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72.5%Acceptance
$8,812Tuition
4,820Students
70%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$60,386Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta has built its reputation around excellent teacher education programs and fostering a tight-knit campus community. The university enrolls 4,820 students in the small town of Oneonta, nestled in upstate New York's rolling hills. With a 73% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1170, the school attracts solid students who value personal attention in their education. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students by name, not just ID number.

The financial picture looks promising for families seeking affordable quality education. Students pay an average net price of $18,833 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $11,716. Graduates earn a median of $60,386 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $19,812 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $210, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible.

Nearly all students come from New York state, creating a homegrown feel that defines campus culture. Women make up 59% of the student body, and 78% of freshmen return for sophomore year. The school competes in NCAA Division III athletics with 17 varsity sports, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

SUNY Oneonta builds its academic reputation on strong teacher education programs that have shaped educators across New York State for decades. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. With a 72% four-year graduation rate, the university demonstrates solid academic support for its 4,820 students. Beyond education, the school offers full liberal arts programs in a setting that emphasizes hands-on learning and close mentoring relationships. The relatively small class sizes allow for discussion-based courses and individualized attention. Students benefit from both the resources of the SUNY system and the personal touch of a close-knit campus community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
60.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
72.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
70.2%
Retention Rate
78.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,386
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $55,286
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. Master $50,995
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $49,918
Educational/Instructional Media Design. Master $49,625
Special Education and Teaching. Master $47,729
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $45,696
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $44,542
Business/Managerial Economics. Bachelor $43,426
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. Bachelor $40,017
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Bachelor $39,369

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

SUNY Oneonta sits in a small upstate New York town about three hours from New York City and Albany. You'll definitely need a heavy winter coat here, as snow blankets the campus from December through March. With housing for 3,270 students and total enrollment of 4,820, about 68% of students live on campus, creating a tight residential community where you'll recognize faces walking across the quad.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important given the school's reputation for strong teacher education programs. Weekends revolve around the 17 Division III sports teams, outdoor activities in the nearby Catskill Mountains, and house parties since Greek life is minimal. The 78% retention rate reflects students who genuinely enjoy the small-town atmosphere, though some find Oneonta's remote setting limiting. Campus traditions include Red Dragon athletics events and outdoor recreation that takes advantage of the scenic surroundings. Students often describe the vibe as friendly and down-to-earth, with 98% of enrollment coming from New York State.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
3,270 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 3 3 0 0
Fondling 3 3 0 0
Stalking 6 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 2 0 0
Rape 2 2 0 0
Arson 1 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
11°–29°F
July Avg
55°–78°F
Annual Precipitation
41.9"
Annual Snowfall
79.1"

Student Demographics

SUNY Oneonta draws nearly all its students from New York State, reflecting its strong reputation among local families seeking quality education at an affordable price. Women make up about 60% of the student body, which aligns with the school's well-known teacher education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a significant number of first-generation college students, with one-third receiving Pell Grants. This creates a supportive environment where students from working-class backgrounds can pursue careers in education and other fields without overwhelming debt.
Men
40.5%
Women
59.5%
White
70.0%
Black
5.8%
Hispanic
17.2%
Asian
2.1%
In-State Students
98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.3%

Location

Oneonta sits in central New York, roughly 75 miles southwest of Albany in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The town revolves around its two colleges, creating a classic college town atmosphere in an otherwise rural region. With 98.44% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with upstate New York's small-town character. The surrounding area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with hiking trails and state parks nearby. Downtown Oneonta provides the essentials for college life without big city distractions. The remote setting means students form tight campus bonds, reflected in the school's reputation for community. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare SUNY Oneonta with similar schools in the region.
Address
Oneonta, New York 13820-4015
Hunt Union
Hunt Union
SUNY Oneonta Pillars
SUNY Oneonta Pillars
Fitzelle Atrium
Fitzelle Atrium

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,386
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,485
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,600
Loan Repayment Rate
77.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$210/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,812

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at SUNY Oneonta?

SUNY Oneonta accepts 72.53% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090-1250 on the SAT. This accessibility reflects the school's mission as a public comprehensive university serving New York students.

How much does SUNY Oneonta cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,833 after aid, with low-income families (under $30K) paying just $11,716. In-state tuition is $8,812 while out-of-state students pay $19,232. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, keeping education affordable for working families.

What is SUNY Oneonta known for academically?

The university has built a strong reputation for teacher education programs that prepare educators across New York state. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain intimate despite the 4,820 enrollment. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

What are the career outcomes for SUNY Oneonta graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $60,386 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $19,812. The employment rate reaches 96.2%, reflecting strong job placement. Monthly loan payments average just $210, making the education investment very reasonable.

Where is SUNY Oneonta located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Oneonta, a small town in upstate New York that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity serves 3,270 students, fostering residential life connections. The 78% retention rate shows students feel at home in this intimate college town setting.

Does SUNY Oneonta offer athletic scholarships?

SUNY Oneonta competes in NCAA Division III and offers no athletic scholarships, as is standard for this division. The school fields 17 varsity sports with 438 total athletes. This approach emphasizes academics first while still providing competitive athletic opportunities for student development.