Every year, top first-year students arrive, demonstrating potential and transforming it into achievement. Yet, despite their talent, some rising sophomores find themselves considering a transfer from Syracuse.

As part of our holistic advising system, Student Success leaders meet personally with every student requesting transfer. In these conversations, we are often able to identify what they feel is missing: a social connection, a peer mentor or additional financial resources. In that case, a Dean’s Merit Scholarship can make all the difference in a student’s decision to stay.

Through The Syracuse Promise—a series of commitments including a new $50 million fundraising initiative to significantly expand scholarship support for students—you can increase your impact. With its transformative 50% matching program for endowed scholarships, you can ensure your gift’s long-term growth and permanence, creating even more opportunities for academic accomplishment.

We’re awarding ten annual Dean’s Merit Scholarships of $10,000 each to rising A&S sophomores with GPAs of 3.2 or higher who demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. These scholarships do more than provide funding—they send a powerful message: “We see your abilities, we believe in you and we’re investing in your future.”

When you support Dean’s Merit Scholarships, you’re investing in a proven model that combines meaningful personal touchpoints with targeted financial support. This model has transformed retention outcomes for about 30 students in the last year alone.

These students frequently become our most engaged alumni, creating networks that benefit future generations of Syracuse scholars. They represent Syracuse University in competitive graduate programs, prestigious fellowships and leadership roles that enhance our reputation and attract even more exceptional students to A&S.

Every scholarship recipient becomes a testament to the power of our personalized approach.

• $200,000 - Create a named Dean’s Merit Scholarship endowment, funding annual $10,000 scholarships in perpetuity. Eligible for Syracuse Promise Match.
• $50,000 - Establish a named five-year Dean’s Merit Scholarship, supporting one exceptional student through graduation.
• $10,000 - Fully fund one Dean’s Merit Scholarship for the next academic year.
• Any amount - Join our scholarship pool to collectively support multiple retention scholarships.

Remember: Through The Syracuse Promise, eligible gifts may be matched, enhancing your impact.

To learn more, call 315.443.2464 or email asgiving@syr.edu.