🎓 University at Albany (SUNY) Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships
- Honors College and Presidential Awards
- State aid programs that stack with SUNY funding
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~68% (Fall 2024)
- Middle 50% GPA: 3.2–3.9 (weighted)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1110–1290
- Middle 50% ACT: 23–29
Source: University at Albany Common Data Set 2024–25 and SUNY Admissions Office.
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University at Albany at a Glance
Last verified: October 9, 2025
The University at Albany—part of the SUNY system—is a public research university known for strong programs in business, political science, and cybersecurity. It’s also one of the more affordable options for out-of-state students in the Northeast, thanks to clear merit-based awards and generous need-based aid.
Most UAlbany scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission, and top in-state students can earn full-tuition through the Presidential Scholarship. Out-of-state students can also lower costs through competitive merit or the Excelsior Scholarship if they establish residency.
FAQ
Does UAlbany offer automatic scholarships? Yes — admitted students are automatically considered for merit awards like the Presidential, Dean’s, and Honors Scholarships.
What’s the average net price? Around $19,089 per year after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
Is there a full-tuition scholarship? Yes — the Presidential Scholarship covers full in-state tuition for top-performing freshmen.
Does New York offer extra aid? Yes — New York residents can combine SUNY aid with state programs like TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship.
https://www.albany.edu/cost-aid/tuition-fees/undergraduate-students
https://www.albany.edu/undergraduate-bulletin/
https://www.albany.edu/undergraduate-bulletin/estimated-costs.php
https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/admissions/University-at-Albany-NY–196060
💰 Cost of Attendance at University at Albany (2025–2026)
Like most SUNY schools, Albany remains affordable for in-state students—but out-of-state costs can rise quickly. There are no formal tuition waivers for nonresidents, but strong students may qualify for merit or honors-based scholarships that reduce the gap.
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $10,716 | $31,926 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $16,752 | $16,752 |
| Estimated Total (table items only) | $27,468 | $48,678 |
Note: Totals above include tuition, fees, housing, and meals only. Other standard allowances—such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses—are not listed in the table but are part of Albany’s full cost of attendance used for financial aid purposes.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Admissions Scholarship | $1,000–$6,000/year | Top applicants, usually GPA 3.5+ and strong HS courses (AP/IB/Honors preferred); test-blind | No | Yes—renewed with GPA ≥3.0, full-time enrollment | Top 30% of admits; strongest grades and curriculum win highest awards | Jan 15 (priority); regular by March 1 |
| Presidential / Honors Scholarship | Full in-state tuition (Pres); $6,000+ (Honors) | Top instate applicants (Pres); top Honors College admits; high GPA/rank/rigor; test-blind | No (auto with admission for Pres); Yes for Honors | Yes—maintain Honors standing, GPA ≥3.25 | ~1–2% of total; invited to Honors or selected from best application pool | Jan 15 preferred |
🎯 Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit test scores for scholarships?
No—merit scholarships are awarded in a test-blind manner. SAT/ACT scores have no effect on merit scholarships through at least 2026.
How do I improve my chances for merit?
Take a rigorous HS curriculum (AP/IB/honors), maintain at least a 3.5+ GPA, and apply by the priority deadline. The strongest students often have a 3.8+ GPA and a schedule full of challenging courses.
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No—there is no separate application. All applicants are automatically considered for merit awards when they apply for freshman admission by the deadline.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple & Gold Scholarship | $2,000–$5,000/year | HS seniors with GPA ≥3.5, strong leadership/service record | Yes | Yes | Students with real leadership: team captains, presidents, organizers, active volunteers | Jan 15 (recommended, varies by year) |
🎯 Competitive Scholarship FAQ (Uncollapsed)
What makes these scholarships competitive?
SUNY Albany’s top competitive scholarships favor students who show both academic achievement and authentic leadership—team captain, club officer, founder, or consistent volunteer. Grades alone don’t win the award.
Are they really worth it?
Yes—especially for candidates also considering the Honors College or with an outstanding activity list. Awards are renewable and usually stack with merit or state aid.
How should I maximize my application?
Highlight accomplishments outside the classroom: led a club, coached, ran a project, cared for siblings, or volunteered regularly. Initiative and impact in your school or community matter as much as GPA.
📘 Honors College at SUNY Albany
The UAlbany Honors College offers smaller classes, research opportunities, and a close-knit academic community. While it comes with academic perks, it does not automatically guarantee extra scholarship money.
| Program | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAlbany Honors College | No automatic award | First-year applicants with strong academic credentials, interest in research | Yes—separate application | N/A | Students seeking small seminars, mentoring, and special housing/community | Varies—see admission cycle |
- ✅ Small, seminar-style classes (especially first year)
- ✅ Priority housing in a Living-Learning Community
- ✅ Faculty mentoring; early access to research/thesis
- ✅ Honors-only funding for approved study abroad, research, or thesis projects (after enrollment, via application)
- ✅ Strong credential for future grad programs and fellowships
Not in Honors? You’ll have standard classes and housing, but can still access campus resources and some research as an upper-level major.
👉 Learn more or apply: SUNY Albany Honors College Website
🎯 Honors College FAQ (Uncollapsed)
Is the Honors College worth it if it doesn’t guarantee a scholarship?
That depends on your goals. Students seeking small seminars, mentoring, and exclusive housing find great value—just don’t expect an automatic merit award; financial perks come later via supplemental grants and research opportunities.
How selective is Honors?
It’s competitive, but a thoughtful application, 3.7+ GPA, and academic curiosity matter more than standardized test scores. Enthusiasm for research or writing helps.
Can Honors students access extra funding?
Yes—students can apply for study abroad, travel, or research awards after enrolling in Honors. These are not guaranteed and require proposals or applications each year.