About SUNY at Purchase College

Founded in 1967, SUNY at Purchase College. is a Public college. Located in New York, which is a city setting in New York, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,053 full time undergraduate students, and 103 full time graduate students.

The SUNY at Purchase College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 174 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at SUNY at Purchase College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate43%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range970-1180
ACT Range20-27

Admissions at SUNY are considered More Selective, with ,24% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

71% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 39% were in the top quarter, and 10% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at SUNY at Purchase College.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
32%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
72%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
6%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
7%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
93%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
59%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
41%
“There might be people who do”
44%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
13%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
32%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
72%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
6%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
7%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
93%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
59%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
41%
“There might be people who do”
44%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
13%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

SUNY at Purchase College REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    82 Students rated on-campus housing 3.1 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    60 Students rated off-campus housing 2.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    83 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    84 Students rated campus facilities 3.4 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    84 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    83 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    83 Students rated local services 3.4 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    84 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of SUNY at Purchase College?

39 Students rated SUNY at Purchase College

Lilah - 01/03/2024

I think it’s a pretty neat school! Take what I say with a grain of salt, though, because at the end of the day, I’m a freshman, and I do need more time to see more of what the school has to offer. With that said, the school itself is actually nice. The campus size isn’t overwhelmingly big or a maze that you can get lost in. Teachers are also very accepting of queer students and there is a chosen name policy for trans students. Some of the building designs are pretty bleach, but ant arts are amazing to see. Visual arts has a lot of diversity and creativity, performing and musical arts can be seen at the Student Center or Theaters and it’s usually a blast to see. I have yet to see more clubs but the school isn’t bad at all.

Miguel - 03/11/2021

SUNY at Purchase College is a perfect place for a young academic or artist to build their skill before taking on a lengthy career in the city. I highly recommend SUNY Purchase to prospective students and hope that more take advantage of the academic offers of campus life.

Victoria - 09/19/2020

I was quite unsure of how I would feel going to Purchase College, especially in the times of Corona. The moment I got here it felt like a home for me. Between the classes, students, teachers and the campus in general, I completely fell in love for the school. I would recommend it if you are looking in to applying!

Kai

SUNY Purchase is widely known for its arts programs especially its BFA Acting and Dance programs, which initially drew me to the school. The college is also in close proximity to the society, something I find imperative as an artist as there are always performances from both domestic and international companies. The campus is also incredibly inclusive to those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ group and those of various cultures,economic backgrounds, and religions.

SUNY at Purchase College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at SUNY at Purchase College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for SUNY at Purchase College is 43%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I received a necessary degree that will allow me to pursue my future educational goals. In addition to this I also was able to hone my artistic skills, within the sculpture department. Throughout my time at Purchase College I was able to complete a number of bronze casts and many other metal sculptures. This access to the facilities necessary for the creation of art enhanced my college experience and my artistic portfolio. Within my legal studies classes I discovered a strength and aptitude for understanding and interpreting the law. Without the support and encouragement of the knowledgeable professors I never would have realized this talent. I have developed an interest in the law and wish to pursue higher understanding of it.

    Read all  84 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are all very different and intriging characters; we have grown to feel like a family over the year.

    Read all  26 answers
  4. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The type of person who whould attend suny purchase is someone who is liberal and enviornmentaly cautious. Also some one who's into the arts of all types.

    Read all  17 answers
  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It's not academically rigorous. It's too easy to do well numerically without doing challenging work.

    Read all  16 answers
  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school is a mix of creative, driven people studying many different subjects and tying them together.

    Read all  16 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Very liberal. A large LGBT club.

    Read all  14 answers
  8. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Jocks and people who who think they are better than everyone else.

    Read all  14 answers
  9. What's unique about your campus?

    The best part about being at Purchase would have to be our art programs and how open they are to all the students. It's great that we get to see amazing dance shows or art exibits without even leaving the campus! Plus there are great art/ dance classes offered for non-majors but with the same quality as the classes for majors.

    Read all  14 answers
  10. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Cheese club, nerf guild, Lit society, shows at the "stood"/student center

    Read all  13 answers
  11. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Everyone here is pretty confident in who they are, so it makes for a very unique environment. It's a school where you either fit in or you don't. Since everyone is always showing how talented they are, it pushes you to explore that artistic,creative side of yourself.

