Does University at Buffalo offer automatic scholarships?

Yes. Most merit scholarships, including the Provost and Pride of New York awards, are automatic based on academic performance.

What is the Pride of New York Scholarship?

It’s a $5,000/year scholarship for out-of-state U.S. students who meet UB’s academic criteria, awarded automatically at admission.

Is there an Honors College at UB?

Yes. The Honors College offers small seminars, advising support, priority housing, and competitive scholarship access.

← Back to College Scholarships

🎓 University at Buffalo Scholarships

📍 Looking for state grants too? Check out New York State Aid Programs

The University at Buffalo (UB) is one of the top public research universities in the Northeast—and one of the most affordable, especially for in-state families. But even if your kid qualifies for the SUNY tuition rate, scholarships can still make a big difference.

This guide breaks down UB’s merit scholarships, honors college perks, and the truth about how much help out-of-state families can expect. If you’re trying to make SUNY work financially, this is the page for you.

📊 Cost of Attendance (2025–2026)

SUNY schools like the University at Buffalo are known for being budget-friendly—especially for New York residents. But if your family is out-of-state, the price tag can be significantly higher. And unlike some other flagships, UB doesn’t offer automatic tuition waivers for strong academics.

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$11,456	$32,256
Room & Board	$16,680	$16,680
Books & Supplies	$1,300	$1,300
Personal Expenses	$2,200	$2,200
💵 Total Estimated Cost	$31,636	$52,436

💡 What This Means for Parents:
UB is one of the most affordable top-tier universities in New York—if you qualify for in-state tuition. Out-of-state students, however, won’t get automatic waivers. You’ll need to compete for merit scholarships and apply early to keep costs down.

📉 Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
In-state families pay an average net price of $17,400/year after grants and aid. For out-of-state students, average net cost ranges from $28,000–$33,000/year, depending on scholarships and FAFSA eligibility.

Based on federal net price reporting and UB’s 2025–26 student aid data.

📋 Automatic Scholarships

UB superscores both the SAT and ACT when reviewing your child for merit scholarships. That means they’ll use your kid’s highest scores from different test dates—so retaking the test can help, even by just a point or two.

UB offers a few scholarships that are automatically awarded when your kid applies—no extra forms or essays required. These are based mostly on GPA, test scores, and whether they apply early. There’s no public chart, but we’ve included the real numbers most families see.

💡 Important: The earlier your child applies, the better. Some automatic scholarships at UB run out. Apply by the priority deadline (Dec 8) for the best shot at merit aid.

Scholarship Name	Estimated Amount	Eligibility	Stackable?	Renewable?	Separate App?
Presidential Scholarship	Full tuition + fees	Top 1–2% of applicants; 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT; exceptional GPA and leadership	✅	✅ (4 years)	❌
Pride of New York Scholarship	$2,500–$5,000/year	New York residents with ~3.7+ GPA and 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT	✅	✅	❌
Provost Scholarship	$6,000–$10,000/year	Out-of-state students with high GPA and test scores	✅	✅ (4 years)	❌

These scholarships are awarded automatically, but the amounts can vary year to year based on funding and how early your kid applies. There’s no harm in applying test-optional, but submitting high ACT/SAT scores can definitely help at UB.

❓ Automatic Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Does my kid need to fill out anything extra for these scholarships?

No. These awards are automatic—UB reviews your child for them during the admission process. Just make sure the application is complete (including test scores if you’re submitting them) by the priority deadline.

Is the Presidential Scholarship really a full ride?

It covers full tuition and fees—but not housing or meals. It’s UB’s most competitive award and typically goes to top 1–2% of applicants. Think 1450+ SAT or 33+ ACT, plus leadership, community service, and a top GPA.

Does UB run out of scholarship money?

Yes. That’s why applying early matters. Some automatic scholarships are limited—once the money’s gone, even qualified students may not receive them.

Does test-optional hurt your chances?

