About Alfred University
Students pay an average net price of $22,701 after financial aid, less than the $55,070 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $54,897 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,000 manageable with monthly payments of $276. The 93.6% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in ceramics and engineering fields. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school meets substantial financial need for lower-income families.
The 55.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of Alfred's technical programs, though the 76.7% retention rate shows students who start here typically want to stay. Division III athletics field 25 varsity sports with 487 student-athletes competing as the Saxons. The rural location creates a tight-knit campus community where students often collaborate across disciplines.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.5%
- Retention Rate
- 76.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,897
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | Master | $66,171 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $66,020 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,523 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $59,350 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $58,673 |
| Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,677 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,798 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $33,993 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Alfred's world-well-known ceramics program shapes much of campus culture, with art studios buzzing late into the night. Students often gather around kilns and pottery wheels, creating a maker-focused atmosphere unusual for a small liberal arts college. Weekend activities center on campus since the nearest shopping or entertainment requires a drive. The 487 student-athletes competing in 25 Division III sports provide school spirit, while outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of hiking trails and state parks nearby. With 76.88% of students coming from New York State, many already understand the rural setting they're choosing. Social life revolves around residence halls, campus organizations, and the strong sense of community that develops when everyone lives within walking distance.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,482 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1836
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 56°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 82.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.5%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 63.3%
- Black
- 9.9%
- Hispanic
- 11.1%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 76.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
- Address
- Alfred, New York 14802-1205
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,897
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,674
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Alfred University?
Alfred University admits 50.61% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1085 and 1290 on the SAT. This selectivity reflects the university's specialized focus on programs like ceramic engineering and glass science.
How much does Alfred University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Alfred University is $22,701 after aid, lower than the full cost of attendance of $55,070. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $15,458. About 39% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating strong support for middle and lower-income families.
What is Alfred University known for academically?
Alfred University houses one of the world's top ceramic engineering and glass science programs, a rare specialty that sets it apart. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their studies. The university has been developing expertise in materials science since 1836.
What are the job prospects for Alfred University graduates?
Alfred University graduates achieve a 93.6% employment rate, well above national averages. The median earnings ten years after graduation reach $54,897, reflecting the value of the university's specialized technical programs. However, the six-year graduation rate of 55.5% suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees.
Where is Alfred University located and what is campus life like?
Alfred University sits in rural Alfred, New York, with just 1,401 students creating an intimate college environment. The housing capacity of 1,482 beds means nearly all students can live on campus. Students compete as the Saxons in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 487 total athletes participating.
How diverse is the student body at Alfred University?
The student body is 63.31% white, 11.06% Hispanic, and 9.85% Black, showing moderate diversity for a rural institution. About 77% of students come from New York state, giving the campus a strong regional character. Women make up 52.53% of enrollment, creating a nearly balanced gender ratio.
