University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo has named 32 first-year students to the 2026 Presidential Scholar Class. Presidential Scholars are among the most academically accomplished students in the nation. Presidential Scholars who are New York State residents receive the Presidential Scholarship, valued at $15,000 annually, renewable for four years of undergraduate study. "The Presidential Scholarship is UB's most competitive merit award, with about 30 scholars selected from more than 40,000 university applicants," Patrick McDevitt, associate dean of undergraduate education and the Honors College, says. "These exceptional students demonstrate academic excellence and the potential to make an impact at UB and beyond. This year's cohort includes a record number of out-of-state students, reflecting the Honors College's growing reach and reputation." Presidential Scholars are admitted to the UB Honors College. Honors students enjoy many benefits designed to foster academic and personal success - including but not limited to personalized advisement, faculty mentorship, priority registration, access to unique funding opportunities, specialized living communities and a network of global honors alumni. To maintain their scholarship, Presidential Scholars must uphold their enrollment in the Honors College with an overall GPA of at least 3.30 during their first year and an overall GPA of at least a 3.50 for successive years. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.