Buffalo, NY · Private University
Is SUNY Buffalo State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$52,334
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,486
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,906
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$75,624
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.77x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
36.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,028
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,229
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
SUNY Buffalo State University graduates earn $7,334 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at SUNY Buffalo State University ranked by graduate earnings
29 graduates
48 graduates
22 graduates
104 graduates
72 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at SUNY Buffalo State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At SUNY Buffalo State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians: $82,564) and the lowest (Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians: $33,902) is $48,662/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/TechniciansBest ROI | $82,564 | 4.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $79,418 | 4.2x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $63,306 | 3.4x |
| Information Science/Studies | $58,684 | 3.1x |
| Economics | $56,086 | 3.0x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $50,668 | 2.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $50,353 | 2.7x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $49,909 | 2.6x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $48,207 | 2.5x |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | $46,026 | 2.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $45,945 | 2.4x |
| Social Work | $42,984 | 2.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,942 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,567 | 2.2x |
| Psychology, General | $39,963 | 2.1x |
| Sociology | $39,177 | 2.1x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $38,909 | 2.1x |
| History | $38,005 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $37,217 | 2.0x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,769 | 1.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,966 | 1.9x |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies | $35,469 | 1.9x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $35,310 | 1.9x |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/TechniciansLowest | $33,902 | 1.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
SUNY Buffalo State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $52,334 10 years after starting, $7,334 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to SUNY Buffalo State University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.