University at Buffalo Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~67%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1290
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Below the typical ranges: Admission is still possible, but merit money will be limited. Focus on getting admitted and building a plan with SUNY pricing and financial aid.
- In the typical ranges: This is the sweet spot for automatic merit. Apply early and make sure your GPA is as strong as possible to maximize your award.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in range for top merit and honors consideration. This is where Buffalo can compete financially with much more expensive flagship schools.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University at Buffalo at a Glance
University at Buffalo is one of the few large research universities in the Northeast where the pricing can actually make sense—especially for in-state families. The combination of SUNY tuition and automatic merit means you’re not guessing or chasing scholarships the whole time. You’ll usually know where you stand early.
Where this school really works is for families who want a “big flagship feel” without flagship-level pricing. It’s a large campus with strong programs, but the financial side is much more predictable than most comparable schools. If your student is in that solid B+/A- range, this is one of the better value plays in the region.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University at Buffalo is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1290.
Average net price? About $17,655/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in suny_tuition_match.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University at Buffalo 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,036 | $32,466 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $18,064 | $18,064 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $29,100 | $50,530 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,655 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
📋 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.
🎖️ 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
- Résumé 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.
⭐ College Specialty
The University at Buffalo is the flagship of the SUNY system and a public R1 research university — which means it operates at the highest level of research activity in the country. Families often think of UB as simply a large, affordable public school. In reality, it’s a nationally respected research institution with particular strength in health sciences, engineering, architecture, and pharmacy. For students who want big-school resources with Northeast career access, UB consistently punches above its price point.
Pharmacy (School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences) — UB’s pharmacy program is nationally ranked and highly competitive, with strong research output and clinical placement pipelines throughout New York State and the Northeast.
- Engineering (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences): Well known for mechanical, civil, aerospace, and biomedical engineering, with strong research funding and industry partnerships across New York.
- Architecture & Planning: UB’s School of Architecture and Planning is one of the most respected public architecture programs in the Northeast, emphasizing urban design, sustainability, and community-based projects.
- Business (School of Management): AACSB-accredited with strong placement in accounting, finance, and supply chain roles, particularly within New York and regional corporate markets.
- Health Sciences & Pre-Med Pathways: With affiliated research hospitals and health centers in Buffalo, UB provides substantial research and clinical exposure for students pursuing medicine, dentistry, and related health professions.