Overview
University at Buffalo is a less selective public four-year institution in Buffalo, New York. The school accepts 67.7% of applicants and enrolls 20,284 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 67.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,285
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,190–1,380
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 29
- Total Enrollment
- 20,284
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
University at Buffalo operates on rolling admissions, so submit your application early in the fall to maximize your chances and scholarship opportunities. The school reviews applications as they arrive, making decisions within weeks rather than months.
Your essays should highlight specific UB programs that align with your goals. The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers early assurance programs for high-achieving students, while the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences houses one of the few aerospace engineering programs in New York State. If you're interested in business, mention the School of Management's specialized tracks in areas like operations management or finance.
Apply to the Honors College if your academic record supports it. This separate application requires additional essays but provides priority registration, smaller classes, and dedicated housing in Honors communities. The program caps enrollment, making early application essential.
UB's campus culture centers around school spirit and research opportunities. Students here balance serious academics with active social lives, particularly around Division I athletics. The campus spans multiple locations, with most undergraduate life happening on the North Campus in Amherst. Weather becomes a real factor in daily life, so mental preparation for long winters matters.
Research experience sets strong applicants apart. UB operates as an R1 research university, meaning undergraduates can work directly with faculty on funded projects. Mention specific professors whose work interests you, particularly in high-earning fields like computer engineering, nursing, or clinical laboratory science.
Your application should reflect genuine interest in UB's specific offerings rather than generic reasons for choosing any large public university. The admissions committee wants to see that you've researched what makes UB distinct within the SUNY system.
Don't overlook the campus visit if possible. UB's size and multiple campuses can feel overwhelming on paper, but visiting helps you understand the layout and community feel. Many students find the campus more manageable than expected once they experience it firsthand.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $20,470/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $10,782
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $30,572
- Students Receiving Aid
- 32%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 73.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $70,814/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 84.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University at Buffalo require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University at Buffalo is test-optional for most applicants. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for University at Buffalo?
The regular decision deadline is February 1st for fall admission. Early action applications are due November 15th.
How many credits can transfer students bring to University at Buffalo?
Transfer students can bring up to 64 credits from community colleges or up to 90 credits from four-year institutions. Students need at least 24 credits to apply as transfers.
Does University at Buffalo offer early decision or early action programs?
University at Buffalo offers early action with a November 15th deadline. The school does not offer binding early decision.