
1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222-1095, USA


SUNY Buffalo State University holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. This accreditation is a critical factor for prospective students, as it confirms that the university adheres to recognized practices in academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services.
Additionally, several of the university's professional programs have earned specialized accreditation from their respective accrediting bodies. For example, certain education, business, and health-related programs have received endorsements that reflect their compliance with industry-specific criteria and standards. These specialized accreditations provide further assurance of program quality and relevance in preparing students for professional careers.
SUNY Buffalo State University requires applicants to have completed a secondary education, with either a traditional high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Submission of a secondary school record and a minimum grade point average are mandatory components of the application process, while providing class rank is recommended but not compulsory. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in core competencies and meet the requirement for college program documentation.
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit TOEFL scores to verify English language skills. Although additional test scores beyond the TOEFL are suggested, they are not strictly required. The university does not follow an open admission policy, indicating selective acceptance based on meeting these criteria.
Credit for prior learning is acknowledged, as both college-level credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted toward degree requirements. The university does not require students to lease or own a computer as part of the admissions process.
The overall acceptance rate at SUNY Buffalo State University stands at approximately 76%, reflecting a somewhat competitive admissions environment. Of the roughly 15,943 applicants, around 12,096 are admitted, with an enrollment yield of about 1,456 students. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1045, positioned within the lower 25th percentile nationally, with sub-scores of 530 in math and 515 in writing, each considered low relative to national benchmarks.
SUNY Buffalo State University requires applicants to submit a nonrefundable application fee as part of the admission process. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. The university provides waiver options for certain groups of students to ensure that the application fee does not create a financial barrier to applying.
Fee waivers at SUNY Buffalo State University are typically available for eligible applicants such as those who demonstrate financial hardship or participate in specific programs that support college access. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire directly with the admissions office to confirm their eligibility for a waiver and to obtain appropriate documentation to submit along with their application.
The university's approach aims to maintain fairness while supporting access for diverse applicants by reducing upfront costs where possible. However, applicants should plan accordingly for the application fee if no waiver applies to their situation.
SUNY Buffalo State University does not have its own dedicated ROTC branch unit on campus. However, students interested in participating in ROTC programs can do so through partnerships with cooperating host institutions. This arrangement allows students to pursue ROTC training and commissions while enrolled at the university, typically by attending ROTC classes and activities at a nearby institution that hosts a program.
Transfer students have the opportunity to start in the fall or spring semesters at SUNY Buffalo State University, providing flexibility for those planning their academic progression. The institution maintains a moderately difficult entrance standard for transfer applicants, indicating a selective review process that balances accessibility with academic rigor.
The university accepts transfer credits, including those earned through standardized exams such as CLEP subject and general tests, as well as DANTES examinations. This policy facilitates recognition of prior learning and may accelerate degree completion for transfer students who have accumulated relevant credits elsewhere.
In addition to academic credentials, SUNY Buffalo State University also considers letters of recommendation as part of its transfer admission criteria, which may enhance an applicant's profile by providing insights into their skills and character beyond coursework.
The State University of New York at Buffalo State offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic and cultural experiences. Programs are structured to allow students to earn credits applicable toward their degrees while immersing themselves in diverse international settings.
Options include semester-long exchanges, faculty-led short-term trips, and summer programs, each targeting different academic goals and travel preferences. These programs span multiple continents, enabling students to experience educational systems and cultures in countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Faculty-led programs often integrate classroom instruction with experiential learning, combining site visits and cultural activities with academic coursework to enhance understanding of the host country. Semester and year-long programs frequently involve partnerships with international universities, facilitating direct enrollment in foreign institutions while providing support through Buffalo State's study abroad office.
The university emphasizes accessible opportunities for students in a wide range of disciplines, making it possible to choose programs that complement individual fields of study. Scholarships and financial aid resources may be available to help offset costs, encouraging broader participation.
Median composite SAT score
1045Percent of students submitting SAT scores
9.46%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring