The University at Albany offers several merit awards based on academic achievement.

Presidential Scholar Award

The Presidential Scholar Award is reserved for the top 10 percent of the entering class each year. Applicants who are first time college students and 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 90 or greater grade point average, 1250 or greater SAT or 28 or greater ACT, and a top quarter class rank are automatically eligible. The award amount for an in-state Presidential Scholar is $3,500 per year and $6,000 per year for an out-of-state Presidential Scholar.

All Presidential Scholars will be invited to apply to the Honors College and will receive additional benefits, including preferential housing, library privileges, and priority registration.

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 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, extracurricular activities, etc. The award amount for both in-state and out-of-state Frederick Douglass Scholars is $6,500 per year.

All Frederick Douglass Scholars will be invited to apply to the Honors College and will receive additional benefits, including preferential housing, library privileges, and priority registration.

New York State Valedictorian and Salutatorian Award

This new scholarship recognizes the academic achievements of valedictorians and salutatorians from New York State high schools. Applicants from New York State who are designated as Presidential or Frederick Douglass Scholars and rank first or second in their class, will receive an additional $1,000 per year award recognizing them for their achievement.

Achievement Award (For New York State Residents)

The University at Albany recognizes the achievements of outstanding high school students from New York State who are not Presidential or Frederick Douglass Scholars.

All applicants from New York, with a 90 or greater grade point average and SAT of 1200-1240 or ACT of 27 are automatically eligible to receive an Achievement Award. The award amount for a New York State resident is $1,000 per year.

Achievement Award (For Non-New York State Residents)

Two award levels exist for out-of-state applicants who are not Presidential or Frederick Douglass Scholars. Achievement Awards for Non-New York State residents range from $4,000-$5,000 per year.

All applicants admitted to the University who meet the grade point average and standardized test score criteria outlined in the chart below are automatically eligible to receive the award amount indicated.