| Global Ranking | Ranked #60 in Financial Times Masters in Finance (one of only 6 U.S. programs) |
| STEM Designation | STEM-designated (Financial Mathematics) — eligible for an extra 24 months of OPT |
| Admissions Policy | GMAT/GRE optional |
| Class Size (2024) | 93 students total; 69 seeking employment |
| Job Placement | 71% within 3 months; 88% within 6 months |
| Salary Details | Mean: $92,970; Median: $90,000; Range: $58,500 – $135,000 |
| Career Tracks Available | Financial Risk Management; Fintech variants; Quantitative Finance; Quantitative Finance + Fintech |
| Hands-On Learning Opportunities | Experiential Projects in Finance; Finance Academy workshops; real-world projects from corporate sponsors |
| Employer Connections | Amazon, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, HSBC, PwC, and more |
| Career & Alumni Support | Active Career Resource Center engagement and strong alumni network |
🎯 Key Takeaways – SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
🌍 STEM Designation & International Benefits: Up to 36 months OPT for F-1 visa holders, boosting global career opportunities.
💰 Affordable Excellence: Tuition $20,000 (in-state), $30,000 (out-of-state), offering strong ROI vs. private schools.
💼 Strong Employment Outcomes: 72% placement in 3 months; salaries from $52,000–$100,000, median $65,000.
📘 Comprehensive Curriculum: 12-month program in finance, risk, derivatives & electives like financial management & quantitative finance.
📍 Strategic Location: Buffalo offers access to NYC & Toronto finance hubs, with lower living costs than big cities.
Introduction
Thinking about a career in finance? The SUNY Buffalo MS Finance program is one of the best choices you can make. It’s a STEM-designated program, which means you don’t just learn finance—you also build strong data and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. Plus, studying in Buffalo gives you access to big financial hubs like New York City and Toronto, while keeping your living costs far lower than other major cities.
What makes this program stand out is its mix of practical learning and career support. You’ll work on real-world skills like financial modeling, investment analysis, and risk management—tools that top employers want. On top of that, you’ll have career services, alumni connections, and internship opportunities to guide you toward roles in investment banking, consulting, or corporate finance. For anyone who wants solid training, affordable costs, and strong career outcomes, the SUNY Buffalo MS Finance program is a clear winner.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 12 months (full-time) |
| Tuition Fees 2025 | $43,981.58 |
| Application Fees | $100 |
| Application Deadlines 2026 |
Round 1: October 15, 2025 |
| Intakes | Fall |
Class Profile of SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance attracts a diverse group of students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all areas of finance, from financial modeling and risk management to investment banking and corporate finance. As a result, the program attracts students who are passionate about finance and motivated to succeed in their careers.
One of the unique features of the MS in Finance program at the University at Buffalo is its focus on practical skills development. The program provides students with opportunities to work on real-world projects and gain hands-on experience in the field of finance. This practical experience is highly valued by employers and helps students to stand out in a competitive job market.
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for the SUNY Buffalo MS Finance varies from year to year, but generally falls in the range of 30-40%. The program is highly competitive and seeks to admit students who have demonstrated academic excellence, professional potential, and a strong commitment to the field of finance.
Program and Curriculum SUNY Buffalo, MS Finance
The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all areas of finance, including financial modeling, risk management, investment banking, and corporate finance.
Core Courses
- Financial Analysis and Management
- Financial Modeling and Forecasting
- Investments
- Financial Markets and Institutions
- International Finance
- Risk Management
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Managerial Accounting and Control Systems
- Corporate Finance Theory and Practice
- Ethics and Professionalism in Finance
Elective
- Fixed Income Securities
- Derivatives and Risk Management
- Investment Banking
- Behavioral Finance
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Valuation and Financial Modeling
- Portfolio Management
- Financial Engineering and Quantitative Analysis
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- International Financial Management
- Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility in Finance
- FinTech and Digital Transformation in Finance
Extra-Curricular Activities
In addition to the rigorous academic curriculum, the University at Buffalo offers various extra-curricular activities to provide students with opportunities to engage in networking, community service, and professional development. Some of these activities include:
- Finance Club: The Finance Club provides students with opportunities to network with industry professionals, participate in case competitions, attend guest speaker events, and engage in other professional development activities.
- Wall Street Prep: The University at Buffalo partners with Wall Street Prep to offer students access to financial modeling and valuation training programs that prepare them for careers in investment banking, private equity, and other areas of finance.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: The VITA program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in tax preparation while providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families in the local community.
Eligibility and Requirements for Getting into SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | In-State: $23,161.58 Out-of-State: $43,981.58 |
| Student Association Fee | Approximately $50 per semester |
| Application Fees | $100 |
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to the Suny Buffalo MS Finance, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor's degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Standardized test scores: Applicants must submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 620, while the average GRE score is around 310.
- English language proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Prerequisite courses: Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses in financial accounting, microeconomics, and statistics. These courses can be completed before or during the MS Finance program.
- Work experience: Work experience is not required for admission, but applicants with relevant work experience may be given preference.
- Application materials: Applicants must submit a completed application form, transcripts from all previously attended institutions, a resume, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Deadlines
The University at Buffalo has a rolling admissions process for the MS Finance program. This means that applications are reviewed continuously until the program is full. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to ensure consideration for admission and financial aid.
The following are the recommended application deadlines for the SUNY Buffalo MS Finance program:
Fall Semester (August start):
- International applicants: February 1
- Domestic applicants: June 1
Spring Semester (January start):
- International applicants: September 1
- Domestic applicants: November 1
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Employment And Placement
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a variety of finance-related careers. Graduates of the program have been successful in finding employment in a range of industries, including investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, and financial analysis.
