UB Undergraduate Admissions: Costs and Financial Aid

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Scholarships - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a university merit scholarship?

Most merit scholarships offered by the university require no separate application. The Office of Admissions will make determinations based upon the student's application for admission and supporting academic credentials. Exceptions include:

How are scholarship awards determined?

Scholarship decisions are based primarily upon student prior academic performance (quality of high school record and performance on national standardized exams such as the SAT or ACT). Other factors which may be taken into account include:

Student intended field of study (some scholarships are restricted by academic major)
Evidence of special talents (some scholarships are given to students majoring in the performing and creative arts who demonstrate outstanding talent)
Availability of scholarship funds and timing of student application for admission

Is there a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT needed to be considered for a scholarship?

Academic requirements are subject to change based upon the number of applicants, available funding, timing of application for admission, and the requirements which may be imposed by donors of the various scholarships. However, students presenting at least a 90 un-weighted high school average and critical reading and math combined SAT score of 1200 (or ACT scores of 27 or higher) should consider themselves competitive scholarship candidates.

Are financial need or cost of attendance considered in the scholarship decision?

While financial need is not generally a component of our decision to offer merit based aid, university financial aid awards will reflect available funding based upon student need. Students are also encouraged to learn about the Daniel Acker Scholars Program which provides support to high achieving students with financial need, from rural or urban areas, first-generation college students and/or students who have demonstrated their ability to contribute to the cultural diversity of the university.

The university is interested in attracting a diverse student body. Dependent upon available funding, the university may offer supplemental awards to high achieving students who reside outside of New York State (to help defray the cost of non-resident tuition).

Who makes the scholarship decisions and how will I learn if I am offered one?

Scholarship decisions are made during the admissions process and are conveyed along with the university offer of admission. These offers begin in March.

What happens if I apply late or if I have new SAT or ACT scores?

New consideration for scholarships based upon a later application or new information can be requested of the Office of Admissions. However, all decisions will be affected by funds available at that time.

How do I let you know that I wish to accept a scholarship offer?

Applicants are expected to indicate their desire to enroll at the university no later than May 1 by paying their tuition deposit. Payment of this deposit signifies acceptance of the scholarship and an understanding of the requirements to maintain the award during enrollment.

Many scholarship applicants will also be invited to join one of UB's scholarly communities. These programs may require a formal response from you to the offer of program participation.

If I receive a scholarship and defer my enrollment to the spring (or a later semester) do I still receive my scholarship?

Scholarship offers are specific to the semester for which they are offered. Your application would be reconsidered for any future semester based upon the criteria in effect for that semester.

In general, scholarship awards are not made to students entering the university at mid-year (spring semester entry).

What is the maximum number of semesters for which I can receive my scholarship?

Your initial scholarship offer letter will indicate the number of years of full-time matriculated study for which you are eligible. UB offers two- and four-year awards to new freshmen.

What other criteria are there for continuing to receive a scholarship?

Presidential, Provost, and Acker scholarship recipients must be registered as full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours), matriculated students, and are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits each year to maintain their scholarship. The 24 credits must be earned at UB (does not include AP or credits transferred from another university). Provost and Acker scholarship recipients must maintain a cumulative UB GPA of 3.0 each year for up to four years.

Presidential Scholars must maintain their enrollment in the University Honors College with a 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) during your first year and at least a 3.5 GPA in each successive year in order to maintain their full presidential scholarship. Presidential Scholars who leave the University Honors College, but whose UB GPA meets the 3.0 GPA threshold and other conditions described above may continue to receive a reduced Provost scholarship.

Scholarship students who are enrolled in the Daniel Acker Scholars Program or the University Honors College should consult with the program coordinators with any questions.

Is there any way to maintain my scholarship if I don't earn the necessary grades?

Requirements to maintain your scholarship are stringent. When we review your academic performance you will be notified of any procedures to request extraordinary consideration. If you are also enrolled in a scholars program you may also wish to discuss your circumstances with the program director.

Can I attend school part time and still receive my scholarship?

Your scholarship was awarded for full-time study. If extraordinary circumstances prevent you from fulfilling this requirement you should talk with your advisor.

Can I take a leave of absence and then resume my scholarship?

Yes, it is possible to take a leave of absence. Please consult with your advisor.

Costs and Financial Aid