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SUNY schools have ranked among the top choices for students seeking quality higher education in the Big Apple. Read on to learn more about what this system of public colleges and universities has to offer!
The State University of New York (SUNY) system offers several outstanding educational opportunities across its 64 institutions. From world-renowned research universities to intimate liberal arts colleges, SUNY schools cater to diverse student interests and aspirations. In this article, we'll explore the top 20 SUNY schools to help with your college search.
SUNY, which stands for State University of New York, is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. It contains a total of 64 institutions, including research universities, academic medical centers, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and colleges of technology.
SUNY was founded on a commitment to opportunity and access, challenging new ideas while sharing knowledge. For over 70 years, state-supported colleges and universities have produced graduates who contribute to local and global communities.
The state university system's mission is to offer the highest-quality education with broad accessibility and a comprehensive range of programs. Students who’ve studied in and graduated from SUNY schools saw huge success in many areas and industries, from medical breakthroughs to innovative technology and the arts.
Without further ado, here are the 20 best SUNY schools!
In the section below, we’ll cover every school in greater detail and why we’ve ranked it as one of the top 20 schools.
Stony Brook commits to advancing communities and the world through knowledge and discovery through the 200+ programs offered. As the best public university in New York, Stony Brook provides accessible world-class education, a uniquely dynamic student experience, and transformative research opportunities for students.
Binghamton University offers over 130 undergraduate and over 80 graduate programs, each offering rigorous, collaborative, and boldly innovative education. Furthermore, this is where you can find a campus culture with richly diverse students, active social life, and deep engagement within the community.
The University at Buffalo is New York’s flagship, widely recognized for its exceptional education and affordability. Titled as the best public university in New York State by the Wall Street Journal, the University at Buffalo has 13 schools and colleges with more than 500 degree programs, boasting the abundant educational assets it can provide.
SUNY ESF prides itself on being a small college with a big impact. Being one of the nation's premier colleges focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future, ESF provides world-class education among a close-knit community connected with the search for solutions.
UAlbany provides more than 50 undergraduate majors and over 150 graduate programs, spanning nine colleges, with notable ones being the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. In every area, world-class scholars and teachers serve as mentors to foster skill development and aspirations.
Cortland places prioritizes academic excellence, transformative education, student well-being, and maximization of resources. The school has a high reputation in teacher education and health-related majors. Cortland also has many accolades in community engagement and services.
Geneseo prides itself on offering a student experience only a few universities can, from participating in groundbreaking research opportunities to studying smaller, more personalized classes taught by expert faculty, as well as being able to live in tight-knit communities of students with shared interests.
Purchase College provides students with a campus experience that combines conservatory training in the arts with diverse programs in sciences, humanities, and liberal arts. The school fosters the development of versatile skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, preparing you for career paths for any major.
With a school mission statement of “We nurture a community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully,” Oneonta always puts the success and well-being of students first. On top of diverse programs, Oneonta also offers internships, clubs, and other diverse opportunities to enrich student life and personal development.
Maritime College is a school that prioritizes real-world competence and excellence. Each academic program emphasizes hands-on experiences that enrich learning in the classroom. The school prepares students for their careers through meticulous academic teachings and credit-bearing internships.
At SUNY Oswego, career readiness and hands-on experience are integral to every student's curriculum, blending classroom theory with practical skills aligned with market demands. Rigorous academics, extensive real-world exploration, and practical skill development mark Oswego's education.
Having faculties with internationally recognized experts and distinguished scholars in wide-ranging specialties, SUNY Polytechnic Institution offers education in an expansive range of subjects for both undergraduates and graduate students, from nanoscience and engineering to business and humanities.
Farmingdale State College is amongst the top 25% of best public schools in the US, as well as being a “Best Value College” by Forbes. The newest bachelor’s programs of Farmingdale focus on emerging, high-demand careers in exciting fields like nutrition, big data, human/computer interaction, and more.
SUNY Brockport has over 100 programs for you to explore. Brockport commits to academic excellence, student support, diversity, engaged learning, and utmost preparation for the future. Even after graduation, Brockport still strives to help you on your career path.
A school that cuts no corners on the education quality it provides, Alfred State College is ranked the best NY State school for low-income and first-generation families, as well as the number 1 SUNY regional college by US News and World Report.
Alfred State College also has many majors that earn top ranks amongst New York colleges, including first place in human services management, forensic science technology, healthcare management, mechatronics technology, and technology management.
Known for its strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning and career-focused education, SUNY Delhi offers 60 programs, including associate and bachelor's degrees, and in a wide variety of subject areas such as technology, hospitality, healthcare, business, and liberal arts.
Delhi is also known for providing a vibrant and supportive community for students. Over about 79% of students get financial aid. SUNY Delhi's commitment to practical education and industry partnerships makes it a preferred choice for those seeking career-oriented studies.
