University at Albany: 67.9% Acceptance Rate

67.9%Acceptance

$10,408Tuition

12,100Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$67,979Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University at Albany

University at Albany has built a reputation as one of the stronger SUNY campuses, particularly known for criminal justice and public policy programs that attract students seeking careers in government and law enforcement. The 12,100-student campus sits in New York's capital city, giving students direct access to state government internships and jobs. Notable graduates include Gregory Maguire, who wrote the novel that became the musical Wicked, and Pulitzer Prize winner William Kennedy.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a public university. Students pay an average net price of $18,486 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $67,979 ten years after graduation. That income easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $207. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, Albany serves a significant population of first-generation and lower-income students who see solid returns on their investment.

Albany's student body reflects New York's diversity, with 23% Black students and 19% Hispanic students. The Great Danes compete in Division I athletics across 18 sports, though the university focuses more on academics than athletic prestige. With 93% of students coming from in-state, campus culture stays deeply connected to New York politics and career opportunities in the capital region.

Academics & Faculty

The University at Albany operates as a public research university within the SUNY system, giving students access to extensive research opportunities and graduate programs. The school has built a national reputation for its criminal justice program, which ranks among the top in the country and feeds into government agencies and law enforcement. Its public policy and public administration programs draw students interested in government careers, with Albany's status as New York's capital providing internship connections. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, especially in introductory courses. The 64% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many public university students face balancing academics with work and financial pressures.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.9%
Retention Rate: 83.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $67,979
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$74,576
Taxation.	Master	$74,307
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Certificate	$68,219
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Doctoral	$61,516
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$60,256
Public Administration.	Master	$55,964
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$52,733
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$49,962
Public Health.	Master	$49,270
Criminology.	Master	$46,673

View all 212 programs →

Campus Life

Albany sits 150 miles north of New York City, putting the state capital and its politics within walking distance of campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the long Northeast winters that stretch into March. About 57% of the 12,100 students live on campus, creating a residential community despite the urban setting.

The Great Danes compete in 18 Division I sports, with 478 student-athletes representing just 4% of the student body. Most students gravitate toward the strong criminal justice and public affairs programs, taking advantage of internships in state government offices downtown. With 93% of students coming from New York State, weekends often see campus empty as students head home. Those who stay find Albany's downtown revitalization offers new restaurants and entertainment venues. The Uptown Campus features modern residence halls and academic buildings, while the surrounding Pine Hills neighborhood provides off-campus housing and local hangouts. Students frequently volunteer for political campaigns and advocacy groups, reflecting the school's public policy focus.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 6,890 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	25	21
Stalking	13	6
Rape	8	7
Fondling	8	6
Burglary	7	6
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0
Robbery	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–32°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 59.2"

Student Demographics

The student body draws heavily from New York State, with 93% of students calling it home, reflecting UAlbany's strong reputation within the SUNY system. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, positioning the university as an accessible path to higher education for working-class families. The slight female majority connects to the school's emphasis on social sciences, criminal justice, and public policy programs. Black and Hispanic students make up over 40% of enrollment, creating one of the more diverse campuses in upstate New York and aligning with the university's mission to serve the state's changing demographics.

Men: 46.2%
Women: 53.8%
White: 38.7%
Black: 23.4%
Hispanic: 19.1%
Asian: 9.7%
In-State Students: 93.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.1%

Location

Albany sits 150 miles north of New York City in the heart of New York's Capital Region. The city serves as the state capital, giving students direct access to government internships and policy work. With 12,100 students spread across the midsize city setting, UAlbany creates a noticeable college presence without overwhelming the urban environment. The campus benefits from Albany's position as a regional center, offering both city amenities and easy access to the Adirondack Mountains for outdoor recreation. The area blends historic architecture with modern government buildings, creating opportunities for students interested in public service and criminal justice programs. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare University at Albany with similar schools in the region.

Address: Albany, New York 12222

Omar Yaghi 413953 by Christopher Michel 1-7-2025

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $67,979
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,597
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University at Albany?

University at Albany accepts 67.90% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1220. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120 and 1320 on the SAT. This SUNY school draws heavily from New York state, with 93.32% of students coming from in-state.

How much does University at Albany cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,486 annually at University at Albany. In-state tuition runs $10,408 while out-of-state students pay $28,998. About 42.12% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $19,500 in debt.

What are the strongest academic programs at University at Albany?

University at Albany is known for its criminal justice and public policy programs within the SUNY system. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 across all programs. The university operates on a semester calendar and serves 12,100 students as a public research institution.

What do University at Albany graduates earn after college?

University at Albany graduates earn a median salary of $67,979 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 93.9% for recent graduates. However, only 63.90% of students graduate within six years, though 83.33% return for their sophomore year.

Where is University at Albany located and what is campus life like?

University at Albany sits in the mid-sized city of Albany, New York's capital. The campus houses 6,890 students in residence halls with room and board costing $16,182. The Great Danes compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 18 varsity sports and 478 total athletes.

Is University at Albany diverse in its student population?

University at Albany enrolls a diverse student body with 38.70% white students, 23.42% Black students, and 19.12% Hispanic students. Women make up 53.83% of the enrollment of 12,100 students. The university has produced notable alumni including Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Kennedy and Wicked author Gregory Maguire.