Hamilton College vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Hamilton College in Clinton, 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 Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hamilton College is located in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Hamilton 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: Hamilton College 9:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

Hamilton College vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College ($12,023 vs. $28,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 8.7% lower than at Hamilton College ($15,986 vs. $17,510).
• Hamilton College is 708.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $60,427 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 250.9% higher at Hamilton College than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $49,307 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University than at Hamilton College (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 374.6% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($55,511 vs. $11,697).

Hamilton College vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 390 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 1450/1550; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hamilton College - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 1.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• Buffalo State College has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at Hamilton College vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

Hamilton College vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hamilton College 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $38,300 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $5,649 lower median loan debt than Buffalo State College graduates ($15,760 vs. $21,409).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buffalo State College graduates ($162 vs. $221).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.