University at Buffalo logo

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Mens sana in corpore sano("Sound Mind in a Sound Body")

Wikipedia
Public research university center
Type
20,284
Total Students
$1.2B
Endowment
(2025)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$31K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
69%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University at Buffalo

UB: New York's largest public research university, founded by President Millard Fillmore.

The University at Buffalo (UB), a flagship institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, stands as New York's largest public university, enrolling nearly 32,000 students across 13 schools and colleges. Located in Buffalo and Amherst, New York, UB is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," cementing its status as a top-tier research powerhouse. Its commitment to discovery and innovation is evident in its impressive endowment and extensive research funding, both the largest within the SUNY system.

UB's rich history dates back to May 11, 1846, when it was founded as a private medical school by a distinguished group that included future U.S. President Millard Fillmore. Fillmore himself served as the university's first chancellor until 1874, even while holding national office, making UB one of only two universities founded by U.S. Presidents. From its initial focus on medicine, UB strategically expanded its offerings, acquiring a law school in 1891 and establishing its comprehensive College of Arts and Sciences in 1915, transforming into the multifaceted institution it is today.

Academically, UB boasts an impressive array of programs, offering bachelor's degrees in over 140 areas, more than 220 master's programs, over 95 doctoral programs, and 55 combined degree options. It houses the largest state-operated medical, dental, education, business, engineering, and pharmacy schools, alongside SUNY's sole law school. This diverse academic landscape provides students with unparalleled opportunities for specialized study and interdisciplinary exploration. Beyond academics, UB fosters a vibrant student experience, with its intercollegiate athletic teams, the Bulls, competing in NCAA Division I, embodying the university's motto, "Mens sana in corpore sano" — "Sound Mind in a Sound Body."

Key Highlights

  • New York's largest public university, enrolling nearly 32,000 students as of Fall 2023.
  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" institution.
  • One of only two universities in the U.S. founded by a U.S. President (Millard Fillmore).
  • Boasts the largest endowment and most research funding among all SUNY institutions ($1.17 billion endowment in 2025).
  • Offers an extensive academic portfolio with over 140 bachelor's, 220 master's, and 95 doctoral programs.
  • Houses SUNY's only law school, alongside the largest state-operated medical, dental, education, business, engineering, and pharmacy schools.
  • Elected to the prestigious Association of American Universities in 1989.

Timeline

1846
Founded as the University of Buffalo, a private medical school, by figures including future U.S. President Millard Fillmore.
1847
First class of medical students graduated after associating with a hospital for teaching.
1891
The University of Buffalo Law School was acquired, becoming SUNY's only law school.
1909
Acquired the Erie County Almshouse grounds, forming the university's initial comprehensive campus.
1915
Formed the College of Arts and Sciences, creating an undergraduate division.
1962
Merged with the State University of New York system, becoming the State University of New York at Buffalo.
1989
Elected to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

Schools & Colleges

8 notable schools within University at Buffalo

🏥

Medical College

Originally founded as a private medical school, it is now the largest state-operated medical school.

🔬

School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Evolved from a separate pharmacy division, a comprehensive pharmacy school.

⚖️

University of Buffalo Law School

Acquired in 1891, it is the State University of New York's only law school.

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

Formed in 1915, it established the university's comprehensive undergraduate division.

⚙️

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Includes departments like Industrial Engineering (1950) and Civil Engineering (1956), and launched WBFO radio station in 1959.

🦷

Dental School

The largest state-operated dental school within the SUNY system.

📚

Education School

The largest state-operated education school within the SUNY system.

💼

Business School

The largest state-operated business school within the SUNY system.

Find Scholarships at University at Buffalo

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search