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University at Buffalo vs SUNY at Purchase College

University at Buffalo is a public university in Buffalo, NY. SUNY at Purchase College is a public college in Purchase, NY. Both admit about 74% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $18,913 a year at SUNY at Purchase College after aid, and about $20,995 at University at Buffalo. About 74% of students graduate at University at Buffalo, compared with 62% at SUNY at Purchase College. Ten years after enrolling, University at Buffalo alumni earn a median of about $70,814, against $45,092 for SUNY at Purchase College.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public

SUNY at Purchase College

Purchase, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Buffalo, NY
Purchase, NY
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,112
3,197
Acceptance rate
74%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1380
1185–1380
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
27–30
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,995
$18,913
Full cost / yr
$30,785
$29,043
In-state tuition
$10,936
$8,953
Out-of-state tuition
$31,536
$19,203
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,668
$11,835
$30k - $48k
$16,585
$15,230
$48k - $75k
$21,262
$19,658
$75k - $110k
$24,117
$20,886
Over $110k
$28,079
$25,428
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
62%
Freshman retention
85%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,742
$31,229
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,814
$45,092
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$21,067
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
36%
First-generation students
28%
24%
International students
11%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 74% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College?
SUNY at Purchase College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,913 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,995 at University at Buffalo. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University at Buffalo and SUNY at Purchase College?
Before aid, SUNY at Purchase College costs about $29,043 a year and University at Buffalo about $30,785. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College?
SUNY at Purchase College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,835 there, against about $14,668 at University at Buffalo. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College?
University at Buffalo is the larger of the two, with about 20,112 undergraduates against 3,197 at SUNY at Purchase College.
Does University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College have a better graduation rate?
University at Buffalo has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 62% at SUNY at Purchase College.
Do graduates of University at Buffalo or SUNY at Purchase College earn more?
University at Buffalo alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,814 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,092 for SUNY at Purchase College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University at Buffalo and SUNY at Purchase College require SAT or ACT scores?
University at Buffalo is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. SUNY at Purchase College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University at Buffalo and SUNY at Purchase College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1380 at University at Buffalo and 1185–1380 at SUNY at Purchase College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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