<p>While growing up in New Orleans, Virginia Beach, and as of the past three years Upstate New York, I have wondered as to how well I could get into a job after college. Before coming to New York I had never heard of the SUNY/CUNY system. Neither has anyone in my family (both the Louisiana side and California one). Believing that I've always had to go to LSU or Virginia Tech etc. for college I thought that's how I'd get a well paying job; go to a known college. That's no longer the case as I will most likely go to Oswego or another SUNY because of the in-state tuition. What I'm asking is, will going to a SUNY have the same umph as a school that's known throughout the country? Will companies look at someone from a SUNY/CUNY the same as a well known school?</p>
<p>It depends on the school and it depends on your major. There are several SUNY and and CUNY schools/ campuses. They have various specialties. Some specialties have very good professors teaching them. If you find a great mentor in your desired field of study, that can make all of the difference, regardless of the name brand of your school. Here’s why: the world is small. In academia, the professors pretty much know each other and what they study. If you graduate having done research in X field with Y famous professor, then the people in that field will respect you. That mentor can also help place you in your first job. </p>
<p>See if you can narrow your interests. Then research the individual schools and what area it is known for. If you can, research individual professors and target your app towards that school for that professor. </p>
<ul>
<li>For example, Stony Brook is a high-profile campus known for ocean/ marine studies. It also is respected for computer science.</li>
<li>SUNY Maritime is cheap and the graduates go onto some of the best paying jobs in the country (It’s a top-five school for earnings for graduates nation wide).</li>
<li>CUNY has two inexpensive medical programs. CUNY also boasts some high profile professors that regularly win awards.</li>
<li>FIT is one of the best fashion schools in the world. </li>
</ul>
<p>More, you should consider Cornell. Cornell has a private school program and a public program that for NYers has in-state tuition.</p>
<p>Also, some of the elite private schools reserve special slots for local candidates and financial aid. Bard is known for this. Check with them, but I believe that if you reside in Dutchess County, Bard may have special financial aid for you. Vassar is likewise known for generous financial aid, esp. for the immediate community. Wells began accepting men recently. There may be opportunity to get financial aid to attract a good male candidate. </p>
<p>Basically, the deeper you research this question, the more likely that you’ll find a program that suits your interests and your finances.</p>