State University of New York System: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students
- Introduction of State University of New York System
- History of State University of New York System
- Advantages of Studying at the State University of New York System
- State University of New York Campus List- University Centres
- State University of New York Campus List- University Colleges
- State University of New York Campus List- Technology Colleges
- State University of New York Campus List- Community Colleges
- Tuition Fees of Popular State University of New York Institute
- Popular Courses in the State University of New York System
- Eligibility Criteria to Study at the SUNY
- Required Documents for SUNY Admissions
- How to Apply for the State University of New York System?
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Introduction of State University of New York System
- The State University of New York is one of the largest and most comprehensive public university system networks in the USA.
- It comprises 64 institutions, including research universities, academic medical centres, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and colleges of technology.Â
- SUNY’s colleges and universities are state-supported, and they are bolstering New York’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.Â
- As of 2024, approximately 3.76 Lakh students are enrolled in different courses and institutes.
History of State University of New York System
- The State University of New York was established in 1948 to meet the evolving needs of New York’s citizens, including young students, communities, and the local workforce.Â
- All of SUNY’s colleges and universities have unique histories and backgrounds, but they share the common goal of serving the state of New York.Â
- SUNY is home to some of the world’s best artists, scientists, brightest scholars, and professionals and boasts nationally and internationally recognised faculty in all major disciplines.Â
- Faculty are regular recipients of prestigious awards and honours.
- The State University of New York is committed to enhancing the economy and quality of life and providing affordable educational opportunities to local people and international students.
Advantages of Studying at the State University of New York System
Some of the benefits of studying at the State University of New York (SUNY) for international students are discussed below.
Availability of Wide Range of Academic Programs
- The State University of New York (SUNY) offers over 7,000 programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels in the fields of STEM, business management, healthcare, liberal arts, etc.Â
- It gives a wide range of choices to international students to choose the right program for themselves, according to their educational background and interests.
Affordable Tuition Fees
- The State University of New York offers academic programs at relatively low tuition fees compared to other private and national-level universities.
- On average, the average tuition fees in the SUNY is around USD 20,000-50,000 or INR 17 Lakhs-43 Lakhs per year, depending on the course and university.
Strong Research & Innovation Opportunities
- SUNY institutes receive millions of dollars as research grants every year, which they utilise to conduct research and innovation operations in the fields of cyber security, artificial intelligence, climate change, biotechnology, etc.Â
- This facilitates students working with expert faculties and scientists who are already involved in research and developing a scientific mindset.
Excellent Networking & Career Opportunities
- The State University of New York system institutes host students from all over the world, offering a diverse and inclusive environment.Â
- International students benefit from scholarships, cultural exchange programs, and industry connections, making SUNY a top choice for higher education in the USA.
State University of New York Campus List- University Centres
The 14 SUNY university centres are listed below.
- University at Albany
- Binghamton University
- University at Buffalo
- Stony Brook University
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- SUNY Upstate Medical University
- State University of New York State College of Optometry
- SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State College)
- SUNY College at Brockport
- Buffalo State University
- SUNY Cortland
- SUNY College at Oneonta
State University of New York Campus List- University Colleges
The 13 SUNY university colleges are listed below.
- Buffalo State College
- Empire State College
- SUNY Brockport
- SUNY Cortland
- SUNY Fredonia
- SUNY Geneseo
- SUNY New Paltz
- SUNY Old Westbury
- SUNY Oneonta
- SUNY Oswego
- SUNY Plattsburgh
- SUNY Potsdam
- SUNY Purchase College
State University of New York Campus List- Technology Colleges
The 7 technology colleges are listed below.
- Alfred State College (SUNY College of Technology at Alfred)
- SUNY Canton (State University of New York at Canton)
- SUNY Cobleskill (State University of New York at Cobleskill)
- SUNY Delhi (State University of New York at Delhi)
- Farmingdale State College (State University of New York at Farmingdale)
- Morrisville State College (State University of New York at Morrisville)
- Maritime College (State University of New York Maritime College)
State University of New York Campus List- Community Colleges
The 30 community colleges are listed below.
