Merit-Based Scholarships

Presidential Scholarship

UB's top entering freshmen are awarded Presidential Scholarships (formerly Distinguished Honors Scholarships) which cover the full cost of attendance - tuition, fees, housing, board, books, travel and the other school-related expenses - for four years of undergraduate study. Approximately 25 awards are made to new freshmen each year, all of whom are automatically invited to participate in the University Honors College. To be considered, a student must have a combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1470 or better (or a minimum ACT score of 33) and an unweighted high school average of 95 or better. Last year the mean high school average and combined critical reading and math SAT score of presidential scholarship recipients were 98 and 1503, respectively. If you would like to be considered for this scholarship, you should apply to the university by December 31, as scholarship awards will be based on academic credentials received by this date. In addition, a separate Presidential Scholarship application is required and must be on file in the University Honors College office by January 12. Offers are made beginning mid-February.

Provost Scholarship

New freshmen are considered each year for Provost Scholarships, ranging from $2,500 up to the full cost of tuition, depending on academic achievement, talent in the performing and creative arts, and the cost of attendance. Two- and four-year scholarships are available. To be considered for a Provost Scholarship students must have a minimum high school average of 90 and minimum combined critical reading and math SAT score of 1200 (or minimum ACT score of 27). The typical profile of a provost scholarship recipient includes a mean unweighted high school average of 93 and a combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1280. Candidates for Provost Scholarships are considered during the admission review process and may be invited to participate in the University Honors College or the University Scholars Program. There is no additional application needed, except for students planning to major in the Performing and Creative Arts. If you would like to be considered for this scholarship, you should apply to the university by December 31, as scholarship awards will be based on academic credentials received by this date. Scholarship notices are mailed, along with admission offers, beginning mid-February.

Performing and Creative Arts

Provost Scholarships are also available to students with outstanding talent in the Performing and Creative Arts. Students interested in majoring in Theatre (Performance, Technical, Design, Play writing, or Music Theatre), Visual Studies (Art), Dance, Media Study or Music (including Music Performance) are considered. Performing and Creative Arts Scholars are invited to join the University Honors College and receive all the special privileges accorded to Honors Scholars. To be considered, students must have a minimum unweighted high school average of 90 and a minimum combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1230 (or minimum ACT score of 28). If you would like to be considered for this scholarship, you should apply to the university by December 31, as scholarship awards will be based on academic credentials received by this date. An audition or portfolio review, a personal interview and a separate scholarship application are also required. Some departments have specific additional application requirements and deadlines. Provost Scholarships are awarded beginning mid-February. Performing and Creative Arts Scholars are invited to join the Honors College beginning in March of each year. For more information contact the University Honors College office.

Daniel Acker Scholarship

A limited number of academically talented freshmen who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education are selected each year for an individualized academic experience. Acker Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, are renewable for up to four years, and are awarded to students who are invited to participate in the Daniel Acker Scholars Program. Consideration is given to students with financial need, first-generation college students, and students from underrepresented backgrounds (African-American, Latina/Latino American, Native American). Students should have a combined math and critical reading SAT score of 1100 or higher (or a minimum ACT score of 24) and an unweighted high school average of 90 or higher. Students who satisfy these academic criteria must also submit a supplemental application which is reviewed by the scholarship committee. If you would like to be considered for this scholarship, you should apply to the university by December 31, as scholarship awards will be based on academic credentials received by this date. UB's priority date to file the FAFSA is February 1. You should file by this date to be considered for the Acker Scholarship. If you have not filed your federal income tax return by this date, you should estimate these figures. Scholarship notices are mailed, along with admission offers, beginning mid-February. For more information contact Leticia L. Thomas Rogers, Ph.D., Director, Cora P. Maloney College, 255 Capen Hall, lthomas@buffalo.edu, (716) 645-7301.