Earn a Four-Year Degree, Tuition-Free
73% of freshmen paid $0 tuition in fall 2025
Buffalo State University has the lowest annual in-state tuition and fees of any 4-year SUNY or WNY institution.
For some students, financial aid and scholarships can cover all of their tuition and mandatory fees. For example, 73% of first-time freshmen paid $0 in tuition in fall 2025. Find out if you could bring your tuition cost down to $0, too.
TAP + Pell Grants
Live at home and qualify for Pell and TAP?
Free federal and state grants. For many students, together they cover all of tuition.
Excelsior Scholarship
Live in New York and earn $125,000 or less?
Eligible New York State residents with a household income of $125,000 or less may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which can cover SUNY tuition.
The Excelsior Scholarship application reopens in May 2027.
Say Yes Buffalo
Graduated from a Buffalo public or charter school?
Buffalo Public and Charter graduates: 65%-100% of remaining tuition covered.
Buffalo State-Exclusive Scholarships
Earn up to $8,000 in scholarships that can cover your annual tuition.
Buffalo State offers scholarships you won't find anywhere else, including the President's Award and Promise Grant.
93%
Students Offered Financial Aid
$14,980
Average Scholarships and Grants Awarded per Freshman Student
200+
Buffalo State Scholarships Available
$74M
Total Aid Awarded, 2024-25
File the FAFSA
Use Buffalo State school code 002842 to determine if you qualify for federal Pell Grants, SEOG grants, and work-study.
Apply for TAP and Excelsior
The Excelsior Scholarship application reopens in May 2027.