University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York · Public · 74.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 83/100 · Strong Value
University at Buffalo
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,936/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $31,536/yr |
| Average net price | $20,995/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $83,980 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,814 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $46,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $201 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 75.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,112 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,668 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,585 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,262 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,117 |
| $110,001+ | $28,079 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University at Buffalo with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,903 | C+ |
| Psychology | $52,303 | C |
| Biology | $57,298 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,912 | C |
| Computer Science | $105,160 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $84,602 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $93,507 | B+ |
| Social Sciences, General | $56,257 | D |
| Sociology | $54,382 | C |
| Civil Engineering | $84,868 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University at Buffalo is $10,936/year ($31,536/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,995/year, or roughly $83,980 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $14,668/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,079/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $201 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $70,814 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.41 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 75.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 76.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 74.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 610-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-32 |
| Enrollment | 20,112 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 33.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,415 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo (this school) | 83 | $20,995 | $70,814 |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | 92 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| James Madison University | 84 | $23,322 | $69,954 |
| University of California-Riverside | 83 | $14,304 | $67,699 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | 83 | $15,300 | $63,126 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 81 | $3,103 | $60,752 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University at Buffalo delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $20,995 per year ($83,980 over four years), graduates earn a median of $70,814 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.3 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 75.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $19,000 is very manageable against $70,814 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.