SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University: 286 Students

286Students

$109,601Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

SUNY Downstate trains the next generation of healthcare professionals in the heart of Brooklyn. This specialized health sciences university focuses exclusively on medical, nursing, and allied health education with just 286 students. The intimate setting creates tight-knit cohorts where future doctors, nurses, and health professionals learn alongside each other in one of New York's most diverse boroughs.

Students here face remarkably low debt loads, with median debt of just $12,500 upon graduation. That modest investment pays off quickly, as graduates earn a median of $109,601 ten years after graduation. Recent graduates start strong too, earning $112,160 just one year out. With monthly loan payments averaging only $133, most graduates can comfortably manage their debt while building rewarding healthcare careers.

Women dominate enrollment at 82.87%, reflecting nursing and health professions' demographics. The student body brings impressive diversity, with Asian students comprising 22.38%, Black students 20.98%, and Hispanic students 17.48% of enrollment. Nearly all graduates find work, with an employment rate of 97.6%. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention crucial for mastering complex medical concepts and clinical skills.

Academics & Faculty

SUNY Downstate focuses exclusively on health sciences education, training the next generation of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in demanding medical programs. With just 286 students, this specialized university creates tight-knit learning communities where professors know every student personally. The school's College of Medicine dates back to 1860, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the country. Students here aren't taking general education courses but diving straight into rigorous clinical training. The 97.6% employment rate reflects the high demand for healthcare workers. Most graduates enter residencies or nursing positions immediately after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $109,601
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (Mixed)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$113,744
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$95,348
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$80,907
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$74,576
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$69,757
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$69,338
Medicine.	Doctoral	$64,962
Public Health.	Master	$56,641

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

This Brooklyn health sciences campus sits in the heart of New York City, where students bundle up in winter coats from December through March and enjoy mild summers. With housing for 400 students and an enrollment of just 286, most students can live on campus if they choose. The intimate size means you'll recognize faces quickly on this focused medical campus.

Women make up 83% of the student body, reflecting the strong nursing and health professional programs that dominate campus life. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships essential for medical training. Weekends often involve studying in small groups or exploring Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods just outside your door. The subway connects you to Manhattan in minutes, though many students find plenty to do in nearby Park Slope and Prospect Heights. Clinical rotations and lab work define much of the academic calendar. With a 98% employment rate, the intense academic culture pays off. The campus culture revolves around collaborative learning rather than traditional college social life, as students prepare for demanding healthcare careers.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 400 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1860

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Aggravated Assault	4	1
Fondling	1	1
Burglary	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–39°F
July Avg: 70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.1"
Annual Snowfall: 24.5"

Student Demographics

Women make up over 80% of students at this health sciences university, reflecting the gender patterns typical in nursing and allied health programs. The student body draws from diverse backgrounds, with significant representation from Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities alongside white students. Only 8% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from middle to upper-middle class families who can afford specialized health education. The small enrollment of 286 creates an intimate learning environment where future doctors, nurses, and health professionals train together. Nearly all graduates find employment immediately after completing their programs.

Men: 17.1%
Women: 82.9%
White: 31.1%
Black: 21.0%
Hispanic: 17.5%
Asian: 22.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.8%

Location

SUNY Downstate sits in Brooklyn, one of New York City's five boroughs. The campus operates within America's largest city, giving students direct access to strong hospitals and medical facilities. Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods surround the university, with over 2.6 million residents calling the borough home. The school draws from this urban setting for clinical rotations and internships. Students can reach Manhattan in under 30 minutes by subway. The university's location puts future healthcare professionals at the center of one of the nation's busiest medical corridors. Brooklyn's teaching hospitals and research centers provide extensive training opportunities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Brooklyn, New York 11203-2098

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $109,601
Median Earnings (5 years): $119,176
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $80,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 86.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $133/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?

SUNY Downstate enrolls just 286 students, making it one of the smallest public universities in New York. This specialized health sciences institution focuses exclusively on training medical professionals. Women comprise 82.87% of the student body, reflecting the gender distribution common in nursing and health professions.

How much debt do graduates typically have from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?

Students graduate with a median debt of only $12,500, remarkably low for a health sciences program. Monthly loan payments average just $133, and 86.17% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The low debt burden reflects the school's public status and focus on practical health training rather than extended research degrees.

What is the student-faculty ratio at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?

The university maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive clinical training and personalized instruction. This small ratio is essential for health sciences education, where students need hands-on supervision in labs and clinical settings. Founded in 1860, the school has built a strong reputation for producing skilled healthcare professionals in Brooklyn.

What are the earnings outcomes for SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $109,601 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career prospects in healthcare fields. The employment rate reaches 97.6%, with most graduates entering nursing, medical, and other health professions. Early career earnings show consistent growth, with first-year graduates earning $112,160 median salary.

Where is the campus of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University located?

The campus sits in Brooklyn, providing students access to numerous hospitals and clinical training sites throughout New York City. Housing capacity is limited to 400 students, reflecting the school's small size and urban setting. The Brooklyn location offers abundant internship and residency opportunities at major medical centers.

How diverse is the student population at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University?

The student body shows significant diversity, with 31.12% White, 22.38% Asian, 20.98% Black, and 17.48% Hispanic students. Only 7.80% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that many come from middle-income families pursuing healthcare careers. This diversity reflects Brooklyn's multicultural population and the school's mission to train healthcare workers who can serve diverse communities.