Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students that have not previously earned a bachelor's degree and have an expected family contribution (EFC) between a certain range, as determined by the FAFSA (see below). Other important highlights:

• Must complete FAFSA each academic year.
• For the 2017-18 academic year, the student's EFC must be between 0 and 5,300. As a student's EFC increases, his/her Pell Grant award decreases. For example, the annual Pell Grant amount for a zero-EFC is $5,920 and the annual amount for an EFC of 5,300 is $606.
• For the 2016-17 academic year, the student's EFC must be between 0 and 5,234. As a student's EFC increases, his/her Pell Grant award decreases. For example, the annual Pell Grant amount for a zero-EFC is $5,815 and the annual amount for an EFC of 5,234 is $598.
• Students must maintain Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students are limited to 12 full-time semesters (or part-time equivalent) or the completion of their first bachelor's degree, whichever happens first.
• Students may receive a Pell Grant for part-time study

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a campus-based grant awarded to students with exceptional financial need and it is predicated upon the availability of funds. SEOG is only available to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor's degree and also eligible for the Pell Grant. Other important highlights:

• Must complete FAFSA each academic year.
• Priority is given to students with a 0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis (students are encouraged to file the FAFSA as close to October 1 as possible).
• Students must maintain Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal TEACH Grant (Graduate)

The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching. In exchange for the grant, students must teach in a designated low-income school for four years. Failure to fulfill the service obligation results in the conversion of the grant into a loan with retroactive interest. Other important highlights:

• Must complete FAFSA each academic year.
• Must complete TEACH Entrance Counseling and an Agreement to Serve (ATS) each year at StudentLoans.Gov.
• May receive a TEACH Grant for part-time study
• Students must maintain Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students may receive SEOG for part-time study

Federal TEACH Grant (Undergraduate)

The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching. In exchange for the grant, students must teach in a designated low-income school for four years. Failure to fulfill the service obligation results in the conversion of the grant into a loan with retro-active interest. Other important highlights:

• Must complete FAFSA each academic year.
• Must complete TEACH Entrance Counseling and an Agreement to Serve (ATS) each year at StudentLoans.Gov.
• May receive a TEACH Grant for part-time study
• Students must maintain Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

AmeriCorps Grant

AmeriCorps supports a wide range of local service programs that engage thousands of Americans in intensive community service each year. They provide grants to a network of local and national organizations and agencies committed to using national service to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorp grants may be paid in conjunction with New York State and administered through HESC.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for Undergraduate Students

The EOP Grant is a state grant awarded only to eligible EOP participants accepted by the Admissions Office. Students must be full-time to receive EOP and the amount varies based on their year-level and if they are living on- or off-campus. Refer to the EOP website for more information about the EOP program.

EOP Tuition Program for Graduate Students

The State University of New York's Graduate Tuition Scholarship Opportunity Program provides disadvantaged graduate students with a full-tuition scholarship when they attend as full-time (9 graduate), matriculated graduate students. Applicants must be

• Graduates of EOP, SEEK, or HEOP; Certification of participation by the campus administering the undergraduate program is required.
• New York State residents.
• Matriculated, full-time (9 credit hours) students in both the fall and spring semesters.
• Pursuing their first master's degree. Students pursuing a second master's degree are not eligible for the EOP scholarship.
• Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA

SUNY Tuition Credit

The SUNY Tuition Credit is awarded to all undergraduate students that also qualify for NYS TAP. There is no additional application required for the SUNY Tuition Credit other than the TAP application. Like TAP, the SUNY Tuition Credit requires students to be enrolled in a full-time course load.

NYS Aid for Part-Time Study Grant

The Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) program is a grant program financed by New York State in conjunction with participating educational institutional throughout the state. The program provides up to $2,000 per year to help part-time undergraduate students meet their educational expenses. Part-time is considered less than 12 credit hours per semester.

