SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

69.5%Acceptance

$9,206Tuition

1,725Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,763Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Environmental science meets hands-on research at this specialized institution that has shaped the field for over a century. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry enrolls 1,725 students in Syracuse, creating an intimate academic community focused entirely on sustainability and natural resources. The college pioneered programs in forestry, environmental engineering, and renewable materials that other schools now copy. Students work directly with faculty on groundbreaking research in everything from biofuels to urban forestry. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and research interests.

The financial picture looks solid for families across income levels. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,211 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay $23,955. Graduates earn a median of $55,763 ten years after college, easily covering the typical $11,000 in student debt with monthly payments around $117. The specialized degree programs command respect in environmental consulting, government agencies, and green technology companies.

Most students come from New York state, with 85.71% staying close to home for this unique educational opportunity. The college fields 10 varsity sports teams with 185 total athletes, though academics clearly take priority over athletics. Campus housing accommodates 620 students, fostering close relationships that often lead to lifelong professional networks in environmental fields.

Academics & Faculty

SUNY ESF is america's top environmental college, specializing exclusively in sustainability, forestry, and natural resource management since 1911. Students choose from nationally ranked programs in environmental engineering, landscape architecture, forest management, and wildlife biology. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates work directly with professors on research projects in the college's 25,000 acres of forests and field stations. About 71% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the focused, hands-on curriculum that attracts environmentally passionate students. The specialized nature means every class connects to environmental challenges, from renewable energy systems to ecosystem restoration, preparing graduates for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, and green technology.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 71.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 70.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.9%
Retention Rate: 85.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,763
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Engineering, General.	Bachelor	$55,348
Landscape Architecture.	Bachelor	$42,682
Natural Resources Management and Policy.	Bachelor	$36,131
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Bachelor	$31,423
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.	Bachelor	$22,880
Zoology/Animal Biology.	Bachelor	$19,683

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

ESF's compact campus sits directly adjacent to Syracuse University in central New York, giving students access to a major research university while maintaining their specialized focus. With housing for just 620 students and total enrollment of 1,725, about 36% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. The rest commute or live nearby in Syracuse's college neighborhoods.

Winter gear is essential here. Syracuse averages over 100 inches of snow annually, making cross-country skiing and snowshoeing popular campus activities. Students often take advantage of the nearby Adirondack Mountains for weekend field work and outdoor recreation. The campus features working forests and research facilities where students conduct hands-on environmental projects. With 85% of students coming from New York State, many already know what they're signing up for weather-wise.

ESF students are known for being outdoorsy and environmentally conscious. The small size means professors know students by name, reflected in the 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Campus traditions center around Earth Day celebrations and the annual Woodsmen's Weekend, where students compete in forestry skills competitions.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 620 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–31°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 80.0"
Annual Snowfall: 123.8"

Student Demographics

ESF draws students who are passionate about environmental careers and sustainability. With 86% of students coming from New York state, the college has built a strong regional reputation among families seeking specialized environmental education. The nearly even gender split reflects how environmental science has evolved beyond its traditionally male-dominated forestry roots. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school attracts working-class students committed to conservation careers. The small enrollment of 1,725 creates a tight-knit community of environmentally minded students who chose this specialized path over larger universities.

Men: 46.6%
Women: 53.5%
White: 74.8%
Black: 2.6%
Hispanic: 10.8%
Asian: 2.8%
In-State Students: 85.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.7%

Location

SUNY ESF sits in Syracuse, a mid-sized city in central New York about 250 miles northwest of New York City. The campus shares the bustling college town atmosphere with Syracuse University, creating a active student environment in this Rust Belt city of 145,000 residents. Syracuse experiences heavy snowfall each winter, with over 100 inches annually, making it ideal for students who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities. The Adirondack Mountains lie 90 minutes north, offering prime locations for field research and recreation that align with the college's environmental focus. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with similar schools in the region.

Address: Syracuse, New York 13210

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,763
Median Earnings (5 years): $57,174
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry?

The acceptance rate is 69.51%, making admission moderately competitive. This specialized environmental college attracts students passionate about sustainability and conservation. The school's focus on environmental science means applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in these fields.

How much does SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,730, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $8,211. In-state tuition is $9,206 while out-of-state students pay $21,036. Students graduate with a median debt of just $11,000, well below national averages.

What is the student-faculty ratio at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry?

The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 with total enrollment of 1,725 students. This intimate setting allows for hands-on research opportunities and close mentorship in specialized environmental programs. The small size creates a tight-knit community focused on sustainability and conservation.

How much do SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $55,763 ten years after graduation with strong job prospects in environmental fields. The retention rate is 85% and 69.90% complete their degree within six years. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making the career investment manageable.

Where do students live at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry?

Housing capacity is 620 students on campus, with room and board costing $17,780. The college shares Syracuse University's campus, giving students access to a larger university experience. Most students are from New York state, with 85.71% being in-state residents.

Does SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offer athletic scholarships?

The college offers 10 varsity sports with 185 total athletes but provides $0 in athletic scholarships. Students compete as part of the broader Syracuse University athletic community. The focus remains on academics and environmental research rather than major athletics.