The Best SUNY Schools Ranked – 2023

The State University of New York (SUNY) system is one of the most well-known university systems in the U.S. It’s also the largest. With so many top colleges and universities located in New York, it’s clear why you’re considering a degree from these institutions. You might also wonder, with so many options, which are the best SUNY schools? For the purposes of this article, we’ll reveal the best SUNY schools ranked as well as take a deeper look at each of the 25 4-year institutions in the SUNY system. We’ll compare the numbers on specs like tuition, undergraduate enrollment, and acceptance rates. The goal of this article is to determine which are the best SUNY schools and the best SUNY colleges for your educational goals.

What is the SUNY System?

According to the official SUNY website, the university system was established in 1948. Since then, the system has grown to include an impressive 64 schools, ranging from technical and trade schools to research universities. The SUNY system includes public colleges spanning across the state. With almost 100 percent of New Yorkers living within 30 miles of a SUNY school, these universities prove to be highly accessible. Furthermore, each SUNY school offers a wide variety of majors and programs across 4-year and community colleges. So, it’s no wonder these universities appear in top rankings each year, and that you’re looking for the best SUNY colleges.

For this article, I use U.S. News rankings for the best New York colleges. While the U.S. News ranking is not necessarily a best SUNY schools list, it factors those schools into account. Some of the rankings are separated by region and are not a national ranking, which I will note. Additionally, the most recent SUNY admissions summary also provides helpful information for data such as composite standardized test scores.

Best SUNY Schools Ranked (Continued)

When it comes to determining the best SUNY colleges, it is difficult to rank each school against the other. Since they vary in size, specialties, and opportunities for graduate education, these are not necessarily rankings by prestige. Instead, this is a comprehensive list of the 25 4-year institutions in the SUNY system. As you read, you can determine which are the best SUNY schools and the best SUNY colleges based on how the information provided fits your needs. However, I do include national and regional university rankings for objective comparison.

While each SUNY school varies in selectivity, each campus offers promising opportunities and rewarding educational experiences.

Furthermore, if you’re looking at a public college or university on the west coast, check out the Best CSU Schools or the Best UC Schools.

Which are the Best SUNY Schools?

To provide a quick reference, our Best SUNY Schools Ranked are as follows:

1) Stony Brook University
2) Binghamton University
3) University at Buffalo
4) College of Environmental Science & Forestry
5) University at Albany
6) Courtland
7) Polytechnic Institute
8) Geneseo
9) SUNY Maritime
10) Oneonta
11) Purchase
12) Dehli
13) Oswego
14) Alfred State College
15) Canton
16) Cobleskill
17) Farmingdale
18) Brockport
19) Fredonia
20) Plattsburgh
21) Potsdam
22) Old Westbury
23) Morrisville State College
24) Buffalo State
25) Empire State College

Now, let’s transition into a meatier version…

Our rankings are based on selectivity, the number of standout academic programs, career services offerings, and postgraduate outcomes. We encourage our readers not to make too much of the numerical ranking of the schools. These rankings can be a useful tool when trying to take in the admissions landscape, but this doesn’t mean you should automatically pick the 9th-best SUNY school over the 13th-best. Rather, we recommend using these rankings only as a starting point as you investigate the SUNY campus that will best suit your unique academic and career goals.

Each section will denote the composite test scores, tuition costs, undergraduate enrollment, and acceptance rates associated with the institution. Ultimately, you’re looking for the best SUNY schools for your goals.

1) Stony Brook University

• National University Ranking: #77
• Composite Test Scores: 1250-1340 SAT; 27-33 ACT
• Tuition: $28,476 (out-of-state); $10,556 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,999
• Acceptance Rate: 48%

Located in Suffolk County, Stony Brook is also regarded as a more prestigious SUNY school. Their student population is the largest on this list.

2) Binghamton University

• National University Ranking: #83
• Composite Test Scores: 1300-1450 SAT; 29-33 ACT
• Tuition: $28,230 (out of state); $10,390 (in-state)
• Undergraduate enrollment: 14,309
• Acceptance Rate: 44%

Binghamton is considered one of the more prestigious SUNY schools. With over 400 student organizations and NCAA Division I athletics, there is much to do on campus.

3) University at Buffalo

• National University Ranking: #89
• Composite Test Scores: 1150-1330 SAT; 24-30 ACT
• Tuition: $28,776 (out-of-state); $10,856 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,467
• Acceptance Rate: 70%

The University of Buffalo offers Greek life and hundreds of diverse student clubs and organizations. The campus also hosts lecture series, performances, and gallery openings throughout the academic year.

4) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• National University Ranking: #105
• Composite Test Scores: 1120-1310 SAT; 23-28 ACT
• Tuition: $20,916 (out-of-state); $9,266 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,594
• Acceptance Rate: 65%

Located in Syracuse, this campus is ideal for students interested in learning about sustainability and environmental studies. This college offers 27 specialized undergraduate programs.

5) University at Albany

• National University Ranking: #182
• Composite Test Scores: 1130-1300 SAT; 23-29 ACT
• Tuition: $28,248 (out-of-state); $10,408 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,654
• Acceptance Rate: 68%

This campus is located about 150 miles north of New York City. With over 50 undergraduate programs, Albany is one of the larger campuses on this list.

6) SUNY Cortland

• National University Ranking: #85 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1100-1230 SAT; 24-26 ACT
• Tuition: $18,725 (out-of-state); $8,815 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,984
• Acceptance Rate: 60%

SUNY Cortland is mid-size school offering over 60 baccalaureate degree programs. With an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, this campus offers smaller class sizes.

7) SUNY Polytechnic Institute (formerly SUNYIT)

• National University Ranking: #9 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1130-1300 SAT; 26-32 ACT
• Tuition: $19,321 (out-of-state); $8,561 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,043
• Acceptance Rate: 77%

Located in Utica, this university has an emphasis on technological research and development.

Best SUNY Schools Ranked (Continued)

8) SUNY Geneseo

• National University Ranking: #16 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1170-1320 SAT; 25-30 ACT
• Tuition: $18,837 (out-of-state); $8,927 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,468
• Acceptance Rate: 74%

With over 50 majors and 20 minors, Geneseo offers plenty of programs. There are also study abroad opportunities available for interested students.

9) SUNY Maritime

• National University Ranking: #40 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1170-1220 SAT; 22-26 ACT
• Tuition: $18,480 (out-of-state); $8,570 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,401
• Acceptance Rate: 74%

Located in the Bronx, Maritime students may pursue a US Coast Guard License in addition to studying programs like marine transportation and naval architecture.

10) SUNY Oneonta

• Location: Oneonta
• National University Ranking: #75 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1070-1220 SAT; 22-27 ACT
• Tuition: $18,696 (out-of-state); $8,786 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,380
• Acceptance Rate: 69%

Located in central New York City, you’ll find plenty to do around campus, including opportunities for research and plenty of clubs and organizations.

11) SUNY Purchase

• National University Ranking: #136 (National Liberal Arts College)
• Composite Test Scores: 1170 SAT; 24 ACT (Only homeschooled students and international students are required to submit these scores)
• Tuition: $18,863 (out-of-state); $8,953 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,446
• Acceptance Rate: 75%

Known for its arts programs, Purchase is located 30 miles north of New York City.

12) SUNY Delhi

• National University Ranking: #14 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 970-1130 SAT; 19-25 ACT
• Tuition: $12,600 (out-of-state); $8,830 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,987
• Acceptance Rate: 88%

SUNY Delhi offers Greek life and organized off-campus excursions. Students are also encouraged to start their own student organizations and get involved.

Best SUNY Schools Ranked (Continued)

13) SUNY Oswego

• National University Ranking: #54 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1050-1240 SAT; 21-27 ACT
• Tuition: $18,697 (out-of-state); $8,769 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,135
• Acceptance Rate: 79%

Located on the Lakeshore of Lake Ontario, this SUNY campus offers over 100 academic programs.

14) Alfred State College

• National University Ranking: #9 (Regional Colleges North)
• Composite Test Scores: 990-1220 SAT; 19-25 ACT
• Tuition: $13,112 (out-of-state); $8,862 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,414
• Acceptance Rate: 82%

Alfred State is described as a tight-knit community. Located 15 miles north of the Pennsylvania border, students enjoy being closer to nature.

15) SUNY Canton

• National University Ranking: #17 (Regional Colleges North)
• Composite Test Scores: 970-1150 SAT; 18-23 ACT
• Tuition: $12,619 (out-of-state); $8,689 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,901
• Acceptance Rate: 95%

With a smaller campus, SUNY Canton offers 31 baccalaureate degree programs to choose from. SUNY Canton also offers associate degree programs and professional certificates.

16) SUNY Cobleskill

• National University Ranking: #15 (Regional Colleges North)
• Composite Test Scores: 930-1070 SAT; 21-25 ACT
• Tuition: $20,528 (out-of-state); $8,900 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,824
• Acceptance Rate: 81%

SUNY Cobleskill is home to a newly improved Center for Environmental Science and Technology. Sitting on 902 acres, this campus also has nationally accredited child care facilities and a student-run restaurant.

