About SUNY Old Westbury
SUNY Old Westbury transforms lives through its commitment to social justice and educational opportunity. This diverse public liberal arts college serves 3,945 students on Long Island, building futures through strong education and business programs. The school's mission centers on equity and access, reflected in its 92% acceptance rate that opens doors for students from all backgrounds.
The financial picture tells a compelling story of affordability and return on investment. Students pay an average net price of $9,900 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after graduation. With typical debt of just $14,997 and monthly loan payments of $159, the math works in students' favor. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's role serving first-generation and low-income families.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with 32% Hispanic, 25% Black, and 24% White students creating a rich learning environment. Women make up 59% of enrollment, and 99% of students are New York residents. While the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, the 93% employment rate shows graduates find work. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention as students navigate their academic journey.
The financial picture tells a compelling story of affordability and return on investment. Students pay an average net price of $9,900 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $58,526 ten years after graduation. With typical debt of just $14,997 and monthly loan payments of $159, the math works in students' favor. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's role serving first-generation and low-income families.
The student body reflects New York's diversity, with 32% Hispanic, 25% Black, and 24% White students creating a rich learning environment. Women make up 59% of enrollment, and 99% of students are New York residents. While the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges, the 93% employment rate shows graduates find work. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention as students navigate their academic journey.
Academics & Faculty
SUNY Old Westbury operates as a public liberal arts college with a deep commitment to social justice and educational equity. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonably close contact with professors, though the 47% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. The college has built a strong reputation for its education and business programs, training future teachers and business professionals who often serve diverse communities. With 73% of students returning for their sophomore year, most find the academic environment supportive enough to continue. The liberal arts foundation means students explore multiple disciplines while developing critical thinking skills essential for addressing social issues.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 42.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.6%
- Retention Rate
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,526
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $61,814 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,415 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,742 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $46,478 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,363 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $38,505 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $34,621 |
Campus Life
SUNY Old Westbury sits on a sprawling 604-acre campus in Nassau County, just 30 minutes from Manhattan by train. With housing for only 1,000 students out of 3,945 enrolled, about 75% of students commute from home across Long Island. The campus features modern academic buildings surrounded by open green spaces and wooded areas that once belonged to the Phipps family estate.
Students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild springs on the quad between classes. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller seminar-style courses. Weekends often empty out as commuter students head home, but campus residents find community through the school's social justice initiatives and cultural programming. The diverse student body - 32% Hispanic, 25% Black, and 24% White - creates a active multicultural atmosphere. Many students work part-time jobs given that 47% receive Pell Grants, balancing academics with real-world responsibilities. The school's commitment to equity draws students passionate about activism and community engagement.
Students bundle up for snowy winters and enjoy mild springs on the quad between classes. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller seminar-style courses. Weekends often empty out as commuter students head home, but campus residents find community through the school's social justice initiatives and cultural programming. The diverse student body - 32% Hispanic, 25% Black, and 24% White - creates a active multicultural atmosphere. Many students work part-time jobs given that 47% receive Pell Grants, balancing academics with real-world responsibilities. The school's commitment to equity draws students passionate about activism and community engagement.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,000 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
40 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 18.5"
Student Demographics
This Long Island campus draws nearly all its 3,945 students from New York state, building its reputation as a local option for diverse learners. Hispanic students make up 32% of enrollment, while Black students represent 25% and white students 24%. The student body is 59% women, reflecting strong interest in the school's education and social work programs. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves its social justice mission by providing affordable access to first-generation and lower-income students seeking upward mobility.
- Men
- 41.4%
- Women
- 58.6%
- White
- 23.9%
- Black
- 24.5%
- Hispanic
- 32.0%
- Asian
- 11.6%
- In-State Students
- 98.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.4%
Location
Old Westbury sits on Long Island just 25 miles east of Manhattan, making it one of the most accessible SUNY campuses to New York City. The campus occupies a former Gold Coast estate in Nassau County, surrounded by wealthy suburban communities and historic mansions. Students can reach Manhattan by train in under an hour, while local beaches are just minutes away. The area offers internship opportunities at nearby corporate headquarters and cultural institutions. With 98.88% of students coming from New York State, most are already familiar with Long Island's blend of suburban comfort and urban access. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Old Westbury with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Old Westbury, New York 11568-0210
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,526
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,140
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,997
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at SUNY Old Westbury?
SUNY Old Westbury accepts 92.10% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students. The average SAT score is 1108, reflecting the school's commitment to providing opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does SUNY Old Westbury cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $9,900, making it an affordable option for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,890 on average, while the median debt upon graduation is a manageable $14,997.
What is the student-faculty ratio at SUNY Old Westbury?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 across the 3,945 enrolled students. Known as a public liberal arts college, Old Westbury emphasizes social justice education and offers strong programs in education and business.
What are the graduation rates at SUNY Old Westbury?
The six-year graduation rate is 46.60%, with a four-year rate of 47.37%. Despite these rates, graduates earn a median salary of $58,526 ten years after graduation, and the employment rate reaches 93.2%.
Where is SUNY Old Westbury located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Old Westbury, NY, a large suburban setting on Long Island. With housing capacity for 1,000 students and 98.88% of students coming from in-state, it maintains a close-knit community feel.
How diverse is SUNY Old Westbury's student body?
The student population is remarkably diverse, with 32.02% Hispanic students, 24.54% Black students, and 23.90% White students. Nearly half of all students (47.38%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve students from all economic backgrounds.
