Scholarships at Columbia University

CUSP SEF Internship and Research Assistantship Funding provides partial financial support for Columbia Undergraduate Scholars who secure structured summer internships or research assistantships, including unpaid or low-paying practicums aligned with their academic trajectory. Scholars must maintain good standing with CUSP, attend required enrichment events, and submit a position confirmation letter, budget, and supplemental essays with their application. Awardees typically receive up to about three thousand dollars for a twelve-week experience, blog weekly during the summer, and reconcile expenses at the fall showcase.

Legal New York State residents enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program at Columbia University, at least 12 points per term, may be eligible for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. Award amounts depend on family income, dependency status, and the number of family members in college. Apply by completing the FAFSA; the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation sends a TAP application for signature. TAP is New York's primary need-based grant for full-time undergraduate study.

The Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholars Program develops research and leadership skills by supporting Columbia College first-year students, including eligible sophomore transfers, who pursue innovative projects and community engagement over two consecutive summers. Programming spans sixteen months from spring of the first year through fall of the junior year and includes leadership training, faculty or community collaboration, and international networking through the Laidlaw Foundation. Up to twenty-five undergraduates are funded each cohort to build research experience before and after the sophomore year.

The CUSP Summer Enhancement Fellowship is a competitive grant offering partial financial support for Columbia Undergraduate Scholars pursuing summer independent research, creative projects, or internships during their first, sophomore, and junior summers. Scholars in good standing with CUSP may apply for funding to support experiential learning they secure themselves, with grant amounts varying by proposal needs and available funds. Recipients blog about their experiences, reconcile budgets, submit project abstracts, and present results at a fall showcase or student panel.