SUNY Buffalo State University: 86.0% Acceptance Rate

86.0%Acceptance

$8,486Tuition

5,358Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,334Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo State builds teachers and transforms communities through accessible public education. The university serves 5,358 students in New York's second-largest city, where education majors learn their craft in real urban classrooms. With an 86% acceptance rate, Buffalo State opens doors for students who might not crack more selective schools. The full university draws heavily from western New York families, with 97% of students coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $14,229 after financial aid kicks in. More than half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body this institution serves. Graduates earn a median of $52,334 ten years out, with typical monthly loan payments of $223. The numbers work for future teachers and social workers who prioritize service over salary. Low-income families pay just $10,684 net price, making college genuinely affordable.

The 36% four-year graduation rate tells a story about students juggling work and family responsibilities. Many attend part-time or take breaks, reflected in the 55% retention rate. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Buffalo State operates 14 Division III sports teams with 428 student-athletes, though academics remain the primary focus on this urban campus.

Academics & Faculty

Buffalo State built its reputation as a teacher training college and remains strongest in education programs that prepare future teachers across New York state. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 36% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. Education majors benefit from extensive field placement opportunities in Buffalo's diverse school districts. The university also offers solid programs in criminal justice, social work, and the arts. With 85.98% of applicants accepted, Buffalo State serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students, particularly those planning careers in public service. However, the 54.71% retention rate indicates significant academic challenges for many students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 36.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.0%
Retention Rate: 54.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,334
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$63,749
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$58,522
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$46,478
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$46,254
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$45,969
Educational/Instructional Media Design.	Master	$45,696
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$45,249
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$44,942
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$44,276
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.	Bachelor	$42,682

View all 138 programs →

Campus Life

Buffalo State sits in the heart of western New York's largest city, where winters demand serious coats and snow boots. With housing for 2,782 students on a campus of 5,358, about half the student body lives on campus. The 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means smaller classes than you'd find at larger state universities.

The Bengals compete in 14 Division III sports with 428 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community without the pressure of scholarships. Students gravitate toward the campus quad and nearby Elmwood Village, known for its coffee shops and local restaurants. With 97% of students coming from New York State, weekends often see groups heading to Niagara Falls or downtown Buffalo's revitalized waterfront district. The campus buzzes with education majors preparing lesson plans and art students working late in the studios. Buffalo's snow-heavy winters create a cozy indoor culture, while spring brings outdoor activities back to life. The diverse student body - 45% white, 30% Black, and 13% Hispanic - reflects Buffalo's multicultural character.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,782 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

78 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	8	8	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	14	0	1
Stalking	9	6	0
Rape	6	6	0
Burglary	4	3	0
Fondling	4	3	0
Aggravated Assault	2	1	0
Domestic Violence	2	0	0
Arson	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–32°F
July Avg: 63°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 95.4"

Student Demographics

SUNY Buffalo State draws heavily from western New York, with 97% of students staying close to home. The student body is diverse, with Black students making up nearly one-third of enrollment and Hispanic students comprising another 13%. More than half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve working-class families in the Buffalo region. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with the school's strong reputation in education and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students.

Men: 43.0%
Women: 57.0%
White: 45.2%
Black: 30.4%
Hispanic: 12.5%
Asian: 6.5%
In-State Students: 97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 53.3%

Location

Buffalo State sits in New York's second-largest city, home to 278,000 residents in the metro area. The campus operates in an urban environment just 20 miles from Niagara Falls and 300 miles from New York City. Buffalo's industrial heritage shapes the landscape, with the university positioned near the Elmwood Village arts district and Delaware Park. Winter temperatures average 24 degrees, creating a true northern climate experience. The city's revitalization efforts have brought new restaurants and cultural venues to surrounding neighborhoods. Over 97% of students come from within New York state, reflecting the school's role as a regional institution. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Buffalo State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Buffalo, New York 14222

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,334
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,369
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 57.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,028

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State University accepts 85.98% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1059. The school draws heavily from western New York, with 97.36% of students coming from in-state. This accessible admissions approach supports the university's mission of providing affordable public education to local students.

How much does SUNY Buffalo State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,229 after financial aid, with 53.33% receiving some form of financial assistance. In-state tuition costs $8,486, making it one of the more affordable options in the SUNY system. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,684 net price on average.

What academic programs is SUNY Buffalo State University known for?

The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 5,358 enrolled students. Buffalo State has built its reputation primarily on strong teacher education programs that prepare educators for western New York schools. The comprehensive university offers practical, career-focused programs that serve the regional workforce needs.

What are the graduation outcomes at SUNY Buffalo State University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 36.00%, with graduates earning a median salary of $52,334 ten years after graduation. Students typically graduate with $21,028 in debt and monthly loan payments of $223. The university's focus on teacher preparation and regional employment helps maintain a 93.8% employment rate for graduates.

Where is SUNY Buffalo State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Buffalo, providing an urban setting for 5,358 students with housing capacity for 2,782. Student retention rate is 54.71%, reflecting the challenges many regional public universities face. The Bengals compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 428 total athletes participating without athletic scholarships.

Is SUNY Buffalo State University diverse in its student body?

The student population is 57.02% women and diverse for a regional institution, with 45.22% white students, 30.44% Black students, and 12.52% Hispanic students. This diversity reflects Buffalo's urban demographics and the university's role in serving the broader western New York community. The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 53.33% indicates the school serves many first-generation college students.