BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program Information
The BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program is a groundbreaking joint initiative that started in the Fall of 2024 between Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), one of the most dynamic two-year schools in the United States, and Columbia University School of General Studies (GS). This expansion of the pre-existing relationship between the two institutions creates an innovative new partnership that redefines the path from community college to an Ivy League education, offering a seamless, jointly enrolled associate-to-bachelor’s degree for high-achieving, under-resourced students in New York City.
Students admitted to the BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars program will receive scholarship funding from GS that covers their full financial need for tuition and fees, as well as a stipend for housing, personal expenses, and any other school-related expenses.
The Program allows GS to more fully support future BMCC transfer applicants, making a Columbia education even more attainable for New York City’s highest-performing community college students. The unified academic trajectory that the Program envisions will allow the scholars to enjoy unprecedented opportunities for growth, with robust advising, early access to Columbia’s academic and support resources, and transformative financial support. The NYC Scholars Program is designed to empower the next generation of leaders.
Admissions
Students who wish to be considered for admission to the NYC Scholars Program must be enrolled in an associate degree program and intend to graduate from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).
To be eligible to submit an application to the NYC Scholars Program for Fall 2026, due June 15 2026 cycle, prospective students must:
- Be currently enrolled in an associate degree program at BMCC at the time of application;
- Be on track for graduation from BMCC with an associate degree in January, June or August 2027, and retain status as a registered student at BMCC until their graduation (graduation from BMCC with an associate degree is required to progress to Columbia as an NYC Scholar);
- Have completed at least 15 graded BMCC credits by the conclusion of the Spring 26 BMCC semester;
- Have at least 12 additional credits remaining at BMCC in order to complete the requirements and graduate with their Associates Degree for the 2026-2027 academic school calendar year (Fall 2026/Spring 2027);
- Have a cumulative BMCC GPA of 3.3 or higher, the most competitive applicants will demonstrate a GPA of 3.6 or higher;
- Submit a completed CSS profile and any other financial aid documents by June 20;
- Meet all other eligibility criteria to apply to Columbia GS, including a minimum one-year break in their education after completing secondary school.
2026 BMCC Graduates and beyond:
Students who intend to graduate from BMCC in January, February, June, or August 2027 will need to submit the NYC Scholars Program application to be considered for the scholarship.
Application Open: March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
Students selected for the scholarship will continue their studies at BMCC in the 2026-2027 academic year, and will begin at GS in the Fall 2027 term.
**Please note that applicants who are not offered admission as an NYC Scholar, will be automatically considered for admission to the main undergraduate program at Columbia GS, and will be considered for any other financial aid options for which they may be eligible.
Learn more about the BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program and attend an information session and campus tour that will cover important details for prospective scholars.
Led by an admissions representative from Columbia GS, information sessions are a great opportunity to learn about all the BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program has to offer, including academics, the application process, financial aid, and more. Participants also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from current students or graduates of the Program.
Information sessions are offered in three different modalities:
- On-campus at Columbia (including a campus tour)
- On-campus at BMCC
- Online
If you are unable to attend an upcoming information session, we invite you to make an appointment to speak directly with a representative of the Office of Admissions.
Academics
NYC Scholars will earn two degrees—an associate degree from BMCC and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University. The first two program years at BMCC consist of 60 credits (transferable for up to 60 Columbia points), followed by two years at Columbia (64 Columbia points).
While enrolled at Columbia GS, NYC Scholars will complete the Columbia Core Curriculum, complementing the BMCC Pathways Common Core requirements. As with BMCC Common Core courses, the Columbia Core is the cornerstone of a Columbia education, encouraging students to become critical thinkers and analysts of the world around them as they are exposed to a range of knowledge and disciplines. Flexibility within the Core allows students to choose from several different departments to fulfill requirements in science, literature, humanities, and social sciences. NYC Scholars may fulfill some of the Columbia Core requirements through classes transferred from BMCC. Columbia GS academic advisors will communicate with individual students regarding their progress during advising meetings in the students’ second year at BMCC. More information on the Columbia Core is available by visiting Columbia GS website.
From the moment a student is selected to be an NYC Scholar before their second year at BMCC, each student is assigned a dedicated academic advisor at Columbia GS. The Columbia GS academic advisor will work with the student alongside their BMCC advisor to guide them through their academic and student life, providing support as they pursue their goals in two stimulating academic settings. Columbia GS academic advisors will meet students in person during their second year at BMCC to help them select courses that fulfill Columbia degree requirements as they complete their associate degree program. Once students have chosen a major at Columbia, they will be advised by their academic departments on courses and requirements for the major. Each academic department and program at Columbia has a designated Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), who is available for consultation about majors and their requirements.