About State University of New York at Oswego
SUNY Oswego sits on the shores of Lake Ontario with 5,618 students calling this full university home. The school has built a strong reputation for education and business programs, drawing students to its scenic lakeside campus in upstate New York. Notable graduates include NBC Today Show weatherman Al Roker and former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. The university accepts 82.6% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1165. Students find a close-knit academic environment with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $17,231 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,566 ten years after graduation. Those numbers suggest solid return on investment. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,880, requiring monthly payments of $221. In-state students get the better deal at $8,769 in tuition compared to $18,679 for out-of-state students.
The Lakers compete in NCAA Division III with 20 varsity sports and 475 student-athletes. The student body draws heavily from New York, with 93.3% coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 3,828 students on the lakeside campus. The 70.3% retention rate suggests students generally stay satisfied with their choice.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $17,231 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,566 ten years after graduation. Those numbers suggest solid return on investment. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,880, requiring monthly payments of $221. In-state students get the better deal at $8,769 in tuition compared to $18,679 for out-of-state students.
The Lakers compete in NCAA Division III with 20 varsity sports and 475 student-athletes. The student body draws heavily from New York, with 93.3% coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 3,828 students on the lakeside campus. The 70.3% retention rate suggests students generally stay satisfied with their choice.
Academics & Faculty
SUNY Oswego operates as a full public university known for producing teachers and business professionals. The education program ranks among the strongest in the SUNY system, preparing graduates for careers in K-12 classrooms across New York state. Business majors benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and strong alumni networks in the region. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more personal attention than at larger state universities. However, the 60.40% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. The school's broadcasting program has gained recognition for its modern facilities and industry connections, while the meteorology department attracts students interested in weather science careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.4%
- Retention Rate
- 70.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,566
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $75,832 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $67,324 |
| Insurance. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $56,716 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $52,941 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $50,231 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,832 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $39,832 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
Campus Life
The lakeside campus sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, about 35 miles northwest of Syracuse. With housing capacity for 3,828 students and total enrollment of 5,618, most underclassmen live on campus in dorms that overlook the water. The setting creates a close-knit college town atmosphere where students know each other across class years.
Winter dominates the academic calendar here. Lake-effect snow can dump several feet at once, and temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March. Students bundle up in heavy coats and snow boots for the trek between buildings. The 475 varsity athletes competing in 20 sports help energize campus during the long winter months. When spring finally arrives, the lakefront becomes the social center. Students study on the quad, play frisbee, and attend outdoor events. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students for informal gatherings. Weekend activities center around campus since downtown Oswego is small, though Syracuse offers bigger city attractions for occasional trips.
Winter dominates the academic calendar here. Lake-effect snow can dump several feet at once, and temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March. Students bundle up in heavy coats and snow boots for the trek between buildings. The 475 varsity athletes competing in 20 sports help energize campus during the long winter months. When spring finally arrives, the lakefront becomes the social center. Students study on the quad, play frisbee, and attend outdoor events. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students for informal gatherings. Weekend activities center around campus since downtown Oswego is small, though Syracuse offers bigger city attractions for occasional trips.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 3,828 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1861
Campus Safety (2023)
88 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–30°F
- July Avg
- 62°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 141.0"
Student Demographics
SUNY Oswego draws primarily from New York state, with 93% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition structure. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful Black and Hispanic representation. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families. The slight female majority aligns with the school's popular education and business programs, which traditionally attract more women. These demographics reflect Oswego's mission as an accessible public university serving New York's diverse communities.
- Men
- 48.3%
- Women
- 51.7%
- White
- 65.2%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 14.0%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 93.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.7%
Location
SUNY Oswego sits in Oswego, New York, about 35 miles northwest of Syracuse. The campus overlooks Lake Ontario, giving students direct access to one of the Great Lakes. Oswego operates as a classic college town where the university shapes much of the local culture and economy. With 93.31% of students coming from within New York state, most are already familiar with the region's snowy winters and lakeside setting. The area offers outdoor recreation year-round, from sailing and swimming in warmer months to winter sports when lake-effect snow blankets the region. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Oswego with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Oswego, New York 13126
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,566
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,439
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $221/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,880
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at State University of New York at Oswego?
SUNY Oswego accepts 82.56% of applicants with middle SAT scores ranging from 1070 to 1260. The school draws heavily from New York state with 93.31% of students coming from in-state.
How much does State University of New York at Oswego cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $17,231 with in-state tuition at $8,769 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,677 net price, making this lakeside campus quite affordable for New York residents.
What academic programs is State University of New York at Oswego known for?
The university has built a strong reputation for education and business programs with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. With 5,618 students total, classes maintain a personal feel while offering comprehensive academic options.
What are the career outcomes for State University of New York at Oswego graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $57,566 ten years after graduation with a 95.8% employment rate. The 60.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on preparing students for practical career success.
Where is State University of New York at Oswego located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits on the shores of Lake Ontario in the small town of Oswego, housing 3,828 students on campus. The Lakers compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 475 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community.
Does State University of New York at Oswego have any famous alumni?
Notable graduates include NBC Today Show weatherman Al Roker and former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. Jerry Seinfeld also attended but did not graduate, showing the school's connection to entertainment and public service careers.
