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86.0%Acceptance
$8,486Tuition
5,358Students
36%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,334Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Overview

SUNY Buffalo State University is a accessible public four-year institution in Buffalo, New York. The school accepts 86.0% of applicants and enrolls 5,358 students.

Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate
86.0%
Average SAT
1,059
SAT Range (25th–75th)
940–1,178
Total Enrollment
5,358

Your Chances by SAT Score

Strong Candidate
SAT above 1,178

Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.

Competitive
SAT 940–1,178

Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.

Reach School
SAT below 940

Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.

Admission Guide

You can apply to SUNY Buffalo State through the SUNY Application, which opens in August for the following fall semester. The priority deadline is February 1st, though the school accepts applications through August with rolling admissions. You'll need to submit your high school transcript, and while test scores are optional, submitting them may help with scholarship consideration.

The education programs require separate applications and have more competitive admission standards than the general university. Nursing operates as a 2+2 program where you complete prerequisites at Buffalo State before applying to the upper-division nursing sequence, which has limited spots and stricter requirements. Engineering technology programs also maintain higher admission standards.

Housing fills up quickly despite the school's high acceptance rate. Submit your housing application and deposit as soon as you're admitted if you want to live on campus. The residence halls close during winter break, so plan accordingly if you're from far away.

New student orientation happens throughout the summer, and you must attend before your first semester. You'll register for classes during orientation, so research your program requirements beforehand. Academic advising at Buffalo State happens through your major department rather than a centralized office.

The campus sits in Buffalo's Elmwood Village neighborhood, giving you access to restaurants, shops, and cultural venues within walking distance. Buffalo State provides free bus passes for city transportation, which you'll need since parking on campus is limited and requires permits that sell out quickly each semester.

What It Costs If You Get In

Average Net Price
$14,229/yr
Tuition (in-state)
$8,486
Tuition (out-of-state)
$18,906
Students Receiving Aid
53%

View full cost breakdown →

After You Graduate

Graduation Rate (6-year)
36.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$52,334/yr
Freshman Retention Rate
54.7%

View full outcomes data →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State has an open admission policy for most programs, accepting the majority of applicants who meet basic SUNY requirements. Students need a high school diploma or equivalent and should submit SAT or ACT scores, though specific score requirements vary by program.

Does SUNY Buffalo State University require SAT or ACT scores?

SUNY Buffalo State requires standardized test scores for admission. Students can submit either SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.

What is the application deadline for SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State operates on rolling admissions for most programs, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive. Students should apply early in the academic year for the best chance of acceptance and housing availability.

Can I transfer credits to SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions, with most SUNY and community college credits transferring easily within the system. Students should meet with an advisor to determine how previous coursework applies to their chosen major.