Scholarships & Aid

A Valuable, Affordable College Degree 

Earning a college degree from the University at Albany is a smart investment in your future. And, as a public research university, UAlbany costs considerably less than most private institutions and provides a rigorous academic experience of equal value. 

Nearly 80% of our undergraduate students apply for financial aid and about 60% receive money they don’t need to pay back.  

Visit our Tuition & Fees for Undergraduate Students page for information on costs and aid. 

Start the financial aid process by completing the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Incoming first-year and transfer students must file the FAFSA by December 1 to receive priority consideration for financial aid awards.   

Visit our Apply for Financial Aid as a First-Year Student or Apply for Financial Aid as a Transfer Student pages for detailed instructions. 

 

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Merit Scholarships for New York State First-Year Students 

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions awards merit scholarships to select incoming first-year students, based on their academic achievement. Financial need is not a factor and there is no separate application.

Freshman merit scholarships will be determined on a test-blind basis. That means that all scholarship decisions will be determined based on students’ academic records alone; any ACT or SAT test scores submitted will not influence the scholarship decision.

Applicants for the Guaranteed Entrance Program to Upstate Medical and home-schooled applicants must submit test scores.

These scholarships are renewable for three additional consecutive academic years, provided the recipient remains continuously enrolled at UAlbany full time (at least 12 degree-applicable credits), while maintaining satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for New York State tuition. 
 

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$7,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $7,000 scholarship is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $28,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. 

$5,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated noteworthy academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $5,000 scholarship is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $20,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. 

 

$4,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated commendable academic performance, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $4,000 scholarship is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $16,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. 

$3,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated commendable academic performance, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.

This $3,000 scholarship is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $12,000.

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

UAlbany Housing Award

UAlbany Housing Awards are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.

This $1,000 award can be applied toward UAlbany on-campus housing, with the exception of Empire Commons (Note: Those receiving Room Waivers are ineligible to receive Room Grants as well), and is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000. 

$500 UAlbany Book Award

UAlbany Book Awards are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance. 

This $500 award ($250 per semester) is allocated to pay for books and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. 

Merit Scholarships for Out-of-State First-Year Students 

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions awards merit scholarships to select incoming first-year students, based on their academic achievement. Financial need is not a factor and there is no separate application.

Freshman merit scholarships will be determined on a test-blind basis. That means that all scholarship decisions will be determined based on students’ academic records alone; any ACT or SAT test scores submitted will not influence the scholarship decision.

Applicants for the Guaranteed Entrance Program to Upstate Medical and home-schooled applicants must submit test scores.  

These scholarships are renewable for three additional consecutive academic years, provided the recipient remains continuously enrolled at UAlbany full time (at least 12 degree-applicable credits), while maintaining satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for out-of-state tuition. 
 

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Flagship Match

If you live in one of the states listed below, you’ll pay the tuition and fees you would have paid at your state’s corresponding flagship University. 

  • CT - University of Connecticut 
  • DC - University of DC
  • DE - University of Delaware
  • FL - University of Florida
  • GA - University of Georgia
  • MA - University of Massachusetts
  • MD - University of Maryland
  • ME - University of Maine
  • NH - University of New Hampshire
  • NJ - Rutgers University
  • NC - University of North Carolina
  • PA - Pennsylvania State University
  • RI -University of Rhode Island
  • SC - University of South Carolina
  • VA - University of Virginia
  • VT - University of Vermont
$16,500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $16,500 scholarship is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $66,000. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

Students cannot receive this scholarship in addition to a flagship match scholarship.

$14,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated noteworthy academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $14,000 scholarship is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $56,000. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

Students cannot receive this scholarship in addition to a flagship match scholarship.

$10,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated noteworthy academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.  

This $10,000 scholarship is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $40,000. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

Students cannot receive this scholarship in addition to a flagship match scholarship.

Room Grant

Room Grants are awarded to first-year students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, reflected by their academic achievement and performance.

This $2,500 award can be applied toward UAlbany on-campus housing, with the exception of Empire Commons (Note: Those receiving Room Waivers are ineligible to receive Room Grants as well), and is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $10,000. 

Students cannot receive this scholarship in addition to a flagship match scholarship.

Merit Scholarships for New York State Transfer Students Applying for Fall 2024 Admission

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to offer the following merit scholarship opportunities to new transfer applicants seeking to enter during the fall 2024 semester. Financial need is not a factor and there is no separate application. 

These scholarships are renewable for three additional consecutive academic years, provided the recipient remains continuously enrolled at UAlbany full time (at least 12 degree-applicable credits), while maintaining satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for New York State tuition.

These awards are determined at the time of acceptance, are for non-tuition expenses, and will be combined with any state or federal aid for which students might qualify. GPA requirements are based on those at the time of acceptance and based on cumulative performance at all colleges and universities attended.

