About State University of New York at New Paltz
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,481, though lower-income families with household earnings under $30,000 pay just $11,330 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $58,073 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $18,750 reasonable with monthly payments around $199. The 71% four-year graduation rate helps students avoid extra costs from extended enrollment.
Women outnumber men, comprising 64% of the student body. Nearly all students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 16 NCAA Division III sports teams compete without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics. With 86.7% of students returning for sophomore year, most find their fit in this full public university known for preparing teachers and business professionals.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.9%
- Retention Rate
- 86.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,073
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $94,408 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $59,688 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,402 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,221 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,899 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $56,979 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $56,776 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $55,964 |
Campus Life
The compact campus creates a close-knit feel despite the moderate size. Students often head to the nearby Mohonk Preserve for hiking or explore the charming downtown strip with its cafes and vintage shops. With 36% men and 64% women, the student body leans heavily female, reflecting strong programs in education and social work. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation, given the proximity to the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains.
The 86.68% retention rate suggests students connect well with campus life. Many take advantage of the 16 Division III sports teams or join the 301 student-athletes competing in the SUNYAC conference. The college town atmosphere keeps most entertainment local, though weekend trips to NYC remain popular.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 3,198 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1828
Campus Safety (2023)
58 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| Fondling | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–33°F
- July Avg
- 63°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- -716.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.3%
- Women
- 63.7%
- White
- 58.6%
- Black
- 7.3%
- Hispanic
- 23.0%
- Asian
- 4.4%
- In-State Students
- 96.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Location
- Address
- New Paltz, New York 12561-2443
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,073
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,166
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at State University of New York at New Paltz?
SUNY New Paltz accepts 58.27% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1340 on the SAT. This public liberal arts university draws students primarily for its strong education and business programs.
How much does State University of New York at New Paltz cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,481 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,330 on average. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving middle-class families.
What are the strongest academic programs at State University of New York at New Paltz?
The university is particularly known for its education and business programs within its liberal arts framework. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes maintain an intimate feel despite the 6,022 total enrollment. The school operates on a semester system and has built a strong reputation throughout the Hudson Valley region.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from State University of New York at New Paltz?
Graduates earn a median salary of $58,073 ten years after graduation, with a 94% employment rate. The 68.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's comprehensive support for students. Most graduates carry manageable debt loads with a median of $18,750 and monthly payments around $199.
Where is State University of New York at New Paltz located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in New Paltz, a charming town on the fringe of the Hudson Valley region. With housing capacity for 3,198 students out of 6,022 total enrollment, about half live on campus. The beautiful setting attracts students who want small-town charm with access to both nature and urban areas.
Does State University of New York at New Paltz offer athletic scholarships?
The university offers no athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III school, competing in the SUNY Athletic Conference. The Hawks field 16 varsity sports with 301 total student-athletes. This Division III model emphasizes academics first while still providing competitive athletic opportunities for students.
