Top SUNY Colleges 2024

Top SUNY Colleges

Discovering the perfect academic fit within the State University of New York (SUNY) system can be an exciting journey. As the largest and arguably one of the most esteemed university systems in the United States, SUNY boasts a constellation of top-tier colleges and universities scattered across New York State. With such an impressive array of options, it’s natural to ponder: which SUNY schools truly stand out?

In this article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration to unveil the best SUNY schools, delving into each of the 25 4-year institutions within the SUNY network. Our mission is to provide clarity amidst the wealth of choices by evaluating key metrics such as tuition fees, undergraduate enrollment figures, and acceptance rates. By doing so, we aim to assist you in identifying the SUNY colleges that align most closely with your educational aspirations. Join us as we navigate through the academic landscape to uncover the gems within the SUNY system.

What is the SUNY System?

Let’s dive into the SUNY system to understand its scope and significance. Established in 1948, the State University of New York (SUNY) has evolved into a robust network comprising 64 institutions. These encompass a diverse range of educational facilities, spanning from technical and trade schools to prestigious research universities.

Spanning across the length and breadth of New York State, SUNY’s public colleges ensure unparalleled accessibility, with nearly 100 percent of the state’s residents residing within a 30-mile radius of a SUNY institution. Moreover, each SUNY school boasts a rich array of majors and programs, catering to diverse academic interests and career aspirations across both 4-year universities and community colleges.

It comes as no surprise that SUNY universities consistently feature in prominent national rankings, underscoring their academic excellence and reputation. Given their esteemed standing, it’s natural to seek out the best SUNY colleges as you embark on your educational journey.

Also read 20 Top CSU Schools Ranked 2024

Top SUNY Colleges

Pinpointing the best SUNY colleges is no easy task, given the diversity of each institution in terms of size, focus areas, and graduate opportunities. As such, any attempt to rank them doesn’t solely rely on prestige. Instead, what follows is a thorough examination of all 25 4-year institutions within the SUNY system. As you peruse this list, you’ll have the opportunity to assess which SUNY schools align best with your personal and academic objectives.

Although selectivity levels may differ across SUNY campuses, every institution within the system presents its own array of promising prospects and enriching educational pathways. To provide a broader perspective, we’ll also incorporate national and regional university rankings for an objective benchmark. So, as you embark on this journey of exploration, keep your unique needs and aspirations in mind to determine the best SUNY colleges for you.

Let’s simplify the details of the top SUNY colleges

  1. Stony Brook University
  • Ranked: #77 nationally
  • SAT: 1250-1340; ACT: 27-33
  • Tuition: $28,476 (out-of-state); $10,556 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,999
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Located in Suffolk County, Stony Brook is known for its prestige and large student body.
  1. Binghamton University
  • Ranked: #83 nationally
  • SAT: 1300-1450; ACT: 29-33
  • Tuition: $28,230 (out-of-state); $10,390 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate enrollment: 14,309
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Binghamton is esteemed among SUNY schools, offering numerous student organizations and Division I athletics.
  1. University at Buffalo
  • Ranked: #89 nationally
  • SAT: 1150-1330; ACT: 24-30
  • Tuition: $28,776 (out-of-state); $10,856 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,467
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Buffalo offers Greek life, diverse clubs, and engaging campus events.
  1. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • Ranked: #105 nationally
  • SAT: 1120-1310; ACT: 23-28
  • Tuition: $20,916 (out-of-state); $9,266 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,594
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Located in Syracuse, this college specializes in sustainability and offers 27 unique undergraduate programs.
  1. University at Albany
  • Ranked: #182 nationally
  • SAT: 1130-1300; ACT: 23-29
  • Tuition: $28,248 (out-of-state); $10,408 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,654
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Situated north of NYC, Albany boasts a wide range of undergraduate programs.
  1. SUNY Cortland
  • Ranked: #85 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1100-1230; ACT: 24-26
  • Tuition: $18,725 (out-of-state); $8,815 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,984
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • SUNY Cortland offers a variety of majors with a mid-size campus feel. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, students benefit from smaller class sizes.
  1. SUNY Polytechnic Institute (formerly SUNYIT)
  • Ranked: #9 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1130-1300; ACT: 26-32
  • Tuition: $19,321 (out-of-state); $8,561 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,043
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Located in Utica, SUNY Polytechnic focuses on technological research and development.
  1. SUNY Geneseo
  • Ranked: #16 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1170-1320; ACT: 25-30
  • Tuition: $18,837 (out-of-state); $8,927 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,468
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Geneseo offers a diverse range of majors and minors, along with study abroad opportunities.
  1. SUNY Maritime
  • Ranked: #40 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1170-1220; ACT: 22-26
  • Tuition: $18,480 (out-of-state); $8,570 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,401
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Located in the Bronx, SUNY Maritime offers programs in marine transportation and naval architecture, along with the opportunity to pursue a US Coast Guard License.
  1. SUNY Oneonta
  • Ranked: #75 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1070-1220; ACT: 22-27
  • Tuition: $18,696 (out-of-state); $8,786 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,380
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Situated in central New York City, SUNY Oneonta provides ample opportunities for research and involvement in various clubs and organizations.
  1. SUNY Purchase
  • Ranked: #136 (National Liberal Arts College)
  • SAT: 1170 (homeschooled and international students only); ACT: 24 (homeschooled and international students only)
  • Tuition: $18,863 (out-of-state); $8,953 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,446
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Located 30 miles north of NYC, Purchase is renowned for its arts programs.
  1. SUNY Delhi
  • Ranked: #14 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 970-1130; ACT: 19-25
  • Tuition: $12,600 (out-of-state); $8,830 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,987
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • SUNY Delhi offers Greek life, off-campus excursions, and encourages student involvement in various organizations.
  1. SUNY Oswego
  • Ranked: #54 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1050-1240; ACT: 21-27
  • Tuition: $18,697 (out-of-state); $8,769 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,135
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Situated on Lake Ontario’s shores, SUNY Oswego offers over 100 academic programs.
  1. Alfred State College
  • Ranked: #9 (Regional Colleges North)
  • SAT: 990-1220; ACT: 19-25
  • Tuition: $13,112 (out-of-state); $8,862 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,414
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Alfred State fosters a tight-knit community feel, nestled near the Pennsylvania border.
  1. SUNY Canton
  • Ranked: #17 (Regional Colleges North)
  • SAT: 970-1150; ACT: 18-23
  • Tuition: $12,619 (out-of-state); $8,689 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,901
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Offering 31 bachelor’s degree programs, SUNY Canton provides a smaller campus environment and professional certificate options.