• Must complete an Aid for Part-Time Study Application for the applicable year
• Must submit one of the following
  • FAFSA for appropriate aid year;
  • New York State TAP Application for appropriate aid year; or
  • Attach a copy of their NYS Tax Return for the applicable aid year to the APTS application

NYS Part-Time TAP

Part-time undergraduate students at approved institutions in New York State who were first-time freshman in academic year 2006-07 or thereafter, may be eligible for Part-time TAP to help pay for college beginning in the summer of 2007. Students who have attended college and/or received TAP prior to academic year 2006-07 are ineligible.

Part-time TAP is an entitlement program that uses up TAP eligibility (a maximum of 48 points for four years of full-time or eight years of part-time undergraduate study or 60 points for students enrolled in approved five-year programs).

• Be enrolled for at least 6 but fewer than 12 semester hour credits or the equivalent
• Have earned 12 credits in each of two consecutive prior semesters (credits from New York State not-for-profit institutions only); a full-time summer term can be used to meet the prior study requirement
• Must submit New York State TAP Application for appropriate aid year

NYS Memorial Scholarship for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers

Provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers, and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York. For study in New York State. Refer to the HESC page for more information about this program.

NYS Other Scholarship

Other NYS Scholarships administered through HESC include the following:

• Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
• Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship
• NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute - MERIT Scholarship, also known as Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS)

NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program

The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides a full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship for the top 10 percent of students in each New York State high school if they pursue a STEM degree in an associate or bachelor degree program and agree to work in a STEM field in New York State for 5 years after graduation.

• Additional Eligibility Criteria
• Complete and submit the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program Web Supplement and mail to HESC

NYS State University Student Assistance Grant (SUSTA)

SUSTA is awarded to full-time undergraduate students that are also eligible for TAP. SUSTA funds must be targeted to low and middle income students with unmet financial need and to minimize excessive debt load. The maximum award is $500 per semester. No additional application is required; students will be notified after the fall semester has begun if they have been selected for a SUSTA grant.

NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) requires students to complete the NYS TAP application at www.tabweb.org to determine their eligibility. An estimated TAP award will print on the award letter even if the student has not completed the TAP application. Students should verify they completed the application with Buffalo State listed on it (listed as 0905 SUC Buffalo Undergraduate). A few program highlights include:

• Complete TAP Application each academic year after completing the FAFSA
• Students must enroll full-time (12 credits or more) and maintain Good Academic Standing.
• Course Repeats: Courses students choose to repeat but previously passed (D, D+, C-) cannot include the repeated course toward their full-time status for TAP eligibility purposes.
• Students registered with the Disabilities Services Office may be eligible to receive TAP for less than 12 credit hours
• Be NYS residents
• Pursing an undergraduate degree or post baccalaureate teacher certification program.

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) is part of the New York State Education Department. ACCES-VR, formerly known as the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), assists individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment. Students may be eligible to receive funding through New York State to assist them with their tuition costs.

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)

The DC Tuition Assistance Program (DC TAG) was created to expand higher education choices for college-bound residents of the District of Columbia (Washington DC). Students should refer to the DC TAG Website for information on how to apply.

Critic Teacher Program

Tuition waiver program for eligible supervision teachers. Waivers cover tuition only and are honored at the New York State resident rate.

CSEA Tuition Program

Eligible CSEA-represented New York State executive-branch employees can apply for two tuition benefits per calendar year. Eligible employee can also receive reimbursement for an unlimited number of credit-by-examinations (up to $210 per examination) and reimbursement of one certification and licensure exam fee (up to $300) in addition to their standard benefits. Education Advisement Services are available to CSEA-represented State employees by calling 1-800-253-4332 or 1-518-486-7814. Refer to the Tuition Benefits page of the NYS & CSEA Partnership website.

Professional & Science Tuition Program (PEF)

The New York State-Public Employees Federation Professional Development Committee (PDC) may offer professional development programs for employees in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PS&T) Unit.

WEM Tuition Program B140W

Staff members of Buffalo State or the Research Foundation may apply for tuition assistance (up to 50% waiver) after six months of service; faculty members may apply after one semester of service. Review the Buffalo State HR Website for more information.

