Frequently Asked Questions
We offer more than 70 undergraduate degree programs at Buffalo State, as well as countless minor and certificate options. We also offer multiple pathways for students to earn a master’s degree, including through accelerated study.
Undergraduate to Graduate Pathways
Students with interest in pursuing careers in the healthcare or legal fields are provided with dedicated advisement to help them achieve their goals.
Buffalo State offers a variety of free and unlimited academic support, both through cohort specific programs and general services. The Academic Commons located in the E.H. Butler Library is a one-stop-shop for student support with tutoring, advisement, research services, and more.
First-Year Applicants: Students are reviewed holistically based on their academic performance in high school and on space availability Select majors require additional criteria for admission, such as minimum GPA, supplemental application, portfolio, and/or audition.
First-Year Admissions Requirements
Transfer Applicants: Transfer admission is based on post-secondary academic performance and current space availability. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (4.0 scale) is necessary for consideration. Select majors require additional criteria for admission, such as minimum GPA, supplemental application, portfolio, and/or audition.
Buffalo State offers on-campus housing for students to create their home away from home. We have 11 different residence halls with traditional style, suite style, and apartment-style housing options. Specialty housing for specific groups and interests are available through our Academic Residential Communities (ARCs). Note: Students who live more than 35 miles from Buffalo State are required to live on campus for 4 consecutive semesters or until you earn 60 credits, whichever comes first.
Information about housing options, requirements, and costs can be found on the Residence Life Office website.
All students are allowed to have their car on campus with the purchase of a parking permit. Students can also purchase a MetGo Card that allows students to use the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) bus and rail system. For getting around campus and to our local grocery stores, Buffalo State offers free campus shuttles that students can track via the TripShot app.
For students who don’t have a car or don’t wish to bring their car to campus, they can travel to and from home by bus, train, or airplane. All transportation terminals are 15-20 minutes from campus. Additional information about travel options to and from Buffalo can be found on our website.
Buffalo, NY is easily accessible by car and major modes of transportation:
Car: Google Map directions to Buffalo, NY
Bus: Greyhound | Megabus | Trailways (Buffalo Bus Terminal, 118 Ellicott St.)
Train: Amtrak (Buffalo Exchange Street Station)
Plane: Buffalo Niagara International Airport
The city hosts a variety of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and activities to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
The Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Center helps students find internships and part-time job opportunities (both on- and off-campus), in addition to providing other career support services. Campus departments such as Residence Life, Student Leadership and Engagement, Orientation, and Undergraduate Admissions also offer paid student leadership positions.
Career and Professional Education
The safety and well-being of Buffalo State students, faculty, staff, and visitors is the Buffalo State University Police Department's highest priority. University Police officers promote safety and security on campus by being proactive: They patrol campus routinely, enforce the law, and offer educational programs on safety. The department is committed to both the philosophy and the practice of community policing.
Buffalo State offers various types of aid options for students including federal aid, state aid, grants, scholarships, and more. Our Financial Aid Office is here to help you and your student navigate the financial aid process, from budgeting to available aid programs.
The Buffalo State University Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Office is committed to providing access and support for students with disabilities. In collaboration with the university community, Student Accessibility Services ensures that students with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations and services to participate equally in the academic environment.
Students with Disabilities: Buffalo State University recognizes the importance of accommodated housing to provide students with disabilities equal access to the benefits of on-campus housing. The Residence Life and Student Accessibility Services Offices coordinate to provide reasonable housing accommodations to students with a disability.
LGBTQ Gender Inclusive Housing: The Residence Life Office offers a LGBTQ Gender Inclusive Academic Residential Community (ARC) for students looking to live in a community where all members are supportive of the LGBTQ community. Students living in this ARC are able to live in double rooms with another individual regardless of their gender identity.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. When a student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of postsecondary education at any age, the student becomes an “eligible student,” and all rights under FERPA transfer from the parent to the student. The most common exception is if the parent claims the student as a dependent for federal income purposes.
At Buffalo State University, federal law, state law and regents policy govern access and release of student records. These forms must be completed by the registered student as outlined on the Registrar's website.
Yes! We offer in-person campus tours and information sessions throughout the year, as well as Open House events in the fall and spring. You can view all of our visit opportunities on the Undergraduate Admissions website.
Yes! We offer two Open House events in the fall for all students and one Open House event in the spring that is catered towards accepted students. Information about our upcoming events can be found on our Open House website.
Buffalo State wants are students to be engaged on campus! We offer more than 50 clubs and organizations, 12 Greek Life organizations, and 19 NCAA Division III athletic programs. In addition, students are able to participate in events and activities throughout the year. Our Student Leadership and Engagement Office is committed to an inclusive student-centered environment that creates educational experiences for students which promote leadership, involvement, learning, and success.
Buffalo, NY is a big city with a small-town feel and things to do throughout all four seasons. The region is home to public parks, local cafes and restaurants, art galleries and museums, a vibrant theater district, professional sports teams, and more – many within a short distance from Buffalo State. Our campus is located within walking distance of the Elmwood Village and only a short bus ride away from Downtown Buffalo.
Explore Buffalo's Neighborhoods
Buffalo Guides by the Season FALL | WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER
Important dates for the academic year (semester start and end dates, university breaks, etc.) can be found on the Buffalo State academic calendar.
Our Student Leadership and Engagement Office has created a commuter services website with commuter tips and tricks, information about on-campus resources, and guides for living off-campus to help commuters stay connected to the campus community while living safely and successfully in neighboring communities.
We know that this can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for you and your student—we are here to help. Here you will find information tailored to your student's current stage in their college journey, along with additional details about the Buffalo State experience.