Update: This article was last updated on 13th February 2026 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
The University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), commonly known as UB, is a nationally ranked Tier 1 research university recognized worldwide for its quality and affordable education. The University at Buffalo is the alma mater of over 200,000 alumni, including Nobel Laureate J.M. Coetzee, astronaut Gregory Jarvis, journalist Wolf Blitzer, and television host Jeanine Pirro.
Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo SUNY is a leading public research university known for academic excellence and innovation. As of 2025–2026, the university enrolls over 30,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, making it one of the largest public universities in the SUNY system.
With a strong focus on research, global engagement, and student success, UB continues to attract students from all over the world.
If this university is on your wish list, here’s everything you need to know.
Recommended reading: Best SUNY Schools Ranked
Location
The University at Buffalo is located in Buffalo, New York, and spans more than 1,000 acres across three campuses:
- North Campus (Amherst) – the main campus with most undergraduate programs
- South Campus – historic campus with academic departments and residences
- Downtown Campus – located in Buffalo’s medical and research district
Fees Structure
The University at Buffalo is known for offering high-quality education at an affordable cost compared to private universities in the U.S.
Here are the approximate tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year (latest available data):
Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State Undergraduate: ~$11,000–$12,000 per year
- Out-of-State Undergraduate: ~$29,000–$31,000 per year
Graduate Tuition (Approx.)
- In-State Graduate: ~$14,000–$16,000 per year
- Out-of-State Graduate: ~$26,000–$28,000 per year
Apart from tuition fees, there are various other costs as stated below:
| Subheads | Fees (in-state) | Fees (out-of-state) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduation | Tuition Fees | $11,000–$12,000 | $29,000–$31,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,300 | $1,300 | |
| Living Cost | $19,000–$21,000 | $19,000–$21,000 | |
| Total | $32,000–$35,00 | $50,000–$55,000 |
| Subheads | Fees (in-state) | Fees (out-of-state) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation | Tuition Fees | $11,036 – $11,500 (approx.) | $32,530 – $33,000 (approx.) |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500 | $1,500 | |
| Living Cost | $18,000 – $19,000 | $18,000 – $19,000 | |
| Total | $35,900 | $57,300 |
UB SUNY also offers numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help students manage their educational expenses.
Recommended reading: Northwestern University: Fees, Rankings & Acceptance Rate
Rankings and Recognitions
UB SUNY consistently earns top rankings in various national and international lists:
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. News National Universities 2026 | #75 in the U.S. |
| U.S. News Top Public Universities 2026 | #36 Public Universities in the U.S. |
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #410 globally |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings | Top 301–400 range globally |
| U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking 2026 | #286 |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 | #301-350 |
👉 UB is also ranked among the top public universities in New York State and the U.S. for research, sustainability, and international student population.
Admissions
Admission to the University at Buffalo SUNY is competitive but achievable with proper preparation. The university follows a holistic admission process for domestic and international students.
Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions:
Fresh Undergraduate & Graduate International Admissions
- Application Platforms:
- Common Application
- SUNY Application Portal
- Application Fee:
- $50 (non-refundable)
- Required Documents:
- Official transcripts
- SAT/ACT scores (optional for undergraduates)
- GRE/GMAT (for some graduate programs)
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo)
- Personal statement or essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- International financial statement
- Document translations (if required)
Acceptance Rate & Academic Profile (Updated)
- Acceptance Rate: ~69%
- Average GPA of admitted students: ~3.8
- Median SAT: ~1270 / ACT: ~28
| Enrollment Deadlines | Fall 2026 | Spring 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Common application deadline | Late July 2026 | Mid-January 2026 |
| SUNY application deadline | Early August 2026 | Late January 2026 |
| Classes begin | Late August 2026 | Late January 2026 |
Student Life and Campus Experience
The University at Buffalo offers a vibrant campus life with over 600 student organizations, NCAA Division I sports teams, research opportunities, and cultural events.
UB welcomed a record-breaking first-year class in 2025 with over 5,000 new undergraduate students, highlighting its growing popularity among students worldwide.
Student reviews:
Conclusion:
The University at Buffalo SUNY is a place where academic excellence meets vibrant campus life. With its rich history, impressive rankings, and commitment to student success, it’s no wonder that UB SUNY remains a top choice for students seeking higher education in 2024. We encourage you to explore the university further and consider it as a potential destination for your educational journey.
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How difficult is it for overseas students to get into UB SUNY?
Entry is difficult yet attainable. Applications, official transcripts, entrance exam results (SAT/ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for graduates), English proficiency test results, personal statements, reference letters, and financial assistance statements are among the requirements. There is also a $50 fee.
Can I apply without taking the GRE /GMAT, or the SAT or ACT?
SAT/ACT entrance examinations are required for undergraduates, whereas GRE/GMAT exams are required for graduate and doctorate students. Nevertheless, including your scores might improve your application.
Do the rankings represent the caliber of the institution overall or just certain programs?
Numerous criteria are taken into account while ranking anything. Although UB SUNY does well overall, prospective students should check that the programs they are interested in will fit their personal and professional objectives.