U of R vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rochester in Rochester, NY with SUNY Buffalo State University in Buffalo, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Rochester is larger than Buffalo State College based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 6,188 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

U of R vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or Buffalo State College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at SUNY Buffalo State University than U of R ($12,023 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 19.2% lower than at University of Rochester ($15,986 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 686.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $58,547 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 241.3% higher at U of R than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $47,427 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University than at University of Rochester (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 289% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($45,500 vs. $11,697).

U of R vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or Buffalo State College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Buffalo State College and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 370 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Buffalo State College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.91 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• Buffalo State College has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

U of R vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and Buffalo State College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from University of Rochester earn a median of about $30,300 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($71,000 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $3,091 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($21,409 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($221 vs. $253).
• More U of R graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.