About SUNY College at Plattsburgh
SUNY Plattsburgh builds teachers and takes advantage of its unique spot just 20 minutes from the Canadian border. The 3,789-student campus has developed a strong reputation for education programs and international studies. Students often cross into Montreal for cultural experiences and internships. The town setting creates a tight-knit academic community where professors know their students well with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,547 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $10,585. Graduates earn a median of $56,403 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,196 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $225, well within reach for most graduates.
The campus skews female at nearly 60% women, reflecting the strong education and social work programs. Division III athletics field 18 varsity teams with 376 student-athletes, though hockey generates the most campus excitement. The 58.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students sometimes need extra time to finish, but 95% find employment after graduation. Nearly 95% of students come from New York State, creating a distinctly regional feel.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,547 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $10,585. Graduates earn a median of $56,403 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $21,196 reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $225, well within reach for most graduates.
The campus skews female at nearly 60% women, reflecting the strong education and social work programs. Division III athletics field 18 varsity teams with 376 student-athletes, though hockey generates the most campus excitement. The 58.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students sometimes need extra time to finish, but 95% find employment after graduation. Nearly 95% of students come from New York State, creating a distinctly regional feel.
Academics & Faculty
SUNY Plattsburgh operates as a full public university with particularly strong education programs that prepare teachers for the North Country region. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 58.80% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused to finish. The school has built a reputation for international studies, benefiting from its location just 20 minutes from the Canadian border. Criminal justice and business programs also draw students to this campus. With 94.62% of students coming from New York State, the atmosphere feels distinctly regional rather than cosmopolitan. The proximity to Montreal creates unique study abroad opportunities that larger universities cannot match.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.8%
- Retention Rate
- 71.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,403
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,095 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $71,015 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $59,350 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $50,105 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $46,790 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,321 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,363 |
Campus Life
Pack your heaviest winter coat for this campus just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. Plattsburgh sits three hours north of Albany in the remote Adirondack region, where lake-effect snow creates a true winter wonderland from November through March. About 61% of students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by name.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually remember your participation in class discussions. Weekends revolve around Cardinal hockey games, hiking the nearby Adirondack trails, or crossing into Montreal for authentic poutine and nightlife. With 94.62% of students coming from New York State, you'll find plenty of fellow New Yorkers adjusting to the slower pace of small-town life. The campus buzzes with education majors preparing for teaching careers, while others take advantage of unique programs like expedition education that leverage the pristine wilderness setting. Lake Champlain provides stunning views and summer recreation, though you'll appreciate those heated campus buildings during the long winters.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually remember your participation in class discussions. Weekends revolve around Cardinal hockey games, hiking the nearby Adirondack trails, or crossing into Montreal for authentic poutine and nightlife. With 94.62% of students coming from New York State, you'll find plenty of fellow New Yorkers adjusting to the slower pace of small-town life. The campus buzzes with education majors preparing for teaching careers, while others take advantage of unique programs like expedition education that leverage the pristine wilderness setting. Lake Champlain provides stunning views and summer recreation, though you'll appreciate those heated campus buildings during the long winters.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,300 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
95 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 17 | 17 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 11 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–26°F
- July Avg
- 59°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 60.5"
Student Demographics
This North Country campus draws overwhelmingly from New York State, with 95% of students choosing to stay close to home. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, reflecting the university's reputation for strong education and human services programs. The student body is more diverse than many rural colleges, with Black and Hispanic students comprising about a quarter of enrollment. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing Plattsburgh serves many first-generation and working-class families from upstate New York who value an affordable degree close to home.
- Men
- 40.5%
- Women
- 59.5%
- White
- 63.9%
- Black
- 11.3%
- Hispanic
- 13.6%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 94.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.5%
Location
Plattsburgh sits in upstate New York, just 20 miles south of the Canadian border and about 60 miles from Montreal. The town of roughly 20,000 residents sits on the western shore of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondack Mountains providing a scenic backdrop. Students at SUNY Plattsburgh make up nearly 20% of the local population, giving the area a distinct college town feel. The proximity to both Montreal and Vermont creates a unique cross-border culture that attracts international students. Winter sports dominate the landscape, with the campus serving as a gateway to strong skiing and outdoor recreation. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Plattsburgh with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Plattsburgh, New York 12901-2681
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,403
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,178
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,196
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
The acceptance rate is 70.24%, making it moderately selective for a SUNY school. Middle 50% SAT scores range from 1050 to 1260, reflecting the school's accessible admission standards for students seeking quality education programs.
How much does SUNY College at Plattsburgh cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,547 annually for all students. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,585 net, while in-state tuition starts at $8,881 before aid, making it an affordable option within the SUNY system.
What is the student-faculty ratio at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 across the 3,789 enrolled students. The school is particularly known for its strong education programs, which benefit from smaller class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
What are the graduation outcomes at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
The six-year graduation rate is 58.80% with a retention rate of 71.21%. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,403 ten years after graduation, and 95% find employment, though many start in education and public service fields.
Where is SUNY College at Plattsburgh located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Plattsburgh, New York, near the Canadian border with housing for 2,300 students. With 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III and 376 total athletes, the school has a strong athletic culture without the pressure of scholarship competition.
Does SUNY College at Plattsburgh have strong international connections?
The school's location just miles from the Canadian border makes it popular for international studies programs. With 94.62% of students from New York state, the proximity to Montreal and Ottawa provides unique opportunities for cross-border academic and cultural experiences.
