About
Our Reputation
Established in 1871, Buffalo State's long history and commitment to education are the cornerstones of its respected reputation.
The largest comprehensive four-year college in the SUNY system, Buffalo State educates more than 10,300 undergraduate and graduate students each year and has an alumni population of 100,000. The college is known for its strong community connections and a continuing commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning opportunities.
Our Students
Each year, more than 10,300 students choose Buffalo State for its broad array of high-quality and distinctive academic programs.
Enrollment (Fall 2015)
10,330 students
9,187 undergraduate
1,143 graduate
Class Size
88 percent of all classes have fewer than 40 students
Classes for undergraduate majors usually have between 12 and 15 students.
Our Faculty and Staff
Our faculty members are well known for their research and professional practice in their field. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools called Buffalo State's faculty a "major source of excellence."
Employees
1,226 full time
631 part time
Number of faculty with tenure: 273
Percent of full-time faculty with doctoral degrees: 78.7%
Percent of full-time faculty with terminal degrees: 86.5%
51 faculty members have been awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching since 1973.
Our Alumni
There are 100,000+ Buffalo State alumni in the U.S. and around the world; more than 57,000 in Western New York.
Our graduates work in the fields of education, the arts, business, computer science, media, politics, and many others.
The Buffalo State Alumni Association coordinates events, services, and benefits for our graduates.
Buffalo State at a Glance
Name
Buffalo State,
State University of New York
Founded
1871
Location
- City of Buffalo
- 125-acre campus
Accreditation
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; numerous professional organizations for specific academic programs [more.]
Designation
Carnegie Master’s 1 institution
President
Katherine S. Conway-Turner, Ph.D.
Faculty and Staff Profile
Full time: 1,226
Part time: 631
Total: 1,857
- Number of faculty with tenure: 273
- Percent of full-time faculty with doctoral degrees: 78.7%
- Percent of full-time faculty with terminal degrees: 86.5%
Class Size
- 88 percent of all classes have fewer than 40 students
- Classes for undergraduate majors usually have between 12 and 15 students
Admissions Acceptance Rate
62 percent (First-time freshmen)
Alumni Profile
More than 100,000 alumni living throughout the world; more than 57,000 in Western New York
Athletics
- NCAA Division III
- 8 men's and 11 women's varsity sports
2016–2017 Undergraduate Tuition and Fees*
- $6,470 annual (in state)
- $16,320 annual (out of state)
- $1,231 fees
- $13,142 room and board
2016–2017 Graduate Tuition and Fees*
- $10,870 annual (in state)
- $22,210 annual (out of state)
- $742 annual fees
* Costs subject to change. Visit the Student Accounts Office for latest updates.
2015–2016 Financial Aid for Undergraduates
- Number of students receiving financial aid: 6,260
- Percent of students receiving financial aid: 69.4%
- Average award per student: $13,691
- Average loan commitment after graduation: $25,861
Academic Offerings
177 undergraduate programs with 11 honors options
63 graduate programs, including 11 postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs
Five schools: School of Arts and Humanities; School of Education; School of Natural and Social Sciences; School of the Professions; The Graduate School
College Data (Fall 2015)
UNDERGRADUATE
Enrollment Status
Full time: 8,137
Part time: 1,050
Total: 9,187
Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaskan: 39
Asian/Pacific Islander: 247
Black (non-Hispanic): 2,575
Hispanic: 1,113
White (non-Hispanic): 4,737
Pacific Islanders: 9
Other/Unknown: 17
International: 146
Multi-Race: 304
Geographic Origin
Erie County: 4,512
Niagara County: 661
Other NY State: 3,691
Outside NY State: 95
International: 128
Canada: 18
Other/Unknown: 82
Gender
Female: 5,209
Male: 3,978
Age
Under 25: 7,772
25 and over: 1,415
Residence Halls Occupancy
3,017
GRADUATE
Enrollment Status
Full time: 442
Part time: 701
Total: 1,143
Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaskan: 8
Asian/Pacific Islander: 24
Black (non-Hispanic): 128
Hispanic: 51
White (non-Hispanic): 849
Pacific Islanders: 1
Other/Unknown: 4
International: 60
Multi-Race: 18
Geographic Origin
Erie County: 676
Niagara County: 100
Other NY State: 250
Outside NY State: 48
International: 53
Canada: 7
Other/Unknown: 9
Gender
Female: 813
Male: 330
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission
Buffalo State is a diverse and inclusive college committed to the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our mission is to empower students to succeed and to inspire a lifelong passion for learning. Buffalo State is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, service, scholarship, creative activity, and cultural enrichment.
Vision
Buffalo State College will be a nationally recognized leader in public higher education known for
- its caring and rigorous academic environment where lives are transformed through education;
- the intellectual and creative accomplishments of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni;
- its cross-culturally competent community dedicated to developing leaders for an increasingly global society.
Values
We, the Buffalo State community, are committed to:
- actively facilitating access to public higher education;
- excellent learning experiences in and out of the classroom;
- being student centered;
- the rigors, joys, and fulfillment of intellectual discovery;
- engagement, applied learning, and partnerships with the community;
- social responsibility;
- respect for diversity and individual differences;
- supportive and collegial relationships;
- opportunities for individuals to realize their full potential.
History: Buffalo State Through the Decades
1871
On September 13, the first day of classes, the complement of the new normal school consists of 86 students (75 women, 11 men), Principal Henry B. Buckham, 15 faculty members, and 195 children in the School of Practice.
Our Presidents
Leadership Legacy
A timeline of our presidents—From the principals of the Buffalo Normal School to Interim President Howard Cohen.
Accreditation
Buffalo State is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (215) 662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. secretary of education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. Buffalo State also is accredited by the Board of Regents, University of the State of New York.
