Purchase College--SUNY

Purchase College--SUNY

US News Rank: #131Purchase, NY, 10577

School Overview

Purchase College--SUNY is located in Purchase, NY, 10577. The university is ranked #131 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Purchase College--SUNY has an acceptance rate of 74%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1185-1380 and ACT scores of 27-30. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4.

Purchase College--SUNY enrolls 3,283 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 69% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 52%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Purchase College--SUNY include Visual and Performing Arts (53% of students, median early-career salary: $21,932), Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs (13% of students, median early-career salary: $49,750), and Social Sciences (6% of students, median early-career salary: $70,695). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $16,836. However, the average net price after financial aid is $19,598, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $12,264 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Purchase College--SUNY's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Purchase College--SUNY combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Purchase College--SUNY is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.

Academics & Admissions

  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • SAT Range: 1185-1380
  • ACT Range: 27-30
  • High School GPA: 3.4
  • Graduation Rate (4yr): 52%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:01
  • Classes Under 20: 69%
  • Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,283
  • Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree

Cost & Financial Aid

  • Food & Housing: $16,836
  • Annual Cost: $19,598
  • Avg Need-Based Aid: $12,264

Official Website

College Rankings

Popular Majors

Visual and Performing Arts
53% of students | Avg Salary: $21,932
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
13% of students | Avg Salary: $49,750
Social Sciences
6% of students | Avg Salary: $70,695
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
6% of students | Avg Salary: $44,688
English Language and Literature/Letters
5% of students | Avg Salary: $32,973

Majors Rankings