Best SUNY Schools

New York City is, undoubtedly, one of the best cities in the world, but people don't talk enough about New York State and its respective colleges and universities. The State University of New York (SUNY) is the nation's largest public system of higher education, with 64 institutions across the state of New York. New York State is full of culture, scenery, and education that often gets overshadowed by its bright lights and big city. However, future college students can look forward to having the best of both worlds: fun city life and a top education.

Today's article will serve as your guide through the top SUNY schools, what they offer, and how they can contribute to your professional future. Whether it be at a liberal arts college or one of the best regional universities, there is a school that fits your academic model. New York can be a playground for all college students, so if you're interested in schools in the northeast, a SUNY school might be exactly what you're looking for.

With thousands of scholarships available on Bold.org, you could significantly reduce your SUNY tuition and graduate debt-free. Apply for scholarships today!

The Top SUNY Schools: A Comprehensive Guide

The State University of New York (SUNY) system is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with 64 SUNY campuses spread across the state. The best SUNY schools are known for their academic programs, research opportunities, and campus life.

So, if you are a student who wants to study in a public education institution in New York and sees New York as your home state, or simply have the desire to live in New York and would like to get your higher education degree in New York State, being part of the SUNY system can be a great step in your educational achievements.

Let's go over some of the top universities in the SUNY system:

1. Binghamton University (BU)

• Location: Binghamton, NY
• Reputation: Known as the "flagship" of the SUNY system
• Popular Programs: Business, Engineering, Nursing, and Psychology

Binghamton University is the top SUNY school and is known for its rigorous academics and strong research opportunities. BU also focuses on interdisciplinary studies like women's studies, gender studies, and public health.

Binghamton University is also known for its scholarship opportunities which makes the admission process competitive. Students at Binghamton University are not just exposed to various opportunities for research, they also can be part of the accelerated programs that combine a bachelor's and master's degree in just five years. 

2. University at Buffalo (UB)

• Location: Buffalo, NY
• Reputation: The largest SUNY institution
• Popular Programs: Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, Business, and Law

The University at Buffalo has three university centers, one of which is the North Campus, located outside the city of Amherst, New York. This location is where most of the academic programs are offered. The South Campus, located in North Buffalo, is for the schools of Architecture and Planning, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Public Health. The Downtown campus is located on the Main and High Streets, where the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is located.

The University at Buffalo is known for being a major research university, specifically for graduate programs. With over 140 fields of study, including cognitive science, criminology, history, and linguistics, they also have very strong STEM programs. They also offer extensive study abroad programs that support your academic endeavors.

3. Stony Brook University

• Location: Stony Brook, NY (on Long Island)
• Reputation: One of the leading public research universities in the U.S.
• Popular Programs: Marine Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Medicine.

Stony Brook University is located near the historic Stony Brook village in Long Island, New York. The campus is about 60 miles from Manhattan and close to many beaches in New York State. Something of a triple threat for students who have a solid work-school-life balance. 

Stony Brook University offers one of the best health and medical programs in the SUNY system, with medical centers across the New York region. The school also offers undergraduate students 100 majors and minors to choose from, including geology, Russian studies, optics, the arts, psychology, and more.

4. SUNY Geneseo

• Location: Geneseo, NY
• Reputation: Known for its focus on liberal arts and undergraduate teaching.
• Popular Programs: Education, Psychology, Biology, and Business.

SUNY Geneseo is located in Geneseo, NY, near the Finger Lakes region of New York. It is historically known for its academic and athletic programs. SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college yet is considered the "Ivy of the SUNYs." This is due to its small class sizes and emphasis on undergraduate education.

SUNY Geneseo is a top choice for students interested in the humanities and social sciences. The school has a diverse and vibrant campus life that holds a strong belief in community.

5. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)

• Location: Syracuse, NY
• Reputation: Specializes in environmental science and sustainability
• Popular Programs: Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Forest Engineering, and Environmental Policy

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, or SUNY ESF, is close to Syracuse University, in the heart of New York State. SUNY ESF focuses on the study of environmental and natural sciences, focusing on ways to build a sustainable future. It can be a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the earth's most pressing problems. 

The mission of the university is to educate future environment leaders who want to improve the use of natural resources to design environments. SUNY ESF offer students more than 20 study programs all focused in natural resources, like marine science, conservation biology, environmental studies, paper engineering and many more. 

6. SUNY New Paltz

• Location: New Paltz, NY
• Reputation: Known for its arts programs
• Popular Programs: Fine Arts, Education, Business, and Psychology

With its campus located in New Paltz, NY, SUNY New Paltz is popular among students interested in arts and humanities studies. The campus holds a very vibrant and diverse arts scene that bridges the gap between students and art lovers. It's proximity to New York City only enhances the creative energy and inspires great artwork from the school's students. Students will also be exposed to internship opportunities, as well as new cultural experiences.

SUNY New Paltz is also has a strong liberal arts curriculum with a collaborative campus environment. Students will find themselves collaborating with one another to bring forth fresh ideas, as well as a collective consciousness that fosters academic excellence.

