State University of New York

The nation's largest and most comprehensive state university system, The State University of New York (SUNY), was founded at Potsdam, New York in 1816. Years later, the Morrill Act of 1862 led to the creation of four Ivy League land-grant SUNY colleges, which now currently exist at Cornell University. SUNY was officially established in February 1948 when New York became the 48th state, of the then 48 states, to create a state university system. SUNY initially represented a consolidation of 29 unaffiliated institutions, including 11 teachers colleges. All of these colleges, with their unique histories and backgrounds, united for a common goal: To serve New York State. Since 1948 SUNY has grown to include 64 individual colleges and universities that were either formerly independent institutions or directly founded by the State University of New York.

Today, the State University of New York’s 64 geographically dispersed campuses bring educational opportunity within commuting distance of virtually all New Yorkers and comprise the nation's largest comprehensive system of public higher education. The State University of New York’s 64 campuses are divided into four categories, based on educational mission, types of academic opportunities available and degrees offered. SUNY offers students a wide diversity of educational options including short-term vocational/technical courses, certificate, associate, and baccalaureate degree programs, graduate degrees and post-doctoral studies. SUNY provides access to almost every field of academic or professional study within the system via 7,351 degree and certificate programs.

SUNY students represent the society that surrounds them. In November 2009, 20.8% of all enrolled students were minorities. While SUNY students are predominantly New York State residents, representing every one of the state's 62 counties, they also hail from every other state in the United States, the District of Columbia, four U.S. territories, and 160 nations. SUNY enrolls one out of three New York State high school graduates choose SUNY, and the total enrollment of nearly 465,000 full-time and part-time students represents 37% of New York State’s higher education student population. SUNY alumni number over 2.5 million graduates residing in New York State and throughout the world.

SUNY attracts the best and brightest scholars, scientists, artists and professionals and boasts nationally and internationally recognized faculty in all major disciplines. Faculty are regular recipients of prestigious awards and honors. SUNY colleges and universities range from world-renowned community colleges, such as the Fashion Institute of Technology, to first-rate graduate schools and the nation’s top veterinary school. The highly-regarded doctoral degree granting universities are home to top research programs and attract experts in a variety of fields. Students study in campus classrooms and laboratories or work from a distance through the SUNY Learning Network, which provides educational opportunities to more than 70,000 students through 4,000 courses and 60 degree and certificate programs.

The State University of New York is committed to providing quality education at an affordable price to New Yorkers and students from across the country and the world.

Why SUNY?

Each year thousands of New York State residents and students from across the country and around the world choose to pursue their education at The State University of New York. Why?

SUNY offers rigorous academic programs taught by world-class faculty, who along with their students, pursue and enjoy challenge. Independent study, research, honors programs, and study abroad are all popular ways to enhance the undergraduate experience.

SUNY campuses are extraordinary. Significant investments have been and continue to be made to build new facilities to support academic and student life and upgrade existing buildings.

A SUNY education is a tremendous value. Quality programs and experiences combined with affordability creates opportunities and new options for many students.

Work among beautiful mountains and world-class beaches or in quaint rural villages and well-known cities. Select from University Centers and Doctoral Degree Institutions, University Colleges, Technology Colleges, and Community Colleges:

Adirondack Community College
Alfred State College
Binghamton University, State University of New York
Broome Community College
Buffalo State College
Cayuga Community College
Clinton Community College
Columbia-Greene Community College
Corning Community College
Dutchess Community College
Erie Community College
Farmingdale State College
Fashion Institute of Technology
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Genesee Community College
Herkimer County Community College
Hudson Valley Community College
Jamestown Community College
Jefferson Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College
Monroe Community College
Morrisville State College
New Paltz, State University of New York
Niagara County Community College
North Country Community College
Onondaga Community College
Orange County Community College
Purchase College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College
Schenectady County Community College
State University of New York at Buffalo
State University of New York at Cobleskill
State University of New York at Oswego
State University of New York College at Brockport
State University of New York College at Cortland
State University of New York College at Fredonia
State University of New York College at Geneseo
State University of New York College at Oneonta
State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
State University of New York College at Potsdam
State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry (ESF)
State University of New York College of Optometry
State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center
State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Stony Brook University
Suffolk County Community College
Sullivan County Community College
SUNY - Empire State College
SUNY Canton
SUNY College at Old Westbury
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
SUNY IT
SUNY Maritime College
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Ulster County Community College
University at Albany, SUNY
Westchester Community College