About this Scholarship
The Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity designed to assist and encourage top students to earn M.Eng. and MBA degrees at Cornell University. The scholarship is the result of a generous gift by Mr Knight and the continuing support of his family. If you are an aspiring leader who wants to combine deep technical expertise with top-tier business acumen, this program provides the financial support to make that dual-degree path a reality.
For the upcoming admissions cycle, the application deadline for Fall admissions is February 1, 11:59 p.m. and for Spring admissions is October 1, 11:59 p.m. This guide will walk prospective students through every step of the process, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, details of the funding, and the required paperwork. You can be fully prepared to seize this opportunity to study at an Ivy League institution and build a powerful foundation for a career at the intersection of engineering and business.
What It Covers
The scholarship is exclusively applicable to specific graduate programs within Cornell University in the United States.
|
University Name |
Course Level |
Country |
Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) |
USA |
A world-renowned Ivy League institution offering a one-year, professionally focused master's degree. |
|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
USA |
A top-tier business school that develops leaders for a connected world through performance learning. |
Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program Awards
The Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship is a significant financial award designed to support students through a combined M.Eng. and MBA pathway at Cornell. Knight Scholarships may provide as much as $60,000.
The scholarship provides a $15,000 tuition award per semester for up to two semesters while enrolled as a graduate student in the M.Eng. degree program and a $15,000 tuition award per semester for up to two semesters while enrolled in an MBA degree program at Cornell.
Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program Amount
The Knight Scholarship is a substantial tuition award. It covers a significant portion of your graduate studies at Cornell.
|
Expenses |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
Provides up to $30,000 in tuition support for the M.Eng. and up to $30,000 for the MBA. |
|
Degree Path |
Supports a specific Cornell M.Eng. to Cornell MBA pathway. |
|
Deferral Period |
M.Eng. graduates can apply to the MBA program up to five years after graduation and retain the award. |
Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program Benefits
Beyond financial coverage, the Knight Scholarship offers invaluable long-term advantages by enabling a unique dual-degree education.
|
Benefit |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Financial Support |
Significant tuition reduction for two premier degrees at an Ivy League university. |
|
Ivy League Education |
A world-class education from two of Cornell's top-ranked schools. |
|
Dual Expertise |
A credential that combines deep technical skills with strategic business leadership. |
|
Career Versatility |
Prepares you for high-impact roles in tech leadership, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Knight Scholarship are specific, reflecting its focus on the Cornell engineering-to-business pipeline.
|
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Applicant Status |
You must be an applicant to an eligible Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program at Cornell OR a Cornell M.Eng. graduate applying to the MBA program at the Johnson School. |
|
Academic Qualification |
An undergraduate degree that permits entry to a postgraduate program at Cornell University. |
|
Other conditions |
Students entering the M.Eng. program may apply to the Johnson School up to five years after M.Eng. graduation to retain the MBA portion. |
Degrees Eligible Under Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarships
The program is focused exclusively on degrees from Cornell University.
|
Degree Level |
Eligible Programs |
|
Master's |
Eligible Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) programs at the Cornell College of Engineering. |
|
MBA |
The MBA program at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. |
Who Can Apply
International students are eligible to apply for this award.
How to Apply
The application process is completed through the standard Cornell graduate admission portals.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, carefully review the eligibility criteria. This ensures you are either an incoming M.Eng. student or a Cornell M.Eng. graduate applying to the MBA program.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application for Admission
Fill out the detailed online application for admission to either the M.Eng. program or the MBA program through the respective school's portal.
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Materials
As part of your application, you must write a 500-word essay and submit a one-page resume.
Step 4: Special Note for MBA Applicants
MBA applicants who will be M.Eng. graduates by the time they enroll in the Johnson School should fill out the MBA Online Application for Admission. Be sure to email the Johnson School at mba@johnson.cornell.edu and ensure that they note you are a Knight recipient and request the form for the MBA portion.
Step 5: Await the Decision
The selection committee will review your application and scholarship materials. All applicants will be notified of the admission and scholarship decision.
Please note: The application deadline is February 1, 11:59 p.m. (Fall admissions) or October 1, 11:59 pm (Spring admissions).
Application Timeline for Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program
Adherence to the application deadline is critical for consideration.
|
Stage |
Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Applications Deadline for Fall Admission |
February 1 |
|
Applications Deadline for Spring Admission |
October 1 |
Documents Required
You need to prepare specific documents as part of your application for admission.
- Completed online application for admission to the M.Eng. or MBA program.
- A 500-word essay describing experiences that motivated you to pursue engineering and business, your interests and achievements, and your future career goals.
- A one-page resume.
FAQs about Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship Program
Who is eligible for the Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship?
You must be an applicant to an eligible Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program at Cornell University OR a Cornell M.Eng. graduate applying to the MBA program at the Johnson School.
What does the Lester B. Knight, Jr. Scholarship cover?
It provides substantial tuition support—up to $30,000 for the M.Eng. degree and up to $30,000 for the MBA degree, for a total potential award of $60,000.
Can I apply without an admission offer?
The scholarship application is integrated with the admission application. You do not need a separate offer first; you apply for both simultaneously.
Do I need work experience for the Knight Scholarship?
Work experience is not a stated mandatory requirement, but a strong resume that highlights your achievements, leadership, and relevant experience is a crucial part of the application.