Pre-Law Grants, Awards and Scholarships

Binghamton Scholarships

Binghamton University Foundation - Eugene C. Gerhart Senior Law Award - $400

This award of $400 is given to the pre-law senior who has achieved the highest undergraduate GPA at Binghamton University and who has been accepted to an ABA-accredited law school. No application is needed for this award, but, in order to be considered, students must open a file at the Pre-Law Advising Office by completing a pre-law questionnaire, and must apply to and be accepted by at least one ABA-accredited law school during their senior year. Available under forms section of our website.

Foundation- N. Theodore Sommer Pre-Law Award- $500

The N. Theodore Sommer Pre-Law Award is awarded to a Junior who plans to attend law school and who has demonstrated a commitment to community service. Candidates should have an outstanding record of academic achievement. Application forms are available in the Pre-Law Advising Office (AB G-18).

Frank S. '94 and Rosemary Vellucci Scholarship- $1000

The Frank S. '94 and Rosemary Vellucci Scholarship benefits undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to pursuing a career in law, but who face obstacles to achieving their ambition. Recipients will have access to professional and legal mentorship provided by their benefactors. This mentorship will be available throughout the student's remaining undergraduate program, legal studies, and on into their early professional careers, helping them launch a successful legal career.

SUNY-wide Scholarships

Benjamin and David Scharps Award - $1,000-$1,500

The Benjamin and David Scharps Award is offered annually through the SUNY Board of Trustees. Competition for the prize is open to SUNY students in their junior and senior years. The competition requires students to demonstrate their analytical skills in a legal opinion of approximately 2,000 words on a legal topic. A selection committee reviews submissions and selects the winners. All contestants receive a certificate of participation. Upon renewal application packets are available in the Pre-Law Advising Office (OH G-51).

National Scholarships and Awards

Pre-law or law students are also eligible to apply for the following national competitive programs. Selection committees for these programs expect to see an excellent academic record and sustained involvement in extracurricular activities with evidence of leadership a real plus. For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Other Award Resources (SOAR) Website.

Morris K. Udall Scholarship - awarded to students planning a career related to environmental public policy. Applied for during sophomore or junior year; provides $5,000 per year for the junior and/or senior year of college. Deadline is early March.

Truman Scholarship - awarded to students planning a career in government or public service. This $30,000 scholarship is applied for during junior year; the campus deadline for applying is mid-November. The majority of the award is to support graduate study.

Soros Fellowship for New Americans - provides $20,000 per year, plus half the cost of tuition for 2 -3 years of graduate school. Applied for in the senior year or during the first year of graduate study.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship - awarded to graduating seniors or recent graduates' provides $50,000 per year for up to six years of graduate study.

Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest - Open to juniors and seniors; several prizes are awarded - first prize is $5,000.