Beginning in fall 2025, Canisius will launch the full-tuition Buffalo Promise Scholarship. This award automatically covers 100% of the cost of tuition after any government aid for up to four years of undergraduate education at Canisius for eligible accepted students from the Buffalo area.
Scholarship Overview
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship effectively covers 100% of tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study at Canisius University to eligible admitted students.
Eligibility and Requirements
We are proud to offer this program as a positive step toward our goal of ensuring that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of a Canisius education for qualified students.
To receive the Buffalo Promise Scholarship, students must meet all the following criteria:
- The student must apply to and be admitted regular decision to Canisius University as an undergraduate freshman enrolling in fall 2025.
- The student must currently live in Buffalo, defined as ZIP code beginning with 142.
- The student must live in a household with an adjusted gross income at or less than $125,000.
As conditions of the award, students must:
- Submit valid applications for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the New York Tuition Assistance Program by March 1.
- Attend Canisius for a minimum of two years.
- Remain in good standing throughout their entire academic career at Canisius.
How To Apply
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship is a “last-dollar” award benefit. This means that after tallying any federal and/or state aid, such as federal Pell Grants and state Tuition Assistance Program funds, Canisius will cover the remaining balance of tuition, effectively making a Canisius undergraduate education 100% tuition free for eligible admitted students.
To qualify, students from Buffalo must:
Apply to Canisius via either the Canisius application or the Common App.
Submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Canisius' FAFSA code is 002681) by March 1.
Submit a valid New York Tuition Assistance Program application (Canisius' TAP code is 0090) by March 1.
Only those students who have been admitted to Canisius regular decision and who meet all eligibility criteria will receive the Buffalo Promise Scholarship.
Start Your Application
Once you confirm your eligibility using the criteria above, the next step is to apply.
Additional Benefits
In addition to covering the cost of tuition, the award also offers benefits and experiences to strengthen students’ connection to the Buffalo community and build a foundation to contribute to the city’s economic and social success, including:
- Support from a personalized student success team.
- Access to high-impact learning experiences in Buffalo and the surrounding area, such as internships and immersions.
- Mentorship and connections with Buffalo-based alumni.
- Opportunities to give back and build bonds through service.
FAQ
How does this compare to the New York Excelsior Program?
Unlike Excelsior, the Canisius Buffalo Promise Scholarship does not require you to work in New York after graduation and does not require a separate application.
I’m from Western New York but I don’t live in a 142 ZIP code. Do I still qualify for the Buffalo Promise Scholarship?
Making higher education accessible is a priority. The Buffalo Promise Scholarship is for students from Buffalo, which is defined as ZIP codes beginning with 142. However, as a small, private institution, we are equipped to handle individual financial aid appeals to determine a package that reflects your unique situation. To start the conversation, contact Student Records and Financial Services.
I live to school in a 142 ZIP code, but my household’s income is greater than $125,000. Do I still qualify for the Buffalo Promise Scholarship?
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship makes a Canisius education more accessible to lower- and middle-income students, but we know that a one-size-fits-all approach might not accommodate everyone. As a small, private institution, we are equipped to handle individual financial aid appeals to determine a package that reflects your unique situation. To start the conversation, contact Student Records and Financial Services.
Does the Buffalo Promise Scholarship cover on- or off-campus housing or other living expenses?
The award benefit only covers undergraduate tuition at Canisius.
If I enroll in an accelerated combined degree program (e.g., 4+1 BA/MBA), does the Buffalo Promise Scholarship cover tuition toward my graduate degree?
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship only covers the undergraduate portion of your combined program tuition; however, choosing to enroll in an accelerated combined degree program at Canisius under the Buffalo Promise Scholarship would be less expensive and take less time overall than if you were to pursue your undergraduate and graduate courses of study separately.
When will the Buffalo Promise Scholarship be awarded?
The Buffalo Promise Scholarship will be awarded at the same time as your financial aid award, and requires your FAFSA to be filed and valid before awarding. Your acceptance letter will include merit-based scholarships.
Why the Buffalo Promise Scholarship?
Since its founding in 1870 by German immigrants, Canisius has been dedicated to providing pathways to success for Buffalo’s communities. As an institution of higher education, we occupy a special position as both part of and partner to the success of our city. By lifting up students from our area, they go on to raise up their communities through leadership and service.
Contact Us
The cost of college is top of mind for students and families. In addition to merit-based awards, we also offer aid based on demonstrated need to deserving students, as well as personalized support for understanding your financial situation. Connect with the professionals at Student Records and Financial Services to learn more.
Email: @email
Phone: 716-888-2200