Colleges in Buffalo, NY: Full List of Schools
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Forget the blizzards. Buffalo, New York has a reputation as a warm and inviting place to live. The City of Good Neighbors has welcomed immigrants and refugees since the 1800s. This small city boasts New York's second-largest population after New York City, with more than 276,000 residents and a growing college population.
Buffalo State, one of 12 colleges in Buffalo, reported a 2023 incoming class of 2,045 — its largest undergraduate student body to date. We spotlight three of the most popular colleges in Buffalo and break down costs and the highest-earning jobs. But if Buffalo isn't for you, check out our list of the best colleges in New York for even more options in the state.
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3 Popular Colleges in Buffalo
Whether you're looking for small and private or large and public, Buffalo has many schools you can consider. Below is a list of three popular colleges in Buffalo, highlighting their location, cost, and reputation.
1. SUNY Buffalo State University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $13,812
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Total Student Enrollment: 6,445
Since 1871, SUNY at Buffalo has been a prominent institution in Buffalo, providing accessible education with an 80% acceptance rate. The 125-acre campus in Buffalo gives you many degree options. Undergraduates can choose from about 79 programs, while graduate students have a selection of 64 graduate programs.
Also, SUNY at Buffalo offers a wide many online courses, degrees, and certificates. With an average annual net price of $13,812, this college has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Buffalo.
2. University at Buffalo
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,524
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Total Student Enrollment: 32,099
With a total student enrollment of 32,099, UB occupies approximately 1,170 acres across its three campuses, making it the largest in Buffalo. UB has 13 schools and colleges, providing over 500 degrees. It is New York's flagship university, with roughly $428 million spent on research annually.
The online program offerings include undergraduate minors, master's degrees, advanced certificates, doctorate degrees, and teacher education programs. The school attracts students from all over the world. In fact, about 16% of its students come from some 97 countries.
3. Daemen University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,273
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,642
The private Daemen University began in 1947 as Rosary Hill College, a liberal arts college for women. From a scenic location in Amherst, near Niagara River, Daemen University now offers an attainable education with an acceptance rate of 80% for all who apply. The school features some 65 majors, including eight undergraduate and degree programs. Students pay an average annual net price of $20,273.
List of All Colleges in Buffalo
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daemen University | 2,642 | $20,273 | 80% | 2,752 |
| Canisius College | 2,492 | $19,635 | 78% | 4,131 |
| D'Youville University | 2,518 | $21,755 | 84% | 3,115 |
| Medaille University | 1,727 | $14,992 | 69% | 1,689 |
| SUNY Buffalo State University | 6,445 | $13,812 | 86% | 12,292 |
| University at Buffalo | 32,099 | $18,524 | 68% | 30,939 |
| Hilbert College | 877 | $16,930 | 95% | 1,354 |
| Niagara University | 3,858 | $18,165 | 90% | 3,836 |
5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Buffalo
Buffalo offers high wages for a variety of occupations across many industries. And some jobs pay more in Buffalo than the national average. For instance, financial managers earn a national median wage of $139,790, while in Buffalo, they make a median annual salary of $183,910.
But not all positions pay more in Buffalo. Computer hardware engineers earn a mean annual salary of $104,580 and $132,360 nationally. Here, we feature more of the highest-paying jobs in Buffalo that only require a bachelor's degree.
| Career | Mean Annual Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|
| Financial Manager | $183,910 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $104,580 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $90,600 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $90,180 |
| Registered Nurses | $86,420 |
What Is the Cost of Living in Buffalo?
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Buffalo is 5% lower than the national average and 138% lower than New York City. Payscale reports that the median renter in Buffalo pays $1,271 a month and $169 per month on an energy bill, compared to $4,773 each month in Manhattan.
Food and groceries also cost 3% lower in Buffalo than the national average. Buying a loaf of bread in Buffalo costs about $3.76, and a gallon of milk costs $2.36, on average.
Forbes Advisor reports that the average home costs $469,156 in Buffalo. With that said, what you earn determines what you can afford. And going to college in New York can make it difficult to work full time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Buffalo
How many colleges are in Buffalo?
Buffalo has 12 colleges, including eight four-year private and public schools. The University of Buffalo educates some 32,099 students, the biggest student enrollment in the city.
What is the cheapest college in Buffalo?
SUNY Buffalo State University offers the most affordable tuition and fees. Students there pay an average annual net price of $13,812, the cheapest among all four-year colleges in Buffalo.
Non-residents pay considerably more. Full-time, out-of-state learners pay $8,745 per semester. That said, 91% of students at SUNY at Buffalo State get financial aid.
Why should you live and study in Buffalo?
Buffalo offers a small-town feel with the same opportunities and diverse population seen in a big city. According to the U.S. Census, Buffalo's is 47.8% white, 33.3% Black or African American, 6.87% Asian, and 12.2% Hispanic or Latino/a.
Buffalo colleges also come cheaper than the national average. For instance, SUNY at Buffalo charges an average net price of $13,812, compared to the national price of $14,700.
