At $20,470/yr net price, University at Buffalo graduates earn $70,814/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,814/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,814/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,814/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,240/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,624/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,261/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,286/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,546/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $159,761 | $102,203 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $104,510 | $123,815 |
| 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 | $16,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $68,499 | $40,119 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $67,772 | $196,586 |
The Risk Factor
73.4% of students at University at Buffalo graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University at Buffalo delivers solid financial returns that outpace most public universities, with graduates earning $70,814 ten years out while carrying manageable debt loads of $19,000. The school's engineering programs provide particularly strong value, with electrical and mechanical engineering majors earning over $72,000 annually without the crushing debt burdens seen elsewhere.
Nursing stands out as the top earner at nearly $160,000 annually, though the $102,203 debt load requires careful consideration of your financial situation. Pharmacy graduates also command six-figure salaries but face even higher debt at $123,815, making this path viable only if you can secure significant financial aid or have family support.
The biggest financial risk at UB is program selection. While STEM and healthcare fields deliver strong returns, choosing lower-earning majors could leave you struggling to justify even the relatively modest $20,470 annual cost. The 73% graduation rate means roughly one in four students never complete their degree, losing both time and money.
UB makes financial sense if you can get into engineering, nursing, or other high-demand programs and graduate within four years. The low debt levels and strong regional job market in Buffalo's growing tech and healthcare sectors support most graduates well. Only 32% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families often pay close to full price.
Avoid UB if you're undecided about your major or drawn to programs with weak job prospects. The school works best for focused students who know exactly what they want to study and can handle the academic rigor needed to graduate on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University at Buffalo worth the cost?
University at Buffalo offers solid value with a net price of $20,470 and graduates earning $70,814 after 10 years. The relatively low median debt of $19,000 makes it a reasonable investment for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University at Buffalo?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $159,761, followed by pharmacy at $104,510. Engineering majors like electrical and mechanical also perform well, with starting salaries around $72,000-$74,000.
How much debt do University at Buffalo graduates have?
The median debt is $19,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. With graduates earning over $70,000 annually, most can handle this debt load comfortably.
Does University at Buffalo have good job prospects after graduation?
The 73% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional. Strong programs in nursing, pharmacy, and engineering provide good career prospects, while other majors may face more competitive job markets.