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University at Buffalo vs Syracuse University

University at Buffalo is a public university in Buffalo, NY. Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse University admits about 46% of applicants and University at Buffalo about 74%, making Syracuse University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,995 a year at University at Buffalo after aid, and about $38,793 at Syracuse University. About 82% of students graduate at Syracuse University, compared with 74% at University at Buffalo. Ten years after enrolling, Syracuse University alumni earn a median of about $79,164, against $70,814 for University at Buffalo.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
20,112
15,477
Acceptance rate
74%
46%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1380
1270–1440
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,995
$38,793
Full cost / yr
$30,785
$84,517
In-state tuition
$10,936
$65,528
Out-of-state tuition
$31,536
$65,528
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,668
$15,817
$30k - $48k
$16,585
$15,845
$48k - $75k
$21,262
$21,132
$75k - $110k
$24,117
$28,780
Over $110k
$28,079
$55,401
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
82%
Freshman retention
85%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,742
$60,459
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,814
$79,164
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
17%
First-generation students
28%
19%
International students
11%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 5

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 Syracuse University harder to get into?
Syracuse University is harder to get into. It admits about 46% 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 Syracuse University?
University at Buffalo is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,995 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,793 at Syracuse University. 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 Syracuse University?
Before aid, University at Buffalo costs about $30,785 a year and Syracuse University about $84,517. 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 Syracuse University?
University at Buffalo. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,668 there, against about $15,817 at Syracuse University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University at Buffalo or Syracuse University?
University at Buffalo is the larger of the two, with about 20,112 undergraduates against 15,477 at Syracuse University.
Does University at Buffalo or Syracuse University have a better graduation rate?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, at about 82% against 74% at University at Buffalo.
Do graduates of University at Buffalo or Syracuse University earn more?
Syracuse University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,164 ten years after enrolling, against about $70,814 for University at Buffalo. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University at Buffalo and Syracuse University require SAT or ACT scores?
University at Buffalo is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Syracuse University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University at Buffalo and Syracuse University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1380 at University at Buffalo and 1270–1440 at Syracuse University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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