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SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY·Public·5,358 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 53% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

76%
Accept
5,358
Students
$14,229
Net Price
36%
Grad Rate
$42,200
Earnings
10 yr
$12,500
Debt

About This School

SUNY Buffalo State University is a public institution located in Buffalo, New York with approximately 5,358 undergraduate students enrolled. SUNY Buffalo State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,229 per year. The graduation rate is 36%, and the typical graduate earns $42,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $14,229/year average net price and only $12,500 in median debt at graduation, the financial picture is genuinely affordable — but a 36% graduation rate and 55% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish, which is a real concern worth discussing before enrolling. Worth considering if you have a clear plan, strong self-motivation, and are drawn to specific programs like its well-regarded education or arts offerings, but go in with eyes open about the support challenges that likely drive those departure numbers.

Founded
1871
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Education15%
Business & Marketing12%
Social Sciences7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Health Professions5%
Communications5%
Computer Science5%
Psychology4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Cindy ShermanAni DiFrancoRobert LongoRandy SmithBrian HigginsDiane EnglishByron BrownTom Fontana

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1080
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,486
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,906
Avg Net Price
$14,229
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants53%
Median debt at graduation$12,500

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$23,171

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
36%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
55%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White45%
Black30%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,358 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

SUNY Buffalo State University

1300 Elmwood Ave

Buffalo, NY 14222

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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