University of Rochester vs SUNY Buffalo State University
University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY, and SUNY Buffalo State University is a public university in Buffalo, NY. University of Rochester is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 73% at SUNY Buffalo State University. SUNY Buffalo State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,346 a year against $29,278 at University of Rochester. About 85% of students graduate at University of Rochester, compared with 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Rochester alumni earn a median of about $79,042, against $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Rochester, NY
Buffalo, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,331
5,097
Acceptance rate
40%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1540
980–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
31–34
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,278
$11,346
Full cost / yr
$85,962
$24,279
In-state tuition
$67,080
$8,533
Out-of-state tuition
$67,080
$19,653
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,678
$7,405
$30k - $48k
$12,185
$9,393
$48k - $75k
$21,087
$14,706
$75k - $110k
$27,883
$17,155
Over $110k
$46,801
$19,332
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
35%
Freshman retention
91%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$68,333
$40,877
Median earnings (10 yr)
$79,042
$52,334
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,028
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
56%
First-generation students
19%
34%
International students
23%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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.
- Is University of Rochester or SUNY Buffalo State University harder to get into?
- University of Rochester is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 73% at SUNY Buffalo State University. 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 of Rochester 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 $29,278 at University of Rochester. 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 of Rochester and SUNY Buffalo State University?
- Before aid, SUNY Buffalo State University costs about $24,279 a year and University of Rochester about $85,962. 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 of Rochester or SUNY Buffalo State University?
- SUNY Buffalo State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,405 there, against about $9,678 at University of Rochester. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Rochester or SUNY Buffalo State University?
- University of Rochester is the larger of the two, with about 6,331 undergraduates against 5,097 at SUNY Buffalo State University.
- Does University of Rochester or SUNY Buffalo State University have a better graduation rate?
- University of Rochester has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University.
- Do graduates of University of Rochester or SUNY Buffalo State University earn more?
- University of Rochester alumni earn more on average: a median of about $79,042 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Rochester and SUNY Buffalo State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Rochester 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 of Rochester and SUNY Buffalo State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1540 at University of Rochester and 980–1240 at SUNY Buffalo State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Rochester vs Columbia University in the City of New YorkUniversity of Rochester vs Binghamton UniversityUniversity of Rochester vs Marist UniversitySUNY Buffalo State University vs Columbia University in the City of New YorkSUNY Buffalo State University vs Binghamton UniversitySUNY Buffalo State University vs Marist University
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