Paying for Your Education

Even with financial aid, many students and families find that there’s still a remaining balance to cover when it comes to college costs. This difference—often called the “gap”—can be filled in a variety of ways. Whether you’re planning to pay out of pocket, use a payment plan, or explore loan options, it’s important to understand the tools available to help you manage your college expenses. This page outlines practical ways to cover that gap and keep your education on track.

Some colleges may advertise generous scholarships, but those offers can be tied to much higher tuition costs. It’s important to look beyond the headline numbers and compare the full picture—tuition, fees, housing and the actual out-of-pocket cost after aid. A smaller scholarship at a school with lower overall costs might offer better value in the long run. Take time to review each financial aid offer carefully to understand what your family will really be expected to pay.

The University at Buffalo is committed to transparency regarding college costs. Providing a realistic outlook allows our students to budget appropriately, manage debt and graduate with confidence.

Even with financial aid, you may still have a remaining balance to cover. At UB, there are several options to help bridge that gap:

• Pay in Full: You can pay your balance each semester using cash, check, money order or major credit card. Payments can be made online through your HUB Student Center. Visit the UB Student Accounts website for details.
• Installment Plan: UB offers a payment plan that allows you to spread your costs out over several months. This can make budgeting easier and reduce the need for borrowing. Learn more about the UB Payment Plan.
• Federal Parent PLUS Loan: Parents of dependent undergraduate students can apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan to help cover educational expenses. 
• Private Loans: Students may also consider private educational loans through banks or credit unions. These loans vary by lender, so it’s important to compare terms and interest rates. 

Financial aid offer letters are calculated for an entire academic year; however, student bills are generated by semester. Approved financial aid for the semester should appear as a credit on the bill.

After all financial aid has credited to the account; other options may be available to assist with a remaining balance:

• Payment plan (available for fall and spring semesters only)
• Federal Parent PLUS Loan
• Alternative/private loan

Help your student choose meal plans wisely and know the differences between Meal Plans, Dining Points, Campus Cash and FlexiBULL Bucks.

UB Student Life offers financial wellness coaching to help you make the most of your aid, create a realistic budget, and plan for expenses beyond tuition. These resources cover topics like saving strategies, credit basics, and long-term financial planning so you can feel confident about your financial future.