About Syracuse University
Syracuse University draws 15,245 students to central New York with its powerhouse communications and journalism programs. The private research university has launched careers for notable graduates including President Joe Biden and sportscaster Bob Costas. With a 52% acceptance rate, Syracuse attracts students who score around 1345 on the SAT. The campus sits in a midsize city where students experience true upstate New York winters and passionate Orange basketball culture.
The sticker price hits $83,195 annually, but most students pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $41,026, though families earning under $48,000 typically pay just $16,002-$21,505. Graduates earn a median of $79,164 ten years out, making the typical $26,000 in student debt manageable at $276 monthly payments. The 94% employment rate suggests Syracuse degrees open doors in competitive fields.
Syracuse brings serious Division I athletics to campus life. The Orange compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 634 student-athletes across 16 sports. Basketball games in the Carrier Dome create legendary atmospheres. With 91% of students returning for sophomore year, most find their place among the 55% female, 45% male student body where about 31% come from New York state.
The sticker price hits $83,195 annually, but most students pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $41,026, though families earning under $48,000 typically pay just $16,002-$21,505. Graduates earn a median of $79,164 ten years out, making the typical $26,000 in student debt manageable at $276 monthly payments. The 94% employment rate suggests Syracuse degrees open doors in competitive fields.
Syracuse brings serious Division I athletics to campus life. The Orange compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 634 student-athletes across 16 sports. Basketball games in the Carrier Dome create legendary atmospheres. With 91% of students returning for sophomore year, most find their place among the 55% female, 45% male student body where about 31% come from New York state.
Academics & Faculty
Syracuse operates as a private research university with particularly strong programs in communications, journalism, and public affairs. The Newhouse School of Public Communications ranks among the nation's top journalism programs, while the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs draws students interested in political science and international relations. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive solid mentoring support from professors actively engaged in research. The university's 82.4% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Syracuse also offers respected programs in business, education, and the visual arts through its College of Visual and Performing Arts. The research university environment means undergraduates can participate in faculty research projects while benefiting from extensive graduate-level resources and facilities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 67.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 82.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.4%
- Retention Rate
- 91.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $79,164
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $88,195 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $81,333 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $77,966 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $67,101 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,989 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,653 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,087 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $62,674 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,343 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
Campus Life
Syracuse students bundle up for long, snowy winters where temperatures regularly drop below freezing and the city averages over 100 inches of snow annually. The campus sits in central New York, about four hours from New York City and an hour from the Finger Lakes. With housing capacity for 8,370 students out of 15,245 enrolled, about 55% live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and apartment-style housing.
The Carrier Dome dominates campus life as one of college sports' most iconic venues. Students pack the orange seats for basketball games, creating the legendary "Orange Crush" atmosphere that intimidates visiting teams. The Newhouse School of Communications draws aspiring journalists and media professionals who run student TV stations and newspapers. Greek life provides a major social outlet, with fraternity and sorority parties filling weekend nights. The Marshall Street district offers bars, restaurants, and late-night food within walking distance. Students also hit nearby Destiny USA, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, for entertainment and dining beyond campus.
The Carrier Dome dominates campus life as one of college sports' most iconic venues. Students pack the orange seats for basketball games, creating the legendary "Orange Crush" atmosphere that intimidates visiting teams. The Newhouse School of Communications draws aspiring journalists and media professionals who run student TV stations and newspapers. Greek life provides a major social outlet, with fraternity and sorority parties filling weekend nights. The Marshall Street district offers bars, restaurants, and late-night food within walking distance. Students also hit nearby Destiny USA, one of the largest shopping centers in the country, for entertainment and dining beyond campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 8,370 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1870
Campus Safety (2023)
141 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 16 | 16 | 3 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 30 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 21 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 10 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 62°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 127.8"
Student Demographics
Students from across the country flock to Syracuse, with nearly 70% coming from out-of-state. The national draw reflects the university's strong reputation in communications and sports management programs. Women slightly outnumber men at 55%, likely attracted by top-ranked programs in broadcast journalism and public relations. Only 16% receive Pell Grants, indicating the student body skews more affluent despite generous financial aid. The diverse geographic mix creates a active campus culture where East Coast prep school graduates study alongside first-generation college students pursuing careers in media and sports.
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 55.3%
- Black
- 7.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.5%
- Asian
- 7.3%
- In-State Students
- 30.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.2%
Location
Syracuse University sits in Syracuse, New York, about 250 miles northwest of New York City and 150 miles east of Buffalo. The campus occupies 721 acres in this mid-sized city of roughly 148,000 residents in central New York's Finger Lakes region. Syracuse transforms into a active college town during the academic year, with the university's 15,245 students making up a significant portion of the local population. The area experiences heavy snowfall averaging 124 inches annually, creating a quintessential Northeast winter experience. The Carrier Dome dominates the skyline and serves as both an academic landmark and sports venue. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Syracuse University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Syracuse, New York 13244
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $79,164
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $74,809
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Syracuse University?
Syracuse University accepts 51.75% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school is particularly known for its top-ranked communications and journalism programs. Admitted students typically score between 1260-1430 on the SAT.
How much does Syracuse University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $41,026 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $21,505 on average. The sticker price reaches $83,195 for tuition, room, and board combined.
What is Syracuse University known for academically?
Syracuse built its reputation on strong communications and journalism programs housed in the well-known Newhouse School. The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Notable alumni include President Joe Biden and legendary sportscaster Bob Costas.
How much do Syracuse University graduates earn?
Syracuse graduates earn a median salary of $79,164 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 94.0% for recent graduates. Monthly loan payments average $276 with typical debt loads of $26,000.
Where do students live at Syracuse University?
The campus houses 8,370 students in residence halls and apartments. About 91.21% of students return for their sophomore year, indicating strong campus satisfaction. The university draws students from across the country, with only 30.81% coming from New York state.
What makes Syracuse University's athletics special?
Syracuse competes in the strong Atlantic Coast Conference with 16 varsity sports and 634 student-athletes. The Orange basketball program is legendary, having produced NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony. The university awards $22,922,784 in athletic scholarships annually.