Federal Work-Study

FWS is an opportunity to work on campus or at designated off-campus agencies and earn a bi-weekly paycheck. A student awarded an FWS award prior to June 1st must accept the award on Banner by July 15th to retain eligibility. Students will need to secure a work-study position and may be required to attend a formal interview. As a result, not all students awarded FWS will secure a position. Students interested in part-time employment should also contact the Career Development Center at (716) 878-5811 or Cleveland Hall 306.

• Must complete FAFSA each academic year by March 1.
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Students must maintain Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students may receive work-study for part-time study

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Federal Direct Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits hours) in required coursework per semester. Students enter repayment on their Direct Subsidized loans six months after they graduate or cease half-time enrollment (6.0 credits hours). Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students that demonstrate financial need. Subsidized loans do not generally accrue interest while the student is in school at least half-time. Other important highlights include:

• The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of required coursework per semester.
• Must complete FAFSA each academic year and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students must accept the loan in Banner. For help using Banner, refer to the Accept Aid Video.
• The first year the student borrows Direct Loans, they must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.
• Loans must be accepted and the MPN and counseling completed by the last day of the semester or before the student drops below half-time status, whichever happens first. Failure to do so results in the student's ineligibility for the loan (federal regulation).
• Federal Subsidized Loans have annual and lifetime limits. Students should borrow conservatively and plan ahead.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students and require students to be enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits hours) in required coursework per semester. Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest as soon as they are disbursed. Students enter repayment on their Direct loans six months after they graduate or cease half-time enrollment (6.0 credits hours).

• The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of required coursework per semester.
• Must complete FAFSA each academic year and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Students must accept the loan in Banner. For help using Banner, refer to the Accept Aid Video.
• The first year the student borrows Direct Loans, they must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.
• Loans must be accepted and the MPN and counseling completed by the last day of the semester or before the student drops below half-time status, whichever happens first. Failure to do so results in the student's ineligibility for the loan (federal regulation).
• Federal Unsubsidized Loans have annual and lifetime limits. Students should borrow conservatively and plan ahead.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan in lieu of PLUS

If a dependent student's parent is denied for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, the student is eligible for additional unsubsidized Direct Loans at the independent student's borrowing limit. Typically, based on the student's remaining eligibility for aid, freshmen and sophomores may borrow up to an additional $4,000 in the unsubsidized loan; juniors and seniors may borrow up to an additional $5,000 annually. Students will need to accept, reduce, or decline any additional loan that is offered to them. Refer to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (above) for the eligibility requirements.

Federal Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan Program is scheduled to expire after the 2017-18 school year for undergraduate students and after the 2016-17 school year for graduate students.

Federal Perkins Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits hours) in required coursework per semester. Repayment is made directly to SUNY and repayment begins nine months after they graduate or cease half-time enrollment (6.0 credits hours). Perkins loans are interest-free while the student is in school. Once in repayment, interest is charged at a fixed interest rate of 5.0%.

• The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of required coursework per semester.
• Must complete FAFSA each academic year and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Undergraduate students: A Perkins loan will be awarded after the student's full subsidized and unsubsidized loan eligibility has been offered. The loan amount offered is pending availability of funds but will not exceed $1,000 per semester. Undergraduate students must live on-campus or be out-of-state students.
• Graduate students: To be eligible for a Perkins loan in 2016-17, the student must have previously received a Perkins Loan from Buffalo State while studying in the same academic program. The loan amount offered is pending availability of funds but will not exceed $1,000 per semester.
• Students must accept the Perkins loan in Banner. For help using Banner, refer to the Accept Aid Video.
• Students must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note for the loan to disburse after July 1 (separate from Direct Loan Counseling and MPN).

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct PLUS loan is a loan in the parent's name to assist their undergraduate dependent student when there is a gap between the cost of attendance and the student's own financial aid. Only the student's biological or adoptive parents are eligible to apply for a PLUS loan. A step-parent, if still married to the student's biological parent, and whose income is reported on the student's FAFSA, is also eligible to borrow on behalf of the student.