 

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$2,500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0 from their previous college or university.

This $2,500 non-tuition scholarship ($1,250 per semester) is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. 

$1,500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 from their previous college or university.

This $1,500 non-tuition scholarship ($750 per semester) is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. 

$500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 from their previous college or university.

This $500 non-tuition scholarship ($250 per semester) is allocated to pay for books, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany.

The University at Albany reserves the right to correct any errors in the awarding of scholarships or need-based financial aid.

 

Merit Scholarships for Out-of-State Transfer Students 

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is proud to recognize the accomplishments of transfer students continuing their studies at UAlbany by awarding merit scholarships to select incoming students. There is no separate application.  

These scholarships are generally awarded for two years, depending on the student’s academic grade level at the time of admission.  

Recipients must remain continuously enrolled at UAlbany full time (at least 12 degree-applicable credits), while maintaining satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for out-of-state tuition.  

 

merit-oos-transfer
Flagship Match

If you live in one of the states listed below, you’ll pay the tuition and fees you would have paid at your state’s corresponding flagship University. 

  • CT - University of Connecticut 
  • DC - University of DC
  • DE - University of Delaware
  • FL - University of Florida
  • GA - University of Georgia
  • MA - University of Massachusetts
  • MD - University of Maryland
  • ME - University of Maine
  • NH - University of New Hampshire
  • NJ - Rutgers University
  • NC - University of North Carolina
  • PA - Pennsylvania State University
  • RI -University of Rhode Island
  • SC - University of South Carolina
  • VA - University of Virginia
  • VT - University of Vermont
$7,500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to out-of-state transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher from their previous college or university.  

This $7,500 scholarship ($3,750 per semester) is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

$6,000 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to out-of-state transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 from their previous college or university.  

This $6,000 scholarship ($3,000 per semester) is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.   

$4,500 UAlbany Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to out-of-state transfer students with 24 or more transferrable credits and a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 from their previous college or university.  

This $4,500 scholarship ($2,250 per semester) is allocated to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, and is renewable, contingent upon successful completion of the student’s first academic year at UAlbany. It cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

Competitive Awards for First-Year Students 

The University at Albany offers several competitive award opportunities for incoming first-year students.  

Eligible students must apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and are selected based on supplemental application materials and interviews. 

These awards are renewable for three additional consecutive academic years provided the recipient remains continuously enrolled at UAlbany full time (at least 12 degree-applicable credits), while maintaining satisfactory academic progress.  

Additional eligibility guidelines include: 

  • Students must apply to the University at Albany by November 15 through the Early Action option.  

  • All competitive award application materials — including the essay and letter of recommendation — must be received by December 15. 

  • Finalists for each award must participate in an interview with the review committee. 

Students may apply for multiple competitive awards but are only eligible to receive one. Competitive awards can be stacked with merit scholarships but cannot exceed the cost of attendance. 

 

competitive-awards-first-year
Capital District Leadership Awards

Capital District Leadership Awards recognize incoming first-year students from the greater Albany region who have a passion for leadership and experience as a noteworthy leader.  

As part of our commitment to identifying, unleashing and supporting student greatness, 10 first-year students are recognized as Capital District Leaders and awarded $7,000 per year; and 20 first-year students are recognized as Capital District Fellows and awarded $3,000 per year. 

Applicants must also be a high school senior, be scheduled to graduate in the spring semester of 2024, and be attending a high school in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren or Washington counties. 

While all students from eligible counties are encouraged to apply, competitive applicants fall in the upper quarter of UAlbany’s entering class. 

Eligible students can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.  

This non-tuition award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and successfully completes 12 or more credits each semester. 

Recipients are expected to take an active role in campus life. Their receipt of the award will be contingent upon successful completion of their senior year high school coursework, graduation at a level of achievement consistent with their performance when offered Early Action admission, and receipt of official ACT or SAT scores. 

College of Arts and Sciences Competitive Awards

The College of Arts and Sciences offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students pursuing the following majors: 

  • The Arts: Art; Art History; Music; Philosophy; Theatre 

  • Earth Sciences: Atmospheric Science; Environmental Science 

  • Global Studies: Africana Studies; Chinese Studies; East Asian Studies; Japanese Studies; Latin American, Caribbean and US Latino Studies 

  • Languages and Literatures: English; Journalism; Linguistics; Spanish 

  • Physical Sciences: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Physics 

  • Social Sciences: Anthropology; Communication; Economics; Geography; Globalization Studies; History; Sociology; Urban Studies and Planning; Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. 

Students interested in applying for a College of Arts and Sciences Competitive Award can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.   

College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity Competitive Awards

 The College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students pursuing the following majors:

 • Cybersecurity
 • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity
 • Informatics

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000. 
It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. 

