First-year scholarships are awarded to new, incoming first-year students at Buffalo State. No separate application required – we’ll notify you of your awards shortly after admission. Scholarships are made possible through the generous donations of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Buffalo State. (For students starting in fall semester only)
- Merit-based scholarships are awarded to admitted students based on their academic accomplishments. Meeting the eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of a merit-based scholarship but suggests the minimum type of academic performance necessary to be considered. A separate application is not needed to apply; students will automatically be reviewed for eligibility.
Scholarship Details
President’s Scholars Award
Amount: up to $4,000/year - $16,000 total
Criteria: Minimum high school GPA’s of 96+ to be considered.
Renewable: Yes, for four years if the student remains continuously enrolled full time (12+ credit hours) in the fall and spring semesters, and maintains a 3.2 cumulative GPA. Students that graduate early forfeit any unused portions of the scholarship.
Provost’s Scholars Award
Amount: up to $3,000/year - $12,000 total
Criteria: Minimum high school GPA of 92+ to be considered.
Renewable: Yes, for four years if the student remains continuously enrolled full time (12+ credit hours) in the fall and spring semesters, and maintains a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students that graduate early forfeit any unused portions of the scholarship.
Dean’s Scholars Award
Amount: up to $2,000/year - $8,000 total
Criteria: Minimum high school GPA’s of 88+ to be considered.
Renewable: Yes, for four years if the student remains continuously enrolled full time (12+ credit hours) in the fall and spring semesters, and maintains a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Students that graduate early forfeit any unused portions of the scholarship.
Orange & Black Academic Award
Amount: up to $1,000/year - $4,000 total
Criteria: Minimum high school GPA’s of 83+ to be considered.
Renewable: Yes, for four years if the student remains continuously enrolled full time (12+ credit hours) in the fall and spring semesters, and maintains a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Students that graduate early forfeit any unused portions of the scholarship.
Other Important Notes, Disclaimers, and Appeals
- All scholarships are contingent upon available funds and are subject to change.
- These awards are limited in nature and are based on total funds available. Buffalo State will award these scholarships based on the priority consideration date of February 15, 2025.
- Awards are available to students enrolled in matriculated undergraduate programs only.
- Students graduating early may not apply “unused portions” of their grant(s) to their final semester(s).
- The University reserves the right to revoke the student’s award at any time for not meeting the criteria listed.
- Students who fail to meet the renewal criteria have a right to appeal if they had extenuating circumstances. The Buffalo State Scholarship/Grant Appeal Form should be completed and emailed to finaid@buffalostate.edu, along with supporting documentation for the appeal reason.