Buffalo State College vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than Purchase College based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• SUNY Buffalo State University is located in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Buffalo State College vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buffalo State College or Purchase 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 Purchase College ($12,023 vs. $18,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY Buffalo State University are 2.7% lower than at SUNY at Purchase College ($15,986 vs. $16,436).
• SUNY at Purchase College is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $420 more per year; $8,953.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Buffalo State College than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $450 more per year; $19,653.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University than at SUNY at Purchase College (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students is 12.1% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($11,697 vs. $10,432).

Buffalo State College vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at SUNY at Purchase College (1280) is 170 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; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buffalo State College - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Purchase College students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Buffalo State College (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.2% at Buffalo State College vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Buffalo State College vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buffalo State College and Purchase 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).

• SUNY at Purchase College's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than SUNY Buffalo State University's (47%).
• Graduates from SUNY Buffalo State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,700 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $1,091 lower median loan debt than Purchase College graduates ($21,409 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Purchase College graduates ($221 vs. $232).
• More Purchase College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.