At $14,229/yr net price, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates earn $52,334/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,334/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,229 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,334/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,334/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,028 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,684/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,992/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,379/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,478/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,201/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $24,870 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,522 | $22,400 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,478 | $34,771 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $46,254 | $19,250 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,969 | $33,000 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $45,696 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,249 | $20,944 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,942 | $25,324 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,276 | $29,545 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,450 |
The Risk Factor
36.0% of students at SUNY Buffalo State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
SUNY Buffalo State delivers poor financial returns that should make most students reconsider. With median earnings of $52,334 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of just 36%, your chances of completing your degree and earning decent money are both low.
The engineering technology programs offer the strongest financial prospects, with electrical engineering technicians earning $63,749 and mechanical engineering technicians earning $58,522. These technical fields align well with Buffalo's manufacturing base and provide clear career paths. Information science graduates also see reasonable returns at $46,254 with relatively low debt loads of $19,250.
Business administration graduates face a troubling combination of modest earnings ($46,478) paired with high debt ($34,771), creating a poor return scenario. Special education teaching shows similar warning signs with $45,969 in earnings but $33,000 in debt, despite strong regional demand for teachers.
The 54% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, increasing your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. This pattern particularly hurts students who need more support to succeed academically.
Buffalo State works best for students pursuing hands-on technical programs who can complete their degrees efficiently. The low net price of $14,229 helps, but only if you graduate. Students considering liberal arts majors or those unsure about their academic commitment should look at schools with stronger support systems and higher completion rates.
With 53% of students receiving financial aid, need-based assistance is available, but merit scholarships remain limited at this regional public institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SUNY Buffalo State University worth the cost?
Buffalo State offers decent value with a low net price of $14,229 annually and graduates earning $52,334 after 10 years. However, the 36% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the best paying majors at SUNY Buffalo State University?
Engineering technology programs at Buffalo State pay the best, with electrical engineering tech graduates earning $63,749 and mechanical engineering tech earning $58,522. Business and education majors earn considerably less at around $45,000-$46,000.
How much debt do SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have?
Buffalo State graduates carry a median debt of $21,028, which is manageable given the relatively low cost of attendance. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for graduates who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at SUNY Buffalo State University?
Only 36% of students graduate from Buffalo State, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering whether the school is worth attending.