University at Buffalo Scholarships: Merit Aid, Honors, and SUNY Cost Strategy

🎓 University at Buffalo (SUNY) Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–2026)

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What This Page Covers:
  • Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
  • Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
  • Honors College and leadership awards
  • State programs that stack with UB scholarships

📊 Admissions Snapshot

  • Acceptance Rate: ~67% (Fall 2024)
  • Middle 50% GPA: 3.5–4.1 (weighted)
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1370
  • Middle 50% ACT: 25–30

Source: University at Buffalo Common Data Set 2024–25 and SUNY Admissions Office.

Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →

📌

University at Buffalo at a Glance

Average Net Price
$17,655
Average after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025)
Automatic Merit
$2,500–$10,000 per year
UB Presidential and Pride of New York scholarships
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.6+ • SAT 1250+ • ACT 27+
Top 25% of admitted students qualify for highest awards
Testing Policy
Test-optional through 2026
Merit based primarily on GPA, coursework, and leadership
Key Deadlines
Nov 15: Early Action • Feb 1: Regular Deadline
FAFSA Priority: Feb 15
Honors College
UB Honors College
Offers research stipends, priority registration, and housing options
Full Tuition / Full Ride
Presidential Scholarship (Full Tuition)
Covers full in-state tuition for top-performing freshmen
Residency & Reciprocity
SUNY In-State Advantage
New York residents benefit from affordable public tuition and Excelsior eligibility
Verified from University at Buffalo Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025–26).
Last verified: October 9, 2025

The University at Buffalo (UB) is the flagship of the SUNY system and one of the top public research universities in the Northeast. Known for its engineering, business, and pre-health programs, UB also offers a wide range of scholarships — from automatic merit awards to competitive full-tuition honors programs.

Strong students can qualify automatically for the Presidential, Pride of New York, or Provost Scholarships, while top in-state residents may also earn the Excelsior Scholarship or other need-based aid through New York State. Together, these programs can bring UB’s cost close to that of a regional public university.

FAQ

Does UB offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — awards like the Presidential, Pride of New York, and Provost Scholarships are automatically considered for admitted students.

What’s the average net price? Around $17,655 per year after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).

Is there a full-tuition scholarship? Yes — the UB Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition for top-performing first-year students.

Can I stack UB scholarships with NY state aid? Yes — SUNY and state aid programs such as TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship can stack with UB merit awards.

Sources:
Financial Aid Cost of Attendance
https://www.buffalo.edu/honors.html https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/ub–presidential-scholarship/19075 https://www.suny.edu/smarttrack/tuition-match/ https://www.prepscholar.com/sat/s/colleges/University-at-Buffalo-UB-sat-scores-GPA https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-at-buffalo-suny/admissions/ https://yocket.com/universities/state-university-of-new-york-at-buffalo-734 https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/cost/University-at-Buffalo-NY–196088 https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?196088-University-at-Buffalo

💰 Cost of Attendance at University at Buffalo (2025–2026)

SUNY schools like the University at Buffalo are highly affordable for New York residents. Out-of-state families pay higher tuition, but UB participates in the SUNY Tuition Match Program, which can lower nonresident costs for students from select states. Strong academic applicants can also earn merit scholarships that offset out-of-state tuition.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees $11,036 $32,466
Housing & Meals (on-campus) $18,064 $18,064
Estimated Total (table items only) $29,100 $50,530

Note: Totals above include tuition, fees, housing, and meals only. Additional estimated expenses include Books & Supplies ($1,500), Transportation ($3,078), and Personal Expenses ($2,172). These are part of UB’s full financial aid budget but not shown in the table.

📉 Average Net Price (after scholarships and grants): Typically ranges from $14,000–$26,500 per year, depending on family income and aid eligibility. Many in-state students pay closer to the lower end of that range.
🌎 SUNY Tuition Match: UB participates in the SUNY Tuition Match Program, which allows residents from states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others to pay a rate comparable to their home-state flagship university.
Sources: https://financialaid.buffalo.edu/costs/ | https://www.suny.edu/smarttrack/tuition-match/ | https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?196088-University-at-Buffalo

📋 Automatic Scholarships

UB superscores SAT and ACT for merit scholarships. The highest scores from multiple test dates count—so retaking can help push students into higher merit tiers. UB’s most significant assured merit awards are for top academic and leadership profiles, and they run on a rolling, deadline-sensitive basis.

💡 Important: Apply by the priority deadline (Dec 8) for the best chance at merit aid—some automatic scholarships at UB are limited by funding and can run out.

