University at Buffalo vs CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College comes out ahead: 92/100 to 83/100, a 9-point edge over University at Buffalo. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College runs $3,033 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo - $17,962 more a year, or about $71,848 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates earn a median $75,971 against $70,814 at University at Buffalo. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at University at Buffalo and 3.7 years at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave CUNY Bernard M Baruch College owing a median $11,512 versus $19,000 at University at Buffalo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.24 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University at Buffalo | CUNY Bernard M Baruch Col... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,936 | $7,464 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,536 | $15,414 |
| Net Price (avg) | $20,995 | $3,033 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $83,980 | $12,132 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,100 | $47,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $70,814 | $75,971 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.2% | 72.1% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $11,512 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $122 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.24 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.1% | 77.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.0% | 70.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 74.2% | 47.5% |
| Enrollment | 20,112 | 16,154 |
| SAT Range | 1210-1380 | 1100-1400 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University at Buffal... | CUNY Bernard M Baruc... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,668 | $607 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,585 | $2,052 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,262 | $6,312 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,117 | $8,623 |
| $110,001+ | $28,079 | $12,314 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University at Buffal... | CUNY Bernard M Baruc... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $92,314 | $90,104 |
| Mathematics | $60,882 | $85,820 |
| Economics | $70,720 | $83,354 |
| International Business | $64,711 | $78,019 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,903 | $73,619 |
| History | $50,518 | $64,570 |
| International Relations | $58,292 | $64,231 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,912 | $59,756 |
| English Language and Literature | $51,385 | $59,994 |
| Biology | $57,298 | $59,419 |
| Psychology | $52,303 | $58,476 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University at Buffal... | CUNY Bernard M Baruc... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 84 | 100 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 97 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 82 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 62 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 92 |
The Verdict
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College has the clearly stronger ROI here (92 vs 83) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University at Buffalo is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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University at Buffalo
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.