A look at some of the top scholarships available to New Yorkers

New York is one of the best states in the country for students to get an education. With a top-tier public school system and some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, the Empire State offers students a distinct advantage over much of the nation.

On top of that, New Yorkers are also eligible for some of the more generous scholarship programs in the United States.

One of the most popular awards students apply for is the New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, largely because of the sheer number of students who are gifted the prize every year. One student is chosen from each of the state's public high schools to receive the scholarship. The majority of the funding comes from the state lottery program, and recipients are chosen based on academic merit and community interaction.

Some other great scholarships are only available to niche demographics, but present unparalleled opportunities for those who qualify. The New York Women In Communications Foundation Scholarship is awarded to between 15 and 20 female students every year who wish to finance an education in the field of communication. Given the vast number of opportunities for individuals pursuing media in New York and the prestigious group providing the award, this scholarship would look great on a resume while providing a lot of help financially.

Students who are getting a part-time education in favor of full-time enrollment should look into applying for the Aid For Part-Time Students program offered by the state. The program grants awards of up to $2,000 per year for part-time undergraduate study at participating institutions in New York State where the scholarship won't exceed tuition charges. It targets students whose taxable income level, including that of their spouse if the two had been married before the end of the previous year, does not exceed $50,550.

New York residents can talk to the financial aid consultants at College Financing Group for scholarship assistance and other advice to help make higher education more affordable.