Say Yes Buffalo Tuition Scholarship

Say Yes Buffalo Tuition Scholarship

Program Type: Last-dollar tuition scholarship for public and charter school students

Geographic Scope: Buffalo, NY (expanding to Niagara Falls, NY)

Focus Areas:

Covers tuition costs for students attending SUNY/CUNY colleges

Also available for private college partners with income restrictions

Eligibility Requirements

• Continuous Enrollment: Must be continuously enrolled in Buffalo public or charter school since beginning of 9th grade through high school graduation
• High School: Must graduate June 2013 or later
• Refugee Exception: Refugees with I-94 documentation are eligible even if enrollment after 9th grade begins
• Military Service: As of 2024, eligible students can receive scholarship if they enter college after military service
• GED: As of 2024, eligible students who earned a GED are eligible
• Grade Entry Chart:
- K entry: 100% tuition coverage - Grades 1-3 entry: 95% tuition coverage - Grades 4-6 entry: 80% tuition coverage - Grades 7-9 entry: 65% tuition coverage
• Income Requirements (Private Colleges): Full tuition guarantee for families with annual income less than $75,000 (with some exceptions)

What the Scholarship Covers

• Tuition only - does NOT cover:
- Room and board - Books and supplies - Fees (except as noted below) - Summer or winter courses - Online courses (unless attending full-time with Federal/State aid)

Academic Requirements

• Maintain satisfactory academic standing with college
• Successfully complete minimum 12 credit hours per semester
• Maintain GPA of 2.0 or better each semester
• Students on academic probation remain eligible but must meet requirements next semester or lose eligibility

Award Duration

• Four-Year Colleges: Up to 12 semesters
• Two-Year Community Colleges: Up to 6 semesters
• Gap Years: Students may take up to one gap year or two non-continuous semesters and maintain eligibility

Financial Aid Requirements

• Must complete Federal FAFSA application
• Must complete New York State TAP application
• Must complete verification process if applicable
• Scholarship calculated as: Tuition balance after Federal, State, and institutional aid deductions

Payment Details

• Fall semester payments made after October 15
• Spring semester payments made after February 15
• Funds sent directly to colleges
• Late fees should be waived by institutions while awaiting Say Yes funds
• If student balance exceeds Say Yes award, student responsible for difference

Participating Institutions

• SUNY campuses
• CUNY campuses
• Private Compact Colleges (see website for full list and income-specific criteria)

Special Notes

• Scholarship guidelines updated October 2024 to "recommit" to mission and serve students with greatest need
• Study abroad covered only if administered by Say Yes school; only normal tuition costs covered
• Can transfer between Say Yes colleges with account update
• No annual reapplication required; verification of information required yearly

Contact Information

Email: buffaloscholarship@sayyesbuffalo.org Phone: 716-247-5310 Address: 1166 Jefferson Avenue, Suite A, Buffalo, NY 14208