• The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of required coursework per semester.
• Must complete FAFSA each academic year and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Parent must apply for PLUS loan at StudentLoans.Gov.
• If the parent is approved for loan, must also complete PLUS Master Promissory Note at StudentLoans.Gov.
• Parents who are not initially credit approved for the PLUS loan, but who qualify by documenting extenuating circumstances or obtaining an endorser, must complete a new loan counseling requirement at StudentLoans.Gov

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan is for graduate (master's degree) and professional degree students. In order for a graduate student to become eligible for a PLUS loan, they must first file a FAFSA for the current academic year. It is recommended that the student accept all of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that they have been offered first, as the interest rate on the unsubsidized loan is lower than the interest rate on the Graduate PLUS loan. The Graduate PLUS loan should be considered if there is a gap between the student's cost of education and all other aid including a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. As with all loan programs, students are urged to borrow conservatively.

• The student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of required coursework per semester.
• Must complete FAFSA each academic year and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for continued eligibility and meet other basic eligibility criteria, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Student must apply for Grad PLUS loan at StudentLoans.Gov.
• Students approved for the Grad PLUS loan, must also complete a PLUS Master Promissory Note and a Graduate PLUS Entrance Counseling Session at StudentLoans.Gov

Alternative Loan

A private loan is a non-federal loan made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, or state agency. Students and parents can use any lender of their choice. The maximum amount in private loans a student may receive per year is the cost of attendance less any other financial aid. Students must either file a FAFSA or submit Alternative Loan Entrance Counseling before Buffalo State may certify their private loan request.

More information: Private Loans website.

Buffalo State Scholarships

Buffalo State offers many scholarships to new and continuing students. As new scholarships become available, they are posted on the Campus Scholarship page. Students are encouraged to check this page frequently as new scholarships are added. Students should also watch for a new scholarship program, Academic Works, that will greatly assist them in applying for Buffalo State Scholarships.

McNair Scholarship

The McNair Scholars Program provides academic support services to low income, first generation students and/or members of under represented groups. Program participants receive stipends, information about graduate study, mentoring, and opportunities for funded research. The McNair Program is no longer accepting new applicants. For more information, visit the McNair Scholars Program website.

Graduate Assistant (GA) Tuition Scholarship

Graduate assistantships are available through various academic and administrative departments on campus. Duties vary according to position, but traditionally consist of non-teaching functions such as grading papers, monitoring exams, assisting in administrative assignments, or participating in research projects. Important highlights of this award:

• Awards may include a tuition scholarship (up to 9 credit hours per fall and spring semesters), a stipend, a meal plan, and housing.
• Assignments range from 10 to 20 hours per week and may provide stipends from $2,500 to $6,000 per academic year.
• Stipends and/or tuition scholarships cover tuition only; it is the student's responsibility to pay all college fees.
• Graduate assistants must complete a Tuition Scholarship Award Application for each semester funding is sought.

Graduate Diversity Fellowship

Students who are awarded a SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship may receive a full tuition scholarship (9 graduate credit hours per semester) and/or a stipend for three semesters in which they are enrolled for full-time graduate coursework. Other important highlights include:

• Up to fifteen (15) graduate credit hours of tuition are funded each fall and spring semester; it is the student's responsibility to pay all college fees and mandatory student health insurance.
• Fellows must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA each semester to continue to receive funding.
• Fellows must complete a Tuition Scholarship Award Application (PDF) to apply for the tuition scholarship each semester funding is needed.
• Be U.S. Citizens or hold permanent resident status.
• Must demonstrate that they would contribute to the diversity of the student body in the program for which they are applying, including by having overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to succeed in higher education.
• Accepted as matriculated, full-time students (registering for 9 graduate credits each semester) in a graduate program. Pursuing their first master's degree. Students pursuing a second master's degree are not eligible for the fellowship.
• Applying for other financial aid programs that may be available to them through other sources. This allows the college to maximize funds available under the fellowship program.

NYS Merit Scholarship 1500

Awarded to outstanding graduates from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. The scholarship is renewable for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State. NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence provide up to $1,500 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State.

• Must complete New York State TAP Application
• Must be Eligibility Requirements defined by NYS.

