SUNY Purchase  -  Purchase

Add to Favorite Colleges | Map It | Email this college to a friend | Top Tags

SUNY Purchase Summary

What's this?
A prestigious conservatory and liberal arts school in Westchester County just north of NYC, the State University of New York - Purchase College lures some of the most ambitious and creative performers of the next generation.
Two-thirds of students at Purchase pursue the standard liberal arts college options of humanities, social, or natural sciences, while one-third devotes itself to visual or performing arts, but there doesn't seem to be any kind of rivalry between the groups. The conservatory students appreciate the groundedness and diversity provided by the liberal arts students, and the liberal arts students get to enjoy the fantastic on-campus shows put on by their classmates. The fact that most undergrads live in the dorms help keep things cohesive, as do excellent bonding activities -- traditions and performances by famous people -- organized by student government. And everyone agrees that Purchase professors, who are often professionals hailing from nearby NYC, are accessible as well as inspiring.
Have something to say about Purchase? Visit the SUNY Purchase forum and share your thoughts.

SUNY Purchase Review

 What's this?
SUNY - Purchase students are unanimous: it’s the people that make the school what it is. Academics are largely arts-focused, and many faculty members are professionals in their fields. Plus, they’re intent on making the learning experience as enriching as possible: “ALL of my professors know my name,” writes a junior majoring in journalism. “The best thing about Purchase's academics is that the classes are small, and the professors are either PhDs in their field or working professionals. For example, my broadcast professor is a producer at NBC, and the class has 10 students in it. What more could I ask for?” In exchange for professors’ input, students are expected to engage with the material, too. “All professors expect you to participate in class; it's even a major part of your grade in most classes,” writes a junior studying sociology.

Though many students major in the arts, most emphasize that campus life is dynamic, with tons of other opportunities available. “Purchase is typically known as an arts school, but it's much more than that,” writes a sophomore who majors in history, is part of the tennis team and the Hillel, and works as a Student Ambassador. “If you are someone whose primary interest is studying literature, for example, and [you] also love acting in many school productions, then Purchase is a perfect fit for you. Here at Purchase, students are really zoned in [on] their primary interest of study, but also love pursuing other interests (such as the arts). In my mind that's what it means to be an ‘arts school.’ It's that students do so much more than what's required!” For one thing, the campus isn’t lacking for sports: “Purchase is NCAA Division III, Skyline Conference. We have sports like soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, softball, baseball, swimming, fencing, yoga, basketball, track, weightlifting, rock climbing, and much more!” one junior writes.

One of the biggest perks is SUNY - Purchase’s proximity to New York City, which makes for great afternoon or weekend outings. “Purchase is located 30-45 mins from NYC by train. This makes it easy for students to utilize the city without having to live in it,” writes a sophomore from Iowa. She adds that the school’s location is a major factor driving the faculty’s excellence: “Having NYC so close also allows Purchase to hire expert professors who are still working professionals in their chosen fields."
See all 8 SUNY Purchase Reviews

Purchase Quotes

Elizabeth
Film
Sophomore
Professors at Purchase are great! All of my professors know me by name and are always available to meet with me outside of class to go over any work.
Anonymous , NY
Film
Sophomore
Everyone here is dedicated and down to earth who are interesting and exciting. You most definitely will not find the mix of people you'll find here at any other school. It's a very accepting and open atmosphere that I don't think you'll find anywhere else.
Unigo gives you an inside look at colleges. Unigo is not endorsed by Purchase, and the opinions expressed on this website are those of Purchase students.
Next Page: Additional Info on Purchase

College Rankings

Lowest Highest
1 5 10
Professors Accessible
Intellectual Life
Campus Safety
Political Activity
Sports Culture
Arts Culture
Greek Life
Alcohol Use
Drug Culture
8Student Votes

Campus Media

Newspapers:
The Dispatch

The Purchase Indy

The Free Press
Magazines:
The Brick

The Submission
TV Stations:
PTV
Radio Stations:
WPSR 1610
Blogs:
Purchase LJ community

The Love Shack
Did we miss one?

Similar Colleges

Emerson College
Ithaca College
New York University
Syracuse University
SUNY College at New Paltz
Talk about SUNY Purchase in Unigo's Purchase forum!

Purchase Photos & Videos

Top Purchase Majors

We don't currently know what the top majors are at Purchase. Do you? Email us and let us know!

Basic Purchase Info

Founded:
1967
Location:
Purchase, NY
Total Undergraduates:
4,106
Total Grad Students:
159
Tuition (in state):
$5,811
Tuition (out of state):
$12,071
Selectivity Rating:
More Selective

Did You Know?

21 users are interested in SUNY Purchase.
X users from [your high school] are interested in SUNY Purchase.
X users from [your CITY] are interested in SUNY Purchase.
X users from [your high school] attend SUNY Purchase.
X users from [your CITY] attend SUNY Purchase.
To customize, register now!
Did we get something wrong?

Best Thing About Purchase

on-campus housing
jenn , keene
Major: Art/Art History
How they are replacing the doors to be less heavy. Just kidding! Purchase has every type of student from every type of background and it really teaches you how to accept others in the classroom and out of the classroom.
Rosa Jaffe, Manhattan
Major: Sociology
The Professors!
Matti Plen, Manchester, Connecticut
Major: History

Worst Thing About Purchase

The antiquated residence halls.
, New York
Major: Film
The Brick!
Matti Plen, Manchester, Connecticut
Major: History
If you’re already a registered user, please log in:
Email:
Password:
Forgot your Password?
If you’re not already a registered user, then please...
Or
 
Current Students Tell You What The Colleges Won't
Search
x
For Parents For Students