnight, Sunday, October 20, 2024

  • The scholarship fund will be used to provide financial aid support to current, full-time and part-time students in the Graduate School of Education, with a preference for students enrolled in the Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend the university.

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  • The Fortuny R. Melina and Dora D. Melina Fund provides financial aid support to full-time graduate students enrolled in the GSE for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend Fordham.

  • The Testa Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid support to part-time or full-time students at the GSE for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to continue attending the university.

  • The Marion U. Blanchard, Ph.D., Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students in religious communities, and to those who demonstrate academic merit (3.5 minimum GPA) and financial need. 

  • The Brother John J. Cody Family Endowed Scholarship provides financial aid support to current full-time and/or part time students enrolled in a Special Education program in the Graduate School of Education. Students must have at least six credits towards the degree and meet financial need.

  • The Eldridge A. Greening Endowed Scholarship provides assistance for students with 10 years of professional experience in a non-educational background who are making a career transition. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their program.

  • This scholarship fund provides financial aid support to current full-time and part-time GSE students in any degree program who have financial need as evidenced via FAFSA.  

  • The Dr. J.T. Vincent Lou Memorial Endowed Fellowship provides financial aid support to current full-time and/or part time students studying within the Graduate School of Education for whom affordability may be an obstacle, and who might otherwise be unable to attend the university.

  • The Ingrid and Harry A. Parsons Endowed Scholarship provides scholarship awards to deserving students enrolled in Fordham's Graduate School of Education. Students must demonstrate financial need and/or merit to be considered.

  • The Alice Field-McNally Reddy Endowed Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to students who demonstrate financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA). Preference is given to students pursuing degrees in special education.