NYS Merit Scholarship 500

Awarded to outstanding graduates from registered New York State high schools. Awards are based on student grades in certain Regents exams. The scholarship is renewable for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State. NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence provide up to $500 per year for up to five years of undergraduate study in New York State

• Must complete New York State TAP Application
• Must be Eligibility Requirements defined by NYS.

NYS Lottery Scholarship

The New York Lottery is not currently awarding any new scholarships. Recipients of a prior NYS Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship will continue to receive any unpaid balance subject to the original requirements.

NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Scholarship

Provides grants to eligible full-time undergraduate or graduate students in approved programs that lead to math or science teaching careers in secondary education.

• Must complete New York State TAP Application
• Must be Eligibility Requirements defined by NYS.

United University Professional Tuition Program

The current agreement between the State of New York and United University Professionals, Inc. agree to continue the existing tuition assistance program to allow employees in the Professional Services Negotiating Unit to enroll in courses on a space-available basis without payment of tuition. For more information, visit the HR Website.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) provides financial aid and career support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit the New York State Commission for the Blind website.

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo awards scholarships to students from Western New York. Students must apply by March 1 for the upcoming fall semester. For more information, visit the CFGB website.

Educational Incentive Program

The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is a scholarship program which helps providers pay for training and educational activities with the intent to build provider knowledge, skills and competencies and improve the quality of childcare.

Other Funding Source

This represents a variety of outside funding sources received by students. If Banner shows an award described as an Other Funding Source, review Active Messages in Banner as this will state the source of the award.

Outside Scholarship

An awarded listed as an Outside Scholarship represents a private scholarship that Buffalo State was notified you will received. Refer to your Banner Active Messages to determine the donor. Buffalo State only posts scholarship information when we have been notified via an official scholarship letter. It is the student's responsibility to make sure all specific tasks have been completed for the scholarship to disburse.

Say Yes to Education

Say Yes is a tuition-only guarantee for students that graduated from specific qualifying high schools. Eligibility for Say Yes is determined after all other grants and scholarships are applied to the tuition component of the student's bill. Books and supplies, housing, and meal plans are not covered by the Say Yes Tuition Scholarship. Important highlights:

• Must remain full-time (12 or more credit hours per semester)
• Students are limited to 8 semesters, or 4 years of Say Yes funding. Therefore it is recommended that each student take a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester to remain eligible.
• Must complete FAFSA and TAP applications each year and submit all financial aid documents, as required
• Must confirm college choice with Say Yes by August 31 for any Fall Semester and/or December 31 for Spring Semester. Failure to do so will terminate the student's eligibility for that semester.
• Must maintain academic eligibility for federal aid. A loss of federal aid will result in an immediate loss of Say Yes funds.
• Must maintain academic eligibility for state aid. Students that lose eligibility for TAP will be treated as follows:
  • If a student loses state aid (TAP) for the spring semester, and it is their first semester ineligible for state aid (TAP), the student is automatically placed on probation. There will be no adjustment of the student's Say Yes award, if they have one. A second, consecutive semester of state aid loss will result in a loss of Say Yes funding eligibility.
  • If a student loses state (TAP) for the fall semester, and it is their first semester of state aid (TAP) loss, that student is automatically on probation. Any Say Yes award will be calculated using state aid (TAP) from the previous academic year. A second, consecutive semester of state aid loss will result in a loss of Say Yes funding eligibility.
• Must earn 24 cumulative credit hours each year in order to receive the grant in subsequent years

Statler Foundation Scholarship

The Statler Foundation Scholarship is awarded to Hospitality and Tourism Majors by the Statler Foundation.

NYS Veterans Tuition Awards

Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or other eligible combat veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State are eligible for awards for full or part-time study. More Information: Refer to the HESC page for more information about this program.

Military Benefits Federal

Tuition assistance provided directly through the military and not through the Federal Veteran's Administration (VA). Typically, students receive such benefits when they are currently in active duty.

Military Benefits State

Tuition assistance provided through the National Guard of New York State.

NYS Child of a Veteran Award

Provided to students whose parent(s) have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency. Students apply by completing the NYS TAP Application and the Children of Veterans Award Web Supplemental Application. Refer HESC for more information about this program.