About SUNY College at Geneseo
SUNY Geneseo has built a reputation as one of the strongest public liberal arts colleges in the country. The school enrolls 3,855 students in a small town setting that creates an intimate academic environment. Notable graduates include astronomer William Jones and actress Caroline Rhea, reflecting the college's blend of rigorous academics and creative opportunities. Students benefit from close faculty relationships with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college emphasizes undergraduate teaching and provides extensive research opportunities typically found at larger universities.
Students pay an average net price of $18,021, making quality liberal arts education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $67,316 ten years after graduation, creating strong returns on investment. Most students graduate with manageable debt loads averaging $19,500. Monthly loan payments of $207 remain reasonable given earning potential. The 77.72% loan repayment rate demonstrates graduates can handle their financial obligations.
Nearly 99% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 64.77% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts colleges. The school fields 21 NCAA Division III varsity teams with 467 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 83.83% retention rate shows students are satisfied with their choice to attend.
Students pay an average net price of $18,021, making quality liberal arts education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $67,316 ten years after graduation, creating strong returns on investment. Most students graduate with manageable debt loads averaging $19,500. Monthly loan payments of $207 remain reasonable given earning potential. The 77.72% loan repayment rate demonstrates graduates can handle their financial obligations.
Nearly 99% of students come from New York state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 64.77% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts colleges. The school fields 21 NCAA Division III varsity teams with 467 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 83.83% retention rate shows students are satisfied with their choice to attend.
Academics & Faculty
Geneseo stands out as one of New York's top public liberal arts colleges, offering the intimate academic experience of a private school at public prices. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide meaningful mentorship. Nearly three-quarters of students graduate within four years, reflecting strong academic support systems. The college excels in teacher preparation, psychology, and the sciences, with many students pursuing research alongside faculty. Its liberal arts focus means students develop critical thinking and communication skills across disciplines rather than narrow specialization. With 98.77% in-state enrollment, the campus feels deeply connected to New York's academic community.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 72.1%
- Retention Rate
- 83.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,316
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,508 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,114 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,305 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
Campus Life
Nearly 99% of students come from New York State, creating a tight-knit community in this rural college town about 45 minutes south of Rochester. With housing capacity for 2,587 students at a school of 3,855, most underclassmen live on campus in traditional residence halls. The Genesee Valley location means harsh winters with heavy snow, so pack your warmest coat for the long stretch from November through March.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects Geneseo's reputation as a teaching-focused institution where professors know students by name. Women make up 65% of the student body, contributing to a collaborative rather than cutthroat academic atmosphere. With 21 Division III varsity sports and 467 student athletes, games draw decent crowds despite the lack of athletic scholarships. Weekends revolve around campus events, outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Letchworth State Park, or trips to Rochester for city amenities. The small-town setting means limited off-campus dining and nightlife, so campus programming and residence hall communities become central to social life.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects Geneseo's reputation as a teaching-focused institution where professors know students by name. Women make up 65% of the student body, contributing to a collaborative rather than cutthroat academic atmosphere. With 21 Division III varsity sports and 467 student athletes, games draw decent crowds despite the lack of athletic scholarships. Weekends revolve around campus events, outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Letchworth State Park, or trips to Rochester for city amenities. The small-town setting means limited off-campus dining and nightlife, so campus programming and residence hall communities become central to social life.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,587 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
82 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 13 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Stalking | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–31°F
- July Avg
- 60°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.7"
Student Demographics
Nearly 99% of students come from New York, reflecting Geneseo's strong reputation within the state as a top public liberal arts college. Women make up almost two-thirds of the student body, typical for schools emphasizing education, psychology, and liberal arts programs. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking quality education at public school prices. The demographic profile matches Geneseo's mission as an accessible honors college within the SUNY system, attracting high-achieving New York students who want small liberal arts college experiences without private school costs.
- Men
- 35.2%
- Women
- 64.8%
- White
- 81.7%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.7%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.4%
Location
Geneseo sits in western New York's Finger Lakes region, about 30 miles south of Rochester. The college dominates this small town of roughly 8,000 residents, creating a classic college town atmosphere where students make up nearly half the population. Rolling hills and farmland surround the compact downtown area. The Genesee Valley's rural setting provides a quiet academic environment, though Rochester offers urban amenities within driving distance. With 98.77% of students coming from New York State, most are familiar with the region's seasonal beauty and agricultural landscape. The town revolves around the college calendar and student life. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Geneseo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Geneseo, New York 14454-1465
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $67,316
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $62,263
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at SUNY College at Geneseo?
SUNY Geneseo accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1240. The school draws almost exclusively from New York state, with 99% of students coming from in-state.
How much does SUNY College at Geneseo cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,021, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,369. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting middle-class New York families who don't qualify for need-based assistance.
What is the student-faculty ratio at SUNY College at Geneseo?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 across the 3,855-student campus. Geneseo built its reputation as the crown jewel of the SUNY system by prioritizing undergraduate teaching over research at larger universities.
How much do SUNY College at Geneseo graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median of $67,316 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $19,500. The 72% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's rigorous liberal arts curriculum that challenges students academically.
Where is SUNY College at Geneseo located?
The campus sits in the small town of Geneseo in western New York, housing 2,587 students in residence halls. The rural setting creates a tight-knit college town atmosphere where academics take center stage.
Does SUNY College at Geneseo offer athletic scholarships?
The school offers no athletic scholarships as a Division III institution with 21 varsity sports. This reinforces Geneseo's academic focus, where 467 student-athletes compete for the love of their sport rather than financial incentives.