UB says they’re test-optional for admission—but strong test scores can help with scholarships. If your kid has a high ACT or SAT, send it. It could move them into a better scholarship bracket.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships aren’t automatic—your kid has to apply early, and sometimes submit extra materials to be considered. Some are awarded through the Honors College, while others are handled by specific majors or academic departments.

📝 Reminder: To qualify for the strongest competitive awards, your kid should apply to UB and (if eligible) the Honors College by early December. Some scholarships are invitation-only and based on their application strength.

Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Wins?
Millonzi Distinguished Honors Scholarship	Full cost of attendance	Admitted to Honors College; top academics and essays	✅ (via Honors app)	✅	Honors students with 1500+ SAT / 34+ ACT and strong résumé
Provost Academic Excellence Awards	$1,500–$5,000	Top applicants in specific majors (e.g., Engineering, Business, STEM)	❌	✅	High-achieving students who selected a major and applied early
College of Arts & Sciences Scholarships	Varies	Students majoring in arts, humanities, or social sciences	❌	Varies	Students who pick a major in this college and have a strong GPA

Most competitive scholarships are offered quietly through the admissions or department process. If your child is aiming for one of these, the best move is to apply early, pick a major, and consider the Honors College if they’re academically strong.

🧠 Superscore Strategy Tip:
UB takes your kid’s best section scores from multiple ACT or SAT test dates—so a superscore can bump them into a higher scholarship tier. If your child is close to a 30 ACT or 1400 SAT, retaking the test could be worth thousands in aid. Even a 1- or 2-point increase can unlock better offers.

❓ Competitive Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to apply separately for these scholarships?

Most UB competitive scholarships don’t need a separate application—your child is considered automatically if they apply by the deadline. The exception is Honors College scholarships like the Millonzi, which require a separate Honors application and essay.

What kind of student wins the big scholarships?

High test scores (1400–1500+ SAT or 32+ ACT), a strong GPA (3.9+), leadership experience, and involvement in clubs or service work. Most winners also apply early and have a clear major picked.

Do these stack with other awards?

Yes—most competitive scholarships at UB are stackable with automatic merit and state aid (like TAP or Excelsior). Always check your award letter and follow up with financial aid if something disappears after one gets added.

If we don’t hear about scholarships right away, are we out?

No. UB awards some scholarships later in the cycle—especially departmental ones. Check your student’s financial aid portal in spring and keep an eye out for award adjustments through May or June.

🎖️ Honors College

UB’s Honors College is a competitive program your child has to apply to separately. It’s not automatic, but it can be one of the best ways to earn bigger scholarships, get priority registration, and gain access to special classes, mentoring, and research.

🌟 Why It Matters:
Honors students get access to special scholarships (including some full rides), early registration, smaller classes, and extra advising support. For academically strong students—especially those applying from out of state—it can make a big financial and academic difference.

To be considered, your kid must submit the separate Honors College application, which includes:

Two short essays
A résumé or activity list
Two recommendation letters

Most admitted Honors students have a GPA above 4.0 (weighted), are in the top 10% of their class, and have test scores in the **1400–1500+ SAT** or **32–34 ACT** range. That said, UB looks beyond scores—leadership, service, and writing quality all matter.

💰 Honors-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are only available to students accepted into the Honors College. There’s no extra application beyond the Honors app itself.

Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility	Renewable?
Millonzi Honors Scholarship	Full cost of attendance	Top Honors College applicants (1500+ SAT / 34+ ACT)	✅
Presidential Honors Scholarship	Full tuition + fees	New York residents in Honors with high GPA/test scores	✅
Other Honors College Awards	$1,000–$5,000/year	Donor-funded; awarded based on application strength or major	✅

The priority deadline is typically in early December. Applying on time is key if your child wants to be considered for the **Millonzi full ride scholarship** and other Honors-based awards.

❓ Honors College: Frequently Asked Questions

Is UB’s Honors College by invitation only?

No. Your child needs to apply separately to the Honors College. It’s not automatic, even if they’re a top student. The application includes essays, a résumé or activities list, and two recommendation letters. Apply by early December for best scholarship chances.

