University at Buffalo logo

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY Public ยท Suburban Est. 1846 www.buffalo.edu
Accept Rate
69.3%
Grad Rate
73.5%
Enrollment
20,284
Avg SAT
1298
Tuition
$10,782
Median Salary
$70,814
Overall Grade
C+
B
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University at Buffalo feels like a vibrant, self-contained city where ambition meets grit. There's a palpable energy driven by a massive student body and a relentless work-hard, play-hard mentality. You'll feel the signature Buffalo resilience in the air, combined with the excitement of big-time Division I sports and endless campus activities.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

69.3%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 129875th Pctl
12101380
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2732
1122436

Admissions Tips

With an acceptance rate of 69.3%, UB is moderately selective, so aim for an SAT score around the 1298 average to be competitive. Highlight your involvement in extracurriculars, especially those that demonstrate leadership or a commitment to your community. If you're an out-of-state applicant, be sure to articulate why you're specifically drawn to Buffalo and UB's programs in your personal essay.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1298
40080012001600
School range: 1210โ€“1380

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UB is a research powerhouse, recognized as a top-tier public university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities backed by over $300 million in annual research spending, particularly in engineering, health sciences, and business. The faculty are leaders in their fields, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
17.2%
Engineering
14.3%
Social Sciences
10.7%
Psychology
10.5%
Biology & Biomedical
10.4%
Health Professions
7.7%
Communications
6.7%
Computer Science
5.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%
Architecture
2.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
2.1%
Physical Sciences
2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

73.5%
Graduation Rate
84.5%
Retention Rate
20,284
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$10,782
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,470
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,043
Cost of attendance/year
32.3%
Receive Pell Grants
40.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Buffalo

Student life in Buffalo is defined by four distinct seasons, from sunny days at Delaware Park to snow days that build camaraderie. The city has a thriving food scene, famous for its wings and a burgeoning craft brewery landscape. Students also enjoy cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, exploring the city's historic architecture, and attending concerts and festivals.

Local Rent Check

$992 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Buffalo
Explore Buffalo

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$43,128
$0Est. 4 Years: $43,128

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($70,814):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university maintains a large and professional campus police force, and the main campus is generally considered safe with well-lit paths and emergency blue lights. While the surrounding city of Buffalo has typical urban areas, the campus and adjacent neighborhoods are heavily patrolled and student-friendly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Massive research opportunities as a flagship public university and AAU member.
  • โœ“ Excellent value, especially for in-state students, with strong post-graduation earnings.
  • โœ“ Big-time college sports atmosphere with passionate fan support.
  • โœ“ Vast array of over 300 academic programs and clubs to explore.

Cons

  • โœ— The sheer size of the university and classes can feel impersonal for some students.
  • โœ— Buffalo's harsh, long winters can be a significant adjustment.
  • โœ— The suburban campus can feel isolated from downtown Buffalo without a car.

Notable Alumni

Wolfgang Puck
World-renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur.
John Walsh
Host and creator of the television show 'America's Most Wanted'.
Michele Buck
CEO and Chair of the Hershey Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

University at Buffalo is best known as a top-tier public research university and a flagship of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is highly regarded for its programs in Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Psychology, and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), which recognizes its extensive research output.

University at Buffalo is considered moderately selective. With an acceptance rate of 69.3%, the majority of applicants are admitted. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1160 and 1390, and a strong high school GPA is also a key factor in the admissions decision.

Campus life is energetic and diverse, driven by a large student body of over 20,000 undergraduates. Students can get involved in hundreds of clubs, cheer for the Division I Bulls athletics teams, and enjoy a wide range of events and activities. The campus offers beautiful green spaces and modern facilities, fostering a dynamic and engaging community.

Yes, University at Buffalo offers a strong return on investment, particularly for in-state students. With an average net price of $20,470 and a 10-year median earnings of $70,814, graduates are well-positioned for financial success. The university's strong academic programs and research opportunities provide excellent value for the cost of attendance.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

M&T Bank KeyBank Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Delaware North IBM
Smart Start Score
75

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1846
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 23,230
  • In-State Tuition $10,782
  • Out-of-State $30,572
  • Zip Code 14260

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 53.8% โ™€ 46.2%

The Money Talk

For in-state students, UB offers an exceptional return on investment, with a tuition of $10,782 and a 10-year median earnings of $70,814. Even for out-of-state students, the $30,572 tuition is competitive for a major public research university, leading to a strong ROI. With an average net price of $20,470 and robust financial aid options, it is a financially accessible path to a high-value degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $10,782
Housing (12 mo) $11,904
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $29,886
With avg financial aid:
$20,470/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.