SUNY at Purchase College
SUNY at Purchase College is a public university in Purchase, NY ranked #1378 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 3,197 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 74.1%. Students most often pursue Economics and Mathematics and Statistics, Other.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.3% first-year retention, and 62.8% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $18,913, about $1,915 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.7%, roughly 144.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $31,229. That's about $12,459 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
SUNY at Purchase College has an acceptance rate of 74.1%, annual tuition of $8,953, average net price of $18,913, and a national rank of #1378 (Grade B-), with a 62.8% six-year graduation rate, about 3,197 undergraduates, and median earnings of $31,229 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is SUNY at Purchase College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
SUNY at Purchase College graduates 62.8% of students within six years and keeps 80.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use SUNY at Purchase College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,953 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,436 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,450 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,043 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 35.5% of SUNY at Purchase College students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,835 to $25,428 depending on family income. Use SUNY at Purchase College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,886/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,428/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $31,229
- 10-Year Median Earnings $31,229
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,194
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.9%
- Employment Rate 43.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for SUNY at Purchase College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
SUNY at Purchase College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how SUNY at Purchase College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes SUNY at Purchase College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While SUNY at Purchase College graduates earn $31,229 median, the -58.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 620-710
- SAT Math 565-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,197
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.3%
- Graduation Rate 62.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into SUNY at Purchase College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: SUNY at Purchase College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.1%, SUNY at Purchase College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 74.1% acceptance rate, SUNY at Purchase College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1185 and 1380 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among SUNY at Purchase College undergraduates. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 14.4%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 11.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.2%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 6.2%
- Music 4.9%
See more majors
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management 4.7%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $70,695
- 2. Mathematics and Statistics, Other $65,394
- 3. Visual and Performing Arts, Other $59,410
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $59,050
- 5. Psychology, General $51,651
- 6. Communication and Media Studies $49,750
- 7. Journalism $48,662
- 8. Sociology $46,700
- 9. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $44,688
- 10. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $42,872
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Music (Master's Degree) $34,862
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $70,695—65% more than Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($42,872). Graduate: Music programs lead with $34,862 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for SUNY at Purchase College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 146 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 120 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 73 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (35 programs)â–¼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Music
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Dance
- History
- Design and Applied Arts
- Sociology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Journalism
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Literature
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Social Sciences, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Education, General
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Music
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,197
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 41.6%
- Female Students 58.4%
- Caucasian 46.9%
- Asian 3.9%
- Hispanic 28.5%
- Black 12.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects SUNY at Purchase College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of SUNY at Purchase College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does SUNY at Purchase College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at SUNY at Purchase College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: SUNY at Purchase College has a diverse student body, with 46.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does SUNY at Purchase College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at SUNY at Purchase College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
SUNY at Purchase College serves as an affordable college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1378 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,913 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $31,229 median earnings. The 62.8% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a college. While 80.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
College Value: SUNY at Purchase College's Strengths
Ranked #1378 with a B- grade, SUNY at Purchase College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Colleges like SUNY at Purchase College excel at providing affordable education ($18,913 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: SUNY at Purchase College's 80.3% retention and 62.8% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical college performance. Career outcomes ($31,229 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, SUNY at Purchase College and $18,913 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 62.8% six-year graduation rate sits 0.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.3% first-year retention is 3.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.7% return on investment is 144.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $31,229 run about 29% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,913 is roughly $1,516 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 43.6% employment rate within three years sits 24.6 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $18,913 is about $1,516 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 35.5% trails the national share by 3.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
SUNY at Purchase College is a public university based in Purchase, NY and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1378 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (D+), and Affordability (B).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
80.3% of learners come back after year one while 62.8% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -58.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,913 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,043.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,130 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,194 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $31,229 six years after enrollment. That sits about 29% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 43.6% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -58.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the SUNY at Purchase College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is SUNY at Purchase College's acceptance rate?
SUNY at Purchase College's acceptance rate is 74.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does SUNY at Purchase College cost?
At SUNY at Purchase College, listed tuition and fees are $8,953 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,913. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is SUNY at Purchase College's ranking?
SUNY at Purchase College ranks #1378 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is SUNY at Purchase College's graduation rate?
At SUNY at Purchase College, the six-year graduation rate is 62.8%, and first-year retention is 80.3%.
What are SUNY at Purchase College's job outcomes?
Graduates of SUNY at Purchase College report median earnings of $31,229 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is SUNY at Purchase College's student population?
SUNY at Purchase College enrolls about 3,197 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Purchase, NY 10577-1400
- Website www.purchase.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$79.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.8%