Even as the most affordable of the SUNY comprehensive universities, Buffalo State still comes at a cost—especially when factoring in expenses outside of tuition, such as transportation, books, and other essentials. But thanks to the new Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) initiative, that burden is being eased.
First established by CUNY in 2007 and expanded to the SUNY system in spring 2024, ACE provides wraparound support to ensure student academic success, retention, and on-time graduation. Through state-level support championed by Governor Hochul in the $75 million SUNY Transformation Fund and supplemented by private grants, ACE offers an array of resources and supports—including funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, other costs of attendance, academic assistance, comprehensive personalized advisement, and career development activities—to help Pell-eligible students overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining their degrees. The program has been proven to significantly boost degree completion rates, particularly for underrepresented students.
Currently 4,200 students are enrolled in ACE across 25 SUNY campuses; with 191, Buffalo State has one of the highest enrollment classes.
Beyond financial support, students are given resources and guidance—they meet with their advisors twice a month, attend workshops led by the Career and Professional Education Center (CAPE), and are referred to tutoring if necessary.