EC vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmira College in Elmira, NY with SUNY Buffalo State University in Buffalo, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmira College is located in Elmira, NY (Small City setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmira College 11:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

EC vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EC or Buffalo State College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at SUNY Buffalo State University than EC ($12,023 vs. $23,682).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 9% lower than at SUNY Buffalo State University ($14,550 vs. $15,986).
• Elmira College is 356.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $30,443 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.3% higher at EC than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $19,323 more per year; $38,976.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College as at SUNY Buffalo State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmira College students is 146% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($28,780 vs. $11,697).

EC vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EC or Buffalo State College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Buffalo State College and EC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmira College (1240) is 130 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 1090/1385; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmira College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EC - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman EC students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Buffalo State College (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at EC vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

EC vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EC and Buffalo State College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Elmira College's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Elmira College earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $5,591 lower median loan debt than EC graduates ($21,409 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EC graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More EC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.