What kind of student gets accepted into Honors?

Most accepted students are in the top 10% of their class with GPAs over 4.0 (weighted), and SAT scores between 1400–1500+ or ACT scores of 32+. But strong essays, leadership, and service also matter—UB looks at the whole picture.

Do Honors students get better scholarships?

Yes. Some of UB’s best scholarships—like the Millonzi (full ride) and the Presidential Honors Scholarship—are only available to students accepted into the Honors College. Others, like donor awards, are often tied to Honors participation as well.

Is housing different for Honors students?

Yes. UB Honors students are invited to live in exclusive Honors residence halls, which are quieter, more academically focused, and often located closer to key academic buildings. They also get access to special programming and community events.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

These scholarships don’t always show up on UB’s main financial aid page—but they exist, and they can seriously reduce what you pay. Most are based on your child’s major, background, or involvement, and many are awarded automatically during the review process.

🟢 Real Talk:
These are the types of scholarships most families miss—not because their kid doesn’t qualify, but because they don’t know to look. UB reviews students for many of these automatically, so it helps if your child picks a major, shares extracurriculars, and applies early.

Scholarship Name	Amount	Who It’s For	Stackable?
Departmental (Major-Based) Awards	$500–$3,000/year	Students who select a major (Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.); awarded through academic colleges	✅
Band / Music Participation Awards	$500–$1,500/year	Students who join a UB music ensemble, including marching or pep band (no music major required)	✅
Visual Arts, Theatre, and Design Scholarships	$1,000–$4,000	Students applying to the College of Arts & Sciences with a creative portfolio (visual art, acting, design)	✅
First-Generation & EOP Awards	Varies	First-gen college students; many qualify for UB’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)	✅
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Recognition	$1,000–$2,000	Students ranked #1 or #2 in their high school class; some awards triggered automatically	✅
Leadership & Service Awards	$500–$2,000	Students who participated in Key Club, NHS, Mayor’s Youth Council, or similar leadership/service activities	✅

❓ Hidden Gem Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to major in music or art to get those scholarships?

No. UB offers scholarships for participating in things like band or theater, even if your kid is majoring in something totally different. They just have to audition or submit a portfolio, depending on the program.

What is a departmental scholarship?

This just means a scholarship tied to your kid’s major. For example, if they choose engineering, they may automatically be considered for a College of Engineering award. These are offered by each academic department and don’t always require a separate application.

How do I know if my child is first-generation?

If neither parent has a four-year college degree, your child is considered a first-generation college student. That status can help them qualify for programs like EOP and other targeted scholarships.

Do any of these require extra applications?

Most are awarded automatically during the admissions review process. But creative scholarships (like art or design) and some leadership awards may require an extra portfolio, résumé, or interview. Applying early gives your child the best chance of being reviewed for them all.

📄 Want to compare offers side by side?
Use our printable College Offer Comparison Sheet to keep track of award amounts, GPA requirements, deadlines, and total out-of-pocket costs across schools.

✅ What To Do Next

Apply for admission to UB starting August 1 through the Common App or SUNY App
Send ACT or SAT scores if they help—UB superscores for both admission and scholarships
Have your kid choose a major early—departmental awards are based on it
Submit the Honors College application by early December to qualify for top-tier awards
Include a résumé or brag sheet with activities, leadership, service, and talents
Check if your child qualifies for EOP (first-gen, low-income NY residents)
Watch your email—many hidden scholarships are awarded behind the scenes

🧰 Parent Tools

Brag Sheet Builder – Help your kid show off their strengths
Recommendation Request Toolkit – Get strong letters without stress
Essay Toolkit – Brainstorm standout scholarship and Honors essays

🔝 Back to Top

You don’t need to know everything to help your kid win scholarships—just the right things at the right time. UB offers some real opportunities for smart, service-driven kids—especially if you get the Honors app in early. You’ve got this.

🎒 New here?
Grab the free College Ready Parent Starter Kit for timelines, trackers, and strategy tools to guide you through senior year.