University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Quick Facts
“Mens sana in corpore sano”("Sound Mind in a Sound Body")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University at Buffalo
University at Buffalo: New York's largest flagship R1 research university, founded by a US President.
The University at Buffalo, often known as UB or SUNY Buffalo, stands as a flagship institution of the State University of New York system and a powerhouse in public research. Founded in 1846 by a group including future U.S. President Millard Fillmore, it has grown from a private medical college into the largest public university in New York State, enrolling nearly 32,000 students as of Fall 2023. UB's commitment to discovery is underscored by its classification as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution, placing it among the nation's elite research universities.
UB's historical significance is deeply rooted in its origins as a medical school dedicated to training doctors for the growing communities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Millard Fillmore's involvement as a principal founder and the university's first chancellor highlights its distinguished beginnings. After decades of expansion, including the establishment of its own law school and a comprehensive undergraduate college, UB merged with the State University of New York system in 1962, marking a pivotal moment in its transition to a leading public institution.
Academically, UB offers an impressive breadth of study, with over 140 bachelor's degrees, more than 220 master's programs, and over 95 doctoral programs across its 13 schools and colleges. It boasts the largest state-operated medical, dental, education, business, engineering, and pharmacy schools, and is home to SUNY's only law school. The university's strong academic and research profile is further solidified by its membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities since 1989, and it leads the SUNY system in both endowment and research funding.
For prospective students, UB offers a vibrant academic environment on its 1,346-acre campus spread across Buffalo and Amherst, New York. Beyond the classrooms and labs, students can engage with a diverse community and cheer on the UB Bulls, the university's NCAA Division I athletic teams competing in the Mid-American Conference. With its rich history, extensive academic offerings, and dedication to cutting-edge research, the University at Buffalo provides an exceptional and dynamic collegiate experience.
Key Highlights
- ✦New York State's largest public university, with nearly 32,000 students enrolled (Fall 2023).
- ✦A flagship institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
- ✦Classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," among the nation's top research institutions.
- ✦Founded in 1846 by a group including future U.S. President Millard Fillmore, who also served as its first chancellor.
- ✦Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1989.
- ✦Houses the largest state-operated medical, dental, education, business, engineering, and pharmacy schools, plus SUNY's only law school.
- ✦Boasts the largest endowment ($1.06 billion in 2024) and most research funding within the SUNY system.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
7 notable schools within University at Buffalo
School of Medicine
The university's original foundation, established as a private medical college in 1846, and now the largest state-operated medical school.
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Evolved from an early separate pharmacy division, recognized as the largest state-operated pharmacy school.
University of Buffalo Law School
Acquired in 1891, it is notably the only law school within the SUNY system.
Dental School
Recognized as the largest state-operated dental school in New York.
Education School
Cited as the largest state-operated education school within the SUNY system.
Business School
Identified as the largest state-operated business school in New York.
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Home to various engineering departments and recognized as the largest state-operated engineering school.
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