 Students interested in applying for a College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity Competitive Award can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.

College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering Competitive Awards

The College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students pursuing the following majors: 

  • Computer Science 

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering 

  • Environmental and Sustainable Engineering

  • Nanoscale Science

  • Nanoscale Engineering 

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. 

Students interested in applying for a College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering Competitive Award can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.  

Great Dane Teacher Pathway Competitive Awards

The School of Education offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students interested in pursuing the Great Dane Teacher Pathway for the following majors: 

  • Atmospheric Science 

  • Biology 

  • Chemistry 

  • English 

  • History 

  • Human Development 

  • Mathematics 

  • Physics

  • Spanish

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. 

Recipients of the Great Dane Teacher Pathway Competitive Award are eligible for an additional $1,000 award for their fifth/graduate year of study at UAlbany, pending admission to the program. 

Students interested in applying for a Great Dane Teacher Pathway Competitive Award can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.  

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Competitive Award

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students pursuing the following majors:

 • Political Science
 • Public Administration and Policy

 This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000. 

 It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books, and other personal expenses. 

 Students interested in applying for a Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Competitive Award can access the application through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.

UAlbany in the High School (UHS) Competitive Awards

The UAlbany in the High School Program offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students enrolled in the University at Albany’s UHS program.  

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, for the potential total of $4,000.  

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses. 

Students interested in applying for a UAlbany in the High School Competitive Award can access the application directly or through the UAlbany Applicant Portal.  

University at Albany Multicultural High School Scholars Award

In its 37th year, UAlbany’s Multicultural High School Scholars Award recognizes African and Caribbean American, Latino/a, Asian and Pacific Island American, and Indigenous high school juniors from New York State who have distinguished academic records and who are involved in school and community activities. 

Awardees — who are nominated by their high school counselors and community leaders — must achieve a high school average of at least 88%.  

More than 4,600 ALANA students have received this award since its inception in 1987.  

The award was created by Dr. Carson Carr, Jr. to recognize students' excellence in their classrooms, school and community. At the time, Dr. Carr was the director of UAlbany’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). 

Awardees are invited to visit campus for an annual fall awards ceremony and reception that features college planning sessions and the presentation of certificates. Awardees will also receive a UAlbany admissions application fee waiver. 

Parents, family members, and guidance counselors are also recognized for their role in helping students achieve excellence. 
 

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Who is eligible and how do I nominate a student?

To be eligible, a student must: 

  • Be a high school junior who is African American, Latino/a, Asian American and/or Native American 
  • Live in New York State
  • Have an academic average of 88% or higher 
  • Have engaged in outstanding school and community leadership 
  • Have (or plan to complete) no less than 18 core units including 3 years of college preparatory math, 2 years of lab sciences, 1 year of foreign language, 4 years of social studies, and 4 years of English (the other three units from English, social studies, mathematics, sciences, or foreign language.)   

High school counselors and community leaders can nominate students for the award. 

The 2024 nomination form is available until May 1, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions office at  
[email protected].  

Great Dane Marching Band Scholarship

The Great Dane Marching Band offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students and transfer students.

This $400 award ($800 for out-of-state students) is renewable for up to 3 consecutive years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year, with a $50 increase following each year of participation, for the potential total of $1,900 ($3,800 for out-of-state).

It is a non-tuition award for in-state students, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books, and other personal expenses.

All participating members of the Marching Great Danes will receive the scholarship during the fall semester. Please visit https://www.albany.edu/marching-spirit-bands or email [email protected] for more information.

 

marching-band-scholarship

eSports Scholarship

The UAlbany eSports program offers competitive awards to incoming first-year students.

This $1,000 award is renewable for up to three consecutive academic years, contingent upon successful completion of the first year and maintaining good standing on the eSports team, for the potential total of $4,000.

It is a non-tuition award, meaning it is allocated to pay for fees, room and board expenses, books and other personal expenses.

 

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Additional Funding Options

additional-options

When comparing college costs, it is important to always be aware of the bottom line — meaning the money you pay after financial aid. 

Direct expenses at UAlbany include tuition, fees, housing and food charges. To determine how much you’ll need to pay, add up those direct expenses, then subtract all financial aid you’ve been offered. 

If you’re left with a balance to pay, consider the following options: 

  • Split your balance into equal installments by enrolling in the University's payment plan.

  • Apply for a Direct PLUS Loan. A PLUS Loan allows for a student's parent to finance the remaining cost of attendance. 

  • Apply for a private student loan. The student is the primary borrower and will likely require a cosigner.

  • Seek on- or off-campus employment. 

  • Apply for additional scholarships. Consider the University at Albany Foundation and Alumni Association scholarships, scholarships for students without permanent legal status, and outside scholarships. 

Visit the Financial Aid & Student Accounts website for more information or to speak with a financial aid advisor.