University at Buffalo
About University at Buffalo
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
University at Buffalo is a public research university in Buffalo, New York, and the largest campus in the SUNY system. It offers strong programs in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and management.
Founded
1846
Location
Buffalo, New York
Students
31,656
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
74.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
75.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,936
Out-of-state: $31,536
Avg Net Price
$20,995
After financial aid
SAT Average
1295
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$70,814
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
74.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
University at Buffalo accepts 74.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1295/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
75.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
85.2%
4-Year Grad
60%
6-Year Grad
74%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
70.2%
$/Student
$19.0K
Class Size
Medium
While 60% finish in 4 years, 85.2% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,936
In-State
$31,536
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$17,426
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,785
After Financial Aid
$20,995
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$14,668
Receive Grants
33.1%
Take Loans
39.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,785/yr for in-state students, including $17,426 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $20,995. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $31,536.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University at Buffalo fund their education.
While in School
33.1%
Get Grants
Free money
39.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,678
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$201/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 39.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University at Buffalo.
Gender
45.8%
Female
54%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
20,112
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
11,544
Graduates
28.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.2%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (46% women, 54% men). 28.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 11.5% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
20,112
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Affordable SUNY tuition with strong research
- +Modern North Campus facilities
- +Growing tech and health sciences scene in Buffalo
- +Diverse student body with international representation
Cons
- -Buffalo winters are among the snowiest in the country
- -North Campus is suburban and car-dependent
- -Large campus can feel disconnected
- -City of Buffalo still recovering economically
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University at Buffalo fields 9 varsity teams with 544 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
544
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
280
Men
264
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University at Buffaloearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$70,814
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
712 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
564 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
341 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$39K
330 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$72K
254 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$65K
220 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $54K at eight, and $71K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University at Buffalo
What is the acceptance rate at University at Buffalo?▾
How much does University at Buffalo cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University at Buffalo?▾
How much do University at Buffalo graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.