Merit Awards

For the 2008-09 academic year, the University at Albany offers several merit awards based on academic achievement.

Presidential Scholar Award

The Presidential Scholar Award is reserved for applicants who are first time college students. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement as measured by their grade point average, class rank and standardized test scores at the secondary school level are eligible for consideration.

Applicants with a 90 or greater grade point average, 1250 or greater SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 28 or greater ACT, and a top quarter class rank are automatically eligible. The award amount for an in-state Presidential Scholar is $4,000 per year and $5,000 per year for an out-of-state Presidential Scholar.

Frederick Douglass Scholar Award

Frederick Douglass Scholars are Presidential Scholars who demonstrate the ability to contribute significantly to the diversity of the University at Albany as determined at the time of their application.

Applicants who present a 90 or greater grade point average, 1250 or greater SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 28 or greater ACT, a top quarter class rank, and submit supplemental information demonstrating their ability to significantly contribute to the diversity of the University are eligible for consideration by a review committee. Supplemental information would include an essay, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. The award amount for an in-state Frederick Douglass Scholar is $5,000 per year and $6,000 per year for an out-of-state Frederick Douglass Scholar.

Achievement Award For Non-New York State Residents

Out-of-state applicants with a 90 or greater grade point average and 1100 or greater SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 24 or greater ACT are eligible for consideration for an Achievement Award for non-New York State residents. The award amount is $4,000 per year.