Starting in fall 2025, Canisius University will launch the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, a full-tuition award aimed at making higher education more accessible for eligible students from the Buffalo area. This scholarship is designed to eliminate financial barriers, covering 100% of tuition costs for up to four years of undergraduate study at Canisius after accounting for government aid.
Scholarship Overview
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship ensures that eligible students from the Buffalo area can pursue their undergraduate education tuition-free. By covering all remaining tuition costs after federal and state aid, Canisius University is making a commitment to provide a high-quality education to local students without financial stress.
Additional Benefits
Beyond covering tuition, the Buffalo Promise Scholarship offers various benefits designed to connect students with the Buffalo community and enhance their academic and professional development:
- Personalized support from a student success team.
- Access to high-impact learning experiences, such as internships and community immersions in Buffalo.
- Mentorship opportunities with Buffalo-based alumni.
- Chances to engage in service projects, contributing to the city’s social and economic growth
Eligibility and Requirements
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Must apply and be admitted to Canisius University as an undergraduate freshman for fall 2025.
- Must reside in Buffalo (ZIP code beginning with 142).
- Must have a household adjusted gross income at or below $125,000.
In addition to meeting these criteria, scholarship recipients must:
- Submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application by March 1, 2025.
- Commit to attending Canisius University for at least two years.
- Maintain good academic standing throughout their enrollment.
How to Apply?
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship is structured as a “last-dollar” award. This means that after federal and state aid, including Pell Grants and TAP funds, Canisius University will cover any remaining tuition, making the education completely tuition-free for eligible students.
Application Steps:
- Apply to Canisius University through the Canisius application or the Common App.
- Submit a FAFSA using Canisius’ code (002681) and a TAP application with the code (0090) by the March 1 deadline.
- Ensure that all eligibility criteria are met for regular decision admission.
- Official Invitation: https://www.canisius.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/buffalo-promise-scholarship.