SUNY New Paltz is another career-oriented school dedicated to preparing its students as well as they can for their futures. Through providing affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student body, New Paltz encourages students to thrive in a challenging, personalized learning environment.
The university nurtures a dynamic community of thinkers and creators, promoting active involvement in academic and personal growth. It provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that blend a solid liberal arts foundation with practical professional tracks.
SUNY Plattsburgh isn’t just confident that its 69+ majors will assist you in your academic and career development. It also prides itself on having many resources to help students, from leading professors to experiential learning opportunities, as well as alumni networking connections.
All Plattsburgh programs offer practical exposure through field experience, internships, and related opportunities. The university also grants access to labs and facilities, enabling students to initiate research projects and work with the technology relevant to their future careers well before graduation.
Founded in 1906 as the first postsecondary, two-year college in New York, SUNY Canton offers 31 career-driven bachelor's degrees, 20 associate degrees, three one-year professional certificate programs, and 23 online degrees. Education in Canton is known for emphasizing hands-on engagement to prepare for the future.
Canton prides itself on the professional real-world experience and academic credentials of their faculty educators. In Canton, students get to learn from engineers, crime scene investigators, former police officers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, programmers, and many more.
SUNY Cobleskill is a school known for its focus on agriculture, technology, and related fields. Like many other SUNY schools, Cobleskill offers students an opportunity to explore hands-on, applied learning in a welcoming and close-knit community.
With a commitment to sustainability and innovative programs, this campus provides a vibrant environment for students to gain the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in various industries.
With over 60 campuses in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, deciding which schools to apply to can be daunting. To avoid making mistakes, here are some tips to help narrow down your SUNY options.
One of the biggest factors is what you want to study. Some SUNY schools are known for particular programs. For example:
Do you prefer a more rural campus? Or would you thrive better in an urban environment? SUNY has campuses in all types of settings, from small towns to big cities.
There's no substitute for experiencing a campus yourself through a visit or virtual tour. Get a feel for the facilities, dorms, campus life, etc.
As public universities, SUNY schools are relatively affordable compared to private colleges. However, costs can still vary between campuses for tuition, fees, room & board. Calculate the full price tag.
These metrics provide insight into the academic environment and support services at each SUNY campus. Higher rates suggest a better student experience.
Some of these schools have minimum requirements for the SAT and ACT. Before applying, review your scores and retake the tests if need be. Make sure to know all important test deadlines before you apply. It’s never a bad idea to work on improving your GPA!
One of our students, Alana, recently shared her experience with the SAT and college admission. Here’s what she had to say:
“My experience with Quad Education has been nothing short of amazing. Rohan was beyond helpful and encouraging during my pre-college season when I was searching for volunteer hours and studying for the SAT. During application season, Rohan and Monica were outstanding in building my resume and shaping my essays to sound their very best. Their hard work, along with mine, paid off when I was accepted into my dream nursing program!”
Ultimately, choosing the right SUNY for your goals, interests, and budget will lead to the best college experience. Don't just apply anywhere—do your research!
If you still need help deciding which SUNY school is best for you, take our college selection quiz!
Now that we’ve outlined the best SUNY schools, take a look at our answers to the frequently asked questions for more information.
Stony Brook is one of the highest-ranked SUNY schools, offering top-notch STEM fields and research, as well as having a highly regarded medical school. SUNY Binghamton University is also quite ahead in ranking, known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities.
Some more honorable mentions include SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for its programs in environmental science and sustainability; SUNY New Paltz for arts and education programs; and the University at Buffalo with its business and engineering programs.
Some of the more selective universities include Binghamton University (SUNY Binghamton), the University at Buffalo, and Stony Brook University.
Some easier schools include SUNY Empire State College, SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Potsdam: SUNY Delhi, and SUNY Cobleskill.
Some SUNY schools are known for their picturesque campuses, such as SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Binghamton, and SUNY Plattsburgh. However, what is considered "nicest" can depend on individual preferences, such as architectural style, location, or specific amenities.
As of now, SUNY is composed of a grand total of 64 campuses.
The SUNY system offers a diverse array of institutions, each with its unique strengths and areas of excellence. Whether you're drawn to a research-intensive university, a small liberal arts college, or a specialized institution, SUNY schools offer countless opportunities for higher education.
As you explore these SUNY schools, remember that what makes a school the "best" for you depends on your individual goals, interests, and needs. Be sure to consider factors like program offerings, location, campus culture, and admission criteria when making your decision.
No matter which SUNY school you choose, you'll have access to quality education, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community committed to helping you succeed. Your SUNY journey can be a transformative experience, providing you with the skills and knowledge to pursue your dreams and make a positive impact on the world!