According to the university's career services data, the employment rate for MS Finance graduates is high, with a significant percentage of graduates finding employment within three months of graduation. The median starting salary for graduates is around $90,000, although this can vary depending on the student's prior work experience, industry, and location.
The university's career services department offers a range of resources to help students prepare for and secure employment after graduation. These resources include career counseling, job search strategies, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | Mean: $92,970 Median: $90,000 Range: $58,500 – $135,000 |
| Employment Statistics | Offer Accepted Upon Three Months: 71% Offer Received Upon Three Months: 88% Reporting Rate: 77% |
| Post-Program Job Locations | North America: 50% |
| Post-MBA Industries | Investment Banking: 25% Corporate Finance: 20% Asset Management: 15% Consulting: 10% Financial Services: 30% |
Top Sectors Hiring SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Graduates
Based on my knowledge cutoff of 2021, some of the top sectors that were hiring for SUNY Buffalo MS Finance graduates include:
- Investment banking
- Asset management
- Corporate finance
- Consulting
- Insurance
- Financial technology (FinTech)
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
- Non-profit organizations
- Real estate finance
- Risk management and compliance.
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Alumni Info
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance has a strong alumni network, and many of its graduates hold top positions in various industries worldwide. The school offers numerous opportunities for alumni to stay connected, including networking events, alumni reunions, and career services.
Some Famous Alumni
- Michael J. Dowling - President and CEO of Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States.
- Kevin J. Maloney - Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, responsible for global equity derivative sales and trading.
- Christopher M. Sarlo - Managing Director at JP Morgan, leading the global insurance solutions team.
- Nick Sinatra - Founder and CEO of Sinatra & Company Real Estate, a prominent real estate development and management company.
- Carolyn Welshhans - CFO of the National Association of Corporate Directors, a leading organization in corporate governance.
Application Essay for SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
The essay prompt may vary from year to year, but generally, it asks applicants to articulate their motivation for pursuing a master's degree in finance, their career goals, and their relevant experiences and qualifications.
The admissions committee is looking for applicants who can communicate their ideas clearly and concisely, demonstrate a passion for finance, and articulate how the MS Finance program aligns with their career aspirations. Applicants should focus on highlighting their academic achievements, relevant work experience, leadership skills, and any other qualities that make them a strong fit for the program.
To write a successful application essay, it is recommended that applicants take the time to research the program and the school, identify specific aspects of the program that interest them, and explain how their background and goals align with SUNY Buffalo MS Finance. Applicants should also proofread their essay thoroughly, ensure that it is well-structured, and that it adheres to the word count requirements.
Letter of Recommendation for SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
A letter of recommendation is an important component of the application process for SUNY Buffalo MS Finance. It is typically required for all applicants and is used to provide additional insights into an applicant's academic and professional qualifications, skills, and character.
The letter of recommendation should come from someone who is familiar with the applicant's academic or professional work, such as a professor, supervisor, or mentor. Ideally, the recommender should be able to speak to the applicant's ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program and their potential for success in a career in finance.
The letter should be well-written and provide specific examples to support the recommender's assessment of the applicant. It should address the applicant's strengths, weaknesses, work ethic, leadership potential, and any other qualities that make them a strong candidate for the program. The letter should also be tailored to the specific requirements of the MS Finance program, highlighting how the applicant's skills and background align with the program's goals.
Applicants should request their letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline and provide their recommenders with sufficient information about the program and their career goals to help them write an effective letter. It is also important to follow up with recommenders to ensure that they have submitted their letters by the deadline.
Interview Questions for SUNY Buffalo MS Finance
Q: Why have you decided to pursue a Master's degree in Finance, and what motivated you to choose SUNY Buffalo MS Finance specifically?
Q: How do you envision your career progressing after completing this program, and what types of roles and industries interest you the most?
Q: What relevant coursework have you completed in the past, and how has that prepared you for graduate-level coursework in Finance?
Q: Can you describe a particularly challenging project or assignment you have completed in the past, and how you approached and overcame any obstacles you encountered?
Q: How have you demonstrated leadership in the past, either academically or professionally, and how do you plan to continue to develop those skills during your time in the MS Finance program?
Q: What are your greatest strengths, and how do you plan to utilize those strengths to contribute to the MS Finance program and your future career?
Q: Can you describe a situation in which you had to work collaboratively with others, and how you effectively contributed to the team's success?
Q: What do you believe sets you apart from other candidates, and why do you think you would be a strong fit for Suny Buffalo MS Finance?
Q: Can you discuss any additional skills or experiences that you feel would be particularly valuable to bring to the MS Finance program, such as language fluency or work experience in a particular industry?
Q: Do you have any questions about the program, the school, or the application process that you would like to ask us?
What Makes SUNY Buffalo MS Finance Unique
SUNY Buffalo MS Finance offers several unique features that set it apart from other graduate finance programs:
- Rigorous Curriculum: The MS Finance program at SUNY Buffalo is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in finance theory and practice. The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering topics such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and risk management.
- Faculty Expertise: The faculty members who teach in the MS Finance program are experts in their field, with a wealth of experience in academia and industry. They bring real-world knowledge and expertise to the classroom and are committed to helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
- Research Opportunities: The program provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in research activities, including independent study projects, research assistantships, and participation in faculty-led research projects. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in conducting research and developing solutions to complex financial problems.
Conclusion
SUNY Buffalo's MS Finance program provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive education in finance theory and practice, preparing them for successful careers in the finance industry. The program's faculty members bring a wealth of real-world knowledge and expertise to the classroom, and the curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in financial analysis, portfolio management, and risk management.
