UVM vs SUNY Buffalo: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Vermont and University at Buffalo, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UVM vs SUNY Buffalo at a glance
UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and SUNY Buffalo 74.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,277 at UVM and $21,775 at SUNY Buffalo. Six-year graduation rates are 81.2% and 72.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and SUNY Buffalo 74.2%, so UVM is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,277 a year at UVM and $21,775 at SUNY Buffalo; UVM costs $1,498 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,915 at UVM and $15,725 at SUNY Buffalo.
- 81.2% of students graduate within six years at UVM, against 72.8% at SUNY Buffalo.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $68,368 for UVM and $75,679 for SUNY Buffalo; SUNY Buffalo is $7,311 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at UVM and $19,000 at SUNY Buffalo.
- UVM enrolls 11,743 students (small city) and SUNY Buffalo 20,112 (large suburb).
Side by side
UVM and SUNY Buffalo 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 | UVM | SUNY Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 65.3% | 74.2% |
| Applicants | 25,559 | 30,750 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1290–1440 | 1210–1380 |
| ACT middle 50% | 30–32 | 27–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,277 | $21,775 |
| Tuition, in state | $19,514 | $11,036 |
| Tuition, out of state | $47,554 | $32,466 |
| Cost of attendance | $36,569 | $31,688 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,915 | $15,725 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $12,762 | $17,036 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,146 | $21,440 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $19,946 | $24,611 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,966 | $28,968 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 81.2% | 72.8% |
| First-year retention | 89.2% | 85.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $68,368 | $75,679 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 11,743 | 20,112 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Burlington, VT | Buffalo, NY |
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
UVM reports 71 bachelor's programs and SUNY Buffalo 80; 51 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UVM vs SUNY Buffalo
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UVM or SUNY Buffalo?
UVM is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UVM admits 65.3% of applicants and SUNY Buffalo admits 74.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UVM 1290–1440; SUNY Buffalo 1210–1380.
Which is cheaper, UVM or SUNY Buffalo?
UVM has the lower average net price after grants: $20,277 a year at UVM against $21,775 at SUNY Buffalo. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,915 and $15,725. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UVM or SUNY Buffalo graduates earn more?
SUNY Buffalo graduates earn more at the median: $68,368 ten years after entry for UVM and $75,679 for SUNY Buffalo. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UVM or SUNY Buffalo?
UVM does: 81.2% of UVM students graduate within six years, against 72.8% at SUNY Buffalo.
How big are UVM and SUNY Buffalo?
UVM has 11,743 students in Burlington, VT and SUNY Buffalo has 20,112 students in Buffalo, NY.