SUNY Buffalo State University's published cost of attendance totals $23,171 annually, including $18,906 in out-of-state tuition ($8,486 for in-state residents), $16,716 for room and board, and $1,052 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,171 |
| Tuition and Fees | $18,906 |
| Room and Board | $16,716 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,052 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,942 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,229 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,684 |
| $30–48k | $12,992 |
| $48–75k | $17,379 |
| $75–110k | $18,478 |
| $110k+ | $21,201 |
SUNY Buffalo State University's published cost of attendance totals $23,171 annually, including $18,906 in out-of-state tuition ($8,486 for in-state residents), $16,716 for room and board, and $1,052 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price across all income levels is $14,229, representing $8,942 in financial aid savings compared to the sticker price.
This 38.6% reduction from published costs demonstrates substantial aid effectiveness. Buffalo State's net price of $14,229 compares favorably to the peer median of $14,093, representing just $136 more than similar institutions. The relatively modest net price difference indicates Buffalo State provides competitive affordability within its peer group.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Buffalo State graduates carry a median debt load of $21,028, which compares favorably to the peer median of $21,105. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,840 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates that graduates' debt represents 40% of their first-year post-graduation earnings, which falls within manageable ranges for most career paths. Buffalo State's debt performance ranks at the 63rd percentile nationally, indicating above-average debt management.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $11,872 with monthly payments of $156, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The combination of moderate debt levels and steady earnings growth creates favorable conditions for loan repayment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Buffalo State's investment profile shows mixed performance across return metrics. Graduates earn $1,644 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution around the national average at the 48.8th percentile for earnings uplift.
However, median earnings of $52,334 compare favorably to the peer median of $50,116, showing Buffalo State graduates earn $2,218 more annually than peers at similar institutions. The return index percentile of 28.4% indicates below-average performance on overall return on investment.
Despite modest earnings performance, the controlled debt environment creates reasonable investment conditions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 supports manageable repayment schedules for most graduates.
Buffalo State's financial aid profile reflects its commitment to serving diverse student populations. With 53.3% of students receiving Pell grants, the majority of enrolled students qualify for federal need-based aid.
This high Pell share, well above national averages, indicates the university successfully enrolls students from lower-income families who benefit most from financial aid programs. The average financial aid savings of $8,942 demonstrates effective aid packaging that makes education accessible to students who might otherwise find college costs prohibitive.
The progressive net price structure, ranging from $10,684 for lowest-income families to $21,201 for highest-income families, shows aid concentration where it's most needed. This approach aligns with Buffalo State's access mission, ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent qualified students from enrolling.
