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67.7%Acceptance
$10,782Tuition
20,284Students
73%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$70,814Earnings
#19 in New YorkPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo anchors the SUNY system as a major research powerhouse with 20,284 students spread across suburban Buffalo. The school built its reputation on strong engineering, medical, and business programs that attract students who want serious academics without the private school price tag. Notable graduates include CNN's Wolf Blitzer and actor John Hurt, reflecting the university's reach across different fields.

Students pay an average net price of $20,470 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $70,814 ten years out. That return on investment looks solid, especially considering the typical graduate leaves with just $19,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201. The 94% employment rate shows employers value UB degrees, making the financial math work for most families.

With 87% of students coming from New York, this feels like a true state university where in-state students find their people. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means you can actually get to know professors despite the large enrollment. The Bulls compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, though academics clearly take center stage. The 73% graduation rate reflects the school's serious academic environment where students come to work toward career-focused degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Buffalo anchors the SUNY system as a major research university with particularly strong engineering, medical, and business programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors despite the large 20,284 enrollment. Students benefit from research opportunities across multiple disciplines, with the medical school and engineering college drawing significant attention. The 73% graduation rate reflects the academic rigor expected at a flagship public research institution. Buffalo's research focus means undergraduates can work alongside faculty on modern projects, especially in STEM fields. The university balances accessibility with academic excellence, offering the resources of a major research institution at public university prices.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
68.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
73.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
73.4%
Retention Rate
84.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$70,814
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $159,761
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $104,510
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $74,576
Educational Administration and Supervision. Certificate $73,215
Mechanical Engineering. Master $72,482
Chemistry. Doctoral $71,957
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Master $71,575
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Bachelor $70,456
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $68,499
Dentistry. Doctoral $67,772

View all 333 programs →

Campus Life

Buffalo winters demand serious preparation with lake-effect snow often dumping feet of powder across campus. The university sits in suburban Amherst, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Buffalo, where students venture for Sabres hockey games and the city's famous wing scene. With housing capacity for 7,725 students out of 20,284 total enrollment, roughly 38% live on campus in residence halls spread across the sprawling suburban campus.

UB operates as a major research university where undergraduates work alongside graduate students and faculty on modern projects. The student body reflects New York's diversity, with 45% White, 18% Asian, 9% Black, and 9% Hispanic students creating a multicultural environment. Weekend activities center around Division I athletics, with Bulls football and basketball drawing crowds to campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes despite the large enrollment. Students bundle up for outdoor activities like sledding and ice skating during Buffalo's long winters, while spring brings outdoor concerts and festivals to the quad.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
7,725 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1846

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 11 11 2 1
Domestic Violence 11 11 2 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 25 0 0 0
Burglary 9 5 0 0
Fondling 5 2 0 0
Rape 4 3 0 0
Arson 2 2 0 0
Stalking 2 1 0 1

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

University at Buffalo draws heavily from New York state, with nearly nine out of ten students staying close to home. This strong local pull reflects UB's role as a flagship SUNY campus that offers top-tier research opportunities at an accessible price point. The student body leans slightly male, likely driven by the university's well-known engineering and medical programs. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing UB's commitment to serving working-class families across upstate New York. The significant Asian American population reflects Buffalo's diverse metropolitan area and the university's strength in STEM fields.
Men
53.8%
Women
46.2%
White
45.0%
Black
9.0%
Hispanic
8.8%
Asian
17.8%
In-State Students
87.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
32.3%

Location

Buffalo sits in western New York, about 250 miles northwest of New York City and 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The city anchors the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area, home to roughly 1.1 million people. Buffalo's economy has transformed from its industrial roots into a center for healthcare, education, and technology. The area experiences heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Erie, with average annual snowfall exceeding 90 inches. Downtown Buffalo has undergone significant revitalization, while the university's Amherst campus sits in a suburban setting about 12 miles northeast of the city center. The region offers four distinct seasons and proximity to Niagara Falls. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare University at Buffalo with similar schools in the region.
Address
Buffalo, New York 14260-1660
Millard Fillmore by George PA Healy
Millard Fillmore by George PA Healy

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$70,814
Median Earnings (5 years)
$68,437
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$46,100
Loan Repayment Rate
68.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University at Buffalo?

University at Buffalo accepts 67.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective among SUNY schools. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190-1380 on the SAT, reflecting the university's role as a major research institution within the State University of New York system.

How much does University at Buffalo cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,470 annually at University at Buffalo. In-state students benefit from SUNY's affordable tuition structure at $10,782, while the university keeps median student debt relatively low at $19,000 upon graduation.

What is University at Buffalo known for academically?

University at Buffalo operates as a major research university with particularly strong programs in engineering, medicine, and business. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio allows for solid academic support despite the large enrollment of 20,284 students across all programs.

What are the career outcomes for University at Buffalo graduates?

University at Buffalo graduates earn a median salary of $70,814 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94% employment rate. The university's connection to Buffalo's growing tech and healthcare sectors, plus its research focus, helps students transition successfully into their careers.

Where is University at Buffalo located and what is campus life like?

University at Buffalo sits in suburban Buffalo with housing for 7,725 students on campus. The Bulls compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 12 varsity sports, and the large student body of over 20,000 creates an active campus environment typical of major state universities.

How diverse is the student body at University at Buffalo?

University at Buffalo enrolls a diverse student population with 45% White, 18% Asian, 9% Black, and 9% Hispanic students. The university draws heavily from New York state with 87% in-state students, reflecting its role as a flagship SUNY campus serving the region's diverse communities.