About SUNY Buffalo State
Established in 1871, Buffalo State’s long history and commitment to education are the cornerstones of its respected reputation. The largest comprehensive four-year college in the SUNY system, Buffalo State is known for its strong community connections and continuing commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. For over 150 years Buffalo State has been providing an affordable education.
Buffalo State offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates from the following schools:
- School of Arts and Humanities
- School of Education
- School of Natural and Social Sciences
- School of the Professions
- The Graduate School
Several graduate degrees and certificates are available completely online. Buffalo State online degrees are a more flexible option but still feature a commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. Students in these online programs enjoy small class sizes in an engaging and diverse learning community.
Accreditation & Licensing
SUNY Buffalo State is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Post-master's certificateReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 6,899 ; Graduate: 1,184Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 4% ; Graduate: 24%Graduation Rate:
33%Transfer Rate:
40%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$52,334Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,028Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
80%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$10,130Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by SUNY Buffalo State
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Education
SUNY Buffalo State gives many students a clear path to finish a degree. Smaller classes and easy access to professors help students get help fast and keep moving each term.
Classes focus on useful skills and steady progress. The school puts more weight on learning and completion than on a high-end college experience.
Cost is a key reason students choose Buffalo State. Tuition is often seen as affordable for earning a degree. Value can feel lower when housing and meal plans are added, since those costs may feel high for what students get.
At SUNY Buffalo State, professor support is a real strength. Many instructors are available before and after class and easy to reach by email. When students hit a rough patch, replies are often quick. Advising and mentoring can feel personal and steady from start to finish.
Support is not always the same in every office. Service and communication can differ by department. Some students have had poor staff interactions and wanted stronger mental health support. Even so, daily academic help from faculty remains a strong part of the student experience.
Online learners at Buffalo State get a practical setup. Classes are smaller, so instructors are easier to reach. Email contact is common and direct. That helps when questions come up midweek.
The pace fits students focused on finishing. The structure is more functional than flashy. Support is strongest in class-level contact with professors. This school fits people who want steady progress and clear instructor access, not a high-feature college experience.
At SUNY Buffalo State, classes feel practical and personal. Smaller class sizes make it easier to know your professors. Many courses include active discussion, with space for debate and questions. If you hit a rough patch, faculty are usually reachable and ready to help.
The pace stays steady, so students can keep moving toward their degree. The school feels more focused than flashy, which many students value. Professors are often engaged, with especially strong teaching in STEM. Buffalo State is a good fit for students who want clear structure, supportive professors, and a direct path to finish.
Buffalo State is practical, not flashy. It is built for finishing a degree. Smaller classes help students get direct faculty contact. Professors are reachable by email and around class time.
That access helps students keep moving. Cost is a major reason this school fits. Buffalo State is often seen as affordable for a credential. Academics are useful and solid, with some stronger STEM mentions.
The overall experience is more functional than premium. Service quality is less consistent outside the classroom. Communication can vary across offices. Housing and food value are common pain points. The best fit is cost-focused students who want completion and faculty access.
Buffalo State is practical, not flashy. It is built for finishing a degree. Smaller classes help students get direct faculty contact. Professors are reachable by email and around class time.
That access helps students keep moving. Cost is a major reason this school fits. Buffalo State is often seen as affordable for a credential. Academics are useful and solid, with some stronger STEM mentions.
The overall experience is more functional than premium. Service quality is less consistent outside the classroom. Communication can vary across offices. Housing and food value are common pain points. The best fit is cost-focused students who want completion and faculty access.
Frequently Asked Questions About SUNY Buffalo State
Is SUNY Buffalo State accredited?
Yes. SUNY Buffalo State is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does SUNY Buffalo State offer?
SUNY Buffalo State offers 7 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does SUNY Buffalo State offer?
SUNY Buffalo State is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at SUNY Buffalo State?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is SUNY Buffalo State expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, SUNY Buffalo State falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at SUNY Buffalo State?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask SUNY Buffalo State first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most SUNY Buffalo State programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.5 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.5 to 3.0.
Is SUNY Buffalo State military friendly?
SUNY Buffalo State does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from SUNY Buffalo State through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for SUNY Buffalo State applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Interview, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does SUNY Buffalo State accept life experience credit?
SUNY Buffalo State does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are SUNY Buffalo State programs fully online or mixed?
SUNY Buffalo State programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does SUNY Buffalo State offer?
SUNY Buffalo State has online program options in areas such as Education, Healthcare, Art & Liberal Arts, and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for SUNY Buffalo State programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at SUNY Buffalo State?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any SUNY Buffalo State programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at SUNY Buffalo State?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For SUNY Buffalo State, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare SUNY Buffalo State programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a SUNY Buffalo State program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
SUNY Buffalo State is featured in 4 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
SUNY Buffalo State is located in New York
New York at a Glance:
Top Majors in New York:
Top Incentives in New York:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 annually
- Excelsior Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New York:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($130,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, Series 7, Series 63