Overview
SUNY at Purchase College is a less selective public four-year institution in Purchase, New York. The school accepts 74.7% of applicants and enrolls 3,110 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 74.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,270
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,190–1,350
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 3,110
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
SUNY Purchase uses the Common Application with a January 15 deadline for fall admission. You need to submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores, making it test-optional.
The School of the Arts programs require additional materials and auditions or portfolio submissions. Theater, dance, music, and visual arts programs are significantly more competitive than the general admission process. These conservatory-style programs have separate application requirements and earlier deadlines, typically in December. Check each program's specific requirements well in advance since audition slots fill quickly.
Purchase guarantees housing for first-year students but requires you to submit your housing application and deposit by May 1. The campus sits on 500 acres in Westchester County, about 30 miles north of Manhattan. You can reach New York City by train from the nearby Harrison station, making internships and cultural experiences accessible.
The campus culture centers heavily around the arts, with frequent performances, exhibitions, and creative collaborations. Even if you're not majoring in the arts, you'll find yourself surrounded by students creating theater productions, films, and musical performances. The academic calendar includes a January intersession where you can take intensive courses or complete internships.
Liberal arts students should know that class sizes tend to be small, with many seminars and discussion-based courses. The campus has a distinctly creative, alternative vibe that attracts students who want something different from a traditional college experience. If you prefer a more conventional campus atmosphere, Purchase may feel too unconventional for your taste.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $19,067/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $8,953
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,863
- Students Receiving Aid
- 36%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,092/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 79.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SUNY at Purchase require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
SUNY at Purchase has adopted a test-optional policy for most programs. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for SUNY at Purchase College?
The regular decision application deadline is typically January 15 for fall admission. Early action and rolling admission options may have different deadlines depending on the program.
Does SUNY at Purchase College offer early decision or early action?
SUNY at Purchase offers early action for certain programs, particularly in the School of the Arts. The school does not offer binding early decision admission.
What are the transfer requirements for SUNY at Purchase College?
Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from previous college coursework. Students with fewer than 24 college credits must also submit high school transcripts and may need to meet freshman admission requirements.