Buffalo State College vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY Buffalo State University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Buffalo State College vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buffalo State College or SU? 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 SU ($12,023 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 21.9% lower than at SUNY Buffalo State University ($12,490 vs. $15,986).
• Shenandoah University is 333% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $28,417 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88% higher at SU than at SUNY Buffalo State University (about $17,297 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $19,653.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 111.6% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($24,747 vs. $11,697).

Buffalo State College vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buffalo State College or SU? 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 SU and Buffalo State College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 10 points higher than at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buffalo State College - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.86 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Buffalo State College (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.2% at Buffalo State College vs. 16.7% at SU.

Buffalo State College vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buffalo State College and SU? 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).

• SUNY Buffalo State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $3,591 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($21,409 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($221 vs. $258).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.