Funding Your Education

The FAFSA is an application for federal student aid that collects the basic information needed to determine your eligibility for all of the financial aid programs sponsored by the federal government.

All U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens should file a FAFSA form as the first step for consideration of any federal financial aid. Low interest federal student loans such as Federal Direct, Stafford, and Perkins loans are considered financial aid and can only be accessed after an application has been filled.

Financial aid is given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is important. You should fill out a FAFSA even if you are not sure you will be attending UB.

Filling out a FAFSA doesn't mean that you have to accept all of the aid. You will have the option of accepting all or some of it, or of declining to take any at all. You can file a free FAFSA application online. This form must be filed every year, as soon as possible after Jan. 1. Be sure to file your financial aid application as soon as possible, UB's priority due date is March 1.

Steps on how to apply for financial aid and maintaining eligibility can be accessed at the UB Office of Financial Aid. You may also contact the office at 716-645-8232 or e-mail at ubfa@buffalo.edu. The University at Buffalo's federal title IV school code is 002837. 

Eligibility requirements for GOP (formerly GEOP) include New York State residency and full-time enrollment in the MSW graduate degree program. In addition, applicants must have graduated from a SUNY Equal Opportunity Program (EOP); a SUNY Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge Program (SEEK); or Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

This tuition scholarship will pay for full tuition not including student activity fees. Applicants must apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to be eligible for GOP. Certification of status from the student's undergraduate institution. Apply early, as funding is limited. 

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is the state's student financial aid agency, helping people pay for college by administering 18 student financial aid programs, including TAP, a highly successful College Savings program, and offering guidance to students, families and counselors. 

Each year the School of Social Work awards a number of scholarships to incoming students who demonstrate high academic achievement and a commitment to the social work profession. We consider all applicants for these merit-based scholarships at the time of application review, without need for a separate scholarship application. If scholarship funding is awarded, the amount will be stated in the student’s acceptance letter. Due to the limited amount of funding, we recommend submitting your application early for the best chance of consideration.

The School of Social Work has several funding opportunities that require a separate application to be considered.  View all opportunities. 

Students eligible to receive assistantships must be enrolled full-time. Assistantships typically require 20 hours of work per week beyond classes and field placements. Assistantships are given to students usually for one academic year and will pay for the full tuition cost, not including student activity fees. With an assistantship, students may work with faculty on current research projects, provide assistance in an academic department or teach a course. At present there is no centralized tracking of GA opportunities. Students typically respond to postings on campus, send resumes to various academic units or check with Career Services.

Each year the UB Alumni Association awards three types of scholarships to deserving UB students. Learn more and apply for the Willie R. Evans UBAA Legacy Scholarship, the Alumnae Scholarship and the J. Scott Fleming Merit Scholarship. Applications are due by November 30. 

Looking for a fabulous summer fellowship opportunity? Interested in working with a local organization to tackle societal issues? If you are an advanced year MSW student looking for a paid summer opportunity at a mission-driven organization, this may be the right opportunity for you!

Social Impact Fellows is an 8-week, full-time program, during which students will explore and implement innovative solutions at local nonprofits. Three students — an MSW, MBA and graduate student from the College of Arts and Sciences — are teamed up at each location. You will receive credit for a 3-credit elective, your tuition and fees for the course will be covered, and you will receive a small stipend. Note: Completing this fellowship will not satisfy any field education requirement for the MSW program.

This highly competitive fellowship is sponsored by the SUNY office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and offers support for academically outstanding full-time students in the MSW, MSW/PhD, and PhD programs who can demonstrate that they would contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Arthur A. Schomburg fellows receive a stipend and a full tuition scholarship. Recipients are selected by the MSW and PhD Admissions Committees after program applications are reviewed.

These competitive fellowships are available for academically outstanding new PhD in Social Welfare students. The award comes with an assistantship and stipend in addition to a tuition scholarship. Recipients are selected by the PhD Admissions Committee after program applications are reviewed.

NASW Foundation scholarships and fellowships help to provide the financial resources to support member students pursuing a variety of social work specialties. 

Email: ubfa@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-645-8232
Website: financialaid.buffalo.edu