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PublicSuburban

Empire State University

Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-4391

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Business-focusedSuburban

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

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

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

65.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

0.7%/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%

Below Average

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
—
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

143Very High

Estimated from NY state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
147 mi(255 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
164 mi(284 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
227 mi(393 min)

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)

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