Vilas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by St. Lawrence University

The Vilas Scholarship for Business & Finance is awarded to domestic students who want to complete a St. Lawrence University liberal arts education as preparation for a career in business, finance, or a related field.

The Vilas Scholarship was established in 1976 by the Bodman Foundation of New York City to honor Homer A. Vilas, Class of 1913. Homer Vilas was a successful Wall Street financier, corporate director, and businessman during his life. He also was a generous benefactor to many non-profit organizations, including his alma mater, St. Lawrence University.

The scholarship assists students financially but also guides Vilas Scholars as they establish themselves within the St. Lawrence alumni network, expanding their connections to countless business-related fields. It should be noted that this scholarship does not require students to declare a major in Business in the Liberal Arts or Finance, though it does assist and incline them toward the field.  As part of the scholarship, Vilas Scholars who enroll at St. Lawrence participate in an annual trip with our Center for Career Excellence. This allows them to experience the Laurentian network first-hand while developing their professional connections and competencies, learning about career and industry options, and exploring different geographical areas and work environments.

How to Apply

First-year domestic students interested in the Vilas Scholarship for Business & Finance (regardless of whether they are applying Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision) must submit their application by January 4th. Applicants who choose to submit optional Vilas Scholarship materials should do so at the same time as their Common Application or St. Lawrence Application. Regular Decision applicants may be considered for the Vilas Scholarship if their application is submitted by the January deadline.  

Please note, this scholarship opportunity is only for domestic students. International students can learn more about merit scholarship opportunities through our International Admissions website.

Students must indicate their interest in being considered for this scholarship on their application; this can be done on the St. Lawrence University page under “My Colleges” in the Common App, or at the end of the St. Lawrence Application. In addition, applicants may submit optional Vilas Scholarship materials (a second essay or resume) through the Specialty Scholarship Application Form.  

Your optional essay (of 250-500 words) may reflect on any of the following:  

• your interest in business, finance, or related fields;  
• your interest in pursuing these fields at St. Lawrence;
• any learning experiences and/or extracurricular activities related to these fields;
• why you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship.

Should you wish to submit a resume instead, please detail your involvements which demonstrate an interest or engagement in business, finance or related fields. These experiences may be academic, extracurricular, and/or otherwise.

How many students receive the scholarship?

Approximately 25 Vilas applicants will be selected as semi-finalists and receive an invitation to a virtual interview in late January. From that pool, approximately eight finalists will receive an invitation to visit New York City as guests of the University in early March. During this event, finalists will interview with an alumni selection committee. These eight students will be notified of their finalist status by mid-February. Applicants who are not selected as semi-finalists will not be notified.

All applicants who attend the NYC finalist interviews will be notified of the scholarship outcome in March. Two or three finalists are typically awarded the Vilas Scholarship for Business & Finance, distinguishing themselves as Vilas Scholars.