Tuition and Financial Aid

The University at Buffalo ranks among the most affordable public universities in the United States. Students fund their graduate education through a variety of sources, including federal and state aid, as well as UB scholarships and fellowships.

smiling students at the human U.B. welcome event.

Tuition, Fees, and Billing

Tuition

The University of Buffalo is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and as such, has differential tuition rates for New York State residents and non-residents (out-of-state/ international students). 

Out-of-state students who move to NY and establish a permanent residence may apply for NY residency and obtain the in-state resident rate for the remainder of their program. You can read more about NY residency on the Student Accounts website. 

Fees

Students are required to pay fees in addition to tuition. Students enrolled in our online part-time programs are waived from some (not all) of the fees. 

Billing

Full-time students are billed a flat rate each semester, and part-time students are billed per credit hour for the number of credits they are taking that semester.

Students receive an electronic bill (eBill) each semester through the HUB Student Center. Payment plans are available; detailed information can be found on the Student Accounts Office website. 

Watch our Tuition and Funding Video! [4:19 min]

MSW Tuition and Funding

2023/24 MSW Rates*

Full-Time (per semester)

Part-Time (per credit)

ONLINE Part-Time (per credit)

*Rates based on fall 2023 combined tuition and fees, subject to change. Rates apply only to matriculated MSW students. View all current rates on the Student Accounts website.

The Online DSW tuition rates are posted on the DSW program page.

New York Residency

To qualify for the in-state tuition rate, admitted students must provide proof of New York State residency. See accepted student information page for details. 

When planning how you will fund your graduate degree, make sure to budget for not only the direct costs (like tuition and fees), but also indirect costs, such as housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and childcare. View the full-time cost of attendance on the Financial Aid Office website to see a sample budget.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Fellowships

There are various types of financial assistance available to students. Below are some of the most common.