Highlander Gateway Scholarship FAQ's
What are the eligibility requirements for the Highlander Gateway Scholarship?
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be a first-time, first-year, full-time undergraduate student entering Fall 2026
- Be a resident of New York State or Pennsylvania
- Qualify for an NJIT first year merit scholarship
Is there a separate application for the Highlander Gateway Scholarship?
No. There is no separate application. New York and Pennsylvania residents who qualify for a merit scholarship are automatically considered when they submit an undergraduate application for Fall 2026 through Early Action, Early Action II, or Rolling Admissions.
Is the Highlander Gateway Scholarship renewable each year?
Yes. The scholarship is renewable for students entering in Fall 2026, with program-specific limits:
- Four years (8 semesters) for standard undergraduate programs
- Three years (6 semesters) for accelerated programs
- Five years (10 semesters) for Architecture students
*During your time at New Jersey Institute of Technology, you may be notified that your scholarship, or a portion of your institutional aid, has been replaced with a named scholarship established by one of our donors to honor and support our students.
To maintain eligibility, students must:
- Remain a permanent resident of New York State or Pennsylvania
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Stay enrolled full-time in their undergraduate program
Will I lose the Highlander Gateway Scholarship if my residency changes?
Yes. The scholarship is tied to the residency classification at the time of admission. If a student’s residency status changes, the scholarship will be removed.
Is the scholarship limited to certain majors? What if a student changes their major?
No. The scholarship is available to students in all majors. Changing majors during enrollment does not affect eligibility.
Do students have to live on campus to be eligible?
No. On-campus residency is not required for eligibility.
Are students who defer enrollment still eligible?
Yes. Students admitted for Fall 2026 who defer for up to one year can retain their scholarship, provided they remain residents of New York State or Pennsylvania. • The scholarship remains valid for one year from the original award date.
Are wait-listed students eligible?
Yes. Students admitted off the waitlist as first-time, first-year, full-time students who meet residency requirements and qualify for a merit scholarship will be awarded the Highlander Gateway Scholarship.
Who is not eligible for the Highlander Gateway Scholarship?
The following students are not eligible:
- Transfer students
- Graduate students
- International students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents
These students may still be considered for other merit scholarships and institutional need-based aid.
If a student does not meet the qualifications, will they still be considered for other scholarships and financial aid?
Yes. Students who do not qualify for the Highlander Gateway Scholarship will still be considered for all types of financial assistance, including:
- Merit/Donor scholarships
- Federal, state, and institutional need-based aid
Can current NJIT students apply for the Highlander Gateway Scholarship?
No. The scholarship is only available to first-time, first-year students. Current students with questions about financial aid are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
How does an external scholarship impact the Highlander Gateway Scholarship?
The scholarship is not reduced by external scholarships unless the total of all scholarships and financial aid exceeds the Cost of Attendance (COA). If an external scholarship applies only to tuition, other institutional aid applied toward tuition may be adjusted to prevent exceeding tuition costs.
