Cornell University Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship (USA)

The Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship is a prestigious program designed for students pursuing a dual degree in engineering and business administration. Named in honor of Lester B. Knight—a prominent businessman and philanthropist known for his commitment to education and public service—the scholarship reflects his dedication to developing future leaders in both fields.

Host Country	USA
Host Institute	Cornell University
Eligible Degrees	MBA, M.Eng (Dual Degree)
Scholarship Value	$60,000 (max.)
Deadline	February 1, 11:59 p.m. (Fall admissions) or October 1, 11:59 pm (Spring admissions)

The Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship covers full tuition and fees for up to two years, along with a living stipend. In addition to financial support, recipients gain access to a leadership development program and networking opportunities with fellow scholars and alumni.

The Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship provides outstanding opportunities for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, and who are committed to pursuing a dual degree in engineering and business administration.

This scholarship encourages top-performing students to pursue both M.Eng. and MBA degrees at Cornell University. It was established through the generous contribution of Lester B. Knight and continues to be supported by his family’s enduring commitment to education.

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Applicant Requirements

To be considered for the Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Be enrolled in Cornell University’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program
Be a graduate of Cornell’s M.Eng. program and enrolling in the Johnson School’s MBA program

International students are also eligible to apply for this Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship.

Scholarship Benefits

Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship can provide up to $60,000 in total funding. Recipients receive a $15,000 tuition award per semester for up to two semesters while enrolled in Cornell’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program, and an additional $15,000 per semester for up to two semesters during their MBA studies at the Johnson School.

Students who begin the scholarship during the M.Eng. program may retain eligibility for the MBA portion of the award for up to five years after completing their M.Eng., allowing them to pursue the MBA at a later date while still benefiting from the scholarship support.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship is February 1 at 11:59 p.m. for Fall admission and October 1 at 11:59 p.m. for Spring admission.

Applicants will be notified of their scholarship award either along with or shortly after their admission decision.

Late applications will not be considered, and the scholarship cannot be awarded retroactively for semesters where tuition has already been paid.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship, applicants must submit:

A completed online admission application
A one-page resume
A 500-word essay

The essay should describe the experiences that motivated the applicant to pursue a dual path in engineering and business, highlight key achievements, and outline future career goals.

For M.Eng. Applicants:
The Lester B. Knight M.Eng./MBA Scholarship application is integrated into the M.Eng. online admissions application. No separate application is required.

For M.Eng. Graduates Applying to the MBA Program:
Graduates of the M.Eng. program who are applying to the MBA at the Johnson School should complete the standard MBA Online Application for Admission. In addition to their essay and resume, they must also fill out the Knight Scholarship Application Form (PDF) and email it to engr_grad@cornell.edu.

The Johnson School and Cornell Engineering have separate admissions processes, but they collaborate in the selection and awarding of Knight Scholarships.

Alternatively, visit the official website for more information.