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PublicSuburban

Empire State University

Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-4391

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Campus Vibe

Mid-SizeSuburbanPublicBusiness Focus

Known for business — excellent value

Empire State University is a public suburban institution in Saratoga Springs, New York. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.

A mid-sized campus of 7K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

29% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $54,080 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $11,147.

Established
1971
Mascot
Blue the Bluebird
Type
Public university

Campus Visits

4 upcoming visits · Next: Thu, Jun 11 · Information Session

Plan Your Visit

Acceptance
SAT Avg
7,046Students
17:1Student:Faculty
29%Grad Rate
$54,080Earnings 10yr
$11,147Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Empire State University Launches New Data Science Minor

Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.

Admissions Intel

Yield Rate

35.0%

Financial Aid

Pell Grant eligible
35%
First-generation
45%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$7,630
Tuition (out-of-state)$17,540
Books & Supplies$1,528
Total Cost of Attendance$18,221
Average Net Price$11,147
Median Debt at Graduation$18,730
Monthly Payment (10yr)$199

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$9,135
$30–48K$10,581
$48–75K$11,882
$75–110K$16,857
$110K+$18,178

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

65.4%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$11,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

51

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

12

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

2

Robbery

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

6

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

14

Drug Arrests

11

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Student-faculty ratio
17:1

Programs (94)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

46%

Negative
  • 46% first-year retention rate
  • Active student organizations
  • Engaged campus community

Mental Health Services

Counselor Ratio

1:350

24/7 Crisis Line

Yes

Free Sessions

12 per year

Avg Wait

5 days

Walk-in hours available weekdays

Disability Services

Dedicated OfficeOffice of Disability Services
Extended test timeNote-taking assistanceHousing accommodationsAccessible transportation

ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements

Dining

Rating

★★★★☆

Score

4/5

Meal Plan

$6,200/yr

VegetarianVeganGluten-freeHalalKosher

Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options

Student Body

Undergrads
7,046
Gender Split
66% / 34%
Women / Men
First Generation
45%
Pell Grant Recipients
35%

Race & Ethnicity

White 49%
Black 15%
Hispanic 15%
Asian 3%
Two+ 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate29.3%
Freshman Retention46.0%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$50,167
10 Years$54,080

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#151
2
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • Mascot In 2020, Empire State University named its first-ever mascot, Blue the Bluebird.
  • Hall 1971–1998 Jane Altes (interim*) January 1998 – September 2000 Joseph B.
  • ^ "2018: Mitchell Nesler Named Officer-in-charge of SUNY Empire State College".

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Transit Scores

BikeableCampus shuttle: Free campus shuttle runs 7am-midnight
72
Walk Score
45
Transit Score
68
Bike Score

Local Economy

Unemployment Rate3.2%
Top Employers
UniversityRegional Medical CenterTech corridor firms
Key Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnology

Getting There

Nearest Airports

ALB Albany23 mi
BDL Hartford Bradley97 mi
BTV Burlington101 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA147 mi · ~4h 15m drive
New York, NY164 mi · ~4h 44m drive
Hartford, CT107 mi · ~3h 5m drive
Providence, RI149 mi · ~4h 18m drive
Albany, NY29 mi · ~50 min drive
Syracuse, NY119 mi · ~3h 26m drive
Rochester, NY193 mi · ~5h 35m drive
Buffalo, NY258 mi · ~7h 27m drive
Philadelphia, PA227 mi · ~6h 33m drive
Pittsburgh, PA368 mi · ~10h 38m drive
Harrisburg, PA251 mi · ~7h 15m drive
Newark, NJ163 mi · ~4h 43m drive
Trenton, NJ204 mi · ~5h 54m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Suggested Itinerary

9:00 AMArrive & park
Visitor parking lot
Free parking with visitor pass
9:30 AMCheck in at Admissions
Admissions Office
10:00 AMInformation session
Welcome Center
45 minutes
11:00 AMCampus tour
Starts at Welcome Center
75 minutes, student-led
12:30 PMLunch
Main Dining Hall
Visitor meal passes available
1:30 PMDepartment visit
Academic buildings
Schedule with department directly
2:30 PMExplore campus independently
Library, student center, residence halls

Airport Transit

Albany (ALB)23 miles
Rental car
35 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
46 min$28-46
Hartford Bradley (BDL)97 miles
Rental car
146 min$40-60/day
Shuttle/rideshare
194 min$116-194

Deadline Calendar

Empire State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

Empire State University — v2 Preview — TourStack