SUNY Buffalo State University logo

SUNY Buffalo State University

Accept Rate
75.87%
Grad Rate
36.2%
Enrollment
5,358
Avg SAT
1080
Tuition
$8,486
Median Salary
$52,334
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

SUNY Buffalo State University has a creative and hands-on vibe, with a campus that feels like a tight-knit community in the heart of a bustling city. It's a place where students are encouraged to get their hands dirty through experiential learning, and the historic, ivy-covered buildings give it a classic college feel while being steps away from urban energy.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

75.87%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 108075th Pctl
9601190
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

Highlight any hands-on experience in your application, such as volunteering, internships, or creative projects, as this aligns with Buffalo State's 'learn by doing' philosophy. If your GPA or test scores are below average, a strong personal essay explaining your passion for one of their top majors can make a significant difference.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1080
40080012001600
School range: 960โ€“1190

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Buffalo State is a powerhouse for hands-on learning, particularly strong in education, criminal justice, and the visual and performing arts. The teaching-focused faculty emphasizes practical application over pure theory, offering students direct mentorship and opportunities for real-world research and internships.

Popular Majors

Education
15.2%
Business & Marketing
12.2%
Criminal Justice
7.8%
Social Sciences
7%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.9%
Health Professions
5.4%
Communications
5.2%
Computer Science
4.6%
Public Administration
4.6%
Psychology
4.3%
Biology & Biomedical
4%
Family & Consumer Science
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

36.2%
Graduation Rate
54.7%
Retention Rate
5,358
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,486
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$14,229
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,171
Cost of attendance/year
53.3%
Receive Pell Grants
52.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Buffalo

Students enjoy Buffalo's vibrant arts scene, with world-class museums like the Albright-Knox Art Gallery just a short bus ride away. The city is famous for its food culture, especially Buffalo wings, and offers plenty of affordable entertainment, from live music to professional sports games.

Local Rent Check

$992 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Buffalo
Explore Buffalo

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$33,944
$0Est. 4 Years: $33,944

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,334):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus has its own police department and is generally considered safe, but students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night. The surrounding city of Buffalo has typical urban challenges, but the campus is well-integrated into a residential neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Affordable tuition, especially for in-state students
  • โœ“ Strong hands-on learning and internship opportunities
  • โœ“ Diverse and highly-ranked programs in education and arts
  • โœ“ Located in a city with a low cost of living

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates can be a concern
  • โœ— Campus life and social scene may feel limited to some
  • โœ— Urban setting may not appeal to those seeking a traditional college town

Notable Alumni

Wolfgang Puck
World-renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur.
John Walsh
Host of 'America's Most Wanted' and victim advocate.
Joyce Carol Oates
Acclaimed novelist and professor (attended).

Frequently Asked Questions

SUNY Buffalo State is known for its strengths in hands-on, career-focused education, particularly in fields like Education, Criminal Justice, and the Visual and Performing Arts. It is also recognized for its commitment to experiential learning and its status as a public liberal arts college within the SUNY system.

No, SUNY Buffalo State University is not considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 75.87%. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1080, making it an accessible option for many applicants.

Campus life at Buffalo State is community-oriented, with a focus on student engagement through various clubs, organizations, and events. The urban setting provides easy access to the city's amenities, while on-campus activities foster a strong sense of belonging.

Yes, for many students, especially New York residents, SUNY Buffalo State offers significant value. With a low average net price and strong post-graduation earnings of around $52,334, the degree provides a solid return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

M&T Bank KeyBank Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Buffalo Public Schools Delaware North
Smart Start Score
49

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 6,171
  • In-State Tuition $8,486
  • Out-of-State $18,906
  • Zip Code 14222

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 43% โ™€ 57%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $14,229 and low in-state tuition, SUNY Buffalo State offers a solid return on investment, especially for New York residents. The 10-year median earnings of $52,334 indicate that graduates can expect a positive financial outcome from their degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,486
Housing (12 mo) $11,904
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $27,590
With avg financial aid:
$14,229/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.