SUNY Buffalo vs Mississippi State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University at Buffalo and Mississippi State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
SUNY Buffalo vs Mississippi State University at a glance
SUNY Buffalo admits 74.2% of applicants and Mississippi State University 77.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $21,775 at SUNY Buffalo and $18,781 at Mississippi State University. Six-year graduation rates are 72.8% and 68.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- SUNY Buffalo admits 74.2% of applicants and Mississippi State University 77.6%, so SUNY Buffalo is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $21,775 a year at SUNY Buffalo and $18,781 at Mississippi State University; Mississippi State University costs $2,994 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,725 at SUNY Buffalo and $17,042 at Mississippi State University.
- 72.8% of students graduate within six years at SUNY Buffalo, against 68.6% at Mississippi State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $75,679 for SUNY Buffalo and $54,296 for Mississippi State University; SUNY Buffalo is $21,383 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,000 at SUNY Buffalo and $20,500 at Mississippi State University.
- SUNY Buffalo enrolls 20,112 students (large suburb) and Mississippi State University 18,397 (remote town).
Side by side
SUNY Buffalo and Mississippi State University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | SUNY Buffalo | Mississippi State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 74.2% | 77.6% |
| Applicants | 30,750 | 17,707 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1210–1380 | 1100–1350 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–32 | 21–29 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $21,775 | $18,781 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,036 | $10,604 |
| Tuition, out of state | $32,466 | $28,736 |
| Cost of attendance | $31,688 | $30,713 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,725 | $17,042 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,036 | $15,564 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $21,440 | $18,211 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,611 | $20,859 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,968 | $24,032 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 72.8% | 68.6% |
| First-year retention | 85.2% | 82.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $75,679 | $54,296 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,000 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $216 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 20,112 | 18,397 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | Town: Remote |
| Location | Buffalo, NY | Mississippi State, MS |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
SUNY Buffalo reports 80 bachelor's programs and Mississippi State University 75; 37 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about SUNY Buffalo vs Mississippi State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into SUNY Buffalo or Mississippi State University?
SUNY Buffalo is harder to get into by acceptance rate: SUNY Buffalo admits 74.2% of applicants and Mississippi State University admits 77.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: SUNY Buffalo 1210–1380; Mississippi State University 1100–1350.
Which is cheaper, SUNY Buffalo or Mississippi State University?
Mississippi State University has the lower average net price after grants: $21,775 a year at SUNY Buffalo against $18,781 at Mississippi State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,725 and $17,042. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do SUNY Buffalo or Mississippi State University graduates earn more?
SUNY Buffalo graduates earn more at the median: $75,679 ten years after entry for SUNY Buffalo and $54,296 for Mississippi State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,000 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, SUNY Buffalo or Mississippi State University?
SUNY Buffalo does: 72.8% of SUNY Buffalo students graduate within six years, against 68.6% at Mississippi State University.
How big are SUNY Buffalo and Mississippi State University?
SUNY Buffalo has 20,112 students in Buffalo, NY and Mississippi State University has 18,397 students in Mississippi State, MS.