The State University of New York College at Buffalo, referred to as Buffalo State College, often referred to colloquially as Buff State, is a public, liberal arts college in Buffalo, New York and is part of the State University of New York. Buffalo State was founded in 1871 as the Buffalo Normal School for the training of teachers. Later it became the Buffalo Normal and Training School, then New York State Teachers College at Buffalo. Now the largest comprehensive four-year college in the State University of New York system, Buffalo State offers more than 150 undergraduate academic programs and educates over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. The college is known for its strong community connections and a continuing commitment to providing high-quality lifelong learning opportunities. A Carnegie Master's I institution, Buffalo State is one of 136 colleges and universities in the nation that are working together to enhance the practice and profession of teaching. September 13, 1871 was the first day of classes and 86 students attended the college. At this time, the college's purpose was to train teachers to help teach the students in Buffalo public schools.