Introduction
With 64 campuses across New York State, the State University of New York (SUNY) system offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students. From large research universities to small community colleges, SUNY has something for everyone. But with so many options, how do you choose the best SUNY school for you?
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll cover everything from academics to campus life to affordability. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the perfect SUNY school for your needs.
SUNY at a Glance
- Founded in 1948
- 64 campuses across New York State
- Over 450,000 students
- Over 1,000 academic programs
- Annual budget of over $10 billion
How to Choose the Best SUNY School for You
When choosing a SUNY school, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Academics: What programs of study does the school offer? Does the school have a strong reputation in your field of interest?
- Campus Life: What is the campus like? Is it a large, urban campus or a small, rural campus? What kind of student life does the school offer?
- Affordability: How much does it cost to attend the school? Are there any financial aid opportunities available?
- Location: Where is the school located? Is it close to home or in a desirable location?
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. Visit the campuses of the schools you’re interested in, talk to students and faculty, and get a feel for the campus culture. This will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Rankings
The following rankings can help you narrow down your choices:
- U.S. News & World Report: SUNY at Buffalo (125th) and SUNY at Stony Brook (102nd) are the highest-ranked SUNY schools in the 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.
- Forbes: Stony Brook University, New York University and Binghamton University were ranked 28th, 38th and 50th, respectively, in Forbes’ 2023 America’s Top Colleges.
- Times Higher Education: SUNY at Buffalo and SUNY at Stony Brook are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Academics
SUNY offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to graduate level. The system’s flagship universities, such as SUNY at Buffalo and Stony Brook University, offer a comprehensive range of doctoral programs, while smaller campuses focus on undergraduate education.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, SUNY awarded over 120,000 degrees in 2019-2020. The most popular majors were:
- Business
- Health professions
- Education
- Social sciences
- Liberal arts
Campus Life
SUNY schools offer a variety of campus life experiences, from large, urban campuses to small, rural campuses. Some of the largest SUNY campuses include:
- SUNY at Buffalo (29,000 students)
- Stony Brook University (26,000 students)
- Binghamton University (17,000 students)
These campuses offer a wide range of student life activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations. Smaller SUNY campuses, such as SUNY Geneseo (5,000 students) and SUNY Potsdam (4,000 students), offer a more intimate campus experience. These campuses typically have a strong sense of community and offer a variety of student life activities.
Affordability
The cost of attending SUNY varies depending on the school you choose and your residency status. In-state tuition and fees at SUNY schools range from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Out-of-state tuition and fees range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.
SUNY offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to help students pay for college. These opportunities include:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study
Location
SUNY schools are located all across New York State, from New York City to Buffalo to Plattsburgh. This gives students the opportunity to choose a school that is close to home or in a desirable location.
Some of the most popular SUNY campuses are located in major cities, such as:
- SUNY at Buffalo (Buffalo)
- Stony Brook University (Stony Brook)
- Binghamton University (Binghamton)
- SUNY at Albany (Albany)
- SUNY at New Paltz (New Paltz)
Other SUNY campuses are located in smaller towns and rural areas, such as:
- SUNY Geneseo (Geneseo)
- SUNY Potsdam (Potsdam)