- Adirondack Community College
- Broome Community College
- Cayuga County Community College
- Clinton Community College
- Columbia-Greene Community College
- Corning Community College
- Dutchess Community College
- Erie Community College
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- Finger Lakes Community College
- Fulton-Montgomery Community College
- Genesee Community College
- Herkimer County Community College
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Jamestown Community College
- Jefferson Community College
- Mohawk Valley Community College
- Monroe Community College
- Nassau Community College
- Niagara County Community College
- North Country Community College
- Onondaga Community College
- Orange County Community College
- Rockland Community College
- Schenectady County Community College
- Suffolk County Community College
- Sullivan County Community College
- Tompkins Cortland Community College
- Ulster County Community College
- Westchester Community College
Tuition Fees of Popular State University of New York Institute
Below, we have tabulated the details of popular SUNY campuses along with their average annual tuition fees.
| SUNY Campus | Average Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| University at Albany | USD 24,910 (INR 21 Lakhs) |
| Binghamton University | USD 24,910 (INR 21 Lakhs) |
| University at Buffalo | USD 24,990 (INR 21 Lakhs) |
| Stony Brook University | USD 24,990 (INR 21 Lakhs) |
| Buffalo State University | USD 18,822 (INR 16 Lakhs) |
| State University of New York at Canton | USD 18,822 (INR 16 Lakhs) |
| SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | USD 18,822 (INR 16 Lakhs) |
Popular Courses in the State University of New York System
The SUNY system offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 64 institutions. Some of the most popular and in-demand programs are as follows.
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Big Data & Cloud Computing
- Biotechnology
- Business Management
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Fine Arts & Performing Arts
- History & Literature
- Law
- Political Science
- PsychologyÂ
Eligibility Criteria to Study at the SUNY
- For international students, there are certain eligibility requirements to fulfill to pursue their higher education at SUNY’s colleges and universities.
- However, these eligibility criteria might vary depending on the institute, course level, and academic program.Â
- Below, we have mentioned the general requirements for Indian students.
Academic Requirements
- For bachelor’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have at least 70-90% overall at the 10+2 level.Â
- For master’s degree programs, Indian applicants must have at least 70-85% overall at the bachelor’s level (3-4 years).
Standardised Tests
SUNY institutes provide standardised test waiver options, but submitting SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE scores can enhance the application.
| Standardised Tests | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1500-1580 |
| ACT | 34-36 |
| GMAT | 700-720 |
| GRE | 330 |
English Language Test Scores
SUNY institutes provide English language test waiver options, but submitting these scores can enhance the application.
| English Language Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 100-110 |
| IELTS | 7.0-7.5 |
| PTE | 65-70 |
| Duolingo | 110-125 |
Extracurricular Activities
- Applicants are recommended to have profound achievements in extracurricular activities such as internships, volunteering, olympiads, club activities, etc.
- These extracurricular activities demonstrate the leadership qualities, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities of the applicants.
- They help in strengthening their university applications.
Interview and Portfolio
Depending on the course, applicants might be required to appear in the application interview or submit a portfolio.
Required Documents for SUNY Admissions
- All previous academic transcripts
- 1 CV/Resume
- 1-2 Statements of Purpose
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- Standardised Test Scorecards (depending on course/study level)
- GMAT
- GRE
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo etc.
- ACT
- SAT
- Application Fee (depending on the university)
- WES Evaluation Report
- Work Experience Letter/Portfolio (if required)
- Certificate for Extracurricular Activities
- Passport
How to Apply for the State University of New York System?
International students can apply for the State University of New York system at their common application portal. They can apply to multiple SUNY campuses and submit any required documents all in one place.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The State University of New York system is one of the popular public university networks in the USA. It is home to approximately 3.76 lakh students from all over the world. It consists of 64 institutions, including universities, colleges, and research centres.
Compared to several private and state universities, SUNY’s colleges and universities provide affordable study opportunities with financial aid and scholarship opportunities for international students. Located in New York State, it provides students with access to internship opportunities, job placements, and networking opportunities.
FAQs
What is the acceptance rate of SUNY?
The acceptance rate of SUNY is 73-90%, depending on the institute and course.
What are the popular courses at the State University of New York system?
Some of the popular courses at SUNY are artificial intelligence & machine learning, big data & cloud computing, biotechnology, computer science & engineering, fine arts & performing arts, history & literature, law, and psychology.
What is the cost of study at the State University of New York system?
The cost of study at SUNY is around USD 23,000-70,000 or INR 20 Lakhs-60 Lakhs per year, depending on the course level and academic programs
What is the IELTS score required for SUNY?
The minimum required IELTS score for university admission is generally 6.5, with no individual band score lower than 6.0.
What GPA is required to enter into the State University of New York system?
International students are required to have at least 70-90% for undergraduate programs and 65-90% for master’s degree courses, depending on the specific SUNY campus and academic program requirements.
