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SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY·Public·5,097 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%. 56% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

73%
Accept
5,097
Students
$11,346
Net Price
33%
Grad Rate
$42,200
Earnings
10 yr
$21,028
Debt

About This School

SUNY Buffalo State University is a public institution located in Buffalo, New York with approximately 5,097 undergraduate students enrolled. SUNY Buffalo State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 73%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,346 per year. The graduation rate is 33%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$9,132

Popular Programs

Education17%
Business & Marketing13%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Social Sciences6%
Psychology6%
Communications6%
Health Professions5%
Computer Science5%

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

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1070
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,533
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,653
Avg Net Price
$11,346
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$7,405
$30–48k$9,393
$48–75k$14,706
$75–110k$17,155
$110k+$19,332

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants56%
Median debt at graduation$21,028

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$24,279

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
33%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
58%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,028
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$37,400
Female graduates$30,900

Gap: 17% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,028
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$42,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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%
Black29%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian7%
Two or more races5%
International1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,097 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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