Scholarship Name Estimated Amount Eligibility Stackable? Renewable? Separate App? Deadline
Presidential Scholarship Full tuition + fees (NY res. $15K/yr, OOS up to $20K/yr) Top 1–2% of admits; 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT; exceptional GPA; must apply to University Honors College Yes, up to cost of attendance Yes (4 yrs; Honors standing & GPA req.) Yes (Honors app required) Dec 8 (priority); Feb 1 (final for Honors)
Pride of New York Scholarship $2,500–$5,000/year NY residents; ~3.7+ GPA; 1300+ SAT or 28+ ACT (superscored) Yes Yes—meet GPA and full-time status No Dec 8 (priority)
Provost Scholarship $6,000–$10,000/year Out-of-state students; high GPA (3.8+ usually) and strong test scores Yes Yes No Dec 8 (priority)

All of these are automatic (no extra forms needed), but the size and availability of awards depend on year, major, and funds. Test-optional still works for admission, but high ACT/SAT scores help for merit aid—UB always superscores.

❓ Automatic Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions (Uncollapsed)

Does my student need to fill out anything extra for these awards?
No—except for the Presidential, which requires a University Honors College application. For other automatic awards, all eligible admits are considered automatically. Make sure admission materials (including any optional test scores) are submitted by the priority deadline.

Is the Presidential Scholarship really a full ride?
It covers all tuition and fees for four years, but not housing or meals. It is UB’s most selective award and typically goes to the top 1–2% of freshmen (1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT with leadership and a top GPA).

Does UB run out of scholarship money?
Yes—UB strongly encourages applying by the priority deadline because some awards are limited. Once funds run out, late applicants might not receive aid, regardless of merit.

Does test-optional hurt merit award chances?
UB is test-optional for admission, but high SAT or ACT scores (superscored) can help move students into stronger merit tiers. If scores are good, it’s smart to submit them.

Do UB merit awards stack with NY state aid (TAP, Excelsior)?
Yes—state awards can stack on top of UB merit, up to the cost of attendance. Always check the final award letter to see how UB has applied each source of aid.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships aren’t automatic—applicants must apply early and, for some, submit extra materials. Some are managed by the Honors College, while others come through academic departments or specific majors.

📝 Reminder: For the biggest awards, apply to UB and (if eligible) the Honors College by early December. Some scholarships (like Millonzi) are invitation-only and require a strong overall application.

Scholarship Name Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Wins? Deadline
Millonzi Distinguished Honors Scholarship Full cost of attendance Admitted to Honors College; top GPA, test scores, application essays Yes (Honors app, essay) Yes Honors students, 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT, strong extracurriculars/service Dec 8 (priority)
Provost Academic Excellence Awards $1,500–$5,000 Top applicants in specific majors (e.g., Engineering, Business, STEM) No Yes High-achieving students who pick their major early and submit strong applications Dec 8 (priority); rolling as funds allow
College of Arts & Sciences Scholarships Varies Enrolled students in arts, humanities, or social science majors No Varies Students who declare majors in these areas and have strong records Later in cycle (spring/fall departmental deadlines)

🧠 Superscore Strategy Tip: UB takes your best section scores from multiple SAT/ACT dates. Even small score increases could move you into a higher scholarship bracket.

❓ Competitive Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions (Uncollapsed)

Do we need to apply separately for these?
Most are automatic if you apply by the stated deadline, except for Honors College scholarships (like Millonzi), which require a special app and additional essays.

What kind of student wins the big scholarships?
Winners have high test scores (1400–1500+ SAT or 32+ ACT), a GPA of 3.9+, evidence of leadership, involvement, and early application. A declared academic major increases the chance for department or Provost awards.

Do these stack with other scholarships?
Yes—UB awards are designed to stack with TAP, Excelsior, and most automatic/departmental merit up to the total cost of attendance. Always check your UB award letter for any stacking limits.

If we don’t hear right away, are we out?
No. UB notifies some recipients in spring—especially for department or College of Arts & Sciences funds. Aid offers sometimes update through May or June.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These awards may not show up front and center, but they can cut costs significantly. Many are based on a student’s major, background, or extracurriculars—often awarded automatically but some need auditions or extra forms.

🟢 Real Talk:
Most families miss these simply because they don’t know to ask or tell UB about majors and activities. Applying early, picking a major, and sharing extracurriculars increases chances for these awards.

