Air Force/Space Force ROTCDrill TeamColor GuardAir Force ROTC at University at Buffalo
Detachment 550 University at Buffalo · Bulls · 550
Since 1951, Detachment 550 University at Buffalo has run AFROTC at University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY.
About this program
Detachment 550 University at Buffalo is the AFROTC detachment hosted at University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. Cadre have commissioned U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force officers from this campus since 1951.
The detachment pulls cadets from Canisius College, D'Youville College, Niagara University, and Buffalo State College alongside its host enrollment. GMC and POC coursework is taught in the host classrooms; cross-town cadets ride consortium shuttles or self-commute to PT and labs.
Cadets can pursue AFROTC HSSP Type 1 (full tuition) or, once on contract, AFROTC HSSP Type 2 ($18k cap). University at Buffalo brings academic depth in computer science and cybersecurity, and the unit aligns major selection with branch-board competitiveness.
Scholarships available here
Tuition + fees capped at $18,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026. Award type is fixed at selection - no upgrades.
Service obligation: 4 years
In-College Scholarship Program for freshmen/sophomores already enrolled in AFROTC. Merit-based with fall and spring selection phases; same capped/uncapped structure as HSSP plus the $10,000/yr housing conversion. The General Charles McGee Leadership Award (CMLA) covers non-scholarship cadets who receive an enrollment allocation.
Service obligation: 4 years
Tuition + fees capped at $36,000/yr, plus $900/yr textbook allowance and monthly stipend ($300-$500); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Type 4 replaced the old in-state Type 7 award in the current HSSP structure. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, GPA 3.3. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026.
Service obligation: 4 years
Full tuition with no cap + $900/yr textbook allowance + monthly stipend ($300 freshman to $500 senior); may convert to a housing scholarship (up to $10,000/yr). Most competitive tier. AY27-28 minimums: SAT 1310 / ACT 28 / CLT 93, unweighted GPA 3.3, single test sitting. Window: July 1 - December 11, 2026; two boards (Oct 2026, Mar 2027). 4-year active-duty obligation (longer for rated career fields).
Service obligation: 4 years
Cross-town & partner schools served
Students at these schools can commission through Detachment 550 University at Buffalo by commuting to University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Cross-enroll students take Aerospace Studies courses at University at Buffalo.
Contact & location
Located at: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
Air Force ROTC FAQ
Where is Detachment 550 University at Buffalo located?
Detachment 550 University at Buffalo is hosted at University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. The detachment's training events, classes, and PT all run on the University at Buffalo campus.
Which colleges and universities can attend Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
In addition to University at Buffalo, students enrolled at Canisius College, D'Youville College, Niagara University, Buffalo State College, Erie Community College, and Daemen College can contract through Detachment 550 University at Buffalo via cross-town agreements. Cross-town cadets keep their primary academics at the partner school and travel to the host for ROTC-side coursework.
What scholarships are available through Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
AFROTC cadets at this detachment compete for AFROTC HSSP Type 1 (full tuition), AFROTC HSSP Type 2 ($18k cap), AFROTC HSSP Type 7 (in-state), ICSP (in-college). National awards apply out of high school; on-campus side-loads kick in once a cadet is enrolled and contracted.
What's the AFROTC summer training for cadets at Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
Between sophomore and junior year, cadets compete for slots at AFROTC Field Training at Maxwell AFB — the gate that converts a GMC cadet into a POC contracted cadet.
Can students at other schools join Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
Yes — Detachment 550 University at Buffalo accepts cross-town and partner students from 6 other institutions, including Daemen University, Canisius University, SUNY Buffalo State, D'Youville College. See the cross-town options for distance and enrollment paths.
Can I commission through Detachment 550 University at Buffalo as any major?
Air Force programs accept students from most academic majors at University at Buffalo. Some scholarships and commissioning options (e.g., nursing, engineering, foreign-language) carry major requirements — confirm with the unit before declaring.
When was Detachment 550 University at Buffalo founded?
Detachment 550 University at Buffalo was established in 1951.
How do I contact Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
See the contact section for current cadre information.
Interested in Detachment 550 University at Buffalo?
Send your details and the cadre can reach out about visits, scholarships, and next steps.
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