Best SUNY Schools Ranked (Continued)

17) SUNY Farmingdale

• National University Ranking: #24 (Regional Colleges North)
• Composite Test Scores: 990-1150 SAT; 19-24 ACT
• Tuition: $16,980 (out-of-state); $7,070 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,284
• Acceptance Rate: 72%

Offering an aviation program (see Best Aviation Colleges), SUNY Farmingdale has also developed new majors, such as Computer Security Technology and Interaction Design.

18) SUNY Brockport

• National University Ranking: #75 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1080-1200 SAT; 21-26 ACT
• Tuition: $18,644 (out-of-state); $8,734 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,714
• Acceptance Rate: 76%

Located close to the Erie Canal, SUNY Brockport’s campus is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.

19) SUNY Fredonia

• National University Ranking: #70 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1030-1220 SAT; 21-26 ACT
• Tuition: $18,905 (out-of-state); $9,675 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,555
• Acceptance Rate: 91%

It is important to note that since 2020, Fredonia has been test-optional. With a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, this campus could fit well for students looking for more individualized instruction.

20) SUNY Plattsburgh

• National University Ranking: #68 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1020-1170 SAT; 21-26 ACT
• Tuition: $18,895 (out-of-state); $8,985 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,323
• Acceptance Rate: 68%

Located near Lake Champlain, this campus also offers online programs.

21) SUNY Potsdam

• National University Ranking: #73 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: Unavailable SAT; Unavailable ACT
• Tuition: $18,722 (out-of-state); $8,812 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,352
• Acceptance Rate: 81%

Potsdam offers small class sizes with a campus located near the idyllic Adirondack Mountains.

22) SUNY Old Westbury

• Location: Old Westbury
• National University Ranking: #124 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 1000-1130 SAT; 19-23 ACT
• Tuition: $18,289 (out-of-state); $8,379 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,659
• Acceptance Rate: 76%

Located about 20 miles from New York City, the campus is ideal for students who want to live close to the city and its opportunities for jobs and internships.

Best SUNY Schools Ranked (Continued)

23) Morrisville State College

• National University Ranking: #29 (Regional Colleges North)
• Composite Test Scores: 860-1050 SAT; 17-22 ACT
• Tuition: $12,920 (out-of-state); $8,670 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,957
• Acceptance Rate: 80%

Morrisville is proud of their 99.8% placement rate and offers specialized programs, such as residential construction and aquaculture.

24) Buffalo State

• National University Ranking: #113 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: 920-1130 SAT; 18-28 ACT
• Tuition: $18,396 (out-of-state); $8,486 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,147
• Acceptance Rate: 84%

Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York, so you’ll always have opportunities for meaningful off-campus experiences.

25) Empire State College

• National University Ranking: #133-175 (Regional Universities North)
• Composite Test Scores: Unavailable
• Tuition: $17,540 (out-of-state); $7,630 (in-state)
• Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,926
• Acceptance Rate: 51%

Empire State College features primarily online classes, though they do offer opportunities for blended learning. This option would be ideal for students who require flexible schedules.

Which Are the Best SUNY Schools? – In Review

Each of the SUNY schools has a long history of educational excellence. However, it’s clear from the rankings that Stony Brook and Binghamton have lower acceptance rates. This means that these colleges are more selective about their prospective students. While it wouldn’t necessarily be correct to say these are the best SUNY colleges, the requirements appear more rigorous. Click on the links above for the best submission strategies to impress these sought-after institutions.

It’s also important to note how varied the locations are of each SUNY institution. If class size is an important factor in your decision, then it would be worthwhile to research location. Since the universities are located across the state, each campus will have a unique feel. There are benefits to both larger universities, which may offer more programs and smaller universities which may have fewer distractions.

One big draw of applying to a SUNY school, especially if you live in-state, is the tuition cost. Generally, tuition for in-state residents is more affordable. However, financial aid or merit-based scholarships may be available to help reduce the cost of attendance.

In the end, if you apply to a SUNY school, it would be worthwhile to select more than one. While you have seen how most SUNY schools are moderately selective, it’s a great submission strategy to diversify your options for a better outcome.

Ultimately, if you’re looking at applying to a SUNY school, there are no bad options. The best SUNY colleges and the best SUNY schools are the ones that fit your individual needs and preferences. Factors, like offered major programs, access to student clubs and organizations, and location, are likely to sway your final decision.