Scholarship Name Amount Eligibility / Who Wins Stackable? Separate App? Renewable? Deadline
Departmental (Major-Based) Awards $500–$3,000/year Students who pick and enter a major (Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.) Yes Sometimes (by department/major) Usually (if GPA and progress met) Dept/college deadlines (spring/fall)
Band / Music Participation Awards $500–$1,500/year Students who join a music ensemble or band (no major req.) Yes Yes—audition/app for ensembles Usually; depends on participation/renewal each year Spring prior to entry/each year
Visual Arts, Theatre, and Design Scholarships $1,000–$4,000 Applicants to Arts & Sciences (portfolio/audition needed) Yes Yes—portfolio or audition Often annual if program standards met Fall/spring cycle by department
First-Generation & EOP Awards Varies First-gen college students, EOP qualifiers (NY state, need/academic criteria) Yes EOP is separate app; some 1st-gen funds are automatic Varies—EOP is multiyear, others 1-year EOP: Feb 1 (priority); others vary
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Recognition $1,000–$2,000 #1 or #2 rank in HS class (auto or upon documentation) Yes No—just supply transcript One-time Fall after final rank submitted
Leadership & Service Awards $500–$2,000 Students active in NHS, Key Club, Mayor’s Council, major volunteer groups Yes Resume or recommendation may be needed Usually annual Late spring or with admission award

❓ Hidden Gem Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions (Uncollapsed)

Does my child have to major in music or art for those awards?
No—music/arts scholarships often go to any UB student who auditions or submits a portfolio. They can major in anything.

What is a departmental scholarship?
These are funds linked to your kid’s academic major—engineering, business, nursing, etc.—and often don’t require a separate application beyond choosing a major and maintaining GPA/progress.

Who counts as first-generation, and does it help?
Any student whose parents do not have four-year degrees is “first-gen” and can receive priority for EOP or targeted UB scholarships.

Does my child need to apply separately for these?
Most are reviewed automatically at admission, but music/art/leadership funds may want a short extra application, rĂŠsumĂŠ, or audition. Early application and clear, up-to-date records are key.

🎖️ Honors College

UB’s Honors College is a selective program—students must apply separately with essays, activities, and recommendations. Honors enrollment can unlock UB’s largest scholarships, early registration, and exclusive classes, mentoring, and research.

🌟 Why It Matters: Honors students get access to full-ride and top-tier scholarships, early course registration, smaller classes, dedicated residence halls, and extra advising—especially important for high academic achievers, including OOS applicants.

  • Two application essays
  • RĂŠsumĂŠ or activity list
  • Two recommendations

Most admits have a weighted GPA above 4.0, are in the top 10%, and have 1400–1500+ SAT or 32–34 ACT. UB does holistic review—leadership, service, and strong writing all help.

💰 Honors-Specific Scholarships

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins? Deadline
Millonzi Honors Scholarship Full cost of attendance Top Honors College applicants (1500+ SAT / 34+ ACT, top GPA, best essays) Yes (Honors app, essays, recs) Yes (for Honors standing) 1–2 students per year; national-caliber honors profiles Dec 8 (priority), Feb 1 (final)
Presidential Honors Scholarship Full tuition + fees NY residents, Honors, high GPA/test scores, full Honors app Yes (Honors app, essays) Yes (maintain GPA, standing) 10–20 students per year; highest in-state applicants Dec 8 (priority)
Other Honors College Awards $1,000–$5,000/year Donor-funded, major or engagement-based No (via Honors application) Yes (criteria per award) Honors students active in research, service, or their department Spring and fall each year

Apply by early December for Millonzi and top awards—late applicants may miss out even with great stats.

❓ Honors College: Frequently Asked Questions (Uncollapsed)

Is UB Honors by invitation only?
No—you must apply, regardless of grades. The Honors College posts clear instructions, and deadlines are critical for top scholarships.

Who gets into Honors?
Mostly students in the top 10% of their class, GPA 4.0+, SAT 1400–1500+ or ACT 32–34, plus strong service, essays, and leadership. UB considers the whole applicant, not just test scores.

Do Honors students get better scholarships?
Yes—only Honors students can win the Millonzi (full ride), Presidential Honors, and most donor Honors funds. General merit awards are open to all, but Honors unlocks the top tier.

Is housing different for Honors?
Yes—students can live in exclusive Honors halls with more support, proximity to classes, and Honors-only events/programming.

💬 Final Thoughts

The University at Buffalo is New York’s premier public research university—and it’s easy to see why. With top-ranked programs in engineering, pharmacy, architecture, and the health sciences, UB combines academic rigor with affordability, especially for in-state residents. Out-of-state students can also find strong value through merit scholarships and the Excelsior Program for New York residents. For families seeking a flagship that offers both world-class opportunities and a clear return on investment, UB stands tall within the SUNY system.

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