Skip to content

University at Buffalo vs SUNY Buffalo State University

University at Buffalo is a public university in Buffalo, NY, and SUNY Buffalo State University is a public university in Buffalo, NY. SUNY Buffalo State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 74% at University at Buffalo. SUNY Buffalo State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,346 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo. About 74% of students graduate at University at Buffalo, compared with 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University. Ten years after enrolling, University at Buffalo alumni earn a median of about $70,814, against $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public

SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,112
5,097
Acceptance rate
74%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1380
980–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,995
$11,346
Full cost / yr
$30,785
$24,279
In-state tuition
$10,936
$8,533
Out-of-state tuition
$31,536
$19,653
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,668
$7,405
$30k - $48k
$16,585
$9,393
$48k - $75k
$21,262
$14,706
$75k - $110k
$24,117
$17,155
Over $110k
$28,079
$19,332
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
35%
Freshman retention
85%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,742
$40,877
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,814
$52,334
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$21,028
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
56%
First-generation students
28%
34%
International students
11%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
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 Buffalo State University harder to get into?
SUNY Buffalo State University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% of applicants, compared with 74% 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.
Which is cheaper, University at Buffalo or SUNY Buffalo State University?
SUNY Buffalo State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,346 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 Buffalo State University?
Before aid, SUNY Buffalo State University costs about $24,279 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 Buffalo State University?
SUNY Buffalo State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,405 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 Buffalo State University?
University at Buffalo is the larger of the two, with about 20,112 undergraduates against 5,097 at SUNY Buffalo State University.
Does University at Buffalo or SUNY Buffalo State University have a better graduation rate?
University at Buffalo has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University.
Do graduates of University at Buffalo or SUNY Buffalo State University earn more?
University at Buffalo alumni earn more on average: a median of about $70,814 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University at Buffalo is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. SUNY Buffalo State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University at Buffalo and SUNY Buffalo State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1380 at University at Buffalo and 980–1240 at SUNY Buffalo State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school