A Smart Investment
Buffalo State University has the lowest annual in-state tuition and fees of any 4-year SUNY or WNY institution.
With 93% of students receiving financial aid and 90% of classes with fewer than 40 students, you will get a personal college experience you can afford without giving up the opportunities of a large university.
At Buffalo State, you will explore your interests, build skills employers value, and get the support to keep moving toward your goals. You will finish ready to start your career strong, too; 94% of graduates are employed within a year of graduation (niche.com).
How Much Does Buffalo State Cost?
Buffalo State University and SUNY provide an affordable, high-quality education and most students receive financial aid.
Undergraduate
In-State Tuition/Semester: $3,535 + fees | Out-of-State/Semester: $9,405 + fees
Estimate Your CostExplore Financial Aid
Graduate
In-State Tuition/Semester: $5,655 + fees | Out-of-State/Semester: $11,895 + fees
93%
Students Offered Financial Aid
$14,980
Average Scholarships and Grant Award per Freshman Student
200+
Buffalo State Scholarships Available
$74M
Total Aid Awarded, 2024-2025
File for Federal and State Aid
- Submit the FAFSA: Use Buffalo State school code 002842 to qualify for Federal Pell Grants, SEOG grants, and work-study.
- Apply for NYS TAP: Complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application if you are an eligible in-state resident.
- NYS Excelsior Scholarship: Covers remaining tuition for middle-class families meeting income limits.
Leverage Local and Institutional Support
- Say Yes Buffalo: Privately funded scholarships and grants for graduates of Buffalo public and charter schools.
- CAPS Portal: Apply for institutional merit and donor scholarships through the Buffalo State Financial Aid Office.
- ACE Program: Join Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) for targeted financial, personal, and academic support.
Manage the Remaining Balance
- Payment Plans: Use the Student Accounts payment plan to break semester bills into smaller installments.
- Federal Direct Loans: Consider low-interest federal student loans or Parent PLUS loans only after exhausting gift aid.
- Work-Study: Work a part-time job on campus to cover daily and personal expenses.
Could You Go to Buffalo State for Free?
If you live at home and qualify for both the Federal Pell Grant and New York State TAP, your grants may cover all of your out-of-pocket Buffalo State tuition and mandatory fees.
If the grants exceed the bill, you may have money left over for books and other educational expenses, depending on your overall aid package.
Your Results May Vary!
Pell eligibility and award amounts vary, and TAP has its own eligibility requirements. The maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 per year, while TAP can provide additional assistance; the actual TAP amount depends on the student's circumstances.