7. SUNY Oneonta

• Location: Oneonta, NY
• Reputation: A regional university with strong programs in business and education
• Popular Programs: Business, Education, Biology, and Psychology

SUNY Oneonta is known for its safe, friendly, and inclusive campus community, as well as its academic excellence. SUNY programs focus on hands-on, experimental learning that helps students prepare for their future careers. These programs expose students to internship opportunities that will help them get real-world experience in the workplace that will help mold them into quality professionals.

SUNY Oneonta also has a very strong alumni network that will also push career development services. Students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors and professionals in selected fields. With SUNY Oneonta being in a small college town, students will have a better quality of life that will only enhance their focus.

8. SUNY Oswego

• Location: Oswego, NY
• Reputation: Known for strong business, communications, and media programs
• Popular Programs: Business, Journalism, Broadcasting, and Engineering

SUNY Oswego is a 4-year public university located in the city of Oswego, NY. This school offers students a scenic and close-knit community. SUNY Oswego's strong emphasis on experiential learning and media-related internships supports students in all their academic and professional endeavors.

SUNY Oswego is also known for its renowned faculty and diverse curriculum. The university offers 110 academic programs across the different medians, from business to marketing to communications studies. They are also home to the 2007 men's Division II ice hockey champions.

9. SUNY Albany

• Location: Albany, NY
• Reputation: Known for strong business, communications, and media programs
• Popular Programs: Social Sciences, Business, Management, Marketing, Psychology, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement

SUNY Albany is known for its strong academic programs in public policy and administration. The School of Business is AACSB accredited and offers competitive programs in business administration, accounting, and finance. UAlbany is also recognized for its research and programs in atmospheric science.

SUNY Albany also has a diverse student population consisting of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. It is known for its commitment to inclusivity and social justice on campus. It also helps that the university is located in Albany, the capital of New York State, giving students access to exclusive internships and opportunities in government, politics, and law.

Other SUNY Schools

Although the schools mentioned above are some of the best SUNY schools in New York state, that doesn't mean they're the only ones with renowned reputations, including SUNY Community Colleges:

• SUNY Canton
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute
• SUNY Delhi
• SUNY Cortland
• SUNY Chancellor John
• SUNY Morrisville
• SUNY Old Westbury
• SUNY Maritime College
• SUNY Farmingdale State College

Community Colleges:

• SUNY Westchester Community College
• SUNY Erie - North Campus
• LaGuardia Community College
• Nassau Community College
• Queensborough Community College
• SUNY Adirondack

And more. If you're interested in discovering more SUNY schools, don't hesitate to research and familiarize yourself with their great educational programs.

Things to Consider When Applying to SUNY Schools

Applying for college can be overwhelming, especially when your choices come in abundance. In this case, 64 times! And while it may seem like planning for your college education can be simple, there are some things to consider when choosing the right school for your college education. Let's talk about them:

• Reputation: When it comes to choosing a college/university, an institution's reputation should be one of, if not the first thing that you should consider. Look into alumni testimonials for first-hand insight into what campus life is like, as well as current students.
• Faculty: The current and even past faculty members should be the next thing to consider. You want to make sure you are getting a quality education supported by professionals who have first-hand experience in your field, as well as deep knowledge you can acquire.
• Campus Life: The quality of life on campus is just as important as everything else. You want to make sure that you are thriving in your environment, as well as your academics, and you will find this on a vibrant campus.
• Admissions requirements: In order to get into a SUNY school, you first have to know what the admissions requirements are. That means researching your chosen school(s) 's admissions requirements before applying.
• Financial Aid: And most importantly, financial aid. The cost of a college education is not cheap, so you want to make sure you are aware of its financial requirements, as well.

Be sure to visit Bold.org's scholarship page to access exclusive scholarships that will reduce the risk of student loan debt and support your academic journey.

Each SUNY school has its own unique strengths, so choosing the best one should depend on your interests, academic goals, and desired campus life. And if you still have doubts or questions, you can always ask graduating college students about their experiences to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best SUNY Schools

What is the hardest SUNY school to get into?

According to sources like SUNY.edu, the most competitive SUNY schools for admissions are at a tie between Binghamton University and the University at Albany. Both schools rank highly for admissions and academic programs in business, nursing, and other liberal arts programs, making the admissions process highly selective for prospective students.

What SUNY school is best for me?

The best SUNY school for you depends on your preferences, academic goals, and career aspirations. So, if you're interested in public health, the University at Buffalo might be the school for you. If your passion is law and criminal justice programs, you might consider schools like SUNY Albany. However, you want to make sure that your school of choice aligns with your ideals and wants for your future, so I recommend doing extensive research on your choices before committing to one.

What are some things to consider when applying for SUNY schools?

When it comes to applying for college, there are many things to consider, like reputation, faculty, and campus life. Your college years are supposed to be some of the best years of your life, so you want to double down on institutional characteristics outside of partying and joining sororities and fraternities. You also want to make sure that it's feasible for you, so look into bigger aspects of getting a college education, like financial aid, scholarships, and the type of aid each school of your choice has to offer.

Check out our Scholarship Blog, which is home to hundreds of articles written specifically for students.