2022 Best Colleges in Buffalo
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Buffalo — New York's second-largest city — borders Canada and is about 25 miles from Niagara Falls. Some of the top industries in the area include education, healthcare, and financial services. The city is also a growing center for bioinformatics and biotech research and development.
About 60,000 students attend the 12 colleges in Buffalo. Community colleges, vocational schools, and four-year private and public institutions call Buffalo home.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Buffalo State College is the only urban four-year college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The University at Buffalo is one of the leading public research colleges in New York and offers over 140 undergraduate programs and 300 graduate degrees.
The SUNY system also offers top online programs. Learn about the best online colleges in your state.
Top Online Degree Programs in Buffalo
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Buffalo Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in the Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Niagara Falls area is concentrated in seven of the 22 occupational groups. Industries with higher-than-average employment rates include administrative support, education, healthcare, and community and social service.
Additionally, Workforce Buffalo lists over 70 in-demand occupations as of October 2021. These positions included electrician, nuclear medicine technologist, accountant, and computer network support specialist.
According to the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board, several occupations face growing demand. The following represent some of these exceptionally high-demand careers. The job growth rates reflect statewide projections.
5 In-Demand Buffalo Jobs
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Annual Average Salary: $63,340 (as of May 2021)
Job Outlook: Projected 20% job growth between 2018 and 2028
Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical laboratory technologists, perform medical laboratory tests to help diagnose and treat diseases. Aspiring technologists may gain licensure in New York by earning a bachelor's or graduate degree in a state-approved clinical laboratory technology program and passing the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification's exam.
Dental Hygienist
Annual Average Salary: $63,340 (as of May 2021)
Job Outlook: Projected 25% job growth between 2018 and 2028
Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth and gums and examine them for signs of disease, such as gingivitis. They may develop X-rays, apply fluoride, and educate patients on oral hygiene. In New York, dental hygienists must complete a state-approved dental hygiene program and pass written and clinical exams to gain licensure.
Computer User Support Specialist
Annual Average Salary: $55,070 (as of May 2021)
Job Outlook: Projected 15% job growth between 2018 and 2028
Computer support specialists provide technical support for an organization, including their staff and customers. Typical tasks include diagnosing computer problems, installing hardware or software, and helping phone-in customers troubleshoot specific issues. Education requirements vary based on the employer, who may require information technology certifications or an associate or bachelor's degree.
Social and Human Service Assistant
Annual Average Salary: $39,660 (as of May 2021)
Job Outlook: Projected 24% job growth between 2018 and 2028
Social and human service assistants typically work in individual and family services, nursing care facilities, and government agencies. They may assist people in the community, including helping them find appropriate social service agencies. Job requirements may include a certificate or associate degree in social work or a related field.
Accountants
Annual Average Salary: $83,060 (as of May 2021)
Job Outlook: Projected 12.7% job growth between 2018 and 2028
Accountants prepare financial records and examine financial statements. They may prepare tax returns and identify opportunities to increase revenue and decrease costs. Accountants may specialize in specific industries, such as healthcare, insurance, or finance. Certified public accountants must earn a bachelor's degree, meet additional education requirements, and pass an exam to achieve licensure.
Popular Career Paths in Buffalo
2022 Best Accredited Online Colleges in Buffalo
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $295 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $1,041 per credit
Graduate, in state | $471 per credit
Graduate, out of state | $963 per credit
The University at Buffalo (UB), also known as the State University of New York at Buffalo, is a large public institution with more than 30,000 students. Established in 1846, UB is among the flagship institutions of New York's state university system. It's home to medical, dental, and education schools and also the system's only law school.
UB takes a holistic approach to undergraduate admissions and reviews academic performance and various attributes and activities unique to the applicant. Prospective students submit an application with a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and documentation of community service and work experience.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $900 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $900 per credit
Graduate, in state | $640-$995 per credit
Graduate, out of state | $640-$995 per credit
Established in 1870, Canisius College is a private Jesuit institution that has an enrollment of over 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Canisius offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 35 graduate-level degree and certificate programs. In addition to holding institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Canisius holds programmatic accreditation for academic areas such as business, education, and counseling.
