Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology recognizes academic excellence by awarding scholarships to high achieving students pursuing bachelor of science degree programs. In order to be eligible, all applicants musty file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In order to receive priority consideration, students must have a complete application on file with the office of admissions no later than March 1 if applying for the fall semester or November 15 if applying for the spring semester. After the priority deadline, funds will be awarded on an availability basis.

Students who receive scholarships external to the College may not be eligible for institutional aid.

Awards for New Students

Founders' Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students upon acceptance to a bachelor of science degree program at the College. To be considered, applicants must attain a cumulative high school average of at least a B and combined SAT1 score of at least 1000. Founders' Scholarships range between $500 and $6,000 per year and are awarded to students pursuing a full-time course of study. The awards may be renewable for up to four years of consecutive study, providing the recipient maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Founders' Scholarships can be combined with Vaughn College Scholarships in each student's financial package. While Founders' Scholarships are based solely on academic accomplishments, Vaughn College Scholarships are based on a combination of academic, as well as financial need factors.

Founders' scholarships are awarded in recognition of the contributions to the success of the College made by the following distinguished members of the College community:

  • The Charles S. (Casey) Jones Scholarship is awarded in memory of one of our founders and the first president of the basic program from which the current curricula have evolved.
  • The Lee D. Warrender Scholarship is awarded in the name of one of our founders and an engineer who developed the basic program from which current curricula have evolved.
  • The B. Hunt Smith Scholarship is awarded to honor the pioneer aviation executive who provided extensive technical assistance in designing the College's laboratories.
  • The Walter A. Neff Scholarship is awarded in honor of the airline executive and charter trustee who was responsible for laboratory equipment acquisition.
  • The Elmer A. Sperry Scholarship is awarded in the name of the charter trustee and inventor who contributed substantially to aerial navigation.

Vaughn College Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate both a financial need, as well as above average academic achievement. Vaughn College Scholarships can be combined with Founders Scholarships in each student's financial package. Vaughn College Scholarships range between $500 and $2,200 per academic year and may be renewable for up to four years of consecutive study. Since the Vaughn College Scholarships are partially based on student need, amounts are subject to change from year to year.

Transfer Student Scholarship

Students who transfer to the College having completed 24 or more credits at an accredited college or university, and who have achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (including all courses at every institution attended) may be awarded scholarships in the amount of $500-$3,000 per academic year. The awards may be renewable for up to three years of consecutive study, providing the recipient maintains a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The number of years the scholarship will be provided depends on the number of credits accepted by the College at the time of transfer. Transfer students are also eligible for Vaughn College Scholarships.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Computer Science, Engineering, and mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS)

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS) program provides student scholarships to encourage and enable the achievement of higher education degrees in computer science, computer technology, engineering, engineering technology, or mathematics by talented but financially disadvantaged students.

Vaughn College will award the CSEMS to incoming freshmen pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, electronic engineering technology, computerized design and animated graphics or electronic technology, and to College students who have already completed approximately 68 credits toward a Bachelor of Science degree in these programs. The College's requirements, in addition to those of the National Science Foundation, for incoming freshmen are as follows:

  • Complete a basic application in addition to the application for admission
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.7
  • Upper 25 percent of high school class (for high schools who rank)
  • A minimum score of 850 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT1), or its equivalent
  • A minimum score of 450 on the mathematics section of the SAT1
  • An interview with the director of admissions and the chair of each department, as well as the principal investigator of the CSEMS
  • One letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor

The College's requirements, in addition to those of NSF, for current College students who have already completed approximately 68 credits toward a bachelor of science degree are as follows:

  • Complete a basic application
  • A minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the College's department of arts and sciences
  • An interview with the chair of the appropriate department
  • Proof the student has demonstrated a strong interest in each particular discipline (e.g., has attended functions sponsored by the specific department, has supported and participated in various technology-based groups and clubs, etc.)

It is expected that most scholarship participants will be students likely to receive their degree in a CSEMS discipline by the close of the grant period (two years). The eligibility criteria for CSEMS scholarship recipients are:

  • US citizens, nationals, or aliens admitted as refugees at the time of application
  • Financial need, defined here as eligibility for U.S. Department of Education Pell Grant or Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need
  • Full-time enrollment in computer science, computer technology, engineering, engineering technology, electronic technology, and/or mathematics degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, or graduate level

The scholarship provides up to $3,125 per student per academic year

Gold Wings Scholarship

This scholarship covers the complete annual tuition for four consecutive years of full-time study and is awarded annually to a student graduating from Aviation High School. A high school guidance counselor, teacher or principal must nominate students. Nominees must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Demonstrate a record of strong academic achievement
  • Attain a cumulative grade point aver - age of at least a B
  • Score at least a cumulative 1000 on the SAT1 exam, and at least 450 on the math section
  • Enroll in a bachelor's degree program

Recipients must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Recipients are selected annually in the fall semester and Aviation High School's principal makes the final decision. If the recipient is eligible for any federal or state financial aid grants (excluding loans), or receives any additional scholarship funds from agencies other than Vaughn College, they will be applied to the Gold Wings award. Mandatory college fees, books, tools and miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the recipient.

Kiwanis Scholarship

The Kiwanis Club of LaGuardia Airport has established an annual scholarship for graduates of Aviation High School to help defray the daily expenses associated with higher education. Candidates who are selected for this scholarship demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to aviation. Funding for the first two years is provided solely by Kiwanis.

For those students enrolled in a baccalaureate program, Vaughn College will provide matching funds for the remaining two years. Recipients must maintain full-time matriculation and sustain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

John F. Kennedy International Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

This endowed scholarship with the College allows the Chamber of Commerce to make significant, long-term scholarship awards to students who meet the Chamber's criteria.

The College will award this scholarship to one student per year who:

  • Is enrolled in either a bachelor of science or an associate in applied science program
  • Is a son or daughter of an aviation industry employee working on or adjacent to JFK International Airport, or is a student in Aviation High School's fifth year airframe and powerplant extension program at JFK Airport.
  • Demonstrates financial need
  • Achieves a high school grade average of not less than 75 percent
  • Performs a service to the high school or community
  • Is recommended by one of his/her high school teachers

Candidates who feel they meet the criteria for a John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce Scholarship must fill out an application for the scholarship along with an application for admissions. If their qualifications are approved, they be interviewed by the College's Director of Alumni and Development. One scholarship will be awarded each year. Applications for the JFK Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, as well as additional information, may be obtained by contacting Kalli Koutsoutis, Director of Alumni and Development, at 866.6VAUGHN, extension 142, or via e-mail at kalli.koutsoutis@vaughn.edu.

Robert and Irene Zincone Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an entering freshman who is pursuing an associate or bachelor degree program; has achieved a high school grade average not less than 85 percent; has performed service to the high school community, and demonstrates financial need. This is a one-time award.

Financial aid advisors are available to assist you in making the process as simple as possible. You may visit the financial aid office to receive help with completing forms or developing a plan to help you pay for college. For more information, please contact the office of financial aid at 866.6VAUGHN or email at Melanie.Williams@vaughn.edu.