    Read all  13 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best known for the conservatories. We have one for art, dance, music, and theatre. It is very difficult to be accepted into one of the conservatories.

    Read all  12 answers
  13. What are the academics like at your school?

    One great thing about Purchase College is definitely the academics and professors. The professors are so enthusiastic and passionate about what they are teaching and it really plays a huge impact on the students. Purchase is a very small school so the classes are very small as well. The professors know each students name and a very special professor-student relationship is formed. This has really helped me excel in my academics at Purchase. I am a psychology major at Purchase and have taken so many interesting psychology courses over the years. My favorite class would either be Practicum in child psychology, where I was able to not only learn about child development but do hands on work with the children in the Purchase College Children's center, or Philosophy of Good and Evil (so interesting and life changing). My least favorite class would have to be Development of the United States, a history course which I had to take for one of my general education requirements. Purchase's academic general education requirements are a bit annoying, however, they do allow you to broaden your horizons and learn different things which is a positive. The psychology program at Purchase is great! I have learned so much and have gotten to spend time with so many interesting people in the field. The program has given me the opportunity to do hands on work in the psychology field and work with children through class and in internships. The professors in the department are so helpful. I am currently working on my senior project which has been so interesting as well. Class participation is very common in classes at Purchase. The classes are very small so each student is encouraged to participate and speak their minds. This definitely adds to the class discussion and facilitates learning. Intellectual conversations are very common outside of the classroom. The students at Purchase are so intelligent, talented, and passionate in their different works. Therefore, they all speak about this even outside of the classroom. The students are not really competitive which is another thing that I love about Purchase. Everyone has different talents and we all appreciate each other for our different passions and talents. I believe the education at Purchase is geared towards both getting a job and learning for its own sake. I have learned so many interesting things but have also learned so much in my career path as well. It has truly been an adventure.

    Read all  11 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    This school is really awesome for someone who loves both academics and art...but you don't have to love art to come here! In general, it's a really close-knit and comfortable environment and because there are only about 4,000 students, it's really easy to make friends fast. At the same time, it's not too small, so it's not like being in high school again. People are really open and fun!

    Read all  11 answers
  15. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag about the flexiblility, the vegetraian food, the art program and the clubs.

    Read all  10 answers
  16. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    It's isolated away from New York City.

    Read all  9 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    "Arts School"

    Read all  7 answers
  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    In some cases, students here are really artsy. Our conservatories are awesome, so we bring in a lot of talented artists (both visual and performing arts). But we have really good Liberal Arts programs, too (history, biology, economics, etc.) that attract people who aren't as interested in the arts. The best part about the school is that you can take challenging courses while being surrounded by art constantly, regardless of your major. Purchase is definitely diverse! Our school attracts so many different people from so many different places, so you can constantly meet people from other cultural backgrounds.

    Read all  7 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The stereotype is that there are a lot of gay people at my school. This isn't entirely true, we have people of many different sexualities and gender identities at Purchase! Purchase is much more welcoming of diversity than other schools, which is why we've gained the reputation of having a lot of LGBTQU people at school. We can't help it if people are comfortable here.

    Read all  6 answers
  20. What are some hot-button issues on campus?

    On Tuesday, March 10, students from all over New York rallied in Albany against the proposed budget cuts and tuition hikes. Check it out!

    Read all  2 answers
  21. Describe the dorms.

    Livable. Some of them are much nicer than others. Freshman and Sophmore year will be a tad uncomfortable, so I would suggest a sweet. However, if you live in outback or Fort Awesome, you will be living large. The apartments are where it's at, but you can't live in them until you're a junior.

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

56%

female

44%

male

4,053

Total Undergrad Enrollment

103

Total Grad Students

17%

Out-Of-State

81%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

32

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

61%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
11%
% Hispanic/Latino
19%
% White or Caucasian
52%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

88% of students attending SUNY at Purchase College receive some sort of financial aid. 34% were awarded federal grants. While 54% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$18,148

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,298

Books and Supplies

$12,952

Room and Board

32,398

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$12,819
$30 - $48K
$15,069
$48 - $75K
$21,371
$75 - $110K
$23,276
$110K & UP
$24,792

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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