Prospective undergraduate students must submit a completed application along with a personal essay and official high school transcripts. Canisius currently does not require the submission of standardized test scores.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Medaille College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $971 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $971 per credit
Graduate, in state | $825-$1,220 per credit
Graduate, out of state | $825-$1,220 per credit
Buffalo's Medaille College was established in 1937 and currently serves nearly 3,000 students. This private institution offers associate, bachelor's, and doctoral programs from departments including interdisciplinary studies, business, education, counseling, and veterinary technology. In addition to Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation, Medaille holds programmatic accreditation in academic areas, including education, business, health informatics, and veterinary technology.
Undergraduate applicants can submit an online application for free and must include official high school transcripts or GED scores and standardized test scores.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $935 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $935 per credit
Graduate, in state | $1,102 per credit
Graduate, out of state | $1,102 per credit
In February 2022, D'Youville College became D'Youville University (DYU), culminating over a century of growth for this private institution. Established in 1908, DYU is home to over 3,000 students while offering various bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Students tackle popular degrees pulled from healthcare, business, and liberal arts departments.
Prospective D'Youville students can submit a free online application. Along with official high school transcripts and optional test scores, admission officials consider an applicant's goals, personal experiences, and interests.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $295 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $708 per credit
Graduate, in state | $471 per credit
Graduate, out of state | $963 per credit
SUNY Buffalo State College has a 150-year history and is home to over 7,000 students. This Middle States Commission on Higher Education-accredited institution has an international alumni network of over 100,000 graduates. Buffalo State offers a deep catalog of undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines as diverse as interior design and electrical engineering.
Prospective Buffalo State students must hold a high school diploma and apply through the Common App or the SUNY application. Applicants must also submit official high school transcripts and a personal essay. The submission of SAT/ACT scores is currently optional.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Trocaire College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $760 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $760 per credit
Established in 1958, Trocaire College is a private Catholic institution that offers its 1,100 students access to associate, bachelor's, and technical certificate programs. Trocaire's academic delivery can vary between programs. The school utilizes online, on-campus, and hybrid tracks. Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in disciplines such as healthcare informatics, nursing, and biology.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma. Trocaire utilizes a rolling admissions process. Trocaire does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, but some students may benefit from including ACT/SAT scores.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Villa Maria College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Average Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $820 per credit
Undergrad, out of state | $820 per credit
Buffalo's Villa Maria College is a small Catholic institution established in 1961 and has an enrollment of about 500 students. Villa Maria offers both associate and bachelor's degrees through its three academic departments: art, music, and liberal arts. In addition to traditional classroom learning, all students complete an internship to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field.
Villa Maria requires no application fee and is a standardized test-optional school. Applicants should have a high school or GED diploma and must submit official transcripts from high school and any other colleges attended.
ROI Value Score: Low
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Buffalo
How many colleges are there in Buffalo, New York?
There are 12 colleges in Buffalo, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
The University at Buffalo provides the largest and most comprehensive campus in the SUNY system. This public university enrolled 32,332 students in fall 2021. Another SUNY system campus, Buffalo State College, enrolled 7,173 students in fall 2021 and offers 79 undergraduate majors and 64 graduate programs.
Erie Community College offers almost 100 degree and certificate programs spread out over three campuses. Six private colleges and three vocational schools with commercial vehicle operation, culinary, and barbering programs also make Buffalo their home.
Canisius College, a private four-year institution, is one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the nation.
Does Buffalo have good online colleges?
Yes. SUNY Online offers over 750 degree and certification programs that provide the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts.
Students can earn a certificate, associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree online. Some programs offer 100% online learning, while others require some on-campus participation.
Canisius College offers several graduate online degree and certificate options. Online students can also earn bachelor's and master's degrees in business, nursing, and psychology at D'Youville College. Bryant & Stratton College, a four-year, for-profit school, offers numerous online degrees in business, education, healthcare, hospitality, human and legal services, and more.
How much does it cost to go to college in Buffalo?
NCES reports that the average cost for college tuition and fees in New York for the 2019-2020 academic year was $8,467 for in-state students and $22,669 for out-of-state students at public four-year institutions. At private colleges, that figure rose to $41,404.
Like most cities, tuition rates vary dramatically among colleges in Buffalo. For example, Bryant & Stratton College charges $621 per credit for bachelor's degree programs, which amounts to about $18,630 annually for full-time students.
The private not-for-profit Medaille College costs $33,000 in tuition in fall 2022. Buffalo State College charges $7,070 for resident undergraduate students and $16,980 for nonresidents.
Feature Image: Walter Bibikow / DigitalVision / Getty Images
