University at Buffalo vs CUNY Brooklyn 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University at Buffalo and CUNY Brooklyn College come out about even on financial return. University at Buffalo scores 83/100 and CUNY Brooklyn College scores 81/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, CUNY Brooklyn College runs $3,103 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo - $17,892 more a year, or about $71,568 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University at Buffalo graduates earn a median $70,814 against $60,752 at CUNY Brooklyn College. The cost earns itself back in 6.3 years at University at Buffalo and 5.9 years at CUNY Brooklyn College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave CUNY Brooklyn College owing a median $11,000 versus $19,000 at University at Buffalo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.30 - 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 Brooklyn College |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,936 | $7,452 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,536 | $15,402 |
| Net Price (avg) | $20,995 | $3,103 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $83,980 | $12,412 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $46,100 | $36,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $70,814 | $60,752 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.2% | 53.9% |
| Payback Period | 6.3 yr | 5.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $11,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $117 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.30 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 75.1% | 63.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.0% | 57.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 74.2% | 58.4% |
| Enrollment | 20,112 | 10,543 |
| SAT Range | 1210-1380 | 950-1340 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University at Buffal... | CUNY Brooklyn Colleg... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $14,668 | $1,029 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $16,585 | $2,287 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $21,262 | $6,193 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,117 | $8,917 |
| $110,001+ | $28,079 | $12,254 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University at Buffal... | CUNY Brooklyn Colleg... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $92,314 | $64,103 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,903 | $61,323 |
| Chemistry | $68,413 | $34,239 |
| Sociology | $54,382 | $65,606 |
| Mathematics | $60,882 | $63,610 |
| International Relations | $58,292 | $63,184 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,912 | $57,024 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $57,360 | $50,821 |
| Biology | $57,298 | $53,786 |
| English Language and Literature | $51,385 | $54,014 |
| Psychology | $52,303 | $52,742 |
| History | $50,518 | $44,416 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $45,677 | $41,233 |
| Anthropology | $44,274 | $33,127 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $43,285 | $44,032 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University at Buffal... | CUNY Brooklyn Colleg... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 84 | 100 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 86 | 95 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 47 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 55 | 23 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 81 |
The Verdict
It's close. University at Buffalo edges out CUNY Brooklyn College by 2 points (83 vs 81), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University at Buffalo
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
CUNY Brooklyn College
Strong 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.