UnisHub University Compass

SUNY Buffalo State University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About SUNY Buffalo State University

Set by Buffalo's cultural corridor, the campus pairs studios, labs, and performance spaces with a lively student center and a museum right next door. Buffalo State is known for hands-on learning in education, the arts, communications, science and tech, and public service fields. Faculty emphasize practice and feedback, backed by tutoring, advising, counseling, and a career team that helps turn class projects into real work.

Student life leans active and welcoming. Clubs, service projects, intramurals, and gallery nights keep the calendar full, while nearby neighborhoods and a major city park add coffee, murals, and fresh air. The culture values collaboration and community impact, with internships at schools, nonprofits, studios, and media outlets supported by strong local ties. Expect spirited homecoming traditions. The Burchfield Penney Art Center on campus is a distinctive touch. Notable alum: TV creator Diane English.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, New York, 14222, USA
Unit ID
196130

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
MSCHE
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Large programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$8,486
Tuition $7,070 + Fee $1,416
Out-of-State
$18,906
Tuition $17,490 + Fee $1,416
Student Profile
Total Students 6,470
Undergraduate 5,358
Graduate/Other 1,112
Male: 2,633 Female: 3,837
Applications
Total Applicants 15,943
Admitted 12,096
Enrolled 1,456
Acceptance: 75.9% Yield: 12%
Staff
Total Staff 1,388
Full-time 1,067
Part-time 321
Full-time: 76.9% Part-time: 23.1%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

SUNY Buffalo State University offers 86 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,495 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (25 programs, 412 graduates), Business (4 programs, 164 graduates), Arts (12 programs, 99 graduates), Health (3 programs, 89 graduates) and Security & Safety (2 programs, 88 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (25 programs, 412 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 105
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1202
Curriculum and Instruction 52
Master's
13.0301
Reading Teacher Education 25
Master's
13.1315
Technology and Industrial Arts Teacher Education 24
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1309
Special Education Teaching 22
Bachelor's
13.1001
Art Education 22
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1302
Secondary Special Education Teaching 19
Master's
13.1019
Early Childhood Education 17
Bachelor's
13.1210
Music Teacher Education 17
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1312
Elementary Special Education Teaching 14
Master's
13.1017
Higher Education Administration 12
Master's
13.0406
Social Studies Teacher Education 12
Bachelor's
13.1318
English Language Arts Teacher Education 11
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1305
Mathematics Teacher Education 11
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1311
Adult and Continuing Education 10
Master's
13.1201
Early Childhood Special Education Teaching 9
Master's
13.1015
Science Teacher Education 7
Master's
13.1316
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 6
Post-Master's
13.1401
Educational Leadership and Administration 5
Post-Master's
13.0401
Business and Innovation Entrepreneurship Teacher Education 4
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Master's
13.1303
Bilingual and Multilingual Education 3
Postbac Cert.
13.0201
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education 2
Bachelor's
13.1308
Elementary and Middle School Administration 1
Post-Master's
13.0408
Urban Education and Leadership 1
Master's
13.0410
Educational Assessment and Measurement 1
Postbac Cert.
13.0604
Business (4 programs, 164 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 138
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Hospitality Management 16
Bachelor's
52.0901
Nonprofit and Organizational Management 6
Master's
52.0206
Human Resources Development 4
Post-Master's
52.1005
Arts (12 programs, 99 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Art History and Conservation 27
Bachelor's
Master's
50.0703
Graphic Design 21
Bachelor's
50.0409
Interior Design 12
Bachelor's
50.0408
Art Studies 12
Bachelor's
50.0701
Theatre Arts 9
Bachelor's
50.0501
Music 6
Bachelor's
50.0901
Photography 4
Bachelor's
50.0605
Fiber and Textile Arts 3
Bachelor's
50.0712
Design and Visual Communications 2
Bachelor's
50.0401
Painting 1
Bachelor's
50.0708
Ceramic Arts 1
Bachelor's
50.0711
Metal Arts 1
Bachelor's
50.0714
Health (3 programs, 89 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech-Language Pathology 47
Bachelor's
Master's
51.0203
Health and Wellness 22
Bachelor's
51.0001
Dietetics 20
Bachelor's
Master's
51.3101
Security & Safety (2 programs, 88 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 82
Bachelor's
Master's
43.0104
Forensic Science and Technology 6
Bachelor's
Master's
43.0406
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 83 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 76
Bachelor's
24.0102
Liberal Arts and Humanities 7
Bachelor's
24.0199
Social Sciences (8 programs, 73 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sociology 27
Bachelor's
45.1101
Economics 20
Bachelor's
45.0601
Political Science and Government 11
Bachelor's
45.1001
International Relations 6
Bachelor's
45.0901
Anthropology 3
Bachelor's
45.0201
Urban Studies and Affairs 3
Bachelor's
45.1201
Geography 2
Bachelor's
45.0701
Applied Economics 1
Master's
45.0602
Communication (4 programs, 68 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 28
Bachelor's
09.0101
Public Relations and Advertising 20
Bachelor's
Master's
09.0900
Radio and Television Broadcasting 11
Bachelor's
09.0701
Journalism 9
Bachelor's
09.0401
Interdisciplinary (4 programs, 68 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies 40
Master's
Post-Master's
30.9999
Data Analytics 22
Master's
30.7101
Geography and Environmental Studies 5
Bachelor's
30.4401
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution 1
Master's
30.0501
Psychology (2 programs, 62 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Applied Psychology 60
Bachelor's
42.2813
General Psychology 2
Bachelor's
42.0101

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at SUNY Buffalo State University.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Required
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
960 - 1190
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480 - 600
Median: 540
Math 480 - 590
Median: 540

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$29,068
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$39,488
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$8,486
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$18,906
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$16,716
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,052
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,814 (on) / $3,310 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$3,310
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$12,157
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$24,637
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,921
Avg. Loan
$6,012
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,988
Additional
Students with Any Grant
1,098
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
748
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
831
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$1,726
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

36%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
55%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$32,907 – $71,022
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$32,907 (25th %) $71,022 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $52,334
Median Salary After 6 Years
$40,877
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$52,334
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
57.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
67.4%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$21,028
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 46.1%
Middle 61.5%
High 68.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 61.0%
Independent 44.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about SUNY Buffalo State University

How much does it cost to attend SUNY Buffalo State University?

The annual tuition at SUNY Buffalo State University is $8,486 for in-state students and $18,906 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $29,068 for in-state students and $39,488 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,716 and books and supplies $1,052.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does SUNY Buffalo State University offer?

SUNY Buffalo State University offers 86 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (25 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (12 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State University has an 75.9% acceptance rate and a 12% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 15,943
  • Students admitted: 12,096
  • Students enrolled: 1,456

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at SUNY Buffalo State University?

SUNY Buffalo State University provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,921 and average loans of $6,012.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,963
  • State/Local grants: $3,574
  • Institutional grants: $1,726
  • Federal loans: $4,988

The university supports 1,098 students with grants and 748 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for SUNY Buffalo State University graduates?

SUNY Buffalo State University graduates earn a median salary of $40,877 after 6 years and $52,334 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,907 (25th percentile) to $71,022 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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