I’m interested in going to school in New York and I’m visiting Fordham University but it’s very expensive and there’s a good chance that my family won’t be able to afford it. Given that, I was wondering which of the SUNY schools are the best academically or most prestigious because I know that acceptance rates don’t give an entirely accurate representation of a school.
Any other comments about the SUNY schools are greatly appreciated.
@MarthaMo Everyone will have different opinions about the SUNY rankings but this may give you a general idea. Of course the intended major makes a big difference. Some schools much stronger in some areas than others.
Best:
Binghamton
Geneseo
Oneonta
Stony Brook
Mid:
Cortland
Buffalo
New Paltz
Albany
Decent:
Plattsburgh
Oswego
I don’t know much about the others like Purchase, Potsdam, etc…
I’m partial to Binghamton, but I have friends at Geneseo, Oneonta, New Paltz, Oswego, Albany, and Stony Brook. Binghamton is probably the most private-feeling. Students at Geneseo can be absolutely brilliant. Oney’s probably one of the most fun-looking; good academics, parties, athletics, and an accepting atmosphere. Stony Brook is excellent for science majors, from what I can understand. New Paltz is a party school. Albany’s campus is beautiful. My friend is a recent basketball commit. The coaches were extraordinarily nice when they came to watch her sign her NLI at my school. Oswego…seemed enjoyable. I don’t know much about it academically. It depends on what you want to do and where in NY you want to be. If you’re looking for a more city-feel, I’d stick to Albany. If you want more of a private, middle of the woods feel, I’d recommend Bing.
The SUNY System has excellent schools at a great value
Best
Binghamton
Genesso
Stony Brook
Next tier
Buffalo
New Paltz
Oneonta
Albany
Next
Cortland
Oswego
Brockport
Fredonia
Plattsburg
Next tier
Buffalo State
Old Westbury
Farmingdale
20 years ago Albany was considered a much better school than it is now. Oneonta has moved up.
Look at the SUNY.edu site. There is a listing of all of the schools and their stats. There is no ranking but you can tell where you fit, stats wise. The site will also tell you which programs each school offers, as well as which sports, EC’s and about honors programs.
Generally speaking, Geneseo, Bing, U Buffalo and Stony Brook are considered the top SUNY’s.
However, it depends on what you want to study. My D went to Plattsburgh, which was the best for her because it had the program she wanted, 5 year direct entry into teaching with master’s. She was also accepted into the honors program. It also has a direct entry nursing program that is excellent.
However, if you want a BFA in performing arts, Fredonia and Purchase are the best, U Buff and Buff State have programs as well If you want computer science, Stony Brook or Albany. Music industry - Oneonta. It goes on like that. Not every SUNY offers every program, except for subjects like psych or English, so use the website to narrow your search.
Then consider the size of the school, EC’s offered, Greek life or lack of it, sports (if that interests you), the surrounding community and environment and things like whether you would be eligible for honors, etc. Another to consider is ease of access. Plattsburgh has an Amtrak station in town. At Fredonia, you have to go to Buffalo to fly or get a train. At Geneseo, you have to get to Rochester. Many schools offer discount buses for breaks but there may be a lottery or limited availability.
The thing about SUNY is that there are so many schools and programs that you can surely find one for you.
This year, I have been told, SUNY began something called Seamless transfer (I think). Basically, if you get an associate’s at a SUNY community college, you are guaranteed admission to a 4 year program.