SUNY Buffalo State University provides crucial educational access for students who need affordable pathways to college, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking practical career preparation.
The university combines low net prices across all income levels with specialized programs that lead to stable employment outcomes in fields like aerospace technology and business administration.
SUNY Buffalo State University ranks as a solid public option in New York, serving students who need affordable access to higher education with reasonable long-term outcomes. The university stands out for its commitment to accessibility, with 53% of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students. While earnings outcomes place Buffalo State around the 40th percentile nationally, the institution provides meaningful educational opportunities at net prices well below most competitors.
The university's strength lies in balancing affordability with specialized program offerings. Students can pursue unique fields like aerospace engineering technology, which leads to strong earnings of around $58,522 ten years out, alongside more traditional programs in business administration and criminal justice. Buffalo State's medium size allows for personalized attention while maintaining the resources of the broader SUNY system.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Buffalo State faces challenges in translating access into top-tier earnings, but it remains a valuable pathway for students who might not otherwise attend college. The university's location in Buffalo provides access to a recovering urban economy while keeping costs manageable for students and families throughout New York State.
SUNY Buffalo State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive regional university serving diverse student needs. Business Administration leads in both enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 176 students annually with median earnings of $36,873, making it a reliable pathway to middle-management and entrepreneurial careers. Criminal Justice, the second-largest program with 145 graduates, produces earnings of $32,177 and serves students interested in law enforcement, corrections, and social services.
The standout program financially is Aerospace Engineering Technology, which despite smaller enrollment of 39 students generates the highest median earnings at $58,522. This specialized program demonstrates Buffalo State's ability to provide technical training that leads directly to well-paying careers in the aerospace industry. The program's success reflects the university's focus on practical, industry-aligned education that meets regional workforce needs.
The range from General Studies at $26,187 to Aerospace Engineering Technology at $58,522 illustrates the importance of program choice at Buffalo State. Students who select career-focused technical or business programs tend to see stronger financial outcomes, while those in more general academic tracks face more modest earning prospects. This pattern emphasizes the value of the university's specialized offerings and career-oriented approach to education.
Graduates of SUNY Buffalo State University see moderate long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $52,334 ten years after enrollment. While this places the institution around the 40th percentile nationally for earnings, the university offers pathways to solid middle-class careers across various fields. The earnings trajectory shows steady growth from $40,877 at six years to over $52,000 by the ten-year mark, indicating that graduates build earning power over time.
Program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at Buffalo State. Aerospace Engineering Technology stands out with graduates earning around $58,522, demonstrating the value of the university's specialized technical programs. Business Administration, the largest program with 176 graduates, produces median earnings of $36,873, while Criminal Justice majors earn about $32,177. These variations highlight the importance of program selection, as technical and business-oriented fields tend to deliver stronger financial returns than general studies programs, where graduates earn around $26,187.
While Buffalo State's overall earnings don't reach the levels of flagship universities, the institution provides reliable pathways to stable employment. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps graduates enter fields with clear employment prospects, even if starting salaries are more modest than at research-intensive institutions.
SUNY Buffalo State University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay just $10,684 annually in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families face costs of $17,379 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $21,201, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable regardless of family financial circumstances.
The debt picture at Buffalo State is manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with $21,028 in federal loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the university's focus on accessibility. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,872, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on parent loans. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes Buffalo State particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable debt levels. The university's position within the SUNY system provides cost stability, while strong financial aid helps keep net prices low for students who need it most. This approach ensures that students can focus on their studies without overwhelming financial pressure.
Suny Buffalo State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
