Scholarships FAQ

Most merit scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application. Prospective first-year students (freshmen) must apply and submit all application materials no later than Dec. 8 to be considered for merit scholarships. A separate application (which you may request directly) is required by the University Honors College in order to be considered for a Presidential Scholarship.

UB is test optional and supports SUNY’s decision to make the submission of SAT and ACT test scores optional for undergraduate admissions consideration.

All students who complete their application by UB's Dec. 8 deadline will be given priority consideration for scholarship awards, including students who have selected not to have test scores considered in their application review.

UB reserves the right to request additional information that we feel is necessary to help make an informed decision when reviewing your application for scholarship consideration, including, but not limited to, letters of recommendation, a personal statement and/or mid-year grades.

Your high school academic record and performance on standardized tests, if included as part of your application, are part of the selection criteria. UB reserves the right to request additional information that we feel is necessary to help make an informed decision when reviewing your application for scholarship consideration, including, but not limited to, letters of recommendation, a personal statement and/or mid-year grades. Annual availability of scholarship funds and the timing of your application for admission are other key determinants.

Academic requirements are subject to change based upon the number of applicants, available funding and the timing of your application.

The Empire State Diversity Honors/Daniel Acker Scholarship may take financial need into account, along with academic merit and other criteria. High achieving first-year students (freshmen) with residency outside of New York State may be offered merit scholarships that take their higher cost of attending UB into consideration.

Scholarship offers are typically mailed beginning in mid-March, but may be sent earlier in some cases.

If you applied by the deadline but have new academic credentials for consideration, please send them directly to the Office of Admissions through your Applicant Status Page and call the office at 716-645-6900 to further discuss your options for consideration. There is no guarantee that merit funds will be available in these situations.

You are expected to indicate your desire to enroll at UB no later than May 1 by paying your enrollment/tuition deposit. Payment of your deposit signifies acceptance of Undergraduate Admissions merit scholarships and acceptance of the terms of your offer. Scholarship offers are rescinded after May 1. If you are invited to join one of UB's scholarly communities, you may need to formally respond to their offer.

Scholarship offers are specific to the semester for which they are offered. Your application will 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 mid-year (spring semester entry).

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.

The Office of Financial Aid oversees student compliance with the annual scholarship eligibility requirements that reflect the terms you agree to if you accept a merit scholarship. Overall, you must remain a full-time student, complete at least 24 credit hours at UB per academic year, and maintain a cumulative GPA at UB specific to the value of the scholarship you receive.

When the Office of Financial Aid reviews your status each semester to assure you are full time, and in the spring to determine whether you have completed the credit hour minimum and maintained the required UB GPA, you will be informed if your scholarship has been revoked. Students with extenuating circumstances may appeal the decision and be considered for scholarship reinstatement. It is important to seek support before you come to that critical stage.

Scholarships are awarded for full-time study only. If extraordinary circumstances prevent you from fulfilling this requirement, you should talk with your UB academic and financial aid advisors.

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

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