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  1. SUNY Cobleskill
  • Ranked: #15 (Regional Colleges North)
  • SAT: 930-1070; ACT: 21-25
  • Tuition: $20,528 (out-of-state); $8,900 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,824
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • SUNY Cobleskill boasts a newly enhanced Center for Environmental Science and Technology on its 902-acre campus, along with nationally accredited child care facilities and a student-operated restaurant.
  1. SUNY Farmingdale
  • Ranked: #24 (Regional Colleges North)
  • SAT: 990-1150; ACT: 19-24
  • Tuition: $16,980 (out-of-state); $7,070 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,284
  • Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • Known for its aviation program, SUNY Farmingdale also offers innovative majors like Computer Security Technology and Interaction Design.
  1. SUNY Brockport
  • Ranked: #75 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1080-1200; ACT: 21-26
  • Tuition: $18,644 (out-of-state); $8,734 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,714
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Situated near the Erie Canal, SUNY Brockport emphasizes diversity and inclusion on its campus.
  1. SUNY Fredonia
  • Ranked: #70 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1030-1220; ACT: 21-26
  • Tuition: $18,905 (out-of-state); $9,675 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,555
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Since 2020, Fredonia has adopted a test-optional policy, offering a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and personalized instruction.
  1. SUNY Plattsburgh
  • Ranked: #68 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1020-1170; ACT: 21-26
  • Tuition: $18,895 (out-of-state); $8,985 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,323
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Situated near Lake Champlain, SUNY Plattsburgh also provides online program options.
  1. SUNY Potsdam
  • Ranked: #73 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT/ACT: Unavailable
  • Tuition: $18,722 (out-of-state); $8,812 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,352
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Known for small class sizes, SUNY Potsdam is nestled near the scenic Adirondack Mountains.
  1. SUNY Old Westbury
  • Location: Old Westbury
  • Ranked: #124 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 1000-1130; ACT: 19-23
  • Tuition: $18,289 (out-of-state); $8,379 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,659
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Situated 20 miles from NYC, SUNY Old Westbury offers proximity to the city’s job and internship opportunities.
  1. Morrisville State College
  • Ranked: #29 (Regional Colleges North)
  • SAT: 860-1050; ACT: 17-22
  • Tuition: $12,920 (out-of-state); $8,670 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,957
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Morrisville boasts a 99.8% placement rate and specialized programs like residential construction and aquaculture.
  1. Buffalo State
  • Ranked: #113 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT: 920-1130; ACT: 18-28
  • Tuition: $18,396 (out-of-state); $8,486 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,147
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Located in Buffalo, the state’s second-largest city, Buffalo State offers diverse off-campus experiences.
  1. Empire State College
  • Ranked: #133-175 (Regional Universities North)
  • SAT/ACT: Unavailable
  • Tuition: $17,540 (out-of-state); $7,630 (in-state)
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Empire State College primarily offers online classes, catering to students in need of flexible schedules.

These SUNY institutions provide various academic opportunities and flexibility to suit different student needs.

Conclusion

The State University of New York (SUNY) system presents a comprehensive and diverse landscape of educational opportunities for students across the state and beyond. From top-ranked research universities to specialized colleges focusing on areas like environmental science and the arts, SUNY institutions offer a wide array of academic programs to cater to students’ varying interests and career aspirations. With affordable tuition rates, accessible campuses, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity, SUNY continues to serve as a beacon of higher education excellence, providing students from all backgrounds with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

As one of the largest and most esteemed university systems in the United States, SUNY remains dedicated to its mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to students across New York State and beyond. With a rich tapestry of academic offerings, vibrant campus communities, and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, SUNY stands poised to continue shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.