Okay, so I know that each SUNY has its own program(s) that make them “better” than another, but in general, I want to see how others rank the SUNY schools. I guess some factors would include difficulty of admission, location, campus beauty, rigor of classwork, etc. (just to name a few) Here is my list:
Top three:
SUNY Binghamton: I think that this is the number one SUNY just based off of the fact that it has the best national recognition. People seem to think those smart enough opted for Bing because of financial reasons.
SUNY Geneseo: I think it's on par with Bing, but Bing's reputation puts it in its number one spot on my list
SUNY Stony Brook: Another university that seems to have a very well known national reputation (for science?)
The rest:
SUNY Buffalo (not Buff State)
SUNY Albany
SUNY New Paltz (admissions is crazy low according to google)
SUNY Oneonta
SUNY Plattsburgh
SUNY Cortland
SUNY Oswego
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Purchase
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Old Westbury
SUNY Canton
I’m really having trouble thinking of more… This is completely opinion based! Again, this rank has nothing to do with specific programs; just a general opinion on the colleges. What do you guys think? What are your ranks?
I agree with you that Bing/Geneseo are probably on par, but for different kinds of experiences. If you want a more full, state school, research experience, that’s Bing. Geneseo is a great small liberal arts school. Binghamton definitely has more name recognition - in my experience, regionally (NJ, PA, CT etc) people will know exactly what you’re talking about, whereas I’m not sure how much Geneseo extends out of NY. This isn’t really a huge issue considering most people at SUNYs seem to stay in NY, or at least the northeast area.
I think I’d switch Albany and New Paltz’s positions. This isn’t really based on much other than personal perception. It seems like in the past few decades, Albany was thought of as an impressive, rigorous school whereas NP was a no-name. Now, I think that’s changed. Albany being more of a party school and NP becoming increasingly difficult to get into. I’m on Long Island where a lot of parents grew up in the area and are familiar with SUNYs from their own college admissions experiences. I remember when my brother got into Albany, there was a lot of “wow, Albany, amazing!” responses and a very ho-hum reaction to New Paltz.
I wasn’t too sure myself whether NP or Alb should have 5th ranking. What ultimately led to my decision was just that UAlb was one of the four university centers (I know, kind of a bad reason). I actually go to UAlbany and I know people still give it a party rep, but there are barely any! It’s crazy; I used to go to Albany parties back in high school, and now that I am a student, it’s so dead here lol. UAlbany really cracked down after the kegs and eggs riot. The only parties that are really present are frat/sports parties which are typically closed and they are shut down fast if found by police.
You have to consider program also. For example if you are considering engineering Buffalo would jump to the top. For performing arts, Purchase and Cortland would head the field.
Yeah and that is something I don’t think a lot of people recognize about SUNY schools; most have their own programs which are considerably better than other SUNY schools.
SUNY Fredonia has a great Sports Managment Program having internship opportunities with Bills and Sabers, which is different than Brockport’s Sports Management Program.