Ithaca College vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

Compare Ithaca College in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca College based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 4,767 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ithaca College is located in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Ithaca 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: Ithaca College 10:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

Ithaca College vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ithaca 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 Ithaca College ($12,023 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 1.3% lower than at Ithaca College ($15,986 vs. $16,192).
• Ithaca College is 527.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $45,007 more per year; $53,540.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 172.4% higher at Ithaca College than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $33,887 more per year; $53,540.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College as at SUNY Buffalo State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ithaca College students is 186% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($33,450 vs. $11,697).

Ithaca College vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ithaca College (1310) is 200 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 1230/1390; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ithaca College - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Buffalo State College has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than Ithaca College (69%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at Ithaca College vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

Ithaca College vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ithaca 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).

• Ithaca College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Ithaca College earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $4,341 lower median loan debt than Ithaca College graduates ($21,409 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ithaca College graduates ($221 vs. $266).